This isn’t your father’s theme park anymore.

Debuting to the public in 1988, SeaWorld San Antonio is now attracting visitors from a new generation: the children of those who were thrilled by the iconic killer whale Shamu when the park first opened. And the next generation of fans will not be disappointed with the vast array of attractions, entertainment and thrill rides now available at the world’s largest marine life park.

The park has evolved beyond its majestic marine animals, although the shows are still the main attraction. Watching breathtaking killer whales make spectacular leaps in the pool never fails to mesmerize. And hearing the shrieks of laughter from crowds seated in the first six rows as they are drenched with chilly 52 degree water is somehow just as amusing, too.

Each year SeaWorld boasts a major new addition to the park or introduces a new show. This year, fans can experience a new show featuring beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. The allure of the show, “Azul” is the addition of daredevil stunts performed by acrobats, synchronized swimmers and high-divers in unison with the marine animals and dramatic music.

“It’s a show with everything you can imagine – humor, drama and especially amazing animal and human connections,” notes Dan Decker, SeaWorld San Antonio’s general manager. “Every member of the family will find something to like in ‘Azul.’ “

Guests are advised to arrive early at the stadium for a pre-show featuring a comic that interacts with the audience. Although adults might find his antics silly, audience members under 8 years old are sure to laugh hysterically, which some might find more entertaining than the performer himself.

At the Sea Lion Stadium, guests will enjoy the “Cannery Row Caper” featuring naturally humorous sea lions and a cameo appearance by a mammoth walrus. A surprise water element toward the end of the show will remind guests the “Splash Zone” doesn’t just apply at Shamu Stadium.

Park-goers with a sense of adventure have a broad choice of thrill rides, including two world-class roller coasters. “The Great White” is an inverted coaster, meaning riders’ legs are dangling from their seats. Each heart-pounding turn sends riders head over heels through various loops, turns and corkscrews, including a dramatic 81 foot drop.

“The Steel Eel” is a hypercoaster, delivering exhilarating moments of weightlessness at speeds of 65 miles per hour.

SeaWorld even offers a ride boasting both traditional rollercoaster and water elements with “Journey to Atlantis.” Boats seating up to 16 passengers slowly proceed 100 feet up to a plateau where riders are rotated and experience a breathtaking view of San Antonio. Then the boat propels backwards towards a second plateau where it rotates again. Suddenly riders plunge down the final hill and splash into a lake, not only drenching themselves, but anxious spectators who want to cool down, too.

Another dimension of the 250-acre theme park is Lost Lagoon, a tropical paradise featuring crashing surf with simulated waves, water slides and an inviting beach. Guests can grab a tube and float along a winding 1,200 foot water route enhanced by tunnel jets, foam shooters and misters.

The ideal way to stay cool during a typical sweltering Texas summer, Lost Lagoon features six different water slides and a 3,000 square-foot activity pool designed especially for children.

Another element at SeaWorld that has changed dramatically over the past two decades is the increased availability of interaction guests can have with animals. Gone are the days where park guests are passive and merely watch penguins, sharks or dolphins in their recreated habitats.

Now guests can participate in basically any kind of animal interaction possible, from touching sharks, feeding stingrays or donning a wetsuit and slipping into the water with a beluga whale or California sea lion.

Other educational tours allow guests to peek inside the habitat at the Penguin Encounter and even venture behind-the-scenes of SeaWorld’s zoological support area to learn about their conservation efforts of endangered species.

Park goers who feel confident they’ll fit in all that the marine life park has to offer in one day may be disappointed. With the timing of the shows and waiting in line for popular rides during peak operating times, guests are advised to spread the fun over a two or three-day visit. Half-dozen hotels at all price levels are located within minutes of the park, with most offering shuttle rides, which will save guests $15 for parking.

Purchasing an annual pass might be the most economical choice for visiting SeaWorld. The park offers EZ Pay, which gives guests the chance to purchase an annual pass and start using it immediately, all while making affordable monthly payments.

However guests decide to visit: whether just one day or several times a year, a visit to SeaWorld San Antonio will help you make memories that last a lifetime.