As if the carols blaring everywhere weren't enough of a clue that the holidays are coming, here's further evidence at SeaWorld Orlando. The stage at Bayside Stadium is being prepped for a new ice-skating show called Winter Wonderland on Ice. From the wooden walkway on Sunday, we could see two types of trees (green, white), a bridge and what appeared to be a covering for the alleged ice. Am told it will be real ice, no synthetics.
Winter Wonderland debuts on Dec. 27 -- the day after Thanksgiving -- and run through select nights at SeaWorld. Two other new shows -- "Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas" plus "A Sesame Street Christmas" -- debut that day, plus the return of "Shamu Christmas ... Miracles."
Already geared up and running is the Polar Express Experience, the seasonal overlay of the park's Wild Arctic attraction. There must be a hunger for this: We waited about 30 minutes for Polar, and only about 10 for Manta on Sunday.
The Polar version doesn't feel quite as wild as Wild Arctic, but it definitely has high moments. Be aware that you can't really get out of there fast. The usual icy animal post-show remains in place, but now there's a giant Christmas tree and photo ops with Santa down there, which creates a lovely distraction but also a bottleneck. Take a deep breath and enjoy the holiday.