ORLANDO, Fla. – In the world of theme parks, perks and Mickey Mouse, Central Florida residents have seen it all.
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Hotel discounts, special events, passes that get you to the front of the line all there with an ID that reads "Florida." But if you are willing to spend a little more than the price of admission those family friendly getaways get even better.
SeaWorld offers guests a chance to go beyond the norm transforming the “Sea Venture” into an old fashioned under water treasure hunt for about $259.
Alexis McKenzie, a long time employee at SeaWorld, says guests don’t see it advertised because it doesn’t need it.
That includes asking the one you love to marry you surrounded by dolphins in the cool water of SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove, which runs $129-$359.
“Most of our guests learn about the special occasion packages through friends and family,” McKenzie says.
Denise Swider says SeaWorld’s celebrations meet the need and the moment.
“We also can have happy birthday signs, happy anniversary, we can do prom proposals anything that anyone wants," she said.
A few miles away Disney wows guests at Animal Kingdom with a real-life guided jungle tour called. “Wild Africa Trek Excursion," costs $189-$249.
Amanda Dailey has been with Disney for 10 years. She handles the guide duties for the three-hour jungle adventure. Dailey says she never gets tired of seeing the reaction from guests as they get up close to hippos or crocodiles.
“Oh, the kids go wild, especially when they see those giraffes really, really close,” she says.
Universal Studios, Gatorland and the cruise lines all offer perks with a premium price.
Gatorland’s birthday package is a popular choice for kids. The $300 celebration treats 15 guests to a gator-themed bash with train rides and an animal trainer offering demonstrations for two hours and much more.