ORLANDO -- In March, Sea World of Florida is expected to announce
the biggest expansion in the marine life park's history.
According to a spokesman, the project will be the largest and
costliest ever undertaken at any of the nine Anheuser-Busch theme
parks.
The park submitted a plan for an attraction anchored by a thrill
ride to local government officials. The attraction, to be called
Journey to Atlantis, will open in spring 1998.
In other news, Seaworld plans to offer guests a chance to
interact with dolphins. A launch date for the program has not been
set.
Unlike other swim-with-the-dolphin programs, Sea World's version
will not allow participants to swim freely with the animals.
A dolphin interaction program introduced at Sea World of
California in San Diego last year offers a classroom orientation,
which is followed by a 20-minute interaction with dolphins under
the supervision of the park's trainers.