SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[larrygator]

I just ride Mako and really liked it. Ground breaking, no! Fun, yes. Now off to see Shamu.

[prozach626]

Just wanted to say that we were completely impressed by this park. Trip report to follow when we get back. Back to BGT for now.

[xstech25]

Joel Manby needs to go. Here I thought with all the good he did for his previous employer I thought he was going to be good for Sea World. Well, now we know better and he sold out to the acti-turds. Can't wait for his reign to end.

This is a completely uninformed opinion. Sea World was in big trouble long before Manby became CEO, they were actually in trouble long before Blackfish came out. Of course the movie made things worse but they would likely still be struggling even if the movie didn't exist. Jim Atchison was a terrible CEO that made lots of head scratcher movies and doesn't get enough of the blame for mismanaging the company for so many years. Just think of all the $ wasted just in Florida over the past 5 years: Antartica - $ 70 million for a ride nobody likes. Falcon's Fury - Blackfish was becoming popular, the company was losing gobs of money, and instead of building something reliable Jim Atchison decides to build an INTAMIN PROTOTYPE and then they advertise the hell out of a May 1st opening. It missed the whole summer (what a shocker). Sea World isn't Disney they can't just write these off and be OK, Sea World isn't owned by AB anymore that kind of money is a big deal.

 

Also Manby pretty much had to end the whale thing as the company has no money to fight the litigation (remember it's illegal to breed whales in California now) which would be a long and extremely expensive process. All the money they have they need to re-invest to somehow try and get people back in the parks. Also Jim Atchison's "Blue World" thing was super expensive and wouldnt have brought anyone to the park, it wouldve been a gigantic waste of money and Manby knew that.

 

Sea World is in big trouble. It seems like in the past 10 years or so everything bad that can happen to them has happened. From the time AB was bought out this company's problems started snowballing and the South American economy falling apart is just the latest.

[DILinator]

Just wanted to say that we were completely impressed by this park. Trip report to follow when we get back. Back to BGT for now.

 

[Cyrbuzz]

The protesters were out again at the park entrance. Only a half dozen of them but pathetic non the less. They really need to get a life. Manby pretty much gave them their wish with the breeding program. Time to put the signs away and get lost.

[prozach626]

The protesters were out again at the park entrance. Only a half dozen of them but pathetic non the less. They really need to get a life. Manby pretty much gave them their wish with the breeding program. Time to put the signs away and get lost.

 

Damn I wished they had been there when I was there. I would have had some good fun! ****ing pussies.

[jedimaster1227]

SeaWorld Orlando is participating this year in Orlando's Magical Dining promotion with a great catch--park admission is not required to dine at the restaurant when enjoying this limited menu and you're allowed to stay in the park once you're done! Definitely a great deal for locals without a pass!

 

http://www.visitorlando.com/magicaldining/restaurants/SeaWorld-Sharks-Underwater-Grill/44694/

 

Choice of Appetizers

 

Godzilla Roll

Fried maki roll stuffed with shrimp, cream cheese and shredded carrot topped with spicy Japanese mayonnaise and miso mayonnaise

 

Caesar Salad

Freshly cut romaine dusted with fresh Shaved asiago cheese with candied garlic

 

Lobster Bisque

Rich lobster stock simmered with sherry, cream, and spices

 

Choice of Entrèes

 

Tempura Shrimp

Light tempura battered jumbo shrimp with Japanese

sticky rice and bok choy in a kalbi sesame glaze

 

Grilled Salmon

Grilled and topped with a caper butter, japanese sticky rice and seasonal vegetables

 

Chicken Portabella

Sautéed double breast of chicken and portabella mushroom

served on top of basil capellini with roasted garlic cream

sauce and seasonal fresh vegetables

 

Seafood Pasta

Shrimp, scallops and mussels in an asiago cream sauce, served over penne pasta

 

Filet Mignon

Our finest cut of beef grilled to perfection with loaded mashed potatoes and seasonal fresh vegetables

 

Choice of Desserts

 

Chocolate Cake

Decadent chocolate layered cake topped with homemade chocolate ganache, served with freshly made whipped cream

 

Key Lime Pie

Traditional Florida sweet and tart key lime pie on a graham cracker crust.

 

***Park admission is not required. Guests just need to call the restaurant at (407) 370-1566 to make a reservation between 3pm and 5pm. Guests will be escorted into the park to the restaurant; following dinner, they will be allowed to remain in the park until closing.

 

Sharksonlinereservations@seaworld.com

Edited September 5, 2016 by jedimaster1227

[nswain1110]

Hello coaster friends I'm visiting Busch Gardens Tampa and Sea World Orlando from Oct 18 - 21st. Does anyone know how the crowds usually are this time of year for both parks? For BGT, I'm sure the Halloween night time event will be busy - interested in knowing about the daytime crowds. Many thanks in advance!!

[SharkTums]

So apparently they're putting VR headsets on Kraken for next year...

[Jew]

So apparently they're putting VR headsets on Kraken for next year...

 

My biggest issue with VR is that until the processing power increases, it really doesn't improve the experience. It makes it different, but not better when you are looking at N64 graphics *cough* Six Flags *cough*

[VegasBaby]

So apparently they're putting VR headsets on Kraken for next year...

 

My biggest issue with VR is that until the processing power increases, it really doesn't improve the experience. It makes it different, but not better when you are looking at N64 graphics *cough* Six Flags *cough*

 

To me, a far bigger issue is that VR totally kills the loading times and turns a 15-20 min wait into an hour wait. I really hope the whole VR-on-coasters trend burns out quickly and doesn't spread to more parks. Kraken is an excellent old school B&M and doesn't need a gimmick like VR for people to ride it.

[SharkTums]

So apparently they're putting VR headsets on Kraken for next year...

 

My biggest issue with VR is that until the processing power increases, it really doesn't improve the experience. It makes it different, but not better when you are looking at N64 graphics *cough* Six Flags *cough*

 

To me, a far bigger issue is that VR totally kills the loading times and turns a 15-20 min wait into an hour wait. I really hope the whole VR-on-coasters trend burns out quickly and doesn't spread to more parks. Kraken is an excellent old school B&M and doesn't need a gimmick like VR for people to ride it.

 

I completely agree with this.

[jedimaster1227]

SeaWorld Orlando sent us a neat video of the pumpkin patch the flamingos were treated to in honor of the first day of Fall!

 

To celebrate the first day of fall, flamingos at SeaWorld Orlando were greeted with a big surprise: a bountiful pumpkin patch created just for them.

 

Throughout the year, SeaWorld’s animal care and training teams continually introduce new ways to enrich the animal environments in the park. Unique activities, such as putting lettuce among the pumpkins pique the flamingos’ interest and offer something new for them to see and explore. Holistic behavioral programs like this one focus on health, exercise and provide additional mental challenge and fun for the animals.

 

While Floridians are not yet feeling crisp fall air when they step outside, SeaWorld’s aviculturists couldn’t wait to give the tropical birds a taste of the new season coupled with a peek at its prettiest colors.

 

[fbvideonew]

[/fbvideonew]

[robbalvey]

Coming to @SeaWorld #Orlando in 2017! Kraken VR Coaster and a new "Dolphin Nursery!" More details coming soon!

[Santa07]

Underwater VR? Sounds like it'll be fantastic.

[coasterbill]

I love the new look of Dolphin Nursery. With the new Shark Realm and now that new area they're doing a great job bringing the few dated areas of the park up to the level of everything else.

[Cyrbuzz]

Is the VR really that good on a roller coaster? I never did this so I'm a little curious as to the overall experience.

[coasterbill]

Is the VR really that good on a roller coaster? I never did this so I'm a little curious as to the overall experience.

 

I prefer riding without VR but it's cool to try it once. I like it better on smaller and less exciting coasters though. I didn't care for it on Goliath at La Ronde but I liked Iron Dragon VR (though I still like it better without VR and we made sure on out last day at Cedar Point we got a ride in before 5 PM so we could ride it the way it was intended to be ridden). VR was a nice change of pace though. As long as it doesn't kill capacity too much I'm on board, though Kraken rarely has lines.

 

That being said I'll never try this. When we go to Sea World I let Brit call the shots so we usually only get 1 ride on each coaster and spend the rest of the day with the animals. Since I only get to ride once a year I'll ride without the VR. If you're a pass-holder though this is pretty cool.

Edited September 27, 2016 by coasterbill

[DJeXeL]

Is the VR really that good on a roller coaster? I never did this so I'm a little curious as to the overall experience.

 

I prefer riding without VR but it's cool to try it once. I like it better on smaller and less exciting coasters though. I didn't care for it on Goliath at La Ronde but I liked iron Dragon VR (though I still like it better without VR and we made sure on out last day at Cedar Point we got a ride in before 5 PM so we could ride it the way it was intended to be ridden. VR was a nice change of pace though.

 

I think this whole VR on Coasters thing is just a fad and will pass with time. Like you said though, it's cool to try once.

[DILinator]

So apparently they're putting VR headsets on Kraken for next year...

 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

As long as they still allow you to ride it without the VR, I guess it's not the end of the world (though, it'll be the end up walk-on rides, most likely), but I really wish they wouldn't do this to my beloved Kraken. At least the theme will lend itself well to a VR type of experience.

[Santa07]

Is the VR really that good on a roller coaster? I never did this so I'm a little curious as to the overall experience.

For me yes, but I'm not sure how good it is over in the states, some of the VR I've seen on youtube seems poorly-done on some of the coasters over there.

[Rollercoaster Rider]

I think they should have added some flat rides in addition to Kraken VR

 

A Zamperla Disk O Coaster... Called Stingray Spin (By the Stingray Area)

Larson Flying Scooters... Called Flying Flamingos (By the Flamingos)

Mack Twist N' Splash... called Turtle Bay (By the Manatee Area)

[ragerunner2]

I am a little surprised that Sea World hasn't developed a splash battle type ride. It could give them a great water ride/family ride and the theming could really fit them. Its also would be a fairly affordable addition.

[Hilltopper39]

So apparently they're putting VR headsets on Kraken for next year...

 

My biggest issue with VR is that until the processing power increases, it really doesn't improve the experience. It makes it different, but not better when you are looking at N64 graphics *cough* Six Flags *cough*

 

To me, a far bigger issue is that VR totally kills the loading times and turns a 15-20 min wait into an hour wait. I really hope the whole VR-on-coasters trend burns out quickly and doesn't spread to more parks. Kraken is an excellent old school B&M and doesn't need a gimmick like VR for people to ride it.

 

I completely agree with this.

 

I read somewhere that they were looking to somehow have the headsets mounted to the train to increase dispatch times, not sure if there is any truth in that but it will be interesting to see that as it seems like the next logical progression in the evolution of this whole VR coaster thing (that and better graphics and all).

[coasterfreak101]

^Agreed on that being the direction I think we'll see parks go with the headsets - maybe not the cheaper guys like Six Flags or Cedar Fair, but if a Universal- or Disney-level park wants to do VR then I definitely think we'll see it integrated within the train itself.

 

The only dilemma to me is how they're going to clean the headsets - don't the headsets usually get cleaned between each use? It seems like if they're permanently attached to the seats then they'll need a new way to sanitize them.