SeaWorld files trademark application for 'Yonaguni'

September 24, 2013, 1:46 PM · SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment on Sept. 19 filed a trademark application for "Yonaguni," which might be the name of an upcoming show in one or more of the chain's theme parks.

Here's the legalese, the catch-all description from the public filing:
"Entertainment services in the nature of an animated television series for children; production of live-action and animated entertainment shows and interactive programs for distribution via audio and visual media, and electronic means; amusement park and theme park services; educational and entertainment services rendered in or relating to theme parks, namely, live stage shows, live amusement park shows, live performances by costumed characters, and presentation of live theatrical performances; presentation of live stage shows; theater productions"

Yonaguni isn't some nonsense word, by the way. Yonaguni is the westernmost inhabited island in Japan. It's also known for the offshore Yonaguni Monument, a massive underwater rock formation.

Turtle formation
A Yonaguni Monument formation called "The Turtle." Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Perhaps that's a clue as to the show's theme and/or content? Anyone hear anything from inside SeaWorld about this show? The comments await.

Replies (2)

September 24, 2013 at 11:42 PM · I don't know what would get me back into a Sea World park. I grew up in Illinois and in the summers when I was a kid my parents would drive us for a weekend to Ohio when they had Sea World there. I never was much into the animal shows. I had a nice time, but today most zoos have all the animals they had at Sea World (except the killer whales). I've asked my kids if they would want to go to Sea World when we are in Florida or California and they always say no, that they would want to spend that day at Disney or go to Harry Potter.

I am tempted by Discovery Cove, though. It's a little out of our budget but that could be a special trip. My DS9 is still a little too young but we'd have to do it before my DS12 gets too old (and thinks he is too cool for a family vacation). Maybe in two years' time.

I think that Antarctica thing they build looks so junky. Nothing like the concept art they promised us. Looks like they cheaped-out on that.

I have no interest at all in this "Yonaguni" thing, whatever it is.

September 25, 2013 at 7:02 PM · Sounds very interesting. Cant wait to hear what it could be. As for SeaWorld the parks are amazing. And the 50th anniversary next year is going to be really exciting for the new shows and all the other things they have planned up their sleeves. All the shows are exciting and fun to watch and if you go to the interaction and education areas learning about the animals and what you can do to help is truly moving. You learn so much. THe parks are bright, lively and good times. Im a huge fan and cant wait to see what this Yonaguni project could mean

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