Meet Dolphins & Great White Sharks In Times Square This Fall

Pizza Rat, step aside: Your reign as the most majestic creature in New York City is officially coming to an end. Sure, that carb-loading rodent was pretty entertaining for locals, but it can't compare to seeing a feeding frenzy of hungry sea creatures including a Great White shark, a Marlin and a Humpback Whale...all in Times Square.

Yes, folks, you read that right: The Pacific Ocean's greatest wonders and mightiest creatures are making their Big Apple debut on Oct. 6. This fall, you can actually meet all of them at National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey, a first of its kind immersive entertainment experience.

This isn't an exhibit — it's a truly engaging underwater adventure. You'll play with sea lions and get swept up in a bait ball. You'll watch a pod of dolphins chase away a predator shark to protect a mom and her newborn. You will even find yourself smack in the middle of a Humboldt Squid battle and interacting with rays as they swim along the ocean floor.

Each guest will embark on a unique undersea journey that brings science, groundbreaking technology and storytelling together in unprecedented ways. Because many of the inhabitants of the various ecosystems will react and respond in real time, no two National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey adventure paths will be exactly alike.

Created with a team of Academy, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning artists, each different underwater excursion will take place within a 60,000 square-foot space. At the completion of the "underwater" portion of the experience, guests will resurface to learn even more about their journey and the animals they encountered. There is a central hub that allows guests to track their trip across the ocean, and to listen to sounds of the animals they met along the way while learning fun facts about each. Audiences can also play a digital game that challenges them to clean up their own piece of ocean, and they can play with holograms of the biggest creatures (including a Great White shark!) Everyone will also have the opportunity to take a pledge to help make a difference and protect the oceans.

Are you ready to dive in? National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey opens October 6, but tickets are on sale now.

Photo Credit: All images via National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey