Sea World San Diego |"Manta"| Mack Launched

[Xpress]

Nah, it's pretty clear that the locals don't want a coaster sticking up on the skyline and blighting their view (for whatever reason).

Doubtful it's because of the GP, the sea world tower and JTA both stick well above 30ft.

Thorpe Park is about five miles from Heathrow International (you know, the UK's biggest airport) and you can see the runway at Blackpool airport from the top of the Big One. Unless the park is right at the end of a runway, there's really not an issue with 30ft of height... I could jump that high

5 miles is out of reach of the airport, and I know here in the states that anything within 5 miles of an airport has a height requirement placed upon it for safety. I can recall a building that had to have the top 15 feet of it removed (brand new, just built) because it did not meet the height requirement for the airport which was only a couple miles away. There are 2 major airports near seaworld, one is the international airport, then the other is the North Island military base airport, both are active airports...

The model aircraft field just to the east of seaworld also has a height limit placed upon it: we are not allowed to fly above 200 feet without event permits.

Also, there very well could be different laws about airports there than there are here. I for one know the Coast Guard frequents the area, as well as the active military base..

Not trying to argue with everyone and seem like a arsehole, but also I'm not trying to rule everything out...

 

[Xpress]

I have a feeling that this is going to be a step in the right direction to get the GP more comfortable with the idea of a theme park within the outer city limits, as in they would be more open to the ideas of having a park with a good assortment of rides very local to them, so that they don't have to travel a few hours north to go to KBF or to SFMM.

I know that KBF is a VERY popular point of interest for graduating classes (on my graduation trip there must have been 40 schools in attendance with graduating classes), quite a few from down here.

The other positives about having a point of interest such as this is it attracts tourists, so I think once this ride starts to crank in profit, then the city will realize that and be more open to further expansion to the park.

I also thought of another ride in the area, and that is the Giant Dipper which has a height of 73 feet, and it's almost literally right on the beach, and it's been rebuilt multiple times, so it doesn't make sense that they would place a 30ft. height limit on this. (probably won't help to mention the giant dipper is a National Landmark)

 

[furie]

It was the highlighted sections that made me think it's to do with the "view" and "local opposition to the place becoming over-run with huge, ugly coaster"

The new ride, which will include a 54-foot drop, attracted no opposition and had been recommended for approval by the commission staff because it complies with environmental regulations and does not exceed 30 feet, the height restriction governing most of San Diego's coastline.

I don't know San Diego, but does most of it fall within the airport zone? Sounds more like they just want a tight rein on what blights the coastline?

At the time SeaWorld was granted the height exemption, opponents feared that it would lead to the construction of roller coasters at the theme park.

Sounds like a bunch of people a very vocal in their disapproval at things making changes to their area to me. I don't know where to even start looking for the real reasons, but that really does make it sound like people just don't want big ugly coasters and buildings along the coast?

 

[Gavin]

Sounds more like they just want a tight rein on what blights the coastline?

That's how I read it as well. Yeah, you've got Giant Dipper right on the beach, but it's been there since the 1920s and is part of the coastline they're protecting.

 

[Xpress]

I still don't think it has a lot to do with the locals...

 

[rollermonkey]

Nah, it's pretty clear that the locals don't want a coaster sticking up on the skyline and blighting their view (for whatever reason).

Doubtful it's because of the GP, the sea world tower and JTA both stick well above 30ft.

There are 2 major airports near seaworld, one is the international airport, then the other is the North Island military base airport, both are active airports...

I lived in San Diego for 7 years while stationed there in the Navy. The height restriction issues at Sea World have nothing to do with the airport, which is far from "major" and even less with the several military airfields in San Diego County.

When JTA was being built, the news covered the issues quite thoroughly:

City Hall and the California Coastal Commission resist coasters at Sea World due to the image of Mission Bay and Mission Bay Park that they are trying to preserve.

When JTA was built, SW and AB emphasized the Commerson's Dolphin exhibit and downplayed the size of the coaster. As I mentioned before, they (City Hall and the CCC) actually held hearings while the coaster was being built and when it was done about making the park demolish it.

As for the tower, it predates most of the environmental resistance issues in the area.

The tower also makes it pretty obvious that the height issues have nothing to do with the airport or the multitude of military airfields around San Diego.

 

[Xpress]

City Hall and the California Coastal Commission resist coasters at Sea World due to the image of Mission Bay and Mission Bay Park that they are trying to preserve.

Interesting how they are trying to preserve the image of an area that was created for recreational use.

I'm still thinking that with the addition of this ride that they will realize that it's a tourist attraction, which means profit...

 

[ECG]

Screamscape has posted map & layout photos.
http://www.screamscape.com/html/seaworld_california.htm

 

[Xpress]

Re: Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

BUMP.

Anybody heard anything on this yet?? The SWSD website says 2012 as the opening year, but no further info...

 

[Intricks]

Re: Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

They have a supposed POV preview of the ride made....i just cant find it from my phone atm. I think theyve started construction on this though...

Switching between the hideouts'...

 

[Ian]

Re: Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

BUMP.

Anybody heard anything on this yet?? The SWSD website says 2012 as the opening year, but no further info...

Bump again...

A few images of MUD appeared on their Facebook page on Monday. I've yoinked them and added them to the construction blog.

I've also found the rendered POV that Intricks mentioned, it's also on there.

 

[Martyn B]

Re: Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5U-277V49Q&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

I think that looks quite groovy!

 

[Hixee]

Re: Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

I think it looks quite cool too. Looks like it could be quite fun, hopefully it'll be like a junior_bluefire!

Also, like the look of the Mack trains in NL.

 

[tomahawk]

Re: Manta - Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

It looks ok, but any coaster will help this place, I mean all they have is Journey to Atlantis, and come on, they need something more.

 

[bizarrofan10]

Re: Manta - Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

It's only 43 mph........more of a family fun coaster than an intense one for thrill seekers......but does look really fun at the same time

 

[Xpress]

Re: Manta - Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

Guess i need to buy a season pass and bring us updates...

 

[Intricks]

Re: Manta - Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

Yes....yes you do! I will have to visit this soon, but that will most likely happen AFTER the move out west for me ><

Switching between the hideouts'...

 

[Xpress]

Re: Manta - Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

**** $120 for a season pass... Guess I should wait until next year or something :?

I know people, I can get pictures...

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Manta - Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

I do miss the Blue Fire in-line twist in this one, yeas it would be a bit scarier, but still way more awesome!!
It's a family ride so I can understand it, but I doubt that the lack of the in-line will make any difference in height limit so why not add one anyway?

 

[Ethan]

Re: Manta - Mack Launched Coaster for Sea World San Diego

I do miss the Blue Fire in-line twist in this one, yeas it would be a bit scarier, but still way more awesome!!
It's a family ride so I can understand it, but I doubt that the lack of the in-line will make any difference in height limit so why not add one anyway?

And it would go with the theme, if you know what i'm getting at here. Because Manta like to gracefully swim around, and they cant exactly do loops and pretzels

Actually they probably could. But you get my point?? :S