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SeaWorld’s Mako Roller Coaster Opens June 10

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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”

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The Walking Dead Attraction Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood

GroupofzombiesjoelfThe 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”

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Disney Seeks FAA Permission to Use Drones in Theme Parks

400px-Disneyworld_fireworks_-_0215The 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”

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Historic Cape Canaveral Lighthouse to Reopen for Tours

800px-Rozewie_lighthouse_at_nightCape 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”

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Unicorp’s I-Drive Plan Attracting Hotel Interest

OrlandoNightSkylineUnicorp 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”

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Fifty-acre Water Park Resort Planned Near Disney World

800px-Magic_mountain_water_park_monctonGreat Wolf Resorts Inc. is planning to build its first resort in Florida on a site across Interstate 4 from Disney World near Orlando.

The company, that is the owner and operator of a chain of indoor water parks, has declared its intentions to Orange County to build an 800-room hotel featuring a built-in water park on 50 acres of land at 8800 Meadow Creek Drive, according to county records.

Great Wolf Resorts Inc. is based in Wisconsin and has 12 locations in operation across the U.S. Continue reading “Fifty-acre Water Park Resort Planned Near Disney World”

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Universal and City Hall vs. Skyplex: the Saga Contunues

track1aWhen only a year ago, Wallack announced plans to construct the world’s tallest roller coaster as the centerpiece of Skyplex complex on International Drive, the project was praised by owners of local companies that hope it would draw more tourists.
Twelve months later, the future of the world’s tallest roller coaster is in doubt, thanks to opposition led by neighboring Universal Orlando, which says the proposed 570-foot Skyscraper, featuring a 450-foot drop, is not only too tall, but would adversely change the culture of the tourist corridor. Continue reading “Universal and City Hall vs. Skyplex: the Saga Contunues”