As Manta roller coaster launches, rumors that Universal could buy SeaWorld have also taken flight

May 5, 11:45 AMOrlando Theme Parks ExaminerBarbara Nefer

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Manta, SeaWorld's new "flying" roller coaster has started its soft opening amidst excellent world-of-mouth reviews. The park is owned by Belgian beer company InBev, which bought its former owner Anheuser Busch last year. Since that time, it has been rumored to be on the sale block. In a chat before the General Electric shareholders meeting in late April, CEO Jeff Immelt implied to the Orlando Sentinel that his company, which owns Universal, could be interested in acquiring the aquatic theme park.

Immelt told the Sentinel that his company is in the business and is always looking to make that business better. When asked outright about a possible SeaWorld purchase, he played coy without any denial. First he said that he could not comment, then followed up by saying GE is an "industry participant." because of that, he said the company looks at these things "with interest." Click here for the full Sentinel story, and if the economy picks up, don't be surprised if you see a bid to link Universal and Islands of Adventure with their nearby neighbor.

To learn more about SeaWorld, click here for my pre-Manta trip report and click here to learn about dining with Shamu. Universal's new coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, may be delayed but it's going to be undeniably impressive when it's finally running. Click here for the latest information. Immelt also talked about Universal's debt at the shareholder meeting. Click here to see what he said. For more of my articles, click here.