- Apr 18, 2013
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SeaWorld obviously isn't in the best of shape but it's not that bad. I go quite frequently and it's never completely dead or anything. In fact quite a few times I've had to park all the way at the back of the parking lot.
I'd say Manta is the perfect example of what a Sea World ride should be...Animal interactions blended seamlessly with a unique coaster that blends beautifully with its surroundings..I think the Orlando family market is largely saturated in its current state. They'll never be able to compete with their competition when their budget is 15-20 mil and Uni & Disney's is 150-200 mil per attraction. But if you think adding more of the same things that can be found at your regional Six Flags or Cedar Fair park is a good idea, well...that's solely your opinion.
SeaWorld needs a differential that not only competes with their big budget neighbors but also is enough to draw folks away from parks like Kings Island/Dominion and Six Flags. Nobody is going to waste a vacation day on duplications of rides that are sitting back at home, 45 mins down the road.
The focus should be on more rides like Manta, Falcons Fury, and Cobras Curse. They're either one-of-a-kind technological marvels or hybrid rides with queue enhancements and in-park integrations. They need to stop producing rides like Mako, Cheetah Hunt, Antarctica, and VR enhancements that are just piled on and are of no value added once their respective honeymoon periods have elapsed. Focus on a unique set of experiences that'll draw people in. But what do I know?
I wonder what the budget of Manta was, because whatever that number is should be what they invest in most new attractions. It simply works. That ride is the only one at SeaWorld that even comes close to a top attractions in Orlando list.I'd say Manta is the perfect example of what a Sea World ride should be...Animal interactions blended seamlessly with a unique coaster that blends beautifully with its surroundings..
I don't blame them for trying to do what Universal and Disney do, but they need to understand they have the animals..That's their thing, a high class zoo...That's not a bad thing
I think after Blackfish they are almost scared to embrace that again
The fact that it sits tucked away in the back of the park on an uninspired retention pond is one of its biggest flaws. Pair that with its generic layout and lackluster theme and you have yourselves a very meh feeling ride. From a raw, roller coaster comparative it ranks very well against similar rides, but that isn't the key point. Even Sheikra, back in 2005, felt like a way bigger deal than Mako, so it's clear to me they're missing the mark.
The fact that it sits tucked away in the back of the park on an uninspired retention pond is one of its biggest flaws. Pair that with its generic layout and lackluster theme and you have yourselves a very meh feeling ride. From a raw, roller coaster comparative it ranks very well against similar rides, but that isn't the key point. Even Sheikra, back in 2005, felt like a way bigger deal than Mako, so it's clear to me they're missing the mark.
I feel like they'd never put a Tempesto clone at SWO. It gets the most money for all its additions by far. Electric Eel works at SWSD because it has very few thrill rides. SWO has enough (and enough good competition) that a clone would do next to nothing to effect attendance.Mako fits in with the skyline of SWO.
I do believe they need a Launch coaster, but a part of me wonders if they may just go on the cheaper end and go with something similar already being put in place with Electric Eel for San Diego.
I feel like they'd never put a Tempesto clone at SWO. It gets the most money for all its additions by far. Electric Eel works at SWSD because it has very few thrill rides. SWO has enough (and enough good competition) that a clone would do next to nothing to effect attendance.
If anything happens it won't be till 2020 at the earliest. 2018 is already Infinity Falls, and 2019 is a minor addition. I think they can afford a launch coaster if they use their current infrastructure in a smart way. Maybe utilize the Wild Arctic building as the queue and station.Maybe, but I am just wondering if they may be strickened by budget for something like a launched coaster.
Maybe they can do a Mack, similar to Manta from SWSD, but I don't remember the exact cost of that particular project.
There are people laughing and clapping at Holy Land Experience too.