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Manta Construction
Over at SeaWorld Orlando, construction continues apace on the Manta coaster,
which promises to do much more than merely dominate the skyline as you step foot
into the park (though it will do that too). The dramatic concept art makes it
look like the coaster itself (and all the riders?!) will dart into the water at
velocity – can they really make that happen? We'll know soon enough, in 2009,
when it opens.
Manta (or Mania, if you read the stylized construction sign
wrong), seen from the Sky Tower
A'Lure
Don't overthink the pun implied in the name of the new show at SeaWorld
Orlando indoor theater (formerly home to Odyssea). Most of the show's name is
meant to capture the storyline of a fisherman drawn down from his fishing line
into the world of the fishes, but we'd be fooling ourselves if we tried to
pretend this show was about storyline, plot, characterization, or even just
plain emotion. It's about artistry, staging, lighting, and more than anything
else, acrobatics. Chinese acrobatics.
The old show had some emphasis on Asian performers, particularly with the
female contortionists and the trampoline artists in the penguin sequence. The
new show jumps right into the trampolines, and it's more high-energy from the
start than the old show had ever been. Forget plot. It's more or less
nonsensical, but that's OK. You'll forgive them if they instead focus on the
amazing feats of dexterity and strength. The strongman swinging overhead,
literally right over the audience, holds a female acrobat by his feet alone—no
trick here! Tumblers leap seemingly dozens of feet into the air—no faking that!
There are trampolines EVERYWHERE on the set.
The entire affair this time around highlights the athleticism of the male
performers, in contrast to the previous show, which seemed more about the female
performers. Color me impressed. It's a good show, as far as this sort of thing
goes, and you just can't go wrong by heading to an indoor theater in Orlando,
where the summers are way too hot and the winters are slightly too cool.
Polar Express
I don't spend enough time in this space detailing how SeaWorld Orlando goes
all out for its visitors, including the free "no costume required" trick or
treating it does during all of October, and I certainly haven't dedicated the
necessary space to describing the holiday attractions at this park.
We didn't stay for the nighttime Shamu holiday show (apparently named
Miracles), but that's not a big loss. I can't get the Shamu theme out of my head
from the "Believe" show as it is (lord help me, I've actually bought the CD).
We did finally make our way to the Polar Express attraction, a seasonal
overlay to the Wild Arctic simulator-and-animal habitat in one corner of the
park. It was here last year, but by gum if I wasn't too busy elsewhere in the
city to see it last time (locals take note: this weekend it's not ICE!, it's not
Osborne!, it's the Light Up Mount Dora event that attracts my eye).
Forget Wild Arctic – there's a Polar Express Experience Now!
So I'm a year late. And, I'm eternally chagrined to admit, I didn't actually
make it on the "simulator" part of the simulator attraction. Waits were 60
minutes for the simulator, and 25 minutes for the non-motion theater, and I just
succumbed to the lure of small children needing shorter lines (I know, I
know—BAD REPORTER! BAD!) but I just do not have an accounting for you of the
simulator experience.
The hallway has been redecorated as a typical suburban home.
Based on the movie I saw, it's probably pretty entertaining. The entire movie
is lifted from scenes of the Polar Express movie, with some pretty heavy
emphasis on external scenes of the train in motion, though there's a memorable
scene of the train going through a roller-coaster-like landscape that must be
spectacular in the simulator.
The boarding area for the simulators features all-encompassing sets. And a very strong
scent of pine!
I never saw the Polar Express movie, but I feel I got a pretty
comprehensive overview of the story during this brief experience. Was I a fan of
the attraction? Yes, a limited one. I wouldn't wait a long time again for the
non-moving version, but I'd certainly dedicate a half hour or so to the motion
simulator, if I find the line that short. Color me intrigued.
Hallways around the area have been festooned with gifts and
wreaths.
The post-show had more ornate decorations than is usual, and the first animal
room—the narwal's habitat—had the aurora borealis on the ceiling, a Christmas
tree dominating the skyscape, and a photo opportunity with St. Nick himself,
complete with overstuffed sack on his sleigh.
The tree suddenly appears , and it dominates.
Saint Nick will gladly take a pic with you, though they will
try to sell it to you later.
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