SeaWorld San Diego

[Jerroddragon]

I think I read something saying there actually used to be a restaurant there before, which is interesting. A sit-down restaurant with views of Mission Bay would be lovely, and I don't know why they haven't already built one in the Waterfront area near the cabanas. The square footage and name I saw mentioned in the permit made it sound like something minor, like a grab-and-go or quick service stand, but I hope I'm wrong because that'd be a huge missed opportunity.

I'm guessing the Jellyfish exhibit will open June at the earliest, but hopefully at least sometime this summer. Based on the concept art I think they're just repurposing the existing ride station building, so there might not be any major construction to see from the outside.

That makes more sense then.....when I went no ground was broke so I was confused how it was going to open anytime soon

 

[Thatguyoverwhere]

Some updates from last week:

• New front entrance gates are now open. They're just as plain and ugly as expected, clashing with the rest of the well-themed reef style entrance. There's also a good deal of mismatched pavement around both the main gate and the security checkpoint.
• New subway style entrance gates have been installed, which will reportedly be self-service once online. This seems to be another move to reduce the number of staff needed to run the park wherever possible.
• On the brighter side, there's some evidence the pirate show is making a return this summer, with the pirate ship out in front of the stage and what looked to be stunt actors rehearsing on jet skis:
• Work is now visible on the exterior of the future jellyfish exhibit building. Still no update or anticipated opening date from SeaWorld.

 

[Thatguyoverwhere]

Two pretty big announcements from SWSD last week:

• The jellyfish exhibit is now expected to open next spring
• JTA is receiving a storyline/theming upgrade alongside annual maintenance and will reopen next year

 

[Jerroddragon]

I hope JTA is improved

Also insane the Jellfish Exhibit is opening a year after it was suppose to...it was suppose to open last spring then got pushed to summer and now next spring

 

[Freak]

Two pretty big announcements from SWSD last week:

• The jellyfish exhibit is now expected to open next spring
• JTA is receiving a storyline/theming upgrade alongside annual maintenance and will reopen next year

Will they finally bring back those projections that were in the elevator?

 

[Thatguyoverwhere]

Will they finally bring back those projections that were in the elevator?

No real details have been given so far, but I could definitely see some sort of screen-based effect being added (back) to the elevator and the pre-elevator show scene. Seems like a no brainer if they're trying to make the ride more immersive.
What would be really cool is if they enclosed more of the ride--like the lift hill, station, and splashdown area--to add more dark scenes and effects, but that's probably more ambitious than this project would allow.
Whatever they end up doing, it's really nice to see the park working on qualitative upgrades like this. JTA has the potential to be SWSD's best ride and a real draw for the park with the right combination of theming and effects. I'm hoping they can keep this trend going and give us that Emperor glow-up/mini Antarctica land with new penguin encounter next. Or a flying theater. Or both lol.

 

[Freak]

No real details have been given so far, but I could definitely see some sort of screen-based effect being added (back) to the elevator and the pre-elevator show scene. Seems like a no brainer if they're trying to make the ride more immersive.
What would be really cool is if they enclosed more of the ride--like the lift hill, station, and splashdown area--to add more dark scenes and effects, but that's probably more ambitious than this project would allow.
Whatever they end up doing, it's really nice to see the park working on qualitative upgrades like this. JTA has the potential to be SWSD's best ride and a real draw for the park with the right combination of theming and effects. I'm hoping they can keep this trend going and give us that Emperor glow-up/mini Antarctica land with new penguin encounter next. Or a flying theater. Or both lol.

A flying theater would be a great way to balance the ride lineup. The park could really use an indoor ride if some sort.

 

[Thatguyoverwhere]

A flying theater would be a great way to balance the ride lineup. The park could really use an indoor ride if some sort.

The flying theater seems like a strong possibility for this park, now that SWO is getting one in the former Wild Arctic simulator building. For all we know they could've already purchased it from Mack Rides as part of a package deal.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I'll be at the park this weekend

Let me know if there is anything I should grab a picture of video of. Lunar New Years and Mardi Gras are tomorrow (also going to Sesame street place for Elmo's birthday)

 

[Wesker69]

LNY & MG are the main focus of interest.

Jellyfish & JTA progress too i guess

 

[Jerroddragon]

I'll try to add some photo's

Lunar New Years This year had two shows the Drums and Dragon Dances. Drums were fun but the Dragon dance, I think really is fun because the host seems to really love talking and is just having a good time, its the least corporate show you will see at most theme parks. The Dragon Dance gets really busy so come at least 20-30 mins early if you want a good spot Both shows are about 30 mins and worth your time if you enjoy these kinda shows.
They were handing out little red envelopes with a little chocolate coin inside

Mardi Gras is now in two locations, I have no idea why and its for good and bad. The good is spreads people out the bad is you could lose your good spot and walk over to another show and just be in the way back. I only saw the DJ and band, the band is great and fun like last year the DJ is cool if you need a break but its been a year since Ive been in the park so walked around and saw the turtles and Sharks instead.

The new Entrance...works its not bad but the wave was just so darn cool.

The back of the park has the area where the starfish touch pond and ride still just walled off..I assume next year we will get something there but kinda sucks that area didn't get love this year because for some reason it took an extra year for the Jellyfish to come to the park..also no real thing of note the outside looks ready.

Sea World 60th merch is 30% off

Most rides were 20 mins or under all day.

Sesame Street place

If there were more then 300 people that came in yesterday, I'd be Shocked. I love the place but no idea how it stays a float...and it sucks they try. Elmo's Birthday didn't changed the park or anything but it was a fun weekend event. I got to meet Elmo, Rosita and Ernie in the park and Cookie Monster and Zoe were at the Sunny Day dinning. The Sunny Day dinning is fine but if your going to eat here anyway might be worth it since most adult meals are 20 bucks anyway.
The dance party is cute and every had a good time, it was funny the characters have ZERO issues doing selfies but TM kept telling people to do videos only, I got a selfie with Grover since he was not in the park for photos other wise.
I saw the Welcome to our street show at the stage in the back, its a cute family show about 30 mins long and I was happy to see Elmo puppy in the show is a Muppet
I'll be back for Mardi Gras for the parade and more meet and greets
Also you need some sort of strap to film on rides, lol. I love you Disney thank you for just not caring...its Dumbo let people film. I get the coaster there but the flat rides....its just funny how USH and Disneyland are just cool with it mostly but other parks are so fearful of you filming on basic flat rides.

Outside the park they have a shop were old merch is 50% off

Lastly huge shout out to the characters they kill it a SSP, and most TM's are very friendly as well

 

[Wild Atlantis]

The summer line-up of shows was revealed, and it is the same as last year. https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/summer-spectacular/entertainment Also, it looks like the shark encounter renovation and penguin encounter removal is the 2026 project

 

[Jake S]

Also, it looks like the shark encounter renovation and penguin encounter removal is the 2026 project

Shark Encounter renovation is badly overdue. Hope this is in the cards.

 

[Wesker69]

Shark Encounter renovation is badly overdue. Hope this is in the cards.

JAWS 3D: The Undersea Kingdom Experience filled with Terrors of the Deep!

 

[Disneyland/DCA]

Penguin removal!? Not renovation? Guess I got to get to seaworld

 

[Wild Atlantis]

Penguin removal!? Not renovation? Guess I got to get to seaworld

The building is outdated Seaworld doesn’t want to pay for a new one. The emperor’s will be sent to Orlando and are rumored to be removed next month the rest will stay till November they will be distributed around the Seaworld parks. A temperate outdoor penguin exhibit similar to the one at the San Diego zoo will be likely taking its place.

 

[Freak]

Wait hold up…penguins are leaving SWSD for good!?

Not okay with that.

 

[Wesker69]

Such a genius decision after building the Emperor Penguin themed coaster... *sigh*

 

[Rideguy70]

Aside from the rides, the penguins are my favorite part of Sea World! I can see how the building is outdated, but you'd think they'd replace/renovate than eliminate.

 

[Wild Atlantis]

There’s a ton of markers surrounding shark encounter, and the old freshwater aquarium