I knew SeaWorld San Antonio ride mechanics go through a lot to keep our rides safe and functioning for all of our guests, but didn't quite understand how much work is really put into the rides at SeaWorld San Antonio to keep things rolling.
In fact, every morning each ride at SeaWorld San Antonio goes through a process called “green tagging” where the SeaWorld ride mechanics inspect every aspect of the ride to make sure it is safe for use that day. In addition to “green tagging” everyday, the mechanics annually take each coaster train and boat off-line to completely disassemble the equipment. During the maintenance, every nut, bolt, screw, part, seat, bearing and nook and cranny is inspected and replaced if needed per the manufacturer's standards.
I took some time to visit with SeaWorld's ride mechanics while they worked on their annual inspections. Did you know every ride at SeaWorld San Antonio gets annual maintenance, everything from the Steel Eel to Texas Splashdown to the rides for smaller thrill seekers in Happy Harbor. Maintenance starts at the end of October and runs through February of the next year.
It takes two months to completely check one of the Steel Eel trains, since SeaWorld has two trains, the maintenance at the Steel Eel alone takes four months. At least one coaster or boat for each ride must have completed maintenance by January so training for the SeaWorld ride operators can begin, more on that fun later.
During our non-operating season, photo eyes are also checked on every ride and, if needed, replaced. Next time you're riding, keep an eye out for these green boxes on the track and impress your friends by knowing what they do. Photo eyes are the device on track to show where trains.
Whenever you're on your favorite SeaWorld ride, give a quick thought to all of the work that went into making you smile and keeping your safe. I know next time I'm flipping though the air on the Great White or plunging down the 100-foot drop on Journey to Atlantis, I will.
