By Peter Covino
Lifestyles Editor

If you are finding it hard to keep your cool in anticipation of SeaWorld Orlando’s new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction opening in spring of 2013, SeaWorld has a temporary remedy.

The theme park has launched a new website that takes you a lot closer to all things Antarctica.

Go to  www.SeaWorldOrlando.com/Antarctica  to find new ways to watch penguins live on penguin cam. In addition, the website informs about what makes Antarctica a land of extremes. You can also sign up to receive exclusive email updates.

The website also provides a way to stay tuned to the series of webisodes that will continually take fans behind-the-scenes with the designers and animal experts as they create Orlando’s coolest 2013 experience, even revealing icy secrets along the way. The first webisode provides the first sneak peek into the Making of and reveals a never-before-seen trailer.

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will transport guests into the icy world of the penguins as they have never been seen before, according to SeaWorld officials. The first of its kind family ride,  will connect guests with a colony above and below the water.

Atlantis

The excitement is really building for Space Shuttle Atlantis’ historic final trip to its new home at the Visitor Complex, Friday, Nov. 2.

Tickets are already sold out (and they only went on sale a few days ago) for one of the adventure tour packages. But several others still are available.

Visitors are invited to be part of the once-in-a-lifetime “Atlantis – Celebrate the Journey” event that will mark Atlantis’ last voyage. The space shuttle will make a 10-mile rolling journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the Visitor Complex atop the Orbiter Transporter System (OTS). The move concludes at the new $100-million permanent home under construction for the orbiter, which is set to open summer 2013.

Opportunities to see Atlantis from two vantage points – the Visitor Complex and Exploration Park – are available during this unique event and four “Atlantis – Celebrate the Journey” viewing  packages are offered:

Atlantis Adventure Package:  (sold out) Includes Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission, a ticket and roundtrip transportation to Exploration Park featuring the opportunity to view and photograph Atlantis in 360 degrees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., an opportunity to see Atlantis travel along the roadway and enter the orbiter home from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a KSC Up-Close: Launch Pad tour.

Explorer Package: Includes Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission and a ticket and roundtrip transportation to Exploration Park featuring the opportunity to view and photograph Atlantis in 360 degrees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and an opportunity to see Atlantis travel along the roadway and enter the orbiter home from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additional activities at Exploration Park include Space Shuttle Program astronaut appearances, interactive exhibits, displays of spaceflight hardware from past, current and future programs. Exhibitors scheduled to attend include: The Boeing Company, Sierra Nevada Corporation, SpaceX and XCOR Aerospace. Cost: $90 adult/$80 child (ages 3-11) plus tax.

• Lift-off Package:  Includes Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission, an opportunity to see Atlantis travel along the roadway and enter the orbiter home from 5 to 6 p.m., and a KSC Up-Close: Launch Pad tour, which takes visitors a quarter-mile within the perimeter security fence of Launch Pad 39-A to enjoy close-up views of the 350-foot high launch pad. The tour also includes a new photo opportunity in front of the Flame Trench and drive-by views of Launch Pad 39-B, the VAB and mobile launcher platforms, and ends at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Cost: $75 adult/$59 child (ages 3-11) plus tax.

Rollover Package:  Includes Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission with the opportunity to see Atlantis travel along the roadway and enter the orbiter home from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. During the day, enjoy special exhibits as well as the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and all exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Cost: $50 adult/$40 child (ages 3-11) plus tax.

In addition to the Atlantis viewing opportunities, the Visitor Complex will host an Astronaut Autograph and Memorabilia Show benefitting the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. A “who’s who” of space exploration – more than 40 astronauts and special guests – will sign autographs at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility, adjacent to the Rocket Garden. Each astronaut will have his/her own station and charge a fee for autographs. Guests can bring memorabilia to be signed, or choose from photos and memorabilia that will be available for purchase. Admission is $15 for adults and children.

“Atlantis – Celebrate the Journey” Ticket Process

“Atlantis – Celebrate the Journey” requires a special ticket purchase. Look for the links at KennedySpaceCenter.com to the “Atlantis – Celebrate the Journey” ticket opportunity webpage.

For more information about “Atlantis – Celebrate the Journey,” call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.