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'Fun and meaningful' at the forefront as SeaWorld details upcoming attractions for 2017
POSTED 15 Nov 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Created by Intamin, Wavebreaker is designed to make riders feel as though they are riding a jet ski Credit: Tom Anstey
SeaWorld Entertainment continues on its mission to deliver experiences that matter, unveiling a number of new rides and experiences at its parks across North America.

Speaking during a press conference on the first day of the IAAPA trade show in Orlando, Florida, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby detailed plans for SeaWorld’s parks, including SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

“We are one year into our three year plan to accomplish our mission of creating experiences that matter,” said Manby. “We not only want our guests to have a lot of fun in our parks but we also want to have them help to make the world a better place.

“Our vision as a company is to inspire people to help animals and the wild wonders of the world. If we can create an army of millions and millions of customers, it will be an incredible combination.”



The first of unveiling was the vehicle for SeaWorld San Antonio’s Wavebreaker - a jet ski-inspired multi-launch coaster. Created by Intamin, the ride carriage is designed to make riders feel as though they are riding a jet ski, with the steel coaster flying over the water, recreating the experience seen on the the company’s popular TV show Sea Rescue.

“It’s been more than nine years since we’ve had a new coaster and this one is unique for North America so we’re super-excited to get our guests involved in the things our company does in the wild and having our guests learn about all we do to save wildlife,” said Carl Lum, president of SeaWorld San Antonio.

The next reveal was for SeaWorld’s aquarium-based attraction, featuring a submarine ride at its park in San Diego.

Unveiling a scale model of Ocean Explorer, Brian Morrow, vice president of theme park experience design for the newly announced Deep Blue Creative team at SeaWorld, explained the concept behind the experience.

“The submarine quest takes our guest on a journey around this new realm, where we have digital interaction and gameplay inside of a ride system as our guests roleplay as explorers,” he said.

“This whole land is about inspiring exploration, showing how science is cool and teaching our guests how they can make a difference to oceans all around the world using rides integrated with animals and technology. It’s the future of what you’re going to see as the new SeaWorld starts to create experiences that matter.”

The final announcement was for the Great Coasters-designed InvadR - Busch Gardens Willamsburg’s first wooden ever rollercoaster.

Coming to Virginia in 2017, the Viking-themed ride is a family-friendly attraction, featuring a 74-foot drop and reaching speeds of up to 48 mph.

The trains for InvadR were provided by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The carts were used for the park's Gwazi wooden coaster, which ceased operating in 2015 after more than 15 years.
The Great Coasters-designed InvadR will be Busch Gardens Willamsburg’s first wooden ever rollercoaster
Unveiling a scale model of Ocean Explorer, Brian Morrow, vice president of theme park experience design for the newly announced Deep Blue Creative team at SeaWorld, explained the concept behind the experience
RELATED STORIES
  SeaWorld forms in-house creative team to drive innovation and experience


As it continues to rebuild its identity from the ground up, SeaWorld has announced the formation of Deep Blue Creative – a new team within the company tasked with bringing to life innovative new experiences under its fun and meaningful philosophy.
  SeaWorld shares rally after activist investor group takes significant stake


SeaWorld has enjoyed a 5 per cent increase in its share value after activist investor group Ivory Cove disclosed a notable stake in the company.
  SeaWorld ploughs US$175m into new coasters, shows and zones


SeaWorld Entertainment is investing US$175m (€156m, £135m) in new attractions as the brand continues to position itself as a theme park with sound animal conservation credentials and a mix of activities to offer.
  FEATURE: Interview: Joel Manby


It’s been an eventful ride for SeaWorld. Will CEO Joel Manby’s honesty and radical decisions be enough to save the company?
MORE NEWS
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Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
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Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
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COMPANY PROFILES
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Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
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IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
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Clip ‘n Climb currently offers facility owners and investors more than 40 colourful and unique Cha [more...]
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Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
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NEWS
'Fun and meaningful' at the forefront as SeaWorld details upcoming attractions for 2017
POSTED 15 Nov 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Created by Intamin, Wavebreaker is designed to make riders feel as though they are riding a jet ski Credit: Tom Anstey
SeaWorld Entertainment continues on its mission to deliver experiences that matter, unveiling a number of new rides and experiences at its parks across North America.

Speaking during a press conference on the first day of the IAAPA trade show in Orlando, Florida, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby detailed plans for SeaWorld’s parks, including SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

“We are one year into our three year plan to accomplish our mission of creating experiences that matter,” said Manby. “We not only want our guests to have a lot of fun in our parks but we also want to have them help to make the world a better place.

“Our vision as a company is to inspire people to help animals and the wild wonders of the world. If we can create an army of millions and millions of customers, it will be an incredible combination.”



The first of unveiling was the vehicle for SeaWorld San Antonio’s Wavebreaker - a jet ski-inspired multi-launch coaster. Created by Intamin, the ride carriage is designed to make riders feel as though they are riding a jet ski, with the steel coaster flying over the water, recreating the experience seen on the the company’s popular TV show Sea Rescue.

“It’s been more than nine years since we’ve had a new coaster and this one is unique for North America so we’re super-excited to get our guests involved in the things our company does in the wild and having our guests learn about all we do to save wildlife,” said Carl Lum, president of SeaWorld San Antonio.

The next reveal was for SeaWorld’s aquarium-based attraction, featuring a submarine ride at its park in San Diego.

Unveiling a scale model of Ocean Explorer, Brian Morrow, vice president of theme park experience design for the newly announced Deep Blue Creative team at SeaWorld, explained the concept behind the experience.

“The submarine quest takes our guest on a journey around this new realm, where we have digital interaction and gameplay inside of a ride system as our guests roleplay as explorers,” he said.

“This whole land is about inspiring exploration, showing how science is cool and teaching our guests how they can make a difference to oceans all around the world using rides integrated with animals and technology. It’s the future of what you’re going to see as the new SeaWorld starts to create experiences that matter.”

The final announcement was for the Great Coasters-designed InvadR - Busch Gardens Willamsburg’s first wooden ever rollercoaster.

Coming to Virginia in 2017, the Viking-themed ride is a family-friendly attraction, featuring a 74-foot drop and reaching speeds of up to 48 mph.

The trains for InvadR were provided by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The carts were used for the park's Gwazi wooden coaster, which ceased operating in 2015 after more than 15 years.
The Great Coasters-designed InvadR will be Busch Gardens Willamsburg’s first wooden ever rollercoaster
Unveiling a scale model of Ocean Explorer, Brian Morrow, vice president of theme park experience design for the newly announced Deep Blue Creative team at SeaWorld, explained the concept behind the experience
RELATED STORIES
SeaWorld forms in-house creative team to drive innovation and experience


As it continues to rebuild its identity from the ground up, SeaWorld has announced the formation of Deep Blue Creative – a new team within the company tasked with bringing to life innovative new experiences under its fun and meaningful philosophy.
SeaWorld shares rally after activist investor group takes significant stake


SeaWorld has enjoyed a 5 per cent increase in its share value after activist investor group Ivory Cove disclosed a notable stake in the company.
SeaWorld ploughs US$175m into new coasters, shows and zones


SeaWorld Entertainment is investing US$175m (€156m, £135m) in new attractions as the brand continues to position itself as a theme park with sound animal conservation credentials and a mix of activities to offer.
FEATURE: Interview: Joel Manby


It’s been an eventful ride for SeaWorld. Will CEO Joel Manby’s honesty and radical decisions be enough to save the company?
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford– Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx- Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
Clip 'n Climb

Clip ‘n Climb currently offers facility owners and investors more than 40 colourful and unique Cha [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
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ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
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