SeaFun's Stephan Hoevenaar provides an update on SeaWorld Orlando, including details of upcoming events during October 2013.

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

SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular

October traditionally is all about Halloween at the theme parks. You can join SeaWorld Orlando every weekend in October for silly, spooky fun at Halloween Spooktacular. During this daytime event, you will be immersed in an underwater "fantasea" filled with trick-or-treating, dancing with sea fairies and pumpkin fish and sea-themed arts and crafts.

Spooktacular takes place weekends in October: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, from 12 to 8pm. SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular is included with park admission.

Super Starfish of the day

To make your Halloween Spooktacular day even more spectacular, one special family can become the Super Starfish of the Day. When you get to the park, post a photo of yourselves in costumes at SeaWorld Orlando by noon on SeaWorld’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #SeaWorldSpooktacular. Every Spooktacular day, shortly after 12:15 p.m. SeaWorld will announce the winner who will receive perks like Quick Queue passes to skip the lines, complimentary cookie decorating session and reserved seating at shows.

Personalized dining options for guests with food allergies

Quite some people suffer from a food allergy. SeaWorld has a line of allergy-friendly dining initiatives for guests at its 10 parks including SeaWorld , Busch Gardens and Sesame Place. These initiatives range from personalized service to new menu options.

SeaWorld partnered with the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network to educate and train more than 6,000 culinary employees to assist guests with allergen needs. The initiatives include:

• Increased personal attention to ensure the safety of each meal. Park restaurant managers and supervisors will work one-on-one with guests and oversee the preparation of each allergen-friendly meal from start to finish. “ Chef Cards filled out in advance by guests to outline the foods to avoid, are handed to a chef before the preparation of the meal.
• All park restaurants are equipped and trained to take care of guests with allergen needs.
• More menu options, ranging from gluten-free pizza to an allergen-friendly Shamu-shaped chocolate bar, enhance the experience for dining guests.
• For those on the go, the parks also provide prepackaged snacks such as cookies from companies that specialize in allergen-friendly foods including Divvies and Gluten Free to Go.

SeaWorld Tip

We checked the lines at SeaWorld Orlando’s attraction during weekdays. This really is the time of year to go to the park to fully benefit the slower crowds. Both rollercoasters Manta and Kraken only have a 5 minute queue. Waiting time at Antarctica is a very reasonable 15 minutes. Do expect longer lines during the Spooktacular weekends.

New Aquatica 2014 attraction

SeaWorld Orlando’s waterpark Aquatica is planning to launch a new attraction in 2014. Although information at this point is limited, the park did release a teaser in which they announced that the new attraction will be 105’/32 M high.

What's next in 2013?

You should be really looking forward to SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. Every year SeaWorld is adding elements to this amazing Holiday celebration. We will share details with you very soon.

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?