SeaWorld Diving Into Expanded November 2001 Schedule

San Antonio, TX -- SeaWorld San Antonio is getting ready to do something it hasn't done in almost a decade - enable guests to enjoy the world's largest marine life adventure park in November.

The park, which previously operated from early March to the end of October, has added November weekends and the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, to the 2001 operating schedule. Sunday, Nov. 25, will be the final day of the 2001 season.

A year ago, SeaWorld San Antonio General Manager Michael Catcott announced plans to expand the 2001 season because of San Antonio's growing popularity as a family destination.

"Now more than ever, we think San Antonio has much to offer families who want to 'get away from it all' and spend quality time together," Catcott said. "Our expanded schedule also will give out-of-town guests more options in planning their SeaWorld visits, especially around the Thanksgiving holiday weekend."

In addition to enjoying popular shows and rides, SeaWorld guests can take part in special events such as a Saturday, Nov. 24, "tree-lighting" ceremony. Star California sea lion Clyde will help usher in the holiday season with the flip of a switch that illuminates SeaWorld's 16-story-tall tree of lights at the Garden of Flags, a shimmering sight that can be seen for miles around. Choral and band music, carolers and SeaWorld costumed characters will add to the festivities.

Already in 2001 SeaWorld San Antonio has added a number of new attractions such as the revolutionary "Viva!" show that features not only beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins but also daredevil acrobats, high divers and synchronized swimmers, and the Clydesdale Hamlet, home of the world-famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale horses. The 2002 season promises the debut of another exciting new show as well as other additions.

Catcott said 2002 season passes are available for a limited time at $49.95 plus tax for individuals age 3 or older, including children, adults and senior adults. For $69.95 plus tax, the pass is also good for the 2003 operating season, and each pass comes with in-park discounts.

"For slightly more than the price of a one-day SeaWorld San Antonio ticket, our 2002 season pass offers the passmember unlimited admission to our park through the end of November and new attractions park-wide," Catcott said. "We think that's a tremendous value in family entertainment."

SeaWorld season passes can be ordered by phone from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (210) 523-3900 or on-line at www.seaworld.com, which includes the new E-Ticket feature that lets individuals purchase and print single-day admission tickets at home.