Do SeaWorld have plans for yet another coaster?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Whilst doing my weekly investigations I came across something very interesting.. SeaWorld appear to have filed some plans with Orange County for a new project on top of the new coaster Ice Breaker which is set to open this year. The permit is for site work which will always be the first stage in any construction project and although it will usually only mean clearing the land ready for whatever the project may be it leads us to believe a new attraction will be coming to the park and if there is ever any speculation of a new coaster we will of course roll with it!!
thecoasterkings.com put in a public records request and obtained a copy of the demolition site plan which shows the boundaries for the demolition and also a code name for the rumoured attraction ‘SWO – Penguin’

The image below posted by thecoasterkings.com shows an overlay of the site plan. It looks as though the demolition will take place in the area of the path between Bayside Stadium and SeaFire Grill as well as some of the path and roadway on the outside of the park.
Coaster kings have said that ‘the overall project area is roughly 3.6 acres – for comparison, Kraken occupies roughly 4 acres, so there’s definitely ample space here for a fairly large attraction.’

SWO Penguin Plan Overlay
Image from coasterkings.com

These early rumours point towards a possible new coaster. Screamscape have rumoured a possible B&M wing coaster as it is just about the only B&M coaster not yet featured in the vast amount of Florida theme parks. The only thing that throws me off that idea though is the code name being Penguin, now of course penguins cannot fly so a winged coaster would be a little unusual unless they themed it around penguins ‘flying’ through the water I suppose?
On the other hand, a coaster set to open this year at SeaWorld San Diego is a B&M Dive Machine called the Emperor coaster which is easiest explained with the video below..

With the code name being penguin and a new coaster coming to San Diego being based around an Emperor Penguin it could be a good shout for this 2021 project don’t you think?

some facts and figures for Emperor coming to SeaWorld San Diego this year

Either way a coaster added by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is never going to be a bad one is it!!

What would you prefer to see, a winged coaster or a dive coaster?? I’d personally prefer a dive coaster as i’m a hugeeeee fan of Sheikra at Busch Gardens, it’s a coaster that really gets your adrenaline pumping.

Of course, we’ll keep you updated if any of these rumours are confirmed, at the moment it is just speculation.

Smiles included,

Abby

Busch Gardens announces a 10th Roller Coaster!!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So Busch Gardens have announced what we can expect from the re-vamp on what used to be the beloved Gwazi.

It’s going to be a Hybrid coaster which means it will be made from a mix of both wood and steel.

This new coaster opening in 2020 is going to be North America’s tallest hybrid, and the fastest, steepest hybrid coaster in the world!

Stewart Clark who is president of Budch Gardens Tampa Bay said “We’re moving quickly to open our ninth rollercoaster, Tigris, with a tenth coaster already underway for next year, This cadence of back-to-back new attractions is unprecedented for our park, and continues our legacy as Florida’s thrill ride leader.”

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It is going to be manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction and will be a wood and steel hybrid coaster design, featuring a maximum height of more than 200 feet tall. The ride will feature all-new thrill elements, as well as restored elements of Gwazi. Coaster enthusiasts can follow the progress of Tigris and the new 2020 attraction through the park’s social media channels.

The above image isn’t from Busch Gardens, it is an image of what is thought the new coaster will look like. However taking into consideration that Busch Gardens have said there will be restored elements of Gwazi and a 200ft max height it could be accurate (depending on how many elements of Gwazi they’re keeping!)

Either way this coaster looks like a thrill seekers DREAM! I for one cannot wait to ride it next year!!

The coaster is yet to be named and of course it’s still a little early to know an opening date but as soon as we find out anymore information we’ll update you!

Abby

The Great LEGO Race opening Spring 2018

Hey Thrill Seekers!

There are many things to look forward to in the coming year at the parks in Orlando, one park in particular which is sometimes overlooked has a preeeeeetty cool new coaster coming in Spring 2018.

At LEGOLAND Florida, under the supervision of their parent company – Merlin Magic Making – Project X roller coaster is being transformed in to ‘The Great LEGO Race’ which is going to be a supercharged virtual reality adventure that puts you in the drivers seat. “Prepare to take on the wildest LEGO race ever imagined when cutting-edge VR technology combines with roller coaster thrills in an exhilarating new attraction!” 

The experience is the first VR roller coaster designed for kids and will feature a line up from the popular LEGO minifigure mystery assortments and will pit riders in a ‘rollicking race’ against wild, brick built contraptions driven by Trendsetter, Pharaoh, Surfer Girl, Wizard and Pirate Captain. Guests will steer LEGO-built vehicles like a rocket-powered windsurfing rig, a stylish scooter fuelled by espresso and an ornately canopied bed (called a “litter”) carried by mummy servants.

 “Are you brave enough to face, race and beat the best of the best in all of LEGO world?”

Guests will wear (optional) VR headsets to be able to fully immerse themselves in a world built entirely from LEGO bricks that has been inspired by the way kids play with LEGO toys at home.

The adventure begins as guests approach the ride’s bold new entry portal as the sounds of roaring engines fill the air. Nearby, the coaster’s queue will resemble a pre-race space where pit crews for each of the five LEGO racers are preparing for the competition, plus interactive, hands-on elements to entertain waiting riders.

Check out the first look at The Great LEGO Race:

Guests must be at least 42 inches tall (1.2m) to ride, or be accompanied by a responsible adult at least 48 inches tall. The VR headsets are designed to fit both adults and children, and can be adjusted for comfort. The VR experience is intended for children 6 and up, and guests can choose to ride without wearing the headset.

What do you think of a VR coaster combined with LEGO characters? LEGOLAND are the third park to feature a VR coaster (after Fun Spot and SeaWorld) so could it be a way forward for coasters?

Smiles Included,

Abby