Space is becoming an ever-increasing issue for many amusement parks and vertical coasters are the next wave in the world of thrill rides. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of vertical coasters and the latest additions to their growing family here.
SeaWorld’s Mako Roller Coaster Opens June 10
Fight your fear and get ready for the wildest ride in Orlando.
SeaWorld Orlando has announced an opening date for its new thrill ride, the Mako Hypercoaster. Theme-park guests will be able to board Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster on June 10, when the new shark-themed ride will have its grand opening, according to the press release.
Just last month the final piece of SeaWorld’s hypercoaster Mako was installed. The park has been touting Mako as the longest, tallest and fastest in Orlando. Named after a fast shark that changes course abruptly, the roller coaster will boast a 4,760-feet long track with tight twists and turns, sharp drops and “shark-attack speeds.” Continue reading “SeaWorld’s Mako Roller Coaster Opens June 10”
The Walking Dead Attraction Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood
The Walking Dead attraction is coming permenantly to Universal Studios Hollywood and maybe soon to Orlando.
Universal Studios Hollywood announced a brand new attraction: The Walking Dead. Following three years of seasonal Walking Dead mazes, that became widely popular as part of the park’s annual Halloween Horror Nights, the television series will come to life as a permanent, immersive walk- through attraction. The attraction is scheduled to open later this year. It is described as ‘a new year-round attraction’ that will put guests into the walker-filled world of ‘the walking dead’ in various scenarios of the TV show. Guests will walk through different settings from the series all while trying to elude the zombie-like walkers. The attraction will be using both live performers and animatronics, as well as some of the most iconic scenes and environments. Continue reading “The Walking Dead Attraction Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood”
Wet ‘n Wild Celebrates 39th Birthday with One-day Discount
This Sunday, March 13th, Wet’n Wild, the long-standing International Drive water park, is celebrating its 39th birthday with a one-day discount. Tickets today are being sold for only $19.77, a reference to 1977 – the year that Wet’n Wild opened. Read more on the topic here.
Hurricane Wooden Roller Coaster To Be Torn Down March 16
The old Hurricane roller coaster in Dania Beach, visible from Interstate 95, will be taken down starting at 10 a.m. March 16, making way for a 1 million-square-foot shopping center called Dania Pointe.
Read more on the topic here.
Disney Seeks FAA Permission to Use Drones in Theme Parks
The Walt Disney World Co. has applied to the Federal Aviation Administration for an exemption to fly drones at Walt Disney World.
The Walt Disney Company has filed for an exception to Federal Aviation Administration rules in order to use drones for entertainment purposes at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in California. The 48-page application was filed two months ago. Flying drones for commercial use is currently illegal except if an exemption is given by the FAA.
According to the application, Disney officials want to fly unmanned aircraft systems with LEDs called “Flixels” that would be used for park entertainment productions, including firework shows. Disney’s drones are based on traditional unmanned aircraft systems and feature control and positioning technology, onboard sensors Continue reading “Disney Seeks FAA Permission to Use Drones in Theme Parks”
Historic Cape Canaveral Lighthouse to Reopen for Tours
Cape Canaveral’s historic lighthouse is set to reopen to the public on January 8 after being closed for two years. The pre-Civil War lighthouse had been closed to tourists because of budget cuts and security issues.The 151-foot tall lighthouse is reopening thanks to cooperation between the Air Force and the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation. The lighthouse is the only fully operational one that is owned and operated by the Air Force.
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation is a private organization devoted to Continue reading “Historic Cape Canaveral Lighthouse to Reopen for Tours”
Universal Orlando Attractions that Have Closed through the Years
A look at Universal Orlando attractions that have closed through the years.
Since Universal Studios Florida’s opening on June 7, 1990, a lot of attractions have come and gone. Some of them were too costly, or just not popular enough. Others were replaced by newer and more exciting rides. These rides are lost, but not forgotten.
Skyplex Approved by Orange County Commissioners
It looks like Skyscraper, the world’s tallest roller coaster, will be coming to Orlando’s International Drive.
Orange County’s Board of commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the proposed $500 million Skyplex Orlando development on the I-Drive and Sand Lake Road intersection.
Skyplex, a project by Wallack Holdings LLC, Continue reading “Skyplex Approved by Orange County Commissioners”
Unicorp’s I-Drive Plan Attracting Hotel Interest
Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s master plan for International Drive and Universal Boulevard is already getting hotel interest, and it is only a week after being revealed.
During a November 20 I-Drive meeting, Unicorp’s President Chuck Whittall said he has received calls from two different companies that may want to build hotels on his I-Drive land. However, he didn’t disclose the companies’ names. Its property is running from Sand Lake Road to Via Mercado and currently houses parking or future demolished structures on the blocks. Continue reading “Unicorp’s I-Drive Plan Attracting Hotel Interest”