Walt Disney World isn’t the type of theme park to feature a mega-coaster. With parks like Universal and SeaWorld adding major coasters over the last decade, the question of whether to add a mega-coaster needs to be addressed.
Walt Disney World doesn’t need to add a mega-coaster to compete with Universal or SeaWorld, they are going to attract visitors with or without one. But, it would make a lot of sense to try to take some business away from the competing parks.
SeaWorld hasn’t been in the coaster game for long, but they’ve been able to add a floorless coaster, Kraken, flying coaster, Manta, and a mega-coaster,
Mako. Universal features three of its own exciting coasters with the recently refurbished launch coaster, Incredible Hulk, a dual tracked coaster, Dragon Challenge, and Rip Ride Rockit.
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These coasters indicate that Universal and SeaWorld are deeply invested in the coaster game. It’s about time Disney join the party. We don’t need another Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Walt Disney World needs to change the game, and by adding a mega-coaster they’ll do just that.
A mega-coaster would be direct competition for SeaWorld, and a knockout blow to Universal, seeing as they don’t have a coaster that size. Yes, it is not kid friendly, but neither is Tower of Terror. A coaster of this magnitude will bring in all kinds of new park guests. Coaster enthusiasts are loyal and will flock to ride something new, especially a mega-coaster.
Building a fast, looping coaster is something Disney has done before. At California Adventure in Anaheim, there is California Screamin, a 120-foot coaster that reaches speeds of up to 55 mph. There is also Rockin Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios in Orlando, an indoor coaster that reaches 60 mph.
Both rides have been very successful in their respective parks and should indicate a mega-coaster would fit right in. And while a 200-foot coaster might seem like a big step, Walt Disney World could make it work. If they want to keep up and stay current with the theme park industry, a mega-coaster is what they’ll need to do that.
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