ORLANDO, Fla. – As SeaWorld Orlando continues its focus on thrill at its theme park, News 6 got a behind-the-scenes construction tour of its newest attraction.
“Penguin Trek” is SeaWorld’s third roller coaster in three years. It will transport guests in snowmobile-style cars on an expedition through the Antarctic wilderness. The family coaster will reach speeds up to 43 mph across a 3,020-foot track. The height requirement is just 42 inches.
The indoor/outdoor ride begins with guests entering a sea and research station. Guests will then enter the loading bay, board vehicles and journey through an Antarctic landscape. The track features two exhilarating launches and a maze of twists and turns. The highest point of the track will reach 110 feet.
“As you go through there, there’ll be some fun surprises as far as the falling ice,” said Conner Carr, Corporate Manager, Rides & Engineering for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.” Ice will break away from you, and you’re going to dive into the ice around a bank turn and then as the ice is closing on you through a tunnel, you’ll launch out of the building and out of the cave, where you’ll then make it onto the course outside you go through fun twisted turns around the ride.”
“Penguin Trek” is taking over the space that was previously home to Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, and just like how the previous occupant ended, passengers will dock at the fan-favorite penguin habitat. Non-thrill seekers will also have the option to skip the ride and have access to the penguin exhibit.
“The goal is realism. To show them really how incredible and beautiful the environment that we’re trying to take them on an exciting adventure,” Carr said.
Currently, engineers are assembling trains on the track, but testing has not yet begun.
The coaster isn’t the only thing currently under construction. SeaWorld is revamping the entire Antarctica area including the Expedition Café.
While the official opening date hasn’t been announced, the ride is slated to open sometime this spring.
For those eager to be among the first to experience the thrills of “Penguin Trek,” SeaWorld Orlando is offering 2024 annual passes on sale now.
These passes include unlimited admission, access to seasonal events, and exclusive Pass Member benefits like free guest tickets, free parking, and special savings on merchandise, food and beverages.
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.
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