SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is a feast for all the senses
While the artic world might be chilly throughout the year, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is a winter wonderland full of sights, sounds, and sensational food offerings. From the youngest guests to the ultimate thrill seeker, everyone feels fully immersed in the holiday spectacular.
Holidays at theme parks are unlike other seasonal events. On any day, stepping through the turnstiles invites guests into immersive lands where the real world ceases to exist. From excitement to joy to just simple fun, people appreciate the time where the focus is just on having fun. At the holidays, those sentiments are heightened.
During SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, all ages get into the spirited season. From the youngest guests who join Elmo and Friends on their holiday adventures to older guests who sign up for the specialty ticketed coasters after dark event, there is something for everyone. As Santa oversees all the fun, guests are hungry to partake in all the delicious offerings available throughout the theme park.
As many people appreciate, food is vital to the theme park experience. Beyond the collectible popcorn bucket and character shaped treats, people want flavor, creativity, and deliciousness. During a holiday event, it is a blend of nostalgia with a touch of innovation.
In addition to the specialty shows, parades, and even fireworks, SeaWorld Orlando’s culinary team has a wide range of food and beverage offerings throughout the theme park. From the classic holiday cookies to nods to special seasonal favorites, there is something for everyone. Given the vast menu, the specialty Tasting Lanyard is a must to be able to sample them all.
When the culinary team began to curate this year’s menu, it is a long process to bring all the dishes from concept to plate. As Executive Sous Chef, Jose Vargas explained, “when we start the R&D process for the Holiday menus the theme is comfort foods that connect with our guests from all walks of life which will hopefully appeal to everyone. In Culinary, it’s called the same ole thing done differently. We also watch sales from the year prior to decide if we are bringing an item back due to popular demand.”
Some of the new menu items quickly got guests attention. Items like the hearty Kris Kringle’s Biscuit Pot Pie or returning favorite Bison Burger, the substantial portions keep guests satisfied as they ride Penguin Trek or Pipeline.
Throughout SeaWorld, the blend of traditional, cultural, a modern interpretations of holiday celebrations are everywhere. The SeaWorld culinary team ensures that diversity is included in the menu, too.
Chef Vargas explained, “(culinary diversity) is one of our main goals when creating menu ideas. Bringing different cultures flavors to our guest. When I think of Christmas, it’s a time for togetherness and what better way than showcasing our unique flavors of different places to the forefront for others to enjoy. We also try to expand the palates of our guests who may have been curious of other cultures flavors but never ventured out to taste them. Our lanyard program is set so someone can try something they may never had access to while keeping the flavors simple and relatable.”
Truthfully, the 10 sampling lantern is enough food for an entire day. While the specialty kiosks do not open till 4 p.m. on select days, the ability to order food, desserts, and beverages make this specialty Tasting Lanyard a must purchase. The value with the portion sizes is definitely worth the purchase.
Since many guests spend the whole day at the theme park, SeaWorld understands that it needs to have variety in its food restaurants. Beyond the specialty seasonal items, the culinary team appreciates that it needs to appeal to a wide variety of guests’ preferences.
Chef Vargas explained, “It is very important to offer both quick bite options and a sit-down option. I want guests to experience every flavor and style of service in the park and that is the only way I feel the guest could experience it all if they chose. We are offering over 40 flavors and drinks in the Huts alone.”
As many people have come to appreciate, SeaWorld’s beverage program is quite strong. From a large selection of craft beers, including some special holiday craft beers, to a multitude of cocktails, there is something to satisfy every thirst.
Since it is the holiday season, indulgences are always part of the conversation. Beyond the cookies, the holiday desserts should not be missed.
Even though desserts are never naughty at the holidays, they are more than just a sugar bomb. According to Chef Vargas, “When developing the sweet food portion of our menus, we are looking for unique and trending flavors that speak for themselves. Almost like little hidden gems within the park offerings and guest may have seen or heard throughout the year somewhere else. We of course put our own personal touches to them and make them our own. We also partner with our marketing team in taking professional, photos and place on our website and all throughout the park.”
At each and every turn, there is another tempting treat that catches the eye. One of them is the special Coca-Cola floats. From sweet to spicy, this special partnership captures the fun of the holiday season.
Speaking about this collaboration, Chef Vargas said, “Coca-Cola is a great brand to partner with during the holidays. They connect with our guests on so many different levels and is enjoyed by so many different cultures around the world. They have been a great resource in helping me develop recipes that delivers the perfect balance of their flavor profiles to everything I have executed.”
This SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration brings together young, old, and everyone in between for a memorable event that should become a holiday tradition. Enjoy the thrills, be amazed by nature’s beauty, and let the season’s joy warm the heart.
More information on SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration can be found on the theme park’s website. The event includes specialty shows, parades, events, and food offerings.