SeaWorld San Diego (SWSD) Discussion Thread

Jew · February 17, 2016

Much better use of the Clydesdale barn! Good that they'll have a signature attraction at the front now too.

larrygator · February 17, 2016

They sound like great additions completely aligned with parks mission statement

KBrylczyk · February 17, 2016

Sounds cool and it's great that they're finally bringing something fresh into that side of the park, but I can't help but be reminded of The Living Seas.

Hilltopper39 · February 17, 2016

Looks like another great addition for the park. I hope this attraction is successful as I'm sure it will appear at other parks in the future.

DBJ · February 17, 2016

That is a nice looking addition for the park. Adding the Wave Swinger and 3 flat rides for the kids will really round out that area quite nicely.

TM3988 · February 18, 2016

I still want to see this park get a large coaster! But I don't think it will ever be in the cards.

KBrylczyk · February 18, 2016

^ Manta is a phenomenal coaster, better than most of the coasters at Magic Mountain, imho. It's not huge but it's a decent length and has plenty of punch packed in. I think the main culprit toward them getting anything big, height-wise, is San Diego height restrictions. It's kinda crazy as it states anything west of I-5 cannot exceed 30 feet in height unless voted upon by San Diego citizens.

Jew · February 18, 2016

Coastal Commission is the real problem. Developing next to the ocean in California is a HUGE process. The hippie San Diego politician that hated Sea World is retired.

cfc · February 18, 2016

I like what they're doing with this dark ride--sounds like an interesting concept. I wonder if any "underwater" effects will be as cool as the 20,000 Leagues ride at DisneySea.

jray21 · April 16, 2016

The hippie San Diego politician that hated Sea World is retired.

That's the best news right there!

disney4me2001 · April 17, 2016

The hippie San Diego politician that hated Sea World is retired.
That's the best news right there!

Yeah, while I'm not getting my hopes up, I'd love it if SWSD could get something along the lines of Mako from SWO! It looks awesome!

KBrylczyk · April 18, 2016

I'd love it if SWSD could get something along the lines of Mako from SWO! It looks awesome!

Not gonna happen. San Diego is insane with their height restrictions.

Jew · April 18, 2016

I'd say that *IF* they wanted another coaster, you'd see something megalite in size at best thanks to the already mentioned height restrictions. San Diego takes it's coastal sightlines very seriously. Which also makes the discussion of an on-site hotel interesting as well...they will likely have to battle if they opt for a large tower to save space.

disney4me2001 · April 21, 2016

I'd love it if SWSD could get something along the lines of Mako from SWO! It looks awesome!

Not gonna happen. San Diego is insane with their height restrictions.

I know...that's why I'm not getting my hopes up! But it's nice to dream!

disney4me2001 · April 21, 2016

I'd say that *IF* they wanted another coaster, you'd see something megalite in size at best thanks to the already mentioned height restrictions. San Diego takes it's coastal sightlines very seriously. Which also makes the discussion of an on-site hotel interesting as well...they will likely have to battle if they opt for a large tower to save space.

You know, I hadn't even considered that might be an issue! That will be interesting for sure.

COASTER FREAK 11 · April 25, 2016

When Manta opened at the park, I was able to attend the media event for the ride. While there, I was able to ask about their decision to not go above the height limit of 30 feet above ground. And they basically responded with: We can do what ever we want, we just have to apply for a permit that allows for something over 30ft. Its not hard, but the taller it is, and the closer to the water it is, the more convincing it takes. This is paraphrased and NOT a quote from the people I spoke to.

So, like joey said, a Mega Lite is much more likely then something like Mako. Also, the farther away from the water it is, the odd are more favorable.

coloradocoasterguy · April 26, 2016

When Manta opened at the park, I was able to attend the media event for the ride. While there, I was able to ask about their decision to not go above the height limit of 30 feet above ground. And they basically responded with: We can do what ever we want, we just have to apply for a permit that allows for something over 30ft. Its not hard, but the taller it is, and the closer to the water it is, the more convincing it takes. This is paraphrased and NOT a quote from the people I spoke to.

So, like joey said, a Mega Lite is much more likely then something like Mako. Also, the farther away from the water it is, the odd are more favorable.

This is probably why the 95 foot tall Journey to Atlantis is a far from the water you can get without being in the parking lot. SkyTower is 320 feet but was probably built before the coastal commission rules.

COASTER FREAK 11 · April 26, 2016

I know the tower was built before there were many restrictions. And I would guess that's why journey is far away, but I don't know that for sure.

Jew · April 27, 2016

The height restrictions in place have nothing to do with the coastal commission. It was a voter approved San Diego city initiative from the 70's that limits all development west of I-5 in San Diego. There are lots of ways around it that people take advantage of, but the restriction itself wasn't a Coastal Commission directive.

However, the Coastal Commission does still control development on the coast. SeaWorld negotiated it's lease years later to include a slight exemption to that which made it so no more than 25% of the structures in the park could exceed the 30ft height limit and the majority should be no taller than 60ft. They also have to keep 75% of park featuring educational items. The Coastal Commission had to approve that lease since it involved building stuff on the coast and they made the city of San Diego improve the parks in Mission Bay as part of that.

As Chris mentioned, since these terms are pretty vague...they can essentially do what they want with some haggling with the City & Coastal Commission to make sure it complies with that lease.

In other words: it's still a convoluted mess for Sea World to build anything, but they can. So give us a MegaLite damnit!

Edited April 27, 2016 by Jew

Brent York · May 17, 2016

Joel Manby interview:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/29/seaworld-ceo-rejects-breeding-ban-all-marine/2/?#article-copy

We have announced Ocean Explorer (for 2017), which is more for smaller children. The next phase (in 2018) will be for teenagers with more of a thrill factor.

Shut It Down · May 17, 2016

With a height restriction of only 30 feet makes you wonder what kind of ride can they build with a "thrill factor" that's not a launch coaster! Any thoughts??

Jew · May 18, 2016

It doesn't necessarily have to be 30ft. See my previous post. 25% of the park can exceed 30ft and should stay below 60ft, but it would be up to the coastal commission to make the final decision.

KBrylczyk · May 18, 2016

With a height restriction of only 30 feet makes you wonder what kind of ride can they build with a "thrill factor" that's not a launch coaster! Any thoughts??

Crazy Couch.

Jew · May 28, 2016

Last weekend TPR was invited to check out Sea World's "Seven Seas Food Festival," and I have to say it was great for a newer event. The food was delicious, but expect smaller portions than you are used to if your only previous theme park food festival experience was EPCOT. But did I mention the food was delicious? And being in San Diego, they had a great selection of beer too!

Seeing as the name is "Seven Seas Food Festival," there were 7 distinct areas represented: California, France, Polynesia, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia. I sampled and took pictures of what I could and was not disappointed!

Other highlights included Jamaican Baby Back Ribs from the Caribbean

The three areas with entertainment also had multiple food options (pictured is California)

Obligatory coaster photo...Manta is still a really fun ride!

California, France, and Polynesia had entertainment options in addition to their delicious food!

Thankfully, whale was not on the menu, so here's an obligatory Shamu photo to close..we caught them during a Dine with Shamu experience in the back tank, which allowed for some up close views even if you didn't have dinner there!