Orlando parks are offering plenty of new attractions

ORLANDO, Fla. — It can take years in development before a big new attraction opens here, in the highly competitive theme park capital of the world.

So it should be no surprise that some of the most ambitious undertakings in years are opening in unison at SeaWorld, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World this spring and summer, despite the downturn in travel and the overall economy.

The theme parks have spared no expense to capture new revenue and repeat visitors, so the only signs of recession around these parks might actually be welcome for tourists: shorter ride lines and deeper-than-usual discounts on stay-and-play packages across central Florida. There are also fewer employees, but the parks say the cuts are targeted in areas they hope guests will least notice.

Disney and Universal are launching what might be their most ambitious interactive experiences ever, though the two could scarcely be more different: An "American Idol" show at Disney and a roller coaster where riders choose personal soundtracks at Universal. And SeaWorld is unleashing its first roller coaster in a decade — a high-concept thrill ride called Manta that incorporates real-life sea creatures.

Here's a deeper look at the new offerings:

HOLLYWOOD RIP RIDE ROCKIT — UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Universal's first new coaster since the 2004 "Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride" is so complicated the park has delayed its debut for weeks to ensure that its many moving parts are in synch.

It's only building anticipation among enthusiasts desperate to test one of the most guest-interactive thrill rides in history.

Riders will travel 3,800 feet in one minute and 53 seconds, the first few of which might be the most terrifying. The trip begins with a 90-degree ascension to its tallest point — 167 feet straight up. Thus begins a 65-mph journey through six maneuvers — three of which the park says are brand new.

But that's not even the most interesting part. The coaster is called the Rockit because riders get to pick their own soundtrack from about 30 songs in five genres: rap/hip-hop, country, classic rock/metal, pop/disco and club/electronica. Tunes are delivered through a 150-watt system that continuously pumps about 55 watts to each passenger.

"You can literally ride this thing 30 different times and have a different experience every time," said Mike West, executive producer with Universal Creative.