The Texas Stingray roller coaster at SeaWorld San Antonio (SWSA) opened in February 2020, just before Covid, and is the tallest, fastest and longest wooden coaster in Texas.  The ride Designed by Skyline Attractions and manufactured by Great Coasters International (GCI) includes a 100 foot drop, 3,379 feet of track with a max speed of 55 mph while experiencing fast-paced twists, up to 76 degree turns, sixteen gravity defying airtime moments and a 100-foot tunnel. In 2024 Texas Stingray reached #26 on Golden Ticket’s global rankings of best wooden roller coasters. However, in addition to being a fantastic ride, it also provides an excellent educational experience about the Texas Stingray through signage and the design of the roller coaster train itself!

SeaWorld attempts to both entertain and educate through their park attractions. They use ride theming, signage and design to accomplish their goal to “foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places.” The signage around the coaster will teach you that, “The cownose ray (native to Gulf, most common ray species at SWSA programs) can have a wingspan up to 45 inches – the same wingspan of the coaster car.” The path and motion of the trains is mean to mimic the way “Stingrays flap their fins or wings to “fly” through the water, or glide along the ocean floor, like the coaster cars fly and glide on the tracks”. There are some great Texas Stingray pictures on the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) website by the late Mr. Jay Jacobs of the signage around the signage around the ride and the ride itself. ACE also produced the wonderful video above complete with POV and an interview with park staff.

SeaWorld has partnered with a local university in order to use the ride to raise awareness about the problems currently facing the Gulf of Mexico as well as donate a percentage of merchandise sales to the cause. According to a press release about the opening of Texas Stingray, “SeaWorld has partnered with the Harte Research Institute (HRI) for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to help share conservation messaging and highlight the work of HRI in seeking science-based solutions for problems facing the Gulf of Mexico. HRI worked closely with SeaWorld’s Education staff to provide insight and knowledge into the integration of various educational elements into the ride experience. In addition, five percent of select Texas Stingray merchandise sales will be donated to HRI to help further their research and conservation efforts.”

I think it’s great when SeaWorld parks theme their rides to animals and specifically animal behaviors. Examples at Busch Gardens include SheiKra mimicking an African bird diving on its prey or the Cheetah Hunt launch roller coaster which mimics the acceleration and ground movement of a cheetah. This is another excellent example of how the park’s conservation mission can come together with a spectacular attraction. Hopefully guests take some time in the queue to read some of the signage and learn about these amazing creatures!