marlfox_21 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I thought that you might like to see this, if you haven't already. The park made this announcement public yesturday to the local area, and I thought that this would be the appropriate time to add this as a forum. It makes me want to go swimming.....in 2008 http://www.aquaticabyseaworld.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I am so excited about this! I'm hoping that they have a package option when booking through Universal that you can add Aquatica. (They should...they have options for Sea World and Discovery Cove.) I bet the theming in this waterpark will be incredible...perhaps beating Typhoon Lagoon! (If the theming of Discovery Cove is any indication...) I went to Discovery Cove on a trip to Orlando last May...it ranks right up there with one of my best days at any park EVER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIVortex Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I saw the construction of this while I was visiting Sea World, its right across the road from Sea World, this park looks really cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlfox_21 Posted March 7, 2007 Author Share Posted March 7, 2007 This will be like going to Atlantis. If you've ever been there. If not, check out the website. Only this will be better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoaster Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 The Bahamas resort is incredible but this looks fascinating, and for the whole family. My question to all of you though is this more the future of the amusement park more water parks , More family friendly rides, it seems so. Sure they'll be a place for coasters, but it sure seems everyone is investing heavily in Waterparks. Of course this is one man's opinion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightoffear1996 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 This water park may just save SeaWorld Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIVortex Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Save Sea World? What do you mean Save? Sea World seems be doing good business, at least when I was in Orlando Sea World was pretty busy not packed but busy. Is Sea World in trouble? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Nemo Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 This makes the Lodge look like a play set for kids. The whole design of Water Park is fascinating. Typhoon Lagoon is a great water park; if this water park will beat the size of the waves in Typhoon Lagoon I will be impressed. Great move by Sea World. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlfox_21 Posted March 7, 2007 Author Share Posted March 7, 2007 Save Sea World? What do you mean Save? Sea World seems be doing good business, at least when I was in Orlando Sea World was pretty busy not packed but busy. Is Sea World in trouble? As you can tell through the use of common sense, they have been working on this for a while. And I would like to say that SeaWorld is not in trouble by any sense of the word. They are constantly expanding. From the newest Shamu show "BELIEVE" to the Shamu Express Coaster, and Now "AQUATICA" this park is proving to be one of the best contenders out there. They are proving that they are going to continue to deliver what people love so very much about them. Their undivided attention to detail and constant Groundbreaking Animal Care, as well as how to entertain entire families and give them some education to take home in the process. SeaWorld needs no Saving. And by the way, since I volunteer much of my time at SeaWorld Orlando as an educator, I can say, without a doubt, this park routinely gets so crowded that it becomes very difficult to walk. m.f.21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Indeed. If any of the parks in Orlando are not performing up to expectations, they aren't owned by Disney or Busch. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenban Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 If anyone needs to be "saved" its the Universal parks. The Orlando resort has a hard time just breaking even. The attendance is going down even with amazing deals, cheap annual passes, and free tickets. There is no real expansion going on at any of the US parks and has not been for years. All the land around the park in Hollywood has already been set aside for other uses. None of the long term plans Universal has been talking about includes the possibility of ever expanding the Hollywood park again (there are plans to replace current attractions but thats not expansion). The land purchased for a third park in Florida was sold a few years ago. All three of the attractions that have been added to Islands of Adventure since the park first opened in 1999 were started before the park opened. Except for the 360 fireworks show (which only runs around 3 months of the year total (spread out over the busiest times of the year)) the last new attraction at Universal Orlando which did not replace an older attraction was Men in Black in 2000. Its not that they don't have the land there are plenty of options left including the sites set aside for the 4th and 5th on site hotels (next to IoA). Also the large number of surface parking lots next to USF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Yep...and quotes from Bob Wright and Jeff Immelt would indicate they haven't been too thrilled (no pun intended) with being in the theme park business. It really wouldn't surprise me to see Blackstone buy the remaining 50% from GE over the next few years, and just pay NBC/Universal licesning for the media properties. Universal's struggles are really a mystery to me...the parks are great; the resorts are great, and every experience I've had at Universal has been top notch. One of my best trips to Orlando was spent sans-Disney...I only went to Universal and Busch parks (and had a GREAT time). My two absolute favorite rides (Spiderman and The Mummy) of all time are located there... The earlier comment someone made about "saving Sea World" may have referred to the comments made by Anheuser-Busch management over the last few years, questioning their future owning theme parks. Of course, a corporation's decision to forgo theme parks in order to "concentrate on core businesses" really has very little to do with the successful (and profitable) operation of those parks--just ask CBS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vortex Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Universal does own Wet and Wild in Orlando. Wet and Wild is getting some get slides and rides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIVortex Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 The two Universal Parks in Orlando are great, why are they not making money? I really enjoyed my first visits to the Universal Parks last month. I hope they will continue to entertain families for years to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I have always liked the Universal parks but I love Disney parks! With that being said, Disney World's parks are all separated into very specific lands, the lands transition well but remain completely identifiable from each other. Also, Disney incorporates a great variety of rides, in each land you tend not to find any two rides that are somewhat alike, other than 4-d shows! This brings me to the downfalls of Universal Studios. The individual lands are not separated well...you have New York, San Francisco/Amityville, Production Central, Hollywood, World Expo and Kidzone. Now anyone who would like to debate can look at this link to the park map: http://www.universalorlando.com/usf_map.html All of the lands look the same, except for the amityville/SF bay themed buildings. Other than that, Universal looks like it is a bunch of buildings not rides! Also, Back to the Future, ET, Twister and Earthquake are quickly escaping modern culture. being 18, I remember the last back to the future, and watching ET when I was 5 or so (taped versions) Back to the Future is really outdated and Et is getting there, I personally love all of the rides but, I am an enthusiast I understand the value and nostalgia of all rides, like many of you! Twister was awesome in the Fall, I was finally in the front row and you get so wet and the noise is so loud it was awesome! Another thing, does anyone want to tell me what the hell Mummy is doing in an area themed "New York"....It would do great in the Morrocan area at Busch Gardens or the Egyptian area right next to Montu! Rather than comparing the studio park to Magic Kingdom we will compare apples to apples and look at MGM! Here is the map: http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/media/wd.../toolbarMap.gif MGM just looks more pleasing, simple as that. Now if we get into specific rides, obviously both parks need some updates, MGM needs star tours no longer just as Universal no longer needs back to the Future. There are many others..you can draw your own conclusions, also remember at every ride Universal informs you that they are the 2nd happiest place on earth! Another sign of Universal trying to make a quick buck....US has this new offer! Unlimited Admission to Both Parks Now, you can get unlimited admission for up to a week to both Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure theme parks for only $85.99 plus tax. That's less than the price of a Walt Disney World® 1-Day Park Hopper® Ticket! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king_cobra_27 Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 I have always liked the Universal parks but I love Disney parks! With that being said, Disney World's parks are all separated into very specific lands, the lands transition well but remain completely identifiable from each other. Also, Disney incorporates a great variety of rides, in each land you tend not to find any two rides that are somewhat alike, other than 4-d shows! This brings me to the downfalls of Universal Studios. The individual lands are not separated well...you have New York, San Francisco/Amityville, Production Central, Hollywood, World Expo and Kidzone. Now anyone who would like to debate can look at this link to the park map: http://www.universalorlando.com/usf_map.html All of the lands look the same, except for the amityville/SF bay themed buildings. Other than that, Universal looks like it is a bunch of buildings not rides! Also, Back to the Future, ET, Twister and Earthquake are quickly escaping modern culture. being 18, I remember the last back to the future, and watching ET when I was 5 or so (taped versions) Back to the Future is really outdated and Et is getting there, I personally love all of the rides but, I am an enthusiast I understand the value and nostalgia of all rides, like many of you! Twister was awesome in the Fall, I was finally in the front row and you get so wet and the noise is so loud it was awesome! Another thing, does anyone want to tell me what the hell Mummy is doing in an area themed "New York"....It would do great in the Morrocan area at Busch Gardens or the Egyptian area right next to Montu! Rather than comparing the studio park to Magic Kingdom we will compare apples to apples and look at MGM! Here is the map: http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/media/wd.../toolbarMap.gif MGM just looks more pleasing, simple as that. Now if we get into specific rides, obviously both parks need some updates, MGM needs star tours no longer just as Universal no longer needs back to the Future. There are many others..you can draw your own conclusions, also remember at every ride Universal informs you that they are the 2nd happiest place on earth! Another sign of Universal trying to make a quick buck....US has this new offer! Unlimited Admission to Both Parks Now, you can get unlimited admission for up to a week to both Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure theme parks for only $85.99 plus tax. That's less than the price of a Walt Disney World® 1-Day Park Hopper® Ticket! You can get a buy one come back all year pass for Busch Gardens and Sea World at $62.00-$64.00. I think it is about $100.00 for both. Sea World is AWESOME! I can't wait for Aquatica! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragerunner Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 I think one of the main reasons Disney does so well is, they create an experience that touches peoples emotions. Sea World has figured this out and is now creating attractions that can do that as well. (Example: Blue Horizons, Believe and Mistify) The challenge that Universal has is they really have not been able to touch people emotionally with their attractions. Don't get me wrong, I love IOA and the Studio but, when disney puts on a fireworks show or a parade you feel more than just, that was a great fireworks show. Sea World is starting to get this as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 I have a feeling that until Universal gets their own channel that explicitly offers "Universal Studios" content like Disney has, they will have difficulties for years to come. Also Disney is responsible for the whimsical and happy, Universal is known for....well...can someone help here I dont know what they are known for! If you asked me this instant to name a movie of Universals I would say Jurassic Park, How the Grinch stole Christmas and probably Shrek....through Dreamworks. Now if I had to do this for Disney, I could tell you every movie ever made...nearly, I could also do this for Miramax, and MGM (Disney's brother and sister)! Something I noticed is that when Universal still had the Nickelodeon studio and sound stages their attendance was higher, coincidence? Or something else to draw people to the park? I believe that if Universal wants to make splashes in the future they must further integrate the Nickelodeon Line, as they started to do with the Jimmy Neutron ride! Actually they should have done this before Viacom took the Nickelodeon park concept and ran with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Actually, Universal has its own "channel"...it's called NBC Out of curiousity...why do you refer to MGM as being a "sister" studio to Disney? Disney doesn't (nor have they ever) owned MGM. Disney forged a limited licensing agreement with MGM in the late 80s to use the name and certain media properties (primarily because Disney didn't have enough "adult" titles of its own at the time), but that's really the extent of their relationship... Disney is actually expected to drop the "MGM" name at the Florida park at some point...the rumors are that it may be renamed "Disney/Pixar Studios." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIVortex Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Sounds as if Universal needs to do some upgrades. Universal is a great park, both of the park in Orlando, but if they are not drawing the crowds like they use too, then they need to do something. Wasn't Mummy that last major ride added to USF? And that was in 2003? I think Universal with having the ties to NBC can do it, it's just a matter of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Also, the Busch visit once, come back all year deal is ONLY for in state residents. It is NOT available to those who do not live in Florida. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlfox_21 Posted March 9, 2007 Author Share Posted March 9, 2007 Also, the Busch visit once, come back all year deal is ONLY for in state residents. It is NOT available to those who do not live in Florida. But I do live in Florida. But all that I have to pay for is Busch Gardens, because I volunteer at SeaWorld, and I work at Disney. And I am getting my year pass to Busch Gardens on Monday the 12th. And I can't wait. I have never been there before. I am also getting my year pass to Silver Springs ( Natures Theme Park ) on the 10th in Ocala Florida. I'm going to see The Beach Boys There! I usually don't have to pay for Kings Island, because I've got a friend who gives me the ticks. But Cedar Point. When I come back to Ohio in the summer, I am going to have to pay for Cedar Point. As far as Universal goes, I have only been to the park Twice, but have only paid once. And the time that I was willing to pay was during Halloween Horror Nights. And that was with a huge discount. The other was at Christmas. As nice as the park was, it still lacked something. I think it is the emotions that Ragerunner had mentioned. I would be willing to go back to this park, but only willing to pay during the extra added time and events that come with Halloween. m.f.21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I was not referring to just a channel that Universal owns, NBC is in the same area as ABC. However, Disney has the Disney Channel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 ^ yeah, I know...I was just teasing you. But, it's kind of hard to build a kids channel when all you have to work with is Woody Woodpecker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Yeah, which makes it equally as hard to touch on the emotions of people visiting your themepark, especially when all you have is Woody the Woodpecker And then there is the whimsical Dr. Seuss, I guess. As it turns out Universal could be a nice amusement park at a KI price, but they could use more rides. They also could be a nice themepark, but they too need some more theming. All of this to create that emotion that brings people back. They are kinda somewhere in the middle between these two, which isnt bad, they pull enough attendance to be competitive and make some money, they just arent good enough to add Disney equivalent movie attractions year after year, and keep people coming back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlfox_21 Posted March 19, 2007 Author Share Posted March 19, 2007 SEAWORLD AQUATICA!!!!! COME ON, I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS....as mentioned earlier m.f.21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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