SeaWorld Orlando announces new thrill ride, part coaster, part animal attraction

Spinout,

I was referring to Busch parks actually. I kind of combined two completely separate comments in the same post. But Bill corrected me. It was the biggest investment for the park, not the company.

I heard that ($) about the upcoming Cars ride, but that addition is still a ways off. Like the economy, things change. Little Mermaid could suck up some of that budget you know.

Those were my thoughts as well, Gator. I'm sure they're building some sort of extensive ray habitat, but I doubt it will actually feature manta rays. I'll have to disagree with the second part of your post, however. Given Busch's rather extensive relationship with B&M, I doubt this will be anything but a B&M coaster.

-Nate

^ As for the aforementioned manta rays, I do not believe there are any in captivity. If I remember right, they do not do well outside their natural environment and their size is another matter altogether. I seem to remember seeing a special about diving with manta rays that said that seeing one while diving is VERY rare and is considered a once in a lifetime thing. My guess is they will do something with a new ray exhibit as mentioned by several others. My wonder, however, is how they would be able to have the ride interact with a tank of rays without disturbing them too much. Any little vibration to the tank will send very loud sound through the water.

I hope the flamingos return. Their home was displaced by the construction, and I miss them at the park.

^^^Nate, I seriously DOUBT it would be anything other than a B&M, for exactly the reason you mentioned.

But, being here in the middle of the B&M showroom, I have to keep hoping for something different. ;)

Sure, but a flyer and a hyper would round out the Central Florida collection so nicely. :)

-Nate

From reading articles posted on similar sites, a B & M flyer is the rollercoaster of choice for the 'o9 year. Being that "manta" is the secured name of choice, that looks like it will be something to venture out there for. "Supposedly", interaction with a ray pool takes place. Could that be what the Sentinel is so vague about?

I believe there was also another rumor floating around out there that this ride could have a splash effect similar to the dive coasters.

Gee... I hope this isn't another 54" height requirement ride.

I think my most disappointing thought on Sea Word was that the observation tower wasen't free. I Mean, come on... admission is already around $60.

I can't say I agree with that, although I'm guessing it's the park's way of controlling crowds on the ride, which is probably low-capacity.

What if the station for the coaster serves as the animal exhibit? Guests would have something to watch while standing in line. *** This post was edited by DBJ 4/4/2008 2:31:33 PM ****** This post was edited by DBJ 4/4/2008 2:31:56 PM ***

B&M Flyer? It says in the article that the park is reluctant to describe the new attraction as a roller coaster. I think it'll be some kind of hybrid-type ride we've never seen before.

"Gliding"...hmmm.....

How about one of these? http://www.rcdb.com/id3457.htm

kRaX said: B&M Flyer?

I've always admitted my sources aren't always correct.

Another source claims that the ride might be a Premier launched coaster, similar to The Mummy. It would run partly in- and outdoors and would combine darkride and coaster elements. The (or one) launch would lead through an underwater tunnel into the coaster part.

The info is from "coasters and more.de" who are usually pretty well informed and close to the industry.
Link (in German and no pictures apart from Kraken): http://www.coastersandmore.de/previews/seaworld/seaworld.shtml

It is a B&M flyer. Can't tell you where I heard this but that is what it will be. I was sorta surprised that they chose that because it will probably turn off a few people from riding. However, it will def now spread out the crowds a little more and help ease the lines on JTA and Kraken. I am excited for any new coaster down here in Florida but I have yet to be impressed with the flyer. I hope this one will be more about using the ground or water and actually make you feel like flying than some of the other ones have.

I have also heard from several directions that it's a B&M flyer, but I wouldn't expect a major thrill out of it like Tatsu. It's more scenic, which is what Busch does best anyway. Their rides are just as much a thrill for the spectators. A few rumored elements that have leaked: an extended pre-lift run, maybe wheel-driven, which would include the indoor ("underwater") parts. The seats would not retract upon leaving the station, and the trains would move forward with riders seated upright. Then the seats would flip up after the beginning section, just before the train starts the lift. I would think they's have to stand still for a beat for this to happen, so all the positioning checks could run through. If the upswing could happen as the cars turn up onto the lift that would be really cool, but I wouldn't bet on it. Then as it starts to climb out, the train ahead swoops over it or under it or something like that. There is also supposed to be a water sweep like on SheiKra with the train face down and the scoops hanging forward off the front car so riders will be a few feet above the water but the scoops will touch it. In any case I wouldn't expect multiple inversions or big drops or insane speeds. And even if this is all totally off the mark and it turns out to be some kind of enhanced monorail thing from some company we've never heard of, I'd still expect it to be very sprawling and neato looking and as big a draw for non-riders.

To be honest the Premier idea sounds much more plausible than a B&M flyer. I hope my sources that have said B&M are wrong.

^Not as much as *I* hope your sources are wrong...LOL! :)

Wait...I thought you were my source, Bill! lol

edit - definitely B&M.

*** This post was edited by Mamoosh 4/8/2008 11:54:07 AM ***