SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[teacherkim]

At the park on 6/8 for the end of the ACE SpringCon (first two days at BGT) IceBreaker would be a fun family coaster if they were able to let younger kids ride it but since they shot themselves in the foot with the comfort collars which prevent said kids from riding it's all kind of eh. Manta was down all day, one of the employees told me during ert it was due to "someone doing something they were not supposed to be doing".....? I have no idea if that someone was a guest or an employee. But I can tell you that there was a crew working on the lift hill ALL day. Also Infinity Falls was closed for annual maintenance. I totally get that in a year round park that is going to happen but they knew 450 attendees were coming to the event, way ahead of time, did it have to be closed that day? Couldn't do the annual maintenance a week earlier? Just kind of butt hurt on that one because the only other time we were at the park was the summer it opened and we missed it by one week. Even though it was supposed to have a summer opening. And we were there the last week of July. Grrr. Whatever. 

[Zand]

1 hour ago, teacherkim said:

Also Infinity Falls was closed for annual maintenance. I totally get that in a year round park that is going to happen but they knew 450 attendees were coming to the event, way ahead of time, did it have to be closed that day? Couldn't do the annual maintenance a week earlier? Just kind of butt hurt on that one because the only other time we were at the park was the summer it opened and we missed it by one week. Even though it was supposed to have a summer opening. And we were there the last week of July. Grrr. Whatever.

I'm the last person to ever actually ride Rapids rides, but I found it kind of ridiculous that Infinity Falls AND the Rapids at BGT are both down for maintenance in May. Shouldn't that be a winter project?

[jackinbox]

I'm thinking of attending the VIP ride night for Pass Members on the 24th.  Anyone know what to expect in terms of ride times?  

[Hilltopper39]

On 5/13/2022 at 6:35 PM, coasterbill said:

I still can’t believe they wouldn’t just run all of their coasters when they only have 4. It’s just so weird…

Yeah I just assumed it was because the Halloween event was all located on one side of the park so logistically it just kind of made sense to keep the event isolated to that area.

 

If Manta is open this year I'm curious how they're going to have the event laid out. With the new coaster construction I'm assuming that pathway will still be closed, but maybe they open up the pathway past Mako around to the water front area for a scare zone, maybe a house in that area somewhere? Could possibly put another show in the Seaport theatre. Should be interesting to see when everything is officially announced. 

[A.J.]

SeaWorld has announced a new, but as-yet unnamed roller coaster for 2023!

https://seaworld.com/orlando/roller-coasters/2023/

Quote

You won’t believe what’s rolling in next. Orlando’s coaster capital is getting a seventh entry, and this one is truly a first. Get ready to feel the power of the Pacific right here in Florida, letting the waves launch you on a one-of-a-kind ocean adventure.

Catch the thrill in 2023, only at SeaWorld Orlando.

 

[KBrylczyk]

Son of a bitch, the surf coaster is a real thing. 

[_s3_]

Looks like at least one of the flaws (that I experienced) of B&M's stand-ups has been solved in going only 2 wide. The most painful seats (to me) were always the outside seats, furthest away from the centerline.

Hopefully their new design does work better in the nut-crushing department. Interesting to see them bringing back the stand-up concept.

[thrillseeker4552]

2 hours ago, _s3_ said:

Looks like at least one of the flaws (that I experienced) of B&M's stand-ups has been solved in going only 2 wide. The most painful seats (to me) were always the outside seats, furthest away from the centerline.

This right here. Stand-ups are best in the front, center two seats. The edge seats are just awkward and so far from any heartlining. This surf coaster, combined with better restraints and 20+ year innovation since the last stand-ups, should be quite good.

I am also glad it's a unique concept and out of B&M's comfort zone. The park's B&M lineup is already very diverse and this expands that even more.

Nerd fact: this also means that between Orlando and Tampa, every type of B&M exists except a Wing. Quite impressive actually.

[jarmor]

On 6/3/2022 at 7:53 PM, thrillseeker4552 said:

Nerd fact: this also means that between Orlando and Tampa, every type of B&M exists except a Wing. Quite impressive actually.

Not so fast there. . .

[Hilltopper39]

The old B&M Standups were kind of hit or miss for me, the bigger ones like Chang and Mantis I found pretty uncomfortable because of the weird way the G forces hit you standing up, but Georgia Scorcher and Riddler were great. It looks like this one won't be nearly as tall because of the launch, so I'm guessing it maybe won't be as forceful and more comfortable? Should be a solid lineup.

 

It's still crazy to me that SeaWorld will have 3 coasters that have 54 In height requirement but oh well, a high capacity reliable coaster is always welcome. 

[YoshiFan]

If this new coaster has a 54" height requirement, that will make it 5 coasters with that requirement. I know that Ice Breaker was supposed to be the coaster for a lower thrill level but with that also at 54" now, they really could use something a step up from the kiddie coaster but not too intense with a 42" or 48" height requirement (besides Journey to Atlantis).

[thrillseeker4552]

Didn't the park say they were trying to get Ice Breaker back down to 48"? Or was that just to get everyone off their backs about it?

The coaster has been open for almost 4 months so it seems that 54" will be somewhat permanent which is a bummer. And given the stand-up nature of this new coaster, I think 54" is a very safe assumption. 52" is possible since some (perhaps all) B&Ms with those vest restraints are 52".

[jarmor]

I just don't see how this stand up coaster would be lower than the ones already built.  It's only so far down the straddler can go down.  I would prepare myself for height restrictions as well.  Hopefully, if things work out with BGW 2023 alleged plans, something similar could come to SW.

[Zand]

Stopped in for a couple hours on our way to the airport. Only goals were to have lunch (since we had vouchers) and get a ride or,two on Mako. Had lunch at the place with the stage near the front. Was impressed that they gave you 3 huge chicken tenders, fries, a drink, and dessert for a food voucher here, whereas BGT gives you a slice of pizza and a drink and that's it.

I'm glad Mako was my only real goal for coasters as Kraken was closed the whole time I was there (with a cherry picker near the cobra roll while I rode Mako) and Manta was closed the majority of the time with a train stuck on the lift (and people working on it) when we left. Didn't feel like walking back to Ice Breaker as I rode it multiple times a month ago.

Speaking of Mako, thankfully was running two trains and maybe a 5 minute line. Got a couple backseat rides and this is the place to be. The first drop and first camelback are great back there. Unfortunately the rest of the ride is kind of lackluster (kind of similar to Candymonium in that regard) besides the speed hill, but still a ton of fun as all B&M hypers are.

Only had a couple hours to kill there so after a trip through the Manatees, Dolphins, and Stingrays it was time to head out. Hope to be back when the new hotness opens up!

[jedimaster1227]

SeaWorld Orlando has released new details about this year's Howl-O-Scream featuring more houses, more scare zones, more roaming haunts, more rides and more experiences!

https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/

Howl-O-Scream Returning to SeaWorld Orlando in 2022

After a successful "inaugural fear," Howl-O-Scream will once again wash ashore in Orlando on Sept. 9, 2022 with nowhere to hide! This year promises to be bigger than ever before with more pulse-pounding, sweat-inducing haunts, thrills, and chills.

Evade angry haunts as they rampage through scare zones. Seek shelter indoors, only to find you’ve entered a house of horrors. Deepen the thrill with a nighttime coaster ride. Quench your thirst for fear at a fiendishly interactive bar. Feel the monstrous electricity of a live show.

Evil is returning—with a howl and a scream. Experience 28 nights of fully immersive fear in fall 2022, only at SeaWorld Orlando.

 

Surfacing This September

More Haunted Houses

Hear every bloodcurdling shriek. Feel every spine-tingling terror. Get ready for the haunted houses of SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. There’s no turning back as you brave dark passageways and round dimly lit corners, hoping you can avoid what’s lurking in the depths. The legends are true, the fear is real, and the only way out is through.

More Terrifying Shows

Even amid so much mayhem, the show must go on. Duck inside and be mesmerized by a raucous, high-energy musical dance show. Or witness the outdoor spectacle as the ominous story of the one who has emerged from lake unfolds before you. You’ll also find DJs and party zones that are perfect for a dance break between frights.

More Scare Zones & Roaming Haunts

There are no safe zones. There are no places to hide. The scares are everywhere, and the roaming haunts never weaken. Get ready for immersive terror at every turn during SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. Stay alert and be prepared for anything, because you never know what’s waiting up ahead (or creeping up behind you).

More Rides & Experiences

Have you ever ridden your favorite attraction in the dark? It wouldn’t be a SeaWorld visit without a ride or two, but it wouldn’t be Howl-O-Scream without a dose of nighttime terror. Meanwhile, sinister interactive surprises await at your favorite bar haunts. After nightfall, every moment of fun comes with a splash of fear.

Keep watching to see how this once-peaceful park transforms with fear after nightfall.

 

 

 

[Hilltopper39]

Sounds like Manta is going to be open this year which is nice, having Manta, and I'm assuming Mako and Ice Breaker is a decent ride lineup. We really had a great time at the event last year so I'm looking forward to checking it out again. In fact I went ahead and bought tickets on the special they ran a little while back, it was like 2 tickets for any event night for like $33 each or something. I'll gladly pay $33 for some night rides and mediocre houses. 

[Hilltopper39]

Looks like SeaWorld Orlando released the map for Howl-O-Screams. Similar to last year except that it looks like the bridge over the lake and the waterfront area will be open this year with a Scare zone in the water front which should be nice. Also looks like the Lurking in the Depths show will be near that area with the tank and the pearl divers, maybe utilizing that tank? Could be interesting.

 

Good to see the Flamecraft bar area will be used this year for the Longshoreman Tavern. I love that bar and that whole thing was awesome last year so should be a lot of fun in that space. Also the specialty bar Lost Souls Hideaway near the sky tower is intersting. I knoe the sky tower has recently started operating again, and it's been years but there used to be a really nice little bar down on the water behind the Sky Tower, so that could be a fun spot to grab a drink.

 

I'm curious to see where the Blood Reckoning house will end up being, on the map it looks like it's over near Seaport Pizza next to Manta's pretzel look, but there's not really a building over there or empty space for a tent or anything? Maybe it's inside of the Seaport Theatre and the entrance is just on that path? I might take my oldest and run down on Sunday for some birthday weekend coasters so might have to see if there's any progress.

 

[coasterbill]

I'm glad to see them opening up Manta and Flamecraft.

[Hilltopper39]

I did make it down to the park yesterday for a few hours with my little one and it looks like that new house is inside/around the SeaPort Pizza building. They had the walkway next to Manta's pretzel loop blocked off but the facade for that house was up on the south side of the building, and the outdoor seating are on the opposite side had a tent looking structure over it, pretty much where the netting is in the google street view image below. Not the biggest area for a house but I think there' some other pavilions/backstage area back behind that you can't see.

 

 

 

 

One other thing that I noticed was there was looked like a newish/temporary fence underneath the brake run area for Manta around what I believe is normally a service road, which makes me wonder if for the event if they intend to reroute the entrance for Manta maybe through that backstage area so that you don't have to walk all the way around to the front. Logistically it makes sense, and on the event map that pathway is kind of blacked out/not included, so we'll see. Either way I'm glad it's open for the event wherever the entrance may be.

[Bamwa]

any new surf pics out there?

[SharkTums]

^There will be a lot next week at the official announcement.

[TheAmericanKnight]

So, I just visited this park for my first time around a month ago right before hurricane Ian hit. To my surprise, Manta ended up being my favorite coaster there and not Mako (still a good ride though) like I was expecting. Does anyone else feel the same way about Manta? That thing is legit amazing!

[coasterbill]

Yes. Manta is absolutely my favorite ride in that park.

[anonymouscactus]

Manta is great, it is also my favorite ride in the park. And the most fun to operate (but slowest staff in the country), too.

It was the coaster that turned my mother off of roller coasters FOREVER... lol! Gotta love that loop.

[A.J.]

SeaWorld Orlando has announced Pipeline, a brand new stand-up B&M coaster for 2023!

https://seaworld.com/orlando/roller-coasters/pipeline/

SeaWorld Orlando is excited to announce the opening of the theme park’s NEWEST roller coaster, “Pipeline: The Surf Coaster”, in the Spring of 2023. This attraction is the world’s first “Surf Coaster”. Riders will feel the power of the ocean in a whole new way, making “Pipeline” every thrill-seeker’s newest obsession. “Pipeline” will take them on an unparalleled journey and will keep them coming back for more.

“We are always looking for exciting ways to take thrills to a new level. This first-of-its-kind roller coaster will be the perfect addition to the already incredible lineup of attractions at SeaWorld Orlando,” said Kyle Miller, SeaWorld Orlando Park President. “SeaWorld Orlando will be the only place in the world to ride a roller coaster like this and we welcome everyone looking for the chance to experience it.”

 

First-of-Its-Kind Surfing Launch and Moving Seats

The innovative design elements that make this a first-of-its-kind roller coaster are the surfing launch and “wave jumping” motions that riders will experience. The unique surfboard-shaped ride vehicle will give riders an immersive experience from the moment it starts. They will be secured on the roller coaster in a surfing position and will be launched at top speeds, feeling as if they are catching a wave. Riders will then feel like they are hanging loose when their seats rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding on a wave while sending them through several gnarly twists and turns.

 

“Pipeline: The Surf Coaster” Will Reach Radical Heights and Speeds

Each rider will get the rush of cutting through waves as they race up to heights of 110-feet in the air and feel like they are about to wipe out when they go upside down on a wave curl along the 2,950-feet of track. “Pipeline” will send riders on a journey reaching max speeds of 60-miles-per-hour, with five different airtime moments and lasting a total of 1 minute and 50 seconds. The ride has a projected height requirement of 54”, and is designed by Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers, Inc. based in Switzerland.

“Pipeline” will be the seventh roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, reinforcing the theme park’s reputation as the Coaster Capital of Orlando. It joins an impressive roster of coasters that include Mako, which was voted the #1 Best Roller Coaster by the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll, and Ice Breaker, which was voted the #1 New Attraction by the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll. “Pipeline” will be the latest in a string of top-notch roller coasters that continue to break the mold and bring thrill-seekers from around the world to SeaWorld Orlando.