SeaWorld Orlando hosts Summer Soak Party, Jack Hanna Weekend

It’s summer in Orlando, which means temperatures in the 90s every day — and locals and visitors alike searching for relief. SeaWorld Orlando has introduced a new way to beat the heat this summer with its daily Summer Soak Party, and it’s included with regular admission or an annual pass.

Sprinklers and rain curtains are the highlights of the Summer Soak Party, which takes place on the stage at Bayside Stadium. All ages are invited, and swimsuits are not required. (You may want to at least bring a change of clothes for afterward, however.)

My almost-12-year-old daughter experienced the Summer Soak Party last week while she was attending a SeaWorld Orlando summer camp, and she came home raving about it. The concept is not high tech, but it is a fun way to cool down after a day in the theme park. In addition, the party features a DJ spinning pop music and dancers to keep things lively.

My daughter and her fellow campers went barefoot to keep their sneakers dry, but she said the pavement was rough and hurt her feet. She pointed out that was great because the surface was not slippery, but it was uncomfortable so she would bring water shoes next time. (A kiosk by the Bayside Stadium kiosk sells water shoes if you want to purchase some on the spot.)

The Summer Soak Party also has food and beverages on sale nearby, including:

** $1 Cotton Candy
** $1 Popcorn
** $3 Beer
** $3 Novelty Ice Cream
** $2 Water

Pass members can save even more on these culinary offers with their 10 percent discount. Also, pass members can get one free 12-ounce draft of Mako Red Ale per person daily through Aug. 31 at Terrace Bar, Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen or Spice Mill.

The Summer Soak Party takes place from noon to 6 p.m. daily through Aug. 14, and then on weekends through Sept. 5.

In the meantime, world-renowned animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna is back for another weekend of storytelling at SeaWorld Orlando on Aug. 20-21. The conservationist, author and television personality will share animal facts and his travel tales during interactive presentations at the Nautilus Theater. The shows are included with park admission.

SeaWorld also will have several opportunities for guests to individually interact with Hanna at the park for an additional charge. A package that includes a meet-and-greet plus a reserved seat to his 1 p.m. Saturday show is $39 per person. Guests can Dine With Shamu for dinner Saturday, meet Hanna and have a reserved seat at his 3 p.m. show for $59 per person. On Sunday, guests can opt to Dine With Shamu for breakfast, meet Hanna and have reserved seating at his 11:30 show for $49 per person. Pass members receive a 10 percent discount for all Hanna events. Tickets can be purchased online now.

SeaWorld Orlando continues its summer hours — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — through Aug. 14 and then its closing time reverts back to 6 p.m., except for Labor Day Weekend.

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