Let’s starts this week’s Friday Files by talking about SeaWorld’s plans to turn its Kraken coaster into Central Florida’s first “virtual reality roller coaster.”
Starting next summer, riders will have the option of strapping on a video-screen headset that will block out the real world and allow riders to immerse themselves in an underwater kingdom as they zip along SeaWorld’s oldest coaster.
I’ll be honest in saying that I’m not sure I completely get this trend.
Virtual reality is suppose to supplant actual reality. And if you’re already being turned upside down seven times at 65 miles per hour — on a coaster that I submit is still one of the region’s best — I’m not sure why you’d need to feel virtually transported somewhere else.
The whole idea makes me think I might upchuck my Shamu meal.
But you know what? I give SeaWorld major props for being on the cutting edge of technology that other parks have already used with success. (I found a review of a similar virtual coaster — Superman, at Six Flags New England — that described the experience on theverge.com this way: “sounds dumb, but works amazingly well.” And who am I to argue with The Verge?)
Most important, on the heels of whale controversies and dwindling profits, SeaWorld vowed to change things up. And this seems like another good way to do so — a way to generate buzz at a lower cost than building an entirely new attraction from the ground up.
Plus, since virtual animals are entirely pixelated, SeaWorld can do whatever it wants with them without worrying about another “Blackfish” backlash.
*Professor Jeb. Did you see that former Gov. Jeb Bush is Harvard’s newest instructor? Bush is slated to be a visiting fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School. A proposed course title: “How running a thoughtful, contemplative campaign for president is a sure-fire way to lose a modern GOP primary … featuring guest lecturer John Kasich.”
*Buddy’s buddies. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer raised some hackles within his own Democratic Party this week when he endorsed a Republican legislator in a tight race. Dyer, however, says he has no misgivings about endorsing Republican Mike Miller over Democrat Beth Tuura, saying that Miller helped him champion legislation on homelessness and tried to secure funding for the MLS soccer stadium before the team decided to build on its own. “Besides,” Dyer added, “if I’m only going to endorse Democrats, my endorsement wouldn’t be worth anything.” Dyer also stressed he has endorsed plenty of Dems — including Linda Stewart‘s campaign for state senate over Republican Dean Asher, even though Dyer served alongside Asher on the airport board for years. “It was the same thing with her,” Dyer said of Stewart. “She has worked her tail off on issues I care about.”
*Saturday Sunrail. Speaking of Buddy, give hizzoner credit for being the little engine that could in continuing to expand SunRail service, this time on Saturdays, starting Oct. 8, thanks to contributions from Orlando, Winter Park and downtown businesses, including the Magic and both major hospitals. Saturday service — which will run late when big events are running — should be good for freeing up parking, discouraging drinking and driving and giving new folks a chance to ride the trains.
*School start times. I’d like to give Orange County Public Schools credit for taking baby of steps toward addressing too-early start times, but these folks make sloths look speedy. They began discussing the issue in May of 2015. Sixteen months later, their big decision was to survey parents on the matter. Really? It took you nearly a year and a half to decide to ask the people you serve what they think? Sometimes I think government bureaucracies get a bad rap when people call them slow, inefficient and unresponsive. In instances like this, they get precisely the rap they deserve.
*Automotive Darwinism. The following headline was stripped across Thursday’s front page: “Latest trend in vehicle thefts: Unlocked doors, keys inside.” I’m trying to figure out whether this is a rash of crimes or a rash of stupidity. Seriously, if locking your car and taking the keys is too burdensome for you, maybe you should consider SunRail. It’s soon running Saturdays, ya know.