SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens alone are home to Manta - the world's only flying roller coaster, Montu - one of the world's tallest and longest inverted roller coasters, SheiKra - North America's first dive coaster and Kraken - the first floorless roller coaster in America. And the tradition of innovation shows no sign of stopping.
Over the past two years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has opened some amazing new attractions and even Florida's newest waterpark.
2008
The new openings kicked off in 2008 with Aquatica, SeaWorld's waterpark and next-door neighbour, where visitors can watch Commerson's dolphins splash and play. Guests can watch the dolphins from an underwater viewing area or take Aquatica's Dolphin Plunge, sending them racing through their habitat from inside an enclosed tube slide.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
The same year Busch Gardens added Jungala, a 4-acre attraction featuring unique opportunities for animal encounters with Bengal tigers and orangutans. Visitors can glide through the tree tops on one of three different zip rides, or even go on a walkthrough where they can see tigers in a naturalistic setting.
2009
A year later SeaWorld opened the mega-attraction, Manta. This one-of-a-kind roller coaster spins, glides and soars riders just like the rays it is named after. The two-part ride also features a spectacular underwater viewing area with overhead and floor-to-ceiling glass panels, so even those non-coaster fans can enjoy the experience.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
2010
Most recently in April 2010, Aquatica opened Omaka Rocka; a water-drenched ride. Featuring high speed tubes and half pipe funnels, this ride will send riders splashing sideways, forwards and backwards in an experience usually reserved for the most daring surfers and snowboarders.
Coming in spring 2011: Cheetah Hunt
Busch Gardens has got a big treat in store for 2011 with Cheetah Hunt. Roller coaster enthusiasts around the world have been buzzing with excitement about the sensational high speed mega attraction that mimics the speed, power and agility of the beautiful cheetah, one of the fastest animals on earth.
Guests will experience speeds up to 60 mph as Cheetah Hunt completes a record breaking 3 and a half minute sprint over 3 quarters of a mile through African inspired landscape, before plunging 37 metres into the abyss.
Riders and non-riders alike can then marvel at the cheetah's incredible speed at Cheetah Run, where trainers will carry out daily sprints with these super fast animals.
Coming in June 2011: The Grand Reef
Discovery Cove is the brand new home to The Grand Reef, a tropical underwater universe like no other. The Grand Reef spans over 2.5 acres and features multiple levels of exploration suitable for all ages, from paddling in tranquil shallow waters to SeaVenture, the deep diving adventure into a tropical sunken world teeming with sea life.
Habitats allow guests to explore paths and bridges to islands and hidden grottos home to over 10,000 animals, representing 125 different species of fish, rays and sharks.
*a nominal fee applies to the SeaVenture experience.
Competition
Have you visited a SeaWorld Park? SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are offering you the chance to win a family holiday to Florida to visit all four parks. Entrants will need to upload their best, funniest or most unusual photos taken at any one of the SeaWorld Parks and the highest rated photograph at the end of the competition will win the holiday.
