After starting in California and making our way through the Midwest and down the East Coast, we've made our way to Florida on our Virtual Roadtrip.
The parks are closed now, but Google Maps and YouTube are always open, so let's start our tour of Central Florida's theme parks at SeaWorld Orlando.
We're at SeaWorld, so we're supposed to get wet. So for the complete experience, go get a bucket of water and dump it over yourself as you join us for a video ride on Infinity Falls.
After that, we're going to take on two of the top 50 roller coasters in the world, starting with Mako.
And then Mako's Bolliger & Mabillard older brother, Manta.
Let's finish our trip to SeaWorld with, uh, one of the stranger experiences I've ever had in a park, Antartica: Empire of the Penguin.
Once we've dried off, it's time to head back up I-4 to our next stop, the Universal Orlando Resort.
We might as well start our visit with what might be the best start to a roller coaster anywhere in the world, on Islands of Adventure's Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Let's continue our lap around the park with the great log flume ride, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls.
And the maybe-soon-to-be-rethemed(?) Jurassic Park River Adventure.
Next door, it's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Since we're taking a virtual trip, that Park-to-Park upgrade doesn't cost anything extra, so let's hop aboard the Hogwarts Express for the ride over to Universal Studios Florida.
That leads up into Diagon Alley.
Elsewhere "in the park," watching from home will be the smoothest ride on Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit you'll ever experience.
Since we're right next door, let's drop into Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon for the best part of that attraction, the Ragtime Gals.
And we can't leave without experiencing the last of the original USF attractions, E.T. Adventure.
Like in real life, we will finish our day with Universal's Cinematic Celebration.
I haven't been including videos of former attractions on our Virtual Roadtrip, since we're not riding in Doc Brown's DeLorean. But I could not resist sharing this Jaws tribute that Universal's Michael Aiello uploaded this week.
And, oh yeah, let's not forget Universal's third gate.
We can't leave the resort without a stop at Volcano Bay for a ride on the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, can we?
Next stop: Walt Disney World.
Remember — for when the parks reopen — we have discounted tickets to both SeaWorld and the Universal Orlando theme parks.
Theme Park Insider's Virtual Roadtrip:
I LOVE Michael Aiello's video. I had completely forgotten that USF's Jaws had that indoor section, and his narration is spectacular!
can you imagine how much the prices will be going up after all this is over.
"can you imagine how much the prices will be going up after all this is over."
I actually would expect prices to go DOWN or at least stay steady for the next few years. Most economists expect us to approach a depression or at least dive below the conditions during the "Great Recession" of 2008.
The only way you would see prices go UP would be if parks are forced to pivot because of strict attendance limits and hygiene standards that turn theme parks into sparsely crowded "luxury resorts" (think Discovery Cove). That change in model would force companies to promote their experiences as high-end and custom in order for them to make ends meet. Short of that mandated change, parks will need to offer significant discounts and cut-rate prices to encourage fearful, and less financially capable guests to return, just like they did in 2008.
Man, I miss Jaws! That was a great video.
>> Watching from home will be the smoothest ride on Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit you'll ever experience
I dunno, just thinking about that ride makes me shudder.
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I am missing Orlando even more after seeing this. Roll on October! Hopefully the world will be turning again.......even if it is at a reduced speed.