ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s known as the “Coaster Capital of Orlando,” and now a new kind of thrill at SeaWorld Orlando is taking guests to new heights.
Opening May 9, Expedition Odyssey marks the park’s first-of-its-kind indoor flying theater ride, taking over the space of the former Wild Arctic simulator ride.
The ride system consists of a row of seats that will provide a “flying” effect in front of a theater screen.
The minimum height requirement to ride Expedition Odyssey is 39 inches.
[Watch commentary in POV of Expedition Odyssey at SeaWorld Orlando in video below]
“What’s neat is the guests behind us are experiencing it. They are in the theater, it rotates, and then we experience it while they’re unloading, and the next guest board," said Rob McNicholas, corporate VP of operations at SeaWorld Orlando.
With a visual spectacle full of immersive sensory elements like wind, mist and motion effects, riders will soar above untouched areas of the Arctic, see iconic wildlife, the aurora borealis and even go underwater.
“In Orlando, you can see the Northern Lights, only at SeaWorld," said McNicholas.
All the footage seen on the ride was captured by a SeaWorld team stationed in the Arctic, a month’s worth of work to create the 4.5-minute film.
The adventure doesn’t end when the ride does, as Expedition Odyssey seamlessly transitions guests into a real-world encounter with live Arctic animals.
The walk-through portion of the exhibit has undergone a transformation, including a new look at the gift shop.
See Uki in action
As part of the unveiling of the revitalized Wild Arctic attraction, a new resident has made her debut at the exhibit.
Since her arrival in September, Uki the walrus calf has captured the hearts of staff and visitors alike.
[Watch Uki the walrus calf make her public debut in the video below]
Uki’s journey began in July when she was found orphaned in Alaska. The Alaska Sea Life Center took her in for round-the-clock rehabilitation, with assistance from other facilities experienced in caring for walruses.
Once she was deemed nonreleasable, SeaWorld Orlando was chosen as her permanent home due to its expertise in walrus care and the presence of another walrus, Kaboodle, who had previously raised two calves.
“Kaboodle has definitely taken to Uki,” said Jenny Raycroft, Senior 1 Zoological Specialist at SeaWorld Orlando. “Uki is in that very playful phase where she’s like, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ So she’s very interactive and she knows when Kaboodles wants to hang out and play and maybe when Kaboodle wants some alone time."
The name Uki holds special meaning; it translates to “autumn” and “survivor.” Visitors are encouraged to come see Uki in action, as her vibrant personality and playful spirit promise to delight all who meet her at Expedition Odyssey.
“Uki loves interacting with us through the underwater viewing windows, so I’m sure she’s going to love interacting with guests as well."