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Now that's how theme parks should use social media

By Robert Niles
Published: April 8, 2009 at 9:00 AM
I've been following several theme parks and fan websites on Twitter for months now, both to spread the word of what we are doing on Theme Park Insider and to look for leads on stories we should be covering. (Our feed is at twitter.com/ThemePark, BTW.)

Real Shamu on TwitterBut SeaWorld Orlando's launched the most entertaining official park Twitter feed I've yet seen: One from Shamu.

Written in the killer whale's voice, the feed includes such snarky nuggets as "4 otter babies at SeaWorld. Cute. But can you imagine how many it would take to make a decent meal?" and "Overheard talk today of 'killer whale breeding program.' Program? Where’s the romance?"

Fun stuff. I hope that the SeaWorld PR staff, er, I mean, Shamu, can keep up the pace. Now, how about a follow for TPI, ya big guy?

Readers' Opinions

From Robert Niles on April 8, 2009 at 9:28 AM
I especially like this feed because it just nails the fun sense of irreverence that runs within the SeaWorld parks. That sense is tricky to express because, at SeaWorld, human beings are supposed to treat the animals with complete reverence. The animals, however, can be irreverent toward the humans. (Thus, the Splash Zone and the teasing of so many trainers over the years.) This feed extends that.
From Anthony Murphy on April 8, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Why doesn't Mickey have one?
From Robert Niles on April 8, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Excellent question. Done well, Mickey could have hundred of thousands of followers within weeks. Such a missed promotional opportunity not to do it.
From Joshua Counsil on April 8, 2009 at 12:00 PM
I'd love to see Mickey have one, but it would have to be the old Mickey. You know - when he was funny? Not the new Mickey who dances around and says "golly" a lot.

Better yet - Donald's Twitter.

From Robert Niles on April 8, 2009 at 12:40 PM
I smell a vote of the week coming on: Which theme park characters would you like to see start their own, official Twitter feed?
From Jonny Read on April 8, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Donald's a grump most've the time so that would be hilarious! Mickey would be good too, wonder what he does on a sunday morning?
From Robert Niles on April 8, 2009 at 1:57 PM
I think Jiminy Cricket would probably be the most obvious Disney Twitterer. But I'd love to read Stitch.

Universal? Six Flags?

From Anthony Murphy on April 8, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Bugs Bunny and Shrek are two that come to mind!

The Disney characters work out the best because you can visit their homes in a Disney Park, just like Shamu at Seaworld!

From Joshua Counsil on April 9, 2009 at 4:04 AM
If Disney did one, they could call it "Twitter Country".
From Mitchell Botwin on April 9, 2009 at 5:50 AM
MIB would be a great one, follow them on a mission. Follow the rangers in Animal Kingdom or the dolphins in Discovery Cove...look humans, time to take our pictures, hate the flash.
If done right the possibilities are endless.
From Don Neal on April 9, 2009 at 6:09 AM
Chip n Dale would be funny for something like that. Lots of classic characters would work but Chip n Dale kind of crossover and could represent multiple parks or content types.
From Robert Miller on April 9, 2009 at 10:59 AM
How about the female side of this, I'll go with Minnie.

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