SeaWorld Orlando JTA, Sea Gardens, et.al.
Sea World Orlando: Some changes good and bad at the Flagship SeaWorld Park.
Just spent two days at SeaWorld Orlando and had a couple of observations as a longtime, regular visitor. The recent rehab of JTA really did wonders for this ride. Everything was repainted, all the lights where taken care of and the special effects have been brought back to original standards... heavy use of fog really makes the ride a lot of fun and everything seems to be back in sync.
They've modifed the CLydesdale area into the "Sea Garden," an undersea themed garden that is supposed to mimic a coral reef with a winding trail for visitors to interact with different characters (Opie Otter, Dottie Dolphin) as well as some actual animals (sloths, lemurs, eagles,etc. and supposedly they are getting a zebra).
Honestly, the whole concept doesn't work, just like its counterpart, the failed "Terrace" with the Deli sans free beer.
It begs the question, how long are they going to let the last, large "undeveloped" piece of land go like this... before they turn it into a dark ride or something.
Also of note is that (and I believe it was originally posted on here as the company made a big deal about it) SeaWorld's practice of using biodegradeable flatware and plates is no more. Without much fanfare, the company went back to plastic in both guest and employee areas.
As to the shows, the Blue Horizon's show is as good as I've seen it, with a level of intensity that has been missing as of late. SeaLions and Otters continue to please (as always) in both their regular show and their evening SeaLions Tonite spoof.
Believe and Shamu Rocks are still great, although they really are missing something without the trainers in the water. Hopefully by Labor Day they'll be able to start working with them again.
Hope to get back in another month and have another report.
Just visited SWO last month and was surprised how beautiful the Manta area is. The queue area and the aquarium are wonderful. The ride it self is also very good.
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