the 2024 line up of shows and entertainment was announced Summer Spectacular | Events | SeaWorld San Diego
The most aquatic of things a BMX show
The most aquatic of things a BMX show
Last edited by a moderator:
Event Summer Spectacular 2024
- Thread starter Wild Atlantis
- Start date
Definitely an interesting choice for an aquatic themed park, but I'm still glad the park is getting this instead of some low-energy show--or worse, nothing at all. Sounds a little bit like that Streets of America show (or whatever it was called) from the 80's that took place in the same amphitheater. I'm also thankful the pirate show, fireworks, parade, character show, and laser show are all returning in some form. On paper it looks like the entertainment this summer could actually be better than last year, which would be amazing.
I just want them to bring back the Atlantis ignites show and the ride lighting packages for Manta and electric eal from Electric Ocean
I've checked out the event a couple of times and here were my thoughts:
- Entertainment is the big highlight of the event. I'd go as far as to say the entertainment this summer is actually bigger than last year, which is great. The park really feels so much more complete when it provides this sort of "full day package" of shows, street entertainment, and nighttime shows.
- I was happy to see the pirate show and laser show return this year. I wish they would stay year-round or at least more of the year than just summer.
- The rest of the shows, which were all new, did not disappoint either.
- The 60th Anniversary parade was similar to last summer's parade, which in turn was comparable to the Sesame Street parades. Not sure why the other SeaWorld parks got their own version of this, but I'm glad San Diego is commemorating its 60th anniversary in some meaningful, tangible way.
- I didn't have high expectations for the BMX show ("Powered by BODYARMOR!!"), but despite having nothing to do with the ocean, it actually sorta fits the SoCal summer vibe and was pretty entertaining. All of the performers seemed like they were just having fun on stage, and it really gave energy to what was otherwise 20 minutes of loosely-scripted bike and scooter stunts behind a 90's tribute band.
- Even the Shamu and Friends stage show had probably the highest production value of any of the kids' character shows I've seen in that theater, complete with a storyline, several performers, and a detailed "Happy Harbor" set with parts that move to simulate a storm. The throwback songs from past SeaWorld shows were a cute tribute to the park's history too.
- The fireworks show was pretty good by SWSD standards, with two segments and accompanying video. They're back to using the Orca stadium as the official viewing area, which is an improvement over recent years when there's simply been no venue at all. Like the parade, it's nice to see something paying tribute to the park's anniversary besides just merchandise and banners.
- Not really much else to comment on for this event. There are the various seasonal food stands but those are basically always present in some form. Not much decor to speak of except the sky tower "Christmas tree". I did notice the front entrance and Explorer's Reef are now playing a different area loop that I don't recognize (maybe also a throwback?), but otherwise the park is still playing its usual playlist of five generic pop songs instead of the original themed music that each area probably had at some point.
- Ride operations are still slow despite the higher crowd levels. Every ride is loading one boat/train at a time and is loading and unloading from the same spot. Hopefully this will change as the summer progresses. On the bright side, the in-park and on-ride photos seem to be staffed/operating again after being generally unavailable for months.