I agree that that is the direction they need to go, but since Orlando is mecca for families, I think it should be a less extreme iron park. By that I mean that I think Mako is a great step towards that direction. It's a solid "big boy" coaster, but it's not a very extreme coaster. Manta is similar. So in that vein, after Sesame Street, here is what I would do.And btw, the news that Dueling Dragons/Challenge is closing is exactly the kind of break SeaWorld should be taking note of to establish some kind of identity in Orlando outside of just the marine animals. If I were SeaWorld, I'd be having an emergency afternoon meeting with creative to fund and build a few kick-ass coasters over the next 5 years. It's time to take ownership of being the thrill capital of Orlando. Universal is going to be a primarily screen based park going forward, and SeaWorld would look great with a skyline full of twisted steel. Disney is gonna be Disney no matter what.
Here's the opening you've been waiting for SeaWorld, take the opportunity and do something special with it!
I agree that that is the direction they need to go, but since Orlando is mecca for families, I think it should be a less extreme iron park. By that I mean that I think Mako is a great step towards that direction. It's a solid "big boy" coaster, but it's not a very extreme coaster. Manta is similar. So in that vein, after Sesame Street, here is what I would do.
1. Replace the water ski stadium with "Luna Lagoon"- a turn of the century sea side amusement boardwalk that has a large but not extreme white "wooden" coaster backdrop, large ferris wheel, wave swinger, tilt-a-whirl, octopus, and a carousel. And an old school Haunted House ride themed to a Pirate Ship. The key to this area is it has to be beautiful. So really overdo the Victorian era Seven Seas theme. And the flats have to be well themed and integrated with themed platforms and landscaping. Also lots of fountains. Since the namesake, Luna Park was a showcase for Edison's new electric lights, popcorn lights out the wazoo. The place should be stunning at night.
2. B&M Flyer near/around Clyde and Seamore.
3. Jet ski coaster near Manatee Rescue.
4. Add a Mack Mad Mouse to Sesame Street land.
6. Turn the whole place into a botanical garden. I mean, just go nuts. Make it look like the Flower & Garden Festival and Cypress Gardens had a love child.
5. 500 room "value" resort with lounge, lazy river, and exclusive park entrance.
Its definitely coming guys. Just give them a chance to get it going. SeaWorld is going to be the roller coaster/high thrill park you all want. They will be known more for rides in the coming years then they will be animals I am pretty sure. I still feel 10 years down the road its going to be entirely different then it is now just got to have the time to build it all
as someone in that "youth", I hate it very much.It's hard to overcome stupid too. After hearing that the orca died in San Antonio - I said "that sucks- we were headed there in a couple weeks to see it". To which the 18 year old girl in the office replied "I would never go to Seaworld- they're so cruel" I'd love to argue with her and point out the AZA accreditation, amongst their other accolades- but considering she just came back from Cancun and swam with all captive-bred dolphins there who pushed her feet with their noses so she could swim out of the water- vs the dolphins in San Antonio that are all wild rescues - what's the point of arguing?
You can't argue with dumb- and the perception/stigma SeaWorld has with the youth is only going to get worse. When the youth's main news source are Memes- how can you combat it? Sinking ship...
It's hard to overcome stupid too. After hearing that the orca died in San Antonio - I said "that sucks- we were headed there in a couple weeks to see it". To which the 18 year old girl in the office replied "I would never go to Seaworld- they're so cruel" I'd love to argue with her and point out the AZA accreditation, amongst their other accolades- but considering she just came back from Cancun and swam with all captive-bred dolphins there who pushed her feet with their noses so she could swim out of the water- vs the dolphins in San Antonio that are all wild rescues - what's the point of arguing?
You can't argue with dumb- and the perception/stigma SeaWorld has with the youth is only going to get worse. When the youth's main news source are Memes- how can you combat it? Sinking ship...
Was she on your lawn too? Was she snapchatting?
I'll bet money that Wanda will be buying them in a couple months as part of their entry into the American market.
As long as they continue to add quality attractions that cannot be experienced anywhere else, they're right on the surface. They need to compensate for the removal of their iconic animal shows.Even with new leadership, SeaWorld seems to remain underwater.
SeaWorld CEO struggles to gain Wall Streets faith in turnaround
Nooooo not Wandaaa! They ripped off Terminator 2: 3DI'll bet money that Wanda will be buying them in a couple months as part of their entry into the American market.
Or, somebody else. SeaWorld is a cheap deal to get parks and talent if you have none.
I wouldn't want them to go exactly like Six Flags, but I think they should definitely adopt a more ride focused approach to attract reigonal visitors without getting rid of the animals which will always be important to SeaWorld.
Unfortunately in a time when much of the youth believe everything they read on social media it's easy to take down a company by false word of mouthas someone in that "youth", I hate it very much.