SeaWorld’s Viva la Musica Festival

SeaWorld’s annual Viva la Musica festival kicked off April 13 in grand style.

Because we arrived to SeaWorld prior to the festival opening, we explored a bit on our own. First, we had to check out the Antarctica construction area to see what progress has been made.

Antarctica Empire of the Penguin officially opens on May 24, 2013. You can read more in my Behind the Walls tour and also from various SeaWorld Press Releases.

From here we wandered to the Dolphin nursery, where the youngsters put on a quite a show.

Soon it was time for the festival to begin

Viva la Musica features the sights, sounds, and tastes of Latin culture at a festival for the entire family. Held each Saturday through May 4, visitors can enjoy mouthwatering foods and the sounds of popular Latin musical guests.

The event area opens each day at noon with food, shopping, characters, and music. The main concert begins at 3 p.m. in Bayside Stadium.

A number of characters were out and about willing to dance with everyone as the DJs and live band alternated sets. Rosita from Sesame Street and Dolly the Dolphin were ready to samba! (You can catch a glimpse of Dolly and I in the video. )

After checking out the various booths, we decided to get some lunch. The one thing I had heard about Viva la Musica from previous guests was “Don’t miss the food.” I can tell you, the food did NOT disappoint and lived up to its reputation.

Chef Hector Colon developed a great menu that everyone seemed to enjoy.

Popular favorites were the Carne Frita ($10.49) Arroz con Pollo ($9.49), Ceviche de Pescado ($9.49), and Pincho de Cerdo and de Pollo ($8.49).

And here is the Churrasco con Yuca y Chimichuri ($12.49), la comida favorita de la casa! The skirt steak was tender and flavorful. The portion size was plentiful, and I couldn’t finish it all.

But as festive the atmosphere and tasty as the food was, the real draw for the crowds was the concert featuring Daddy Yankee, a reggaeton singer.

People lined up as soon as the park opened for business and the lines grew longer and longer. After the stadium filled, folks lined in the grassy areas to listen. There were even monitors set up in other festival areas for folks wanting to see Daddy Yankee.

VIP packages are available for reserved floor seating at the SeaWorld website. These are recommended for very popular artists if you don’t want to wait in line!

Remaining concerts:
Saturday, April 20 Willie Colón (salsa)
Saturday, April 27 Grupomanía (merengue)
Saturday, May 4 El Gran Combo (salsa)

The Viva la Musica concert is included in regular park admission for the day, but the food and merchandise are extra. Looking to spice up a Saturday afternoon? Head to SeaWorld by May 4!

DISCLAIMER: I was invited by SeaWorld to attend this event. I have my own SeaWorld annual pass, but I did accept the food voucher that covered my lunch. Members of the media also had reserved seating at the concert. This did not influence my coverage of Viva la Musica.