Park News
Ocean Explorer One-of-a-kind experience announced
for SeaWorld San Diego
The California marine park SeaWorld San Diego will unveil an unusual new attraction in 2017 that will create “an expedition of wonder across the seven seas.” Ocean Explorer will combine multiple aquariums, rides and digital technologies. The new facility will feature at its heart a series of undersea research bases housing aquariums, interactive activities and educational displays based on elusive ocean animals. Guests will be able to ride through part of the environment on board submarines supplied by Chance Rides. Passengers will become researchers on a mission to collect data and learn how they can help animals. Each min sub will be equipped with a digital navigation dashboard enhancing riders’ understanding of the ocean eco- system. Passengers are also expected to experience a few surprises during the three- minute journey.
and HQ The operator of US parks including SeaWorld and Busch Gardens has announced changes in its operational management team at its corporate headquarters in Orlando and also its San Diego (California), San Antonio (Texas) and Williamsburg (Virginia) locations. Former SeaWorld San Diego park president
Management shuffle at SeaWorld parks
John Reilly has been promoted to the group- wide role of chief parks operations officer, replacing the retiring Daniel B Brown. Dr Christopher (Chris) Dold, vice-president of veterinary services, is now chief zoological officer. He succeeds Brad Andrews, who will continue to serve the company as zoological director emeritus, helping to drive the company's conservation efforts and supporting new product development. Taking to the helm in San Diego following
Reilly's move to corporate HQ will be Marilyn Hannes, formerly vice-president of global sales for SeaWorld but now president of both SeaWorld San Diego and its adjoining Aquatica waterpark. Over in Texas, fromer Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA park president Carl Lum is the new president of SeaWorld San Antonio. He succeeds Dan Decker, who is leaving the SeaWorld. The company is considering both internal and external candidates for the vacany in Williamsburg. SeaWorld Entertainment has also announced
the formation of its new Resort Development Group as part the company's plan for organic and strategic growth. Leading this effort will be president of resort construction and development, Steve Iandolo, formerly with Herschend Family Entertainment and Universal Parks & Resorts.
Chance will supply the submarine ride at the heart of the new experience
Three family-friendly Zamperla rides (Happy Swing, Jumpin' Star and Space Buggy) are included in the plans for Ocean Explorer, together with a Wave Swinger. Construction will begin this summer on a three-acre site where the Animal Connections exhibit and the Circle of Flags are currently located. This multi-million dollar attraction is scheduled to open in late spring next year. “Our guests’ response to new attractions has always been tremendously positive,”
says departing SeaWorld San Diego park president John Reilly. “The opportunity to see and learn about some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures, coupled with a mix of distinctive rides and activities, will give our visitors a meaningful experience only SeaWorld can create.”
Orlando’s biggest coaster takes shape
SeaWorld Orlando has unveiled the custom-designed lead car for Mako, set to be the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster in the Florida tourist theme park hotspot. From Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), the ride will, when it opens later this year, reaching a top speed 73 mph (117 kph) and featuring neatly a mile (1.6km) of track. Its tallest point, standing 200ft (61m), is already in place. The lead car on each of the three 7-car trains is inspired by the
physiology of an actual Mako shark, including five gills on each side, eye placement and a sleek, hydro-dynamic look. With only a lap guard on their lower body, passengers’ upper bodies are free for added mobility.
IAAPA visits Europa-Park (again)
Given that Europa-Park founder/managing director Roland Mack is a past IAAPA chairman, it’s not unusual for committee members and executives to visit (or in some cases even find work at) the popular German park in the Black Forest. The latest entourage, comprising members of IAAPA’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) division – as pictured below – visited last month and safety was right at the top of the agenda. After being given a sneak preview of the park's new attractions, the group ended their conference in a relaxed atmosphere over dinner at the 4-star superior Bell Rock hotel. This month, from March 18 to 20, Europa-Park is due to host an EMEA delegation from the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association).
*After going east last year and dipping its toes in the water of its new expanded Middle East territory – in Turkey – IAAPA EMEA returns to Western Europe for its next Spring Forum this May. The three-day event will be based at Gardaland and also take in visits, behind-the-scenes tours and education sessions at Caneva World and Leolandia. More details at
iaapa.org/connect/emea/iaapa-spring-forum/
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