SeaWorld Orlando is preparing to invite guests on a high-speed journey through Antarctica’s icy landscape—all in search of an elusive colony of penguins.
The new-for-2024 Penguin Trek family launch coaster—manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)—will inhabit the space previously occupied by Antarctica: Empire of the Penguins, a trackless dark ride that closed in March 2020.
“We had a ride in the Antarctica realm before, and that’s closed, so it created an opportunity to fill that space as a starting point … and the ability to add a ride, and really expand it back to its former glory and beyond,” shares Clint Brinker, vice president of design and engineering at SeaWorld Orlando of the team’s vision for the vacancy.
The attraction will include two launches, speeds reaching 43 mph, and 3,020 feet of track that brings riders through indoor dark ride scenes and exciting outdoor thrills.
Uniquely, the immersive attraction continues after riders dismount their custom-designed snowmobile ride vehicles.
“As the coaster comes to a halt, you won’t find yourself just walking through another exit gift store. This experience will culminate with a trek on foot through the heart of SeaWorld’s own penguin habitat, where you’ll be face-to-beak with a real penguin colony,” says Jeff Hornick, vice president of attraction design & development at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
In addition to a focus on immersive theming, the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment team aimed to develop an attraction that would be palatable to guests both young and old, filling a need for family-focused rides at the park.
“The former ride was a full family ride where everybody could ride, basically, and even though this is a thrilling coaster, it’s for 42 inches to 77 inches, so even small children—say, about five years old—can ride with their parents. So, it’s a great family ride,” explains Brinker.
Thrill-seekers and penguin enthusiasts of all ages can expect to embark on this snowy journey in spring 2024.
