On Saturday, January 10, 2026, ACE’s Pacific Southwest Region hosted its third annual Gills and Thrills event at SeaWorld San Diego (California).
After breakfast, attendees enjoyed ERT on Manta.
Photo: Jackie Edwards. View full-sized image.
The day of fun started with a continental breakfast of pastries, muffins and drinks at registration. After chowing down, the group enjoyed a fun hour of ERT on Manta, the park’s second coaster, which opened in 2012. Manta is still a fan favorite, and everyone enjoyed multiple rides, thanks to SeaWorld’s efficient ride operations. A “coaster takeover” of the park’s dive coaster, Emperor, followed the park opening at 10 a.m.
Emperor.
Photo: Jackie Edwards. View full-sized image.
Early event registrants were lucky enough to partake in a special behind-the-scenes tour of the park’s fabulous Jellyfish exhibit, “Jewels of the Sea.” They were even able to touch a jellyfish on the tour!
An extra perk for early event registrants was a behind-the-scenes tour of “Jewels of the Sea.”
Photo: Jackie Edwards. View full-sized image.
A picnic-style, all-American lunch of burgers and the traditional sides took place at noon. Attendees were challenged to get to know one another by asking yes or no questions to solve a mystery name that was taped to their backs! Categories were roller coaster names, roller coaster parts or SeaWorld animals. Bryon Anderson, one of the park’s ride maintenance managers, shared his background working at various parks around San Diego County and hosted a Q&A as well.
Attendees enjoyed “Orca Encounter,” one of SeaWorld San Diego’s animal shows.
Photo: Jackie Edwards collection. View full-sized image.
SeaWorld’s annual “Inside Look” event was being held, and attendees enjoyed assorted informational sessions about animal care and trainer talks as part of the day. They also enjoyed SeaWorld’s sea lion show and the fabulous “Orca Encounter” show as afternoon and evening activities.
The staff at the park was very hospitable, as usual. They helped attendees promote not only the park’s roller coasters, but its focus on sea life as well.
— Don Palmer, Assistant Regional Representative, ACE Pacific Southwest
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