And Disney isn't involved.
You'll find the top two attractions debuting this year in Orlando theme parks at... SeaWorld and Universal Studios Florida. Sometime this spring, SeaWorld will unveil its most ambitious (and expensive) ride attraction yet, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. Then, later in the summer, Universal will counter with Transformers: The Ride 3D, based on the popular Michael Bay films.
So, which one has you more excited to visit the Orlando theme parks this year? That's our vote of the week.
Before we get to that, let's take a look at the current park promotions for each new attraction. SeaWorld's created a website for Antarctica, where you can download an app and check out the schedule for a national promotional tour, previewing the ride in several cities, with upcoming stops in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Jacksonville, Atlanta and Miami.
In addition, SeaWorld's running a YouTube series, called "Behind the Freeze," detailing the making of the ride. Here's the latest:
To promote Transformers, Universal kept up PrepareforBattle.com, the website it first launched in 2011 to promote the opening of the ride at Universal Studios Singapore. Universal's updated the site with a slew of information about Transformers, its characters and the making of the ride, including this announcement video:
Universal doesn't need a promotional tour to introduce the ride around the country, as it's been open in Hollywood since last May. (And in Singapore since December 2011. We were there for both openings!) But waaaay more people go to theme parks in Orlando than in Southern California and many fans from the eastern half of the country are looking forward to the chance to get on Transformers themselves later this year.
So let's vote. Which one of these rides are you most anticipating?
Tell us why, in the comments. And thank you, as always, for reading Theme Park Insider!
Transformers - basically Spiderman but with louder explosions. A virtual attraction which requires you to wear 3D glasses whilst being spun around a lot. Like being sat in a seat and slapped about the face with a wet fish for 5 minutes.
Or Antarctica - an innovative, immersive experience with variable thrill levels set within a real three dimensional environment populated with living breathing creatures.
I'm sure Transformers will be a blast but Antarctica is going to be different every time you ride it.
And it's got penguins....
No contest.
99% of Orlando tourists haven't been on Hollywood's Transformers and the both penguins and giant robots should be a big draw.
Neither of these will get me out to Florida this year, but I'd rather see Antarctica. And the reason I won't be out is the same as most every other year - lack of funds.
Hopefully, I'll be able to see Antarctica in San Diego not too far off. And since Transformers is in LA...
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