Welcome aboard to Stephan Hoevenaar of the excellent SeaFun.com. Below, he provides an update on SeaWorld Orlando, including details of upcoming events during September 2013. Be sure to check out SeaFun for all the latest news and developments from SeaWorld parks.

This is happening at SeaWorld Orlando in September

The busy summer season is over. The weather in Orlando is still great though and crowds at the park are significant slower, which makes it an ideal opportunity to enjoy everything that SeaWorld Orlando has to offer.

Take advantage of the slower crowds; go check out SeaWorld Orlando's brand new attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. During the summer season lines for this epic multimillion dollar attraction have been over 2 hours, yet we predict that you won’t have to wait that long in September.

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will transport you and your family into a rarely seen, icy world. You’ll feel the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the penguins’ eyes on an exhilarating, family ride. You’ll explore a massive penguin colony in an expanse that envelops them in cool extremes, both above and below the penguins’ icy world. It really is a must-see, one-of-a-kind theme park experience.

Create your own Penguin-shaped cup

While you are at Antarctica you can also build your own personalized penguin-shaped character cup by choosing from more than 40 accessories such as eyes, hair, glasses, hats, bow tie, necklaces and even miniature Shamu ice cream bars and SeaWorld shopping bags. The Create A Cup That Cares are sold in the Antarctica gift shop, and includes a free first fill at the nearby Antarctica beverage stations. SeaWorld will donate $1 from each Cup That Cares purchase to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a not-for-profit foundation that helps protect wildlife around the world.

Jack Hanna Weekend at SeaWorld

In addition to the regular shows at SeaWorld, including the spectacular One Ocean orca show and the Blue Horizons Dolphin show, celebrity wildlife expert Jack Hanna returns to SeaWorld Orlando on September 14-15 for Jack Hanna Weekend, accompanied by many of the world’s most amazing animal ambassadors. Included with park admission, this special limited-time series takes place at Nautilus Theater on Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15. Shows will be at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Opening hours

During the month of September SeaWorld Orlando is not open till late at night and the frequency of shows is adjusted accordingly. In general SeaWorld Orlando is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. Always check park hours and Show schedules to make the most out of your day.

SeaWorld Tip

If you don't want to wait in line for your favorite attraction, go to SeaWorld 30 minutes before it officially opens. The gates usually open a little early. As soon as the gates open, make your way to your favorite ride and you will experience it is a walk on. It may sound pretty obvious, but it really works.

What's next in 2013?

On selected dates in October SeaWorld will celebrate SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, a family-friendly event where children can trick-or-treat.

After wrapping up Halloween, SeaWorld will transform into the ultimate Holidays destinations; “SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration”. Stay tuned for more information on both events!

Aquatica

Did you know that SeaWorld also runs three water parks? The parks are called Aquatica and are located next or close to the SeaWorld Parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego. The San Diego Park opened this summer. We are expecting a new addition to Aquatica Orlando in 2014.

About SeaFun

SeaFun keeps you up to date about everything that is happening at SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. Stephan is one of the people behind SeaFun.com. With over 15 years of experience in the theme park industry, mostly with the Seaworld Parks & Entertainment Company, Stephan uses his knowledge and passion to make your theme park visit a once in a lifetime experience.

You can also purchase your official SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica tickets at SeaFun.com. Why stand in line and pay more at the gate when you can buy your tickets online, save money and walk right in?