Singing and dancing emperors, a romantic Adelie, and a rockhopper guru are among the animated penguins who are joined by a whole new cast of lively Antarctic characters in “Happy Feet Two” now playing at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater.
The sequel to the Academy Award-winning smash hit promises to return audiences to the South Pole for another fun-filled 3D adventure. When Happy Feet Two begins, “It’s party time and at the center of everything are Mumble and Gloria,” says George Miller, the film’s director, writer and producer. “Gloria is singing, Mumble is dancing, and everyone is inspired by the rhythm and chemistry between the two.”
Before audiences don 3D glasses and start tapping their toes while enjoying Happy Feet Two on the biggest screen in Chattanooga, guests may choose to mingle with the macaronis and gentoos at the Aquarium. Special “Party with the Penguins” packages will be offered from Dec. 26-Jan. 8. Each combo ticket includes Aquarium admission, the penguin party and a ticket to see Happy Feet Two. Combo price is $35.90 for adults and $22.90 for kids 3-12.
Guests will discover fun facts about penguin feet. “Most people recognize the size difference of the gentoos and the wild-looking yellow crest feathers of the macs,” said senior aviculturist Amy Graves. “But quite a few people miss the color difference of their feet.” Gentoos waddle around on brightly-colored yellow feet, while the macaronis use their pink feet to playfully hop around and climb.
“You’ll see them using their strong toes to grip and climb the rocky ledges,” said Ms. Graves. “Macaronis are known as ‘alpine penguins,’ because of this ability to be little mountaineers.”
Craft stations will be located outside the penguin gallery so kids can make their own happy - pink or yellow - feet, dance with penguin costumed characters and color a wrist bracelet to match the flipper band of their favorite Aquarium penguin. “One of the most frequently asked questions is about the penguin flipper bands,” said Ms. Graves. “We use them to identify individual birds at a glance. The bands also help us track the health history of each penguin.” Ms. Graves and other penguin keepers will deliver a series of special programs each morning during these special events.
The Party with the Penguins will end at 11 a.m., giving young guests enough time to waddle like penguins to the IMAX 3D Theater to see the 11:30 a.m. showing of Happy Feet Two. Because Aquarium tickets are good for both buildings for the entire day of purchase, families will have plenty of time to enjoy the film and all of the Aquarium’s animals and exhibits.
These special packages will only be offered between Dec. 26 and Jan. 8. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, go to: http://www.tnaqua.org/IMAX.aspx.