Emperor dive roller coaster opening at SeaWorld San Diego

I know Sea World has form on this but it feels like the more they spend on new rides, the lazier they get in terms of presentation.

If this was thrown up at a Cedar Fair or a Six Flags park, it wouldn't look as CBA as this.

Looks pretty fun, though.

We are in Hawaii until Saturday and we’ll have two overnights and a full day, Sunday, in San Diego on the way home. (That’s the way to do it, btw)
Anyway, I’m looking at the parks in the area. Belmont seems to print their upcoming schedule on a weekly/or daily basis. I rode the Dipper years ago, but it had been recently restored and was a stand-alone at the time. I’ve never been to Sea World, but Emperor won’t be open til the 12th. I can buy a Fun Card and ride but I don’t know if it’s worth the money. If it’s good in Florida I may do it- Orlando/Tampa may be in the future.

We also split our return from HI into two legs, but we don't spend a day on the west coast in between. Might be worth a try.

Make sure to add a day in Elysburg, too.

The first time we went straight through. Worst day ever, even in first class. The return was Honolulu to Minneapolis. Then on to Ohio. Ugh.
So the second time we did an overnight in Vegas, the next was two nights in San Francisco and this time is San Diego. Oddly, San Francisco has the shortest flight time to Maui, our island of choice.

hambone said:

Make sure to add a day in Elysburg, too.

It's on the way.

RCMAC said:

The first time we went straight through. Worst day ever, even in first class. The return was Honolulu to Minneapolis. Then on to Ohio. Ugh.
So the second time we did an overnight in Vegas, the next was two nights in San Francisco and this time is San Diego. Oddly, San Francisco has the shortest flight time to Maui, our island of choice.

We just got back (Friday) from Maui with a direct flight to SFO (since we live in San Jose). 5.5 hours outbound and just under 5 on the way back. Wish we could've stayed longer. It's amazing out there.

RCMAC said:

Anyway, I’m looking at the parks in the area. Belmont seems to print their upcoming schedule on a weekly/or daily basis. I rode the Dipper years ago, but it had been recently restored and was a stand-alone at the time. I’ve never been to Sea World, but Emperor won’t be open til the 12th. I can buy a Fun Card and ride but I don’t know if it’s worth the money. If it’s good in Florida I may do it- Orlando/Tampa may be in the future.

We rode the Dipper two years ago, a few months before the lockdowns. I remember some good airtime but some roughness. I passed on a second lap to not risk screwing up my back surgery.

There isn't much to do ride-wise at Sea World. Journey to Atlantis was a fun water ride that will definitely get you wet. Both my kids, who are not into the big rides, really enjoyed Manta. For a family friendly ride it was a lot of fun.

Sea World San Diego is the only place outside Antarctica and zoos in Asia where you can see emperor penguins. If you are into animal encounters the penguin encounter is highly recommended. For about $80 you'll get to pet a penguin and go inside the penguin habitat. It's all my daughter talked about for weeks.

All I can think is that even the portable Zyklon that comes to the Orange County Fair has more of a station than this ride.

In fairness it rains 38 days a year in San Diego. Do you really need a covered station?

Picking up 4, maybe 5 credits seems like a lot to do. And 3, maybe 4 would be unique experiences for me. I kind of hope I get to go. Eh, we’ll see.
And Andy, we are on Kaanapali beach and it’s so lovely here. Near Lahaina, so that’s fun. We’ve been to all the major islands now and Maui keeps calling us back, and this resort is our favorite.
There are quite a few differences since the pandemic, and Hawaii and it’s number one industry was hit hard. Many places have closed and availability is limited. As mandates and precautions loosen around the country, Hawaii will be one of the last.
But Maui no ka oi, as they say.

Mulfinator said:

In fairness it rains 38 days a year in San Diego. Do you really need a covered station?

And it’s also hot and sunny the other 327 days of the year. The ride ops are gonna get cooked like crispy bacon.

It’s not that unusual to not have a covered station in CA. Someone listed others in another thread. Matterhorn doesn’t have a cover over its station.

"Standing in the hot sun all day is the best!" -No one ever

People complain about the lack of shade at Cedar Point in oHIo, where it’s not exactly known for sunshine. I can’t imagine that’s a good time for anyone in CA.

The Pacific Ocean is like air conditioning along the coast. The average high in July is 76 with 0” of rain. It’s chilly in the shade when there’s a breeze. They’ll live.

Correct. Sandusky is warmer than San Diego, on average, from June through August.

It's chilly in the shade to me when it's 80 in Florida, but it doesn't mean I won't get a sunburn standing in the sun.