originally posted on 5/23/2022
Photo: May Ubinas. View full-sized image.
What makes a roller coaster ride so thrilling and desirable? There is an exhilaration and freedom experienced with speed and tricks that are hard to attain on a regular basis unless you are a racecar driver or skydiver perhaps. The experiences are only enhanced when shared with friends and family, making unforgettable memories together. These are the hallmarks of a hobby and an escape from our bustling daily lives.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
The ACE Spring Conference at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando recently offered almost 500 members of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) the opportunity to get together to savor their hobby and leave life at the gate for a weekend of unique experiences and incredible memories.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Maegan McCown. View full-sized image.
Photo: May Ubinas. View full-sized image.
Bright and early Friday morning members and their guests converged from 36 states plus Chile and Germany. Friends, conversations and unique experiences only enhanced the fun as attendees enjoyed the rides and shows of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Starting the day long before park guests began arriving, attendees had exclusive access to two hours of rides on Tigris, Cheetah Hunt, Cheetah Chase and Kumba. During park hours, tours were offered to go behind the scenes of animal attractions or roller coasters. Many visited with turtles, cheetahs or elephants while others toured maintenance bays and station houses of roller coasters. Each gathering brought hellos and introductions as new friends got acquainted and old friends reconnected. Dinner time collected attendees for an all-you-can-eat, air-conditioned buffet dinner that highlighted delicious culinary creations, a few words from Park President Neal Thurman and a silent auction of coaster-themed treasures. It was a time to reconnect, share stories of the day and enjoy a moment of rest before the time of most-anticipated thrills arrived – extra ride time on Iron Gwazi! Once the park closed for the evening, laughter, clapping and screams filled the air when Iron Gwazi took hold for a ride like none other. As the evening concluded, all said goodnight with great anticipation of what Saturday would offer – another day filled with tours, food, friends and many more rides. Most drove north Saturday evening to SeaWorld Orlando in preparation for the final day together.
Photo: Paul Schramm. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Another bright and early arrival offered limitless rides on Mako, Journey to Atlantis and Kraken at SeaWorld Orlando. Some attendees gathered to reconnect over food samplers or beverages from the Seven Seas Food Festival, while others caught the shows. Every attendee was invited to visit Manta’s maintenance area and station house to learn about how it is kept running. With one train disassembled for yearly maintenance, it was an opportunity to see the working parts that are hidden by pads and seats. Darkness brought the group together for one last gathering, featuring two hours of exclusive access to SeaWorld Orlando’s newest roller coaster, Ice Breaker. The plaza bubbled with well wishes as all stepped away from the safety of a space where passion and dreams are fulfilled.
Members can read the full details of the ACE 2022 Spring Conference in ACE News posted May 27. ACE News and the quarterly RollerCoaster! magazine are benefits of an ACE membership.
— Lee Ann Draud, Publications Director
American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.
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