UPDATE - SeaWorld expansion on hold

Guest · 23 Jun 05, 05:40 PM

SeaWorld Orlando's expansion plans are on hold after an Orange County board wouldn't approve them, saying the marine-themed park hadn't provided enough details.

Members of the county's Development Review Committee on Wednesday asked SeaWorld for a long list of specifics, including how tall the structures would be, what they would look like and how much land would be paved. County planners estimated it would be late September at the earliest before SeaWorld could come back before the committee.

The main ride at the proposed park was to be a water slide that would compete with those at the Universal Orlando-owned Wet 'n Wild, which opened in 1977, as well as Disney's water parks, the Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday.

But SeaWorld officials have kept quiet on its plans for its property along the east side of International Drive, a decision that has irritated county planners.

"I have to go out and show this to the community, and if I show them this, they'll shoot me," said John Smogor, assistant manager of the county's planning division, said of the proposal.

Becca Bides, a SeaWorld spokeswoman, would not confirm any information about the attraction but said she expected SeaWorld designers to appear before the county soon.

"Today's meeting will not delay the process," she said.

Residents of the neighboring Williamsburg community, who complained a new attraction would bring more noise and traffic to their neighborhood, were thrilled with the delay.

"This is a victory, and a major one," said Jerry Pastore, an architect who lives in the Williamsburg neighborhood.

jj...

**Villainlover** · 23 Jun 05, 05:42 PM

wouldn't want it to be an eyesore ... roflmao!

23 Jun 05, 05:40 PM	#1
	23 Jun 05, 05:40 PM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	UPDATE - SeaWorld expansion on hold SeaWorld Orlando's expansion plans are on hold after an Orange County board wouldn't approve them, saying the marine-themed park hadn't provided enough details. Members of the county's Development Review Committee on Wednesday asked SeaWorld for a long list of specifics, including how tall the structures would be, what they would look like and how much land would be paved. County planners estimated it would be late September at the earliest before SeaWorld could come back before the committee. The main ride at the proposed park was to be a water slide that would compete with those at the Universal Orlando-owned Wet 'n Wild, which opened in 1977, as well as Disney's water parks, the Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday. But SeaWorld officials have kept quiet on its plans for its property along the east side of International Drive, a decision that has irritated county planners. "I have to go out and show this to the community, and if I show them this, they'll shoot me," said John Smogor, assistant manager of the county's planning division, said of the proposal. Becca Bides, a SeaWorld spokeswoman, would not confirm any information about the attraction but said she expected SeaWorld designers to appear before the county soon. "Today's meeting will not delay the process," she said. Residents of the neighboring Williamsburg community, who complained a new attraction would bring more noise and traffic to their neighborhood, were thrilled with the delay. "This is a victory, and a major one," said Jerry Pastore, an architect who lives in the Williamsburg neighborhood. jj...