On the morning of September 12th, Busch Gardens announced a new coaster for the park opening in 2019. Tigris will be a Premier Rides Sky Rocket II coaster, similar to ones located at other Sea World Parks. Standing at a height of 150 feet, Busch Gardens has classified it as Florida’s tallest launching roller coaster.
Welcome Our New Regional Rep
After the conclusion of the ACE Election in 2018, our Florida Regional Rep Chris Kraftchick, was promoted to Regional Director. In his replacement, Assistant Rep Michael Christopher will assume the role or Regional Rep for Florida. Congratulations to them both on their promotions!
Ride Review – Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon
Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon is expected to open to the public April 6th in Universal Studios Orlando. Passholders were invited via e-mail to attend a scheduled preview as long as they were early enough to respond to their e-mail. I was not one of those lucky enough to schedule my preview online. Instead, during normal operating hours, my group (along any other guests who “asked”) was invited to test out the new “Virtual Queue” for the attraction. Continue reading
Mako Ride Review
Sea World Orlando is home to a couple of very good roller coasters. They started out with Kraken, the first B&M Floorless coaster in Florida, then opened Manta, the only B&M Flying coaster in Florida. Now, recently opened to the public, Mako is the only B&M Hyper coaster in Florida.
Mako Entrance Queue Area during Media Day Event – Photo by Michael Christopher
I personally was not there for opening day, but I was able to attend the Media Event on the day before and I had multiple opportunities to ride. I will admit, when the POV was released, I was not entirely impressed as I was comparing it to other B&M Hypers like Goliath (Six Flags Over Georgia), Dimondback (Kings Island), and Apollo’s Chariot (Busch Gardens Williamsburg). The ride seems short and condensed, it seemed like there were only a few good hills and it seemed too short in the videos. I think I can safely say that I was proven completely incorrect!
Mako Opening Weekend Photo Contest
Rules and Instructions of Contest
Hello and thank you for showing interest and support for the new coaster Mako at Sea World in Orlando, FL. We’d like to provide just a few rules and instructions for our Photo Contest. This is a fun and interactive contest. Please submit your questions on our Facebook page or e-mail Michael Christopher directly at mchristopher@aceonline.org.
Date of Event: June 11th and June 12th, all photos must be submitted by 11:59PM on 6/12
Location: Sea World Orlando, Orlando, FL Continue reading
Rezoning Approved for Skyplex Orlando
On December 1st, the Orange County Commissioners unanimously approved the rezoning of 11.46 acres to allow the developers to continue moving forward in preparation of the construction of a massive entertainment tower on International Drive in Orlando. More than 50 people voiced their opinions in front of the Mayor and Commissioners, mostly praising and welcoming the new entertainment structure. “I think it’s a great vote of confidence in our region and in tourism and I think it bodes well for the future, ” stated Dr. Sean Snaith, an Economics Professor for UCF.
Revisiting IAAPA Expo 2015
Ah yes, IAAPA…The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Every year they take over the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida for the biggest attractions exposition ever. This year was no different; with over 9 miles of vendors and 31,000 attendees, there wasn’t anything “small” about it! This was my 4th year attending and I’ll touch base on a couple of announcements, both in and out of Florida.
Florida ACE Blog 