Family, travel, mom blog | Theme Park Mom (Leigh Caldwell)

SeaWorld Orlando has introduced a Twilight Ticket for $39.99 that gets you one admission to the theme park after 3 p.m. any day this summer.

This ticket deal is available now through Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2010.

This ticket could save your family money and a sunburn if you choose to check out SeaWorld in the evening instead of during the heat of the day.

SeaWorld AfterDark showcases the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime rock n’ roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show, coasters under the stars and a mystifying fireworks finale.

SeaWorld AfterDark continues through August 15.

A couple of things to note about this new Twilight Ticket for SeaWorld Orlando:

• The $39.99 price is for both adults and children.
• You must buy this ticket online – it’s not available at the turnstiles.
• You can buy online in advance and use the ticket any day between now and Sept. 6 – so you can print it at home before you leave on your vacation.
• The printed tickets allow you to go straight to the turnstiles at the park – no need to wait in line at the ticket window.

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has posted the video tribute shown before the Shamu shows at its parks this weekend. I wanted to share it here, too.

I have not commented much about the tragedy at SeaWorld Orlando, largely because a fellow wife and mother is dead, and I believe in letting her family grieve in peace.

I have always loved the “Believe” show, and I will never watch it again without thinking of Dawn.

SeaWorld Orlando‘s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival is happening every Saturday in February, and there are some major artists in the concert lineup.

They include:

Feb. 6 – LeAnn Rimes

Feb. 13 – Montgomery Gentry

Feb. 20 – John Rich (of Big & Rich)

Feb. 27 – Yes

The concerts are free with admission to SeaWorld. If you’re a Florida resident, there’s a great deal right now on the 2010 Fun Card.

Photo by Photos8.com

Central Florida theme parks are offering big savings to Florida residents this spring. Here’s a look at some of the deals:

Disney Dream Pass

Walt Disney World is offering 4 days for $99 if Florida residents visit between now and May 25, 2010. The price for kids ages 3-9 is $84. This ticket, called the Disney Dream Pass, allows entry to one park per day for four days. (You can upgrade to park hoppers for an additional $26.) The four days do not have to be consecutive, they just have to be used by May 25. The pass is not valid during the busiest spring break weeks – March 27 through April 9, and parking is not included. You can buy the Disney Dream Pass online before your visit.

Universal Orlando 2-Park Annual Power Pass

Universal Orlando is offering Florida residents a $25 discount off annual passes through April 18. To get the discount, you must enter the UPC code from a Coca-Cola product when buying online. There are three different levels of annual passes for Universal Orlando. The discount makes the “power pass” (which does not include parking and comes with blackout dates during the year’s busiest weeks) $114.99. This discount is also available to Georgia residents.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando Fun Cards

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando are once again offering Florida residents fun cards, an annual pass with no black-out dates that does not include parking. A card for one park is $69.95, $9 less than the cost of a one-day admission. A combo card that gets you into both parks all year costs $139.90. These cards expire on Dec. 31, 2010, regardless of when you buy them during the year. You can buy the fun cards online at SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

The best part of these Florida resident specials is that they come at one of the best times of year to visit the parks. Between now and late March when spring break travel begins, you will find lower crowds, as well as lower temperatures and lower humidity.

One thing to consider when looking at the bargain annual passes that don’t include parking: If you visit frequently, it may be worth it for one member of your family to upgrade to a pass that includes the parking fees and/or offers a discount on food and drink in the parks.