See Sea World San Diego (by the seashore)! I've never had the chance to visit the original Sea World in California, which debuted in 1964. I love this advertising artwork, which was featured in a park brochure I picked up during a vacation to Anaheim back in 1993.
Like all the Sea World parks (except the one in Ohio, which closed down years ago) the San Diego home of Shamu and his aquatic friends continues to expand and change.
Sea World was once primarily known for its animal shows, but the chain eventually started adding rides and other types of attractions. In California, these include Journey to Atlantis (a water flume/roller coaster hybrid that is different from the ride of the same name at Sea World Orlando), Shipwreck Rapids (a raft ride), Wild Artic (motion simulator) and the Sky Tower (an observation tower). Sesame Street's Bay of Play is a new area featuring rides for kids. There's also a "4-D" film featuring the Sesame Street characters called "Lights, Camera, Imagination 4-D" (this same film is shown at Universal Studios Japan, where it is called "Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic").
For 2012, Sea World in California will add "Manta," a new Mack launched roller coaster. Sea World in Florida opened a different Flying Coaster called "Manta" in 2009.
The "Manta" attractions are not just rides---they also feature themed animal exhibits.
A few years back, I was addicted to a computer game called "SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon 2" from Activision (it was like Roller Coaster Tycoon, but featured Sea World branded rides and animal exhibits). I also spent lots of time playing Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, and the expansion Packs ("Soaked" which featured water slides, and "Wild!" which included animals).
I only stopped playing because my PC bit the dust.
SeaWorld has penguins, and it's easy to come up with a ride for them.
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom had a river rapids ride called "Penguin's Blizzard River," which featured the villain from Batman and his (fiberglass statue) bird friends. Kentucky Kingdom and Six Flags parted ways, and the Penguin had to leave, so they could do this at Sea World now (with real birds).
What about dolphins? Sea World's Aquatica water park in Orlando has already combined a dolphin exhibit with a water slide.
The Dolphin Plunge tube slides at Aquatica go through a tank of Commerson's Dolphins. I bet this entertains the dolphins.
Did Sea World have eagles at some point?
Sea Eagles maybe? I can't see them getting their own ride at SeaWorld. They could do a themed Dive Coaster called "The Pelican."
Has Sea World ever had a Seahorse Carousel? That could be nice. I guess an Octopus themed Octopus spinning ride might be too obvious.
Sesame Street's Bay of Play does have an "Elmo's Flying Fish" ride.
I miss the old Sea World logo.
Sorry, this coupon expired in 1993.
SeaWorld, I am up for the challenge of coming up with your next big ride: "Manatee!"
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