Momentum, marketing are key for parks -- with few new waves

Scott Powers writes:

Universal Studios' The Simpsons ride and Disney's Hollywood Studios' Toy Story Mania ride are the only two major attractions scheduled to open this year in one of Orlando's major theme parks. Both are to open in the spring, and both are replacing old attractions. Universal also has overhauled its Earthquake . . . The Big One ride, renaming it Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride . . . Starring You.

That means the only really big difference-maker will be Aquatica, the 59-acre water park that has risen across the street from SeaWorld. It will feature 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, 80,000 square feet of beach plus some unique touches, such as clear-tube slides that shoot riders through pools filled with dolphins.

"I think it will definitely increase tourism traffic into Orlando, both short-term and long-term," said Joseph Couceiro, vice president of sales and marketing for Busch Entertainment. "We want people to be excited and anticipate that it will be what we know it will be: a park like no other in the world.

"But, also, we're in a marathon here, not a sprint," he said. "We need to continuously build on what is not only the SeaWorld brand, but also our Orlando brand. What we need in Orlando . . . [are] unique products that you can't get anywhere else, to make sure the Orlando brand remains relevant and invigorated."