Shamu's happy harbour - Closure ?

[ratmanscoop]

Shamu's irrevocably associated with the orca breeding program which they've done away with, so I can certainly see why they'd redo it - all that's really necessary would be to drop the prefix from 'Happy Harbor' and maybe at most replace the body on the train for Shamu Express and rename that. Seems like they've taken the opportunity to invest in it. Either that or, wearing a cynical hat, reduce the number of staff needed to operate the place to save money.

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by ratmanscoop

Shamu's irrevocably associated with the orca breeding program which they've done away with, so I can certainly see why they'd redo it - all that's really necessary would be to drop the prefix from 'Happy Harbor' and maybe at most replace the body on the train for Shamu Express and rename that. Seems like they've taken the opportunity to invest in it. Either that or, wearing a cynical hat, reduce the number of staff needed to operate the place to save money.

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Seaworld had already renamed it "Happy Harbor":

seaworld/orlando/rides/shamus-happy-harbor/

The "problem" with Happy Harbor is that it didn't have a theme. It was just a collection of kids rides and attractions. This change will theme the area. And Sesame Street is still a popular show in America with a lot of brand recognition. It makes a lot of sense to retheme a children's play area to a popular children's franchise. Think of all the extra merchandise - Elmo and Cookie Monster toys, t-shirts, whatever - they can sell!

[ziggyzag]

Gutted, I was going to actually go on the Shamu roller coaster this year with my daughter

[x_Ange_x]

I get the whole need to do away with the Shamu brand and retheme it - but it leaves very little at the park for young children.

I'm really gutted because we took my Grandson in 2012 when he was 3 and now we are going back with my Grandaughter. The shamu coaster is one of the things that my Grandson remembers best and talks about all the time.

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by x_Ange_x

I get the whole need to do away with the Shamu brand and retheme it - but it leaves very little at the park for young children.

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Well, except for all the marine animals to see and all the shows to watch. And it's only temporary until Sesame Street is complete next year.

Twenty years ago there was only one ride at Seaworld; Wild Arctic. Oh, and the SkyTower if you count that as a ride. People went to see the animals and shows, not go on rides.

[x_Ange_x]

Originally Posted by Nimbus

Well, except for all the marine animals to see and all the shows to watch. And it's only temporary until Sesame Street is complete next year.

Twenty years ago there was only one ride at Seaworld; Wild Arctic. Oh, and the SkyTower if you count that as a ride. People went to see the animals and shows, not go on rides.

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Is the Shamu show still going. I thought they were closing it ?

I love Seaworld - it is probably my favourte park and yeah there is still loads to do, but i am disappointed that the refurb couldn't have waited until after our visit

Luckily we will be going on a Spooktacular day so there will plenty of other stuff happening too

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by x_Ange_x

Is the Shamu show still going. I thought they were closing it ?

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They closed the Shamu show in California (last year, I think?) but it's still going in Orlando. I suspect they'll stop doing the shows in Orlando in a few years time as well.

However, there are the other shows - Pets Ahoy and Turtle Trek, the dolphin show, sealion & otter show, etc.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Nimbus

They closed the Shamu show in California (last year, I think?) but it's still going in Orlando. I suspect they'll stop doing the shows in Orlando in a few years time as well.

However, there are the other shows - Pets Ahoy and Turtle Trek, the dolphin show, sealion & otter show, etc.

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Incorrect. There is still a shamu show in California it is called Orca Encounter. They just don’t use the name Shamu.

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by dotb

Incorrect. There is still a shamu show in California it is called Orca Encounter. They just don’t use the name Shamu.

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Oh, ok. Its just that I’d seen the news last year saying that San Diego was stopping the orca shows :

news.nationalgeographic/...killer-whales/

“Orcas will flip through the air and perform high-energy tricks for an audience for the last time in California on Sunday, when SeaWorld puts on its final killer whale entertainment show in San Diego”

But you’re right - looking on Seaworld San Diego’s website they still have a show called Orca Encounter. Apologies for the misinformation.

[Andybear]

Originally Posted by Nimbus

Well, except for all the marine animals to see and all the shows to watch. And it's only temporary until Sesame Street is complete next year.

Twenty years ago there was only one ride at Seaworld; Wild Arctic. Oh, and the SkyTower if you count that as a ride. People went to see the animals and shows, not go on rides.

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That is so true - I loved Sea World in the 1990s because it was all about the animals and a relaxing break from all the hustle and bustle. The fact that it's got so many rides now is why I'm not going during my trip to Orlando in September. I'll be going on rides at Disney and Universal/IOA and my break from rides will be at Discovery Cove