SeaWorld parking, Legoland entrance, Rohde reaction
SeaWorld Orlando’s main parking lot has been recoated and restriped, and things are going in a whole new direction.
Before the enhancement, cars were parked at an angle in rows that ran perpendicular to the theme park. Now, vehicles are placed side-by-side in longer rows running parallel to the park.
Jon Peterson, park president, confirms that the new configuration provides more parking spots. But that wasn’t the sole motivation, he said.
“Our parking lot, for years, was slow. It was something that our guests told us was very challenging to get through,” Peterson said.
“Now our guests can get into our parks quicker with less sitting at our toll booths – and everybody knows that isn’t good – but also on the exiting at night, there was a lot of discussion about how to get out of here, that it took too long,” he said.
He said leaving the parking lot is more convenient now. Cars still exit onto Sea Harbor Drive.
“I want you to start your day today with a smile and I want you to end with a smile,” he said. “So the parking lot’s a big, big deal.”
UP FRONT AT LEGOLAND
There are also changes afoot at Legoland Florida. Construction of Sea Life Aquarium Florida is underway next door to the Winter Haven theme park, which has prompted the removal of some Lego brick models, including a formidable red dinosaur.
That had been standing just past the park entrance since opening day in 2011. The construction wall for the aquarium is to the right, and that attraction will be separately ticketed when it opens later this year. Rearrangement of the gate could happen.
“We are really looking at the entry experience for the overall resort to also accommodate Sea Life,” said Rex Jackson, managing
Lego models, including a big red dinosaur, are now gone from an area near the entrance. Work continues on the aquarium attraction opening next door later this year. director of Legoland Resorts, North America. But what about Big Red? “I think you’ll see a range of Lego models that will come back to the entry area to our resort,” he said.
ROHDE’S RESPONSE
Joe Rohde, longtime Imagineer, was selected to be in the 2024 class of Disney Legends. He acknowledged the honor on his Instagram account, thanking his family, mentors, park guests as well as “the people who forgave me when I did foolish things.” The post also gives a shout-out to Walt Disney.
Rohde, one of the masterminds in the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, and 13 other people will be saluted in the D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in
August. That will include a handprint ceremony; the recipients’ bronzed prints will be displayed at the headquarters of Walt Disney Co. in Burbank, California.
“I will have to decide whether I want to memorialize my handprints or figure out some way to press the side of my head with my earrings into the cement,” Rohde’s post said.
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