Aquatica: The new SeaWorld Orlando water park
Sea World Orlando: Let's talk about the new Sea World Water park.
The area directly across from Sea World has been cleared and groundbreaking is supposed to take place sometime soon for the new water park, that rumor has it is to be called Aquatica. Fitting theme I think. This park is supposed to be a top of the line water playground complete with animal attractions, but dont they have that at Sea World and Discovery Cove? What do you hope they have?
From Gareth H
Posted July 11, 2006 at 8:05 AM
Gotta be honest, is this going to be a dumbed down, fun version of Discovery Cove?
I know its "supposed" to be competition for the soon to be relocated Wet'n'wild, but it's not going to have the street pull appeal that w'n'w has. Seriously, w'n'w gets so many of its customers from people driving past and deciding there and then to go in (Hence the cut of jeans, women in Bras etc)..
I guess what I'd like to see at Aquatic is something similar to Typhoon Lagoon then.
With the shark pool, the relaxed atmosphere, more family friendly and that escape from the noise of the traffic that plagues w'n'w..
Also, have late night opening in the summer and don't let it get over crowded!!!
I bet it is going to be like Typhoon Lagoon! I mean Disney at the moment really has the best water parks in central FL (not a fan of Wet n Wild). I think that Disney and Universal should be worried by this group because it seems that Sea World is making their move and seem to have higher scores generally than Disney or Universal!
I hope it is fun! I would try it once. I have been to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach alot of times so this would be a good change!
From Gareth H
Posted July 11, 2006 at 1:58 PM
For the pool you need one the size of Typhoon lagoon, with the waves of Wet'n'Wild... Blizzard beach's pool is horrible. Can't really do much in it except float....
Anthony, are you a fan of ANYTHING Universal? Yes I started it....
But I agree, Typhoon Lagoon is steps better than WnW. I love both parks, but I hope that Sea World takes a step to make this a lot better than WnW and Discovery Cove.
Oh no you didn't Erik (LOL)
Since when has Universal built a water park? Personally, I think they should. I just think that Sea World is ready to take some of Disney and Universal's guests. It is not a two way match anymore, its a three way match now!!
I do not really have a problem with Universal since I think (with a few exceptions) that the "movie thing" is better done at USF than MGM. Universal is really cool! My family has a blast there, but we are still big Disney Fans!
We go there for Disney, but we still go to Universal!
From Gareth H
Posted July 12, 2006 at 6:45 AM
Maybe I read it wring Anthony, but are you saying you didn't know Wet'n'wild is owned by Universal???
And the likely hood is that when the lease runs out they'll more than likely move it to the big plot of land next to IOA!! (Last used as the registration area for the BayHill testimonial!!!
Universal owns Wet n Wild?
I honestly did not know that!
Still, they should build one closer to the Universal Orlando resort area!
From Gareth H
Posted July 12, 2006 at 9:52 AM
Yeah, thats why with your universal AP you get $20 off a w'n'w one.
But that plot of land it marked as a new water park when (If) wet'n'wild leave the current location in the next couple of years.
Rents going up sky high due to the value of real estate in Orlando (Really is ridiculous) so its rumoured to be moving!!
Also, a couple of times I've had to complain about staff at Wet'n'wild because they are so diabolically rude and ignorant. The life gaurds seem to have a few more social skills but every now and then you get one with a superiority complex who seems to find it neccesary to shout at you if you get within 10 feet of the rope in the pool..
Even the time I saved a dad & daughter in there I got looked at wrong because I did his job. Thanks buddy ...
But anyway, the couple of times I complained I got a very good response from the head of cust. care and they do seem to do something as the staff's attitude improved for a few weeks. (Went straight back down after) and its mentioned in the emails that they are part of the Universal group.
****Robert, how about adding an option to the theme park review section purely for customer care and staff quality levels. I know I'd prefer to go to a park with good staff rather than one with bad staff.. Could lead the way for a customer care award next year***
Not a bad idea. But just as Gareth said, Wet N Wild was purchased by Universal almost 5 years ago. They will move it when the lease expires in 2010(i think...or is it 2008?) Notice how there arent any big new rides going up, just rehabs like crazy and rides that can be easily moved. Since WnW pretty much created waterparks, one would think that they would be on the bandwagon of "immersive waterpark attractions" like Schlitterbaan and those midwest parks have. This is what Aquatica is supposed to be bringing to Orlando.
From Gareth H
Posted July 12, 2006 at 5:10 PM
With this plot of land and the potential move (2008 I think) it Gives Universal a HUGE oppourtunity to make a decent water park.
Take the good aspects of wet'n'wild, Big Rides (Mack5, Disco H2O, Blast) and add it to a Typhoon Lagoon, more relaxed atmosphere. Add to that the resort transportation already available at Universal (WaterWays are easily expandable), maybe need to expand on the parking front and you have a perfect combination..
Bigger competition for Disney, more revenue and therefore more expansion and rides for all you Disney Lovers to complain about!! And then I can walk there in 20 minutes, brilliant.
Yes, I am by one of these water parks in the midwest you speak of as well!
Well, I guess I learn something new everyday since that Universal owning Wet n Wild suprised me. Honestly, I am in not way worried about how Disney comes out in this because they will be doing the same thing that they have been doing for the past 35 years! I love Universal, but Disney is still the main thing bringing people to the Theme Park Area of FL. Also, I think that Flordia people like anything but Disney I am starting to believe because they have something against it because of its large presence in the area. I am from Illinois so I really can't say, but I feel that Floridians really don't like Disney anyway!
From Gareth H
Posted July 13, 2006 at 7:43 AM
Disney pretty much runs O-Town.
They want something they get it, they don't want something they get it..
You'll never see an episode of cops filmed in Orlando because Disney won't allow it...
But yeah, Disney do bring the tourists in, which is a good thing, but on the flip side Disney bring bad things. Its a right to work state (Apparently) so workers comp, unions and such are all hard to get becasue the mouse doen't want it.
Look at when Universal decided to move in.
Disney found out, so what did they do? Quickly designed MGM, got approval and built it before Uni could...
What the mouse wants, the mouse gets!!!
Love em both though
Without disney, Oland would not exist. It would be farms, and unspoiled natural habitat. It would be be a truly wild place. Thank goodness disney came into town and put an end to all of that.
I recommend reading Team Rodent by Carl Hiaasen. A true Floridian and a really great writer.
As far as Sea World, who cares if it does anything to disney, just as long as it makes a good waterpark. Now watch disney push ahead plans for their fifth park, and watch it be Disney Sea just to give the Sea World park a run for their money.
We must all thank the late-great Walt Disney for bringing Orlando to the spotlight and revealing the area's tourism capabilities! Without his keen eye for potential, Orlando wouldn't be the number-one family tourist destination in the world and my beloved Universal would not call Orlando, "home".
Cops, Disney version, would be great!
I would laugh if I would see Goofy being pulled over (LOL)
From Gareth H
Posted July 14, 2006 at 11:38 AM
Actually, didn't Silver Springs get to central Florida first, long before the mouse?
OK its not a Disney or a Universal but it still brings in the customers with its busch gardens type theme, but not as good as for rides, type theme!!?
Hi - I live, well, behind Seaworld. The new park is perhaps 100 feet from my back door. I've posted photos of the construction and other Seaworld events here:
Sea
World Water Park Photos
Sea
World Page
Please note I'm not an employee of any of the parks - just a happy customer and want to keep it that way!...
Wow Ken, from those arial views, it looks like Aquatica will be relatively small.
I really think Seaworld is on the move to give Disney and Universal a run for their money!!! I was SO impressed the last time I went there!
Wow, a lot smaller than I expected.
I mean, compared to other 'big' waterparks, its not nearly the size I'd heard. I've been hearing about this project for a long time now, both from Busch people and even waterpark contractors that were trying to bid on portions of it. I really expected the park to be massive (Keeping in mind that waterparks are generally much smaller than their dry park counterparts. I mean, take a look at one of Busch's other waterparks, Water Country... Its got to be one of the larger ones out there, but its because its SOOO spread out as compared to other waterparks).
If I remember correctly, Aquatica is designed to be a limited capacity park with excellent guest services, so it is going to be smaller, but with a high level of personal services for the guests.
That was the concept behind Discovery Cove, of course, but I hadn't heard that about Aquatica... I'd like to see it work in an amusement park bas... Oh wait, that's right: Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari, Chula Vista, the Wilderness...
Inside yes, but same concept... Smaller park, controlled attendance.
Thanks Dan, I couldn't remember the term controlled attendance! Not sure if that is what it is meant to be.
re: >>limited capacity park with excellent guest services,
I hope so - I loved Discovery Cove for that reason. That coupled with a yearly pass would be awesome!
I'll be updating the photos as I see progression in the park. There're some structures going up now.
Limited capacity + Annual pass = Unfair
The park would constantly be filled to capacity by the locals during peak summer months...
(Not that I care too much, I'm from Tampa and would probably be a pass holder myself :-P )
Wow it will be small but still would have universal and disney to run for there money.
You heard it here first - Seaworld posted the new park name on banners on March 3, 2007 - The new park name is ( drum roll ) ...
See
our site for photosNot much of a surprise - but it's official!
Ahem...heard it WHERE first? Thank you very much. :)
Yes - Thanks - You were the first to post the name Aquatica here. The OBJ, some employees, and a few others also reported it. I think, more correctly, I should have stated 'you saw the official signs here first.'
The offical Seaworld announcement was mar. 5. 07. I saw the official signs mar. 4. There's a ton of other information that's known here but isn't being released at Seaworld's request. If you live near Williamsburg you may know what I'm talking about but please don't post here. Thanks!
I've got
some details from the press event up on the Blog Flume now.
judging by what robert's info on the press conference said, Sea World has gone above and beyond anything i could've ever dreamed of seeing or having at a water park. They are going to blow typhoon lagoon, blizzard beach and wetnwild out of the water. Watch out Disney and Universal...Anheiser Busch/Sea world are in to kick some booty!!!!!
Yeah - that's cool!
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/seaworld/27262/
I spoke to Mr. Atchison a couple of years ago when a couple of home owners bought a mockup 400 foot water slide to one of the meetings. Mr. Atchison was very clear no 400 foot slide could even be built. The mockup, however, looked really fun! That would be higher than the sky tower!
I am very impressed, and excited about the news. Of course, we've all known it for how long now? But it sounds amazing...I share the fear about the pricing, and hopefully the platinum passport will cover that as well....or at least give a STEEP discount.
I agree with Erik that the platinum passport should include entry to aquatica, after all, doesnt it include Adventure Island in Tampa? But i guess a steep discount would be somewhat acceptable....Oh, you know what would be awwesome? For platinum and gold passport members get a preview of the park before its official opening, kinda like what Universal Studios did Before the Revenge of The mummy ride opened. What do y'all think?
I think my cynical side is acting up again. When I first read this paragraph, in Robert's initial announcement entry...
"The 59-acre park will open in March 2008 and will, in the words of SeaWorld's Jim Atchison, "blend up-close animal experiences with high-speed thrills and expansive beaches."
...My eyes immediately saw "expensive beaches."
For the Nth time, I find myself deeply grateful that the Mexico parks did not choose similar paths. The biggest expense involved with them is that of the travel to get there. Dirt cheap after that.
Keep the peace(es).
well we have to wait one whole yearr for it to come out cant wait!!
After looking at the website I have to disagree with Iris. After allowing for the pretty picture hype that all new rides/theme parks go through when setting up (exception being Expedition Everest) then it just looks like a rehash of Blizzard, W&W and Typhoon. Nothing wrong with that given that they are very successful but a trifle cynical. Nothing original in the entire presentation. May turn out OK but it does not have the wow factor.
I have heard things about this park that I am not allowed to repeat (yet) from people who know. Now granted these are company people who want people to come to their park, but I do have to say that it sounds more like Atlantis in the Bahamas than Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, if I had to compare it to something. If I had to compare it to something here, I'd say a mix between Typhoon Lagoon and Discovery Cove. Its going to be a paradise, with water slides. Unlike anything seen in Orlando. I'm excited, and we should start seeing something more at the end of this year.
This new park looks great! This will be open for my next visit in 2008.
I am wondering if we will have the option to get Aquatica tickets with Discovery Cove package. Currently you get either Sea World or Bush Gardens with DC. I hope they add on this park as another option.
Sounds like a new era in Waterparks!
Like I said before, I was very impressed with Sea World the last time I went there! This could be the Busch's secret weapon. Aquatica will do well do doubt!
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