Orlando's Coaster Wars?

With the announcement of SeaWorld new coaster, which was by far the worst kept secret in the local theme park industry in quite a few years, I began to wonder if Orlando is finally entering the coaster wars that other area have been in for a number of years?

We have a new coaster at Universal Studios and now a new at SeaWorld. That altogether makes 10 coasters in Orlando (not counting small ones like Goofy's or Woody Woodpecker's) added with Busch Gardens 5 main coasters and we have 15 altogether. The problem with the Orlando coaster wars is that we will never have the tallest (due to hurricane concerns) and more than likely not the fastest or longest. We do have the most advanced coasters, the best themed, and the largest variety.

This sounds good but is hard to explain. The average coaster buff wants to ride the fastest or tallest, most don't care about theming and soundtracks.

I have heard a small rumor of a Hard Rock Park opening up in the Lakeland area (near Polk Parkway) but I doubt the source so theres no telling. If we get a coaster based park such as that it will help attract more coaster buffs to Florida.

In the mean time Central Florida will have to continually show its coasters to let people know we have them. I for one think that a park such as Islands of Adventure is equal, if not better, than say a Six Flags (which is known for coasters). Islands though has highly themed rides that actually entertain more than just a splash or by pure speed. There is no comparison from Spiderman at IOA and say Goliath at Six Flags.

So how do get thrill seekers to consider Florida when planning their next vacation? I don't know, outside just coming out and saying its a good place for that. The current ads for Orlando are great but show a side of Orlando/Central Florida that most people already know about. We need to now show its thrill rides, its culture, its uniqueness and not just Shamu (which you can see in Texas and California) and rides that are in other parks outside of Florida.

The currents ads could be for Southern California just as much as they are for Florida.

Just my thoughts.
Thanks for reading!