Orlando Travel Blog

The Polar Express Experience returns to SeaWorld Orlando during the holiday season from November 14, 2008, through January 4, 2009. The theme park’s Wild Arctic attraction is transformed into Santa Town as SeaWorld guests take an incredible trip to the North Pole.

The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld is based on the hit Warner Bros’ Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment film, which was inspired by the award-winning children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. As the train’s whistle blows, SeaWorld guests depart for an amazing adventure as they board The Polar Express Experience toward the North Pole. Classic scenes from the movie are re-created in a multisensory experience that immerses passengers in special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects. Upon arrival, guests find themselves within a winter wonderland surrounded by holiday cheer, graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses. Across the way, guests can join Shamu for an awesome holiday show called “Shamu Christmas . . . Miracles,” which runs nightly beginning November 12, 2008, and continues through December 30, 2008. Other special holiday events at SeaWorld include “Christmastide” (November 12-December 25, 2008) and the Makahiki Christmas Luau (November 12, 2008-January 4, 2009). Park admission is not required for the Makahiki Christmas Luau, which costs $46 plus tax for adults and $29 plus tax for ages 3-9.