Thursday, April 03, 2008

SeaWorld Orlando, Florida Cranks It Up


New SeaWorld Orlando coaster/animal attraction revealed

SeaWorld Orlando is preparing to build a new roller coaster attraction billed as the most ambitious and largest single investment for any SeaWorld attraction.

The ride will be part thrill ride and part animal attraction — combining those elements for the pre-show queue line, the ride itself and the-post-show, said Joseph Couceiro, vice president of sales and marketing for SeaWorld’s parent company, Busch Entertainment Corp. He and other company executives revealed their plan tonight to a gathering of travel industry and community VIPs dining at SeaWorld for Busch’s kick-off gala for two other big new attractions — Aquatica in Orlando and Jungala in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Few other details of the new coaster were disclosed this evening — not even a name.

The coaster is set to open some time in 2009.

No cost estimates were announced.

"What it’s going to be is the next generation SeaWorld attraction," Couceiro said. "What we do well is connect the world with the sea, presenting marine life in totally different perspectives. Also what we do well is put the guest in the midst of that. This is the next generation of that."

He and other officials were reluctant to call the ride a roller coaster, though they said it would have roller coaster components. They said the attraction will combine entertainment with education about marine life.

"It’s going to have animal components, marine life components. It will have a very unique, state-of-the-art ride, a roller coaster if you will, that will provide a sensation of gliding," Couceiro said. "And the combination of the animals and the ride is what makes it special."

SeaWorld began clearing land for construction this winter. The ride will go into the area formerly occupied by a flamingo habitat exhibit, a backyard habitat exhibit, other small exhibits and a gift shop.

The attraction's primary construction site, shown in the above photograph shot Monday from SeaWorld's Sky Tower, is situated between SeaWorld's Dolphin Nursery and the Whale & Dolphin Theatre.

This is really cool news for the tourism industry. SeaWorld has become a major player in the theme park business and is turning up the pressure on the other Orlando attractions bigtime. "Aquatica", their new water park officially opens this week and is running strong already. This is great for the Central Florida tourism corridor. Can't wait!

Coasters and Sea Animals Rule,



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