SeaWorld Orlando has brought back their summer nighttime spectacular, IGNITE. This year it has been updated with drones and live performers, and it is easy to say, this is the best the show has ever been. The sheer amount of things to look at makes this drone and firework show a must–see experience in Orlando.
IGNITE fireworks and drone show during Summer Spectacular
The IGNITE show isn’t new, but new elements have been added. The show’s length has been increased to 13 minutes with the addition of drones and live performers. This follows a one-and-a-half hour kid-friendly dance party that also features performers, a DJ and artistic, glowing animal “figures” in the crowd. After a day of animal exploration, roller coasters and seasonal shows, the night ends with IGNITE.
For the families, I recommend showing up towards the start of the Club SeaGlow offering. This will let you get a seat in Bayside Stadium, grab a drink from a nearby stand and it will allow the kids to burn off that last bit of energy during the dance party. For the IGNITE video seen above, we were sitting in the first row of stadium seating.
SeaWorld Summer Spectacular ends with a BANG!
After Club SeaGlow comes to an end, guests are ushered back towards seating and standing areas. IGNITE begins with a live performance and drone spectacular. This offering will happen each night (weather permitting) from now until August 3, with shows offered on select dates after that.
For those interested in VIP viewing of this experience, there are two add-ons you can purchase to enhance your nighttime spectacular viewing. The first is the Private Viewing Happy Hour, a $50 upcharge that includes cocktails, light bites and private patio viewing. There is also a 4th of July $25 reserved seating option for 4th of July weekend. This ticket add-on guarantees a prime viewing location for this experience.
It is not all fireworks and drones | Hydro Surge & Rescue Tails
The SeaWorld Orlando Summer Spectacular isn’t regulated to just nighttime operations. In face, you will want to take advantage of their limited-time show offerings. Not only do each of these shows have entertainment value, but both are indoors, offering a relief from the Florida heat.
Hydro Surge
Before seeing Hydro Surge for myself, I had to base my thoughts on SeaWorld’s Press email which described the show as, “an electrifying cirque spectacular where the power of the ocean meets industrial grit.” I’ll be honest, I had no idea what that truly meant. I had assumed some portions of the show would contain cirque style acts, but the show was so much more.
Hydro Surge features live singers, dancers, acrobats, an electric drummer, glowing, over-sized sea creature figures and an exciting soundtrack. This show went well beyond my expectations and offered not only an entertaining time but a show with re-watchability. For our Media Preview, I took along my sister, a trained singer, who was stunned at the skill level of both vocalists. I would recommend this show for anyone visiting the park as the performers really made an effort to showcase an any-age kind of offering.
Rescue Tails: In Action
Rescue Tails: In Action brings guests into an edu-tainment venue focused on smaller animals, highlighting their distinct features. This show would be best for those with kids who love getting up-close to animals or anyone strongly interested in animal care. There are some not-so-discreet moments of SeaWorld Conservation Fund advertising placed throughout, but the kids will never notice.
Have you been to SeaWorld Orlando’s water park, Aquatica? Last year they debuted Florida’s first ever projection water slide, and it’s a blast. Tassie’s Underwater Twist is both unique and kid-friendly, offering mild thrills and a really fun projection effect.
