SeaWorld Orlando announces Penguin Trek family roller coaster
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From the press release:
SeaWorld Orlando, already recognized as the Coaster Capital of Orlando with an impressive array of heart-pounding rides, is about to take your breath away once again with its all-new attraction coming in Spring 2024 – “Penguin Trek” – the eagerly awaited eighth coaster to join the park's ever-expanding ride portfolio. Designed as THE ultimate family launch coaster experience, “Penguin Trek” features a unique snowmobile styled ride car where once aboard, riders will embark on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica as they join a penguin research mission unlike any other. Featuring two exhilarating launches and a maze of twists and turns, this unforgettable coaster moves at speeds of up to 43 mph across a 3,020-foot track that traverses both indoors and outside. Yet, what sets this experience apart as truly extraordinary is its unparalleled finale: as the coaster comes to a halt, guests find themselves not in a simulated penguin colony, but in the very heart of SeaWorld Orlando’s own penguin habitat. An experience for the whole family, the ride accommodates rider heights from 42-inches to 77-inches. 2024 Annual Pass members can be the first to ride before the public and passes are on sale now.
"We are incredibly excited to unveil our newest addition to SeaWorld Orlando's outstanding coaster lineup in Spring of 2024," said Jon Peterson, President of SeaWorld Orlando. "This family launch coaster embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration, offering an immersive journey through the wonders of Antarctica while further connecting our mission and commitment to our animal care, education and research. We know our guests were ready for a new thrill that the whole family could enjoy, and we’re excited to redefine the family launch coaster experience alongside our longstanding partners at B&M.”
Once aboard, riders will embark on an unforgettable expedition on this one-of-a-kind immersive family launch coaster that catapults them through the Antarctic wilderness at speeds of up to 43 mph across a 3,020-foot track. As they step into the shoes of intrepid researchers, they’ll navigate in a unique snowmobile ride car across the icy expanse, narrowly escaping an ice cave's clutches. This family-friendly adventure intensifies as they burst onto an outdoor coaster track, featuring two exhilarating launches and a maze of twists and turns. With adrenaline pumping, riders navigate this treacherous coaster, emerging from the looming danger of falling ice to finally reach the safety of a penguin colony, a journey that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of adventure and discovery. Yet, what sets this experience apart as truly extraordinary is its unparalleled finale: as the coaster comes to a halt, guests find themselves not in a simulated penguin colony, but in the very heart of SeaWorld Orlando’s own penguin habitat. The exhilaration of the ride seamlessly transitions into a heartwarming encounter with these charming, feathered inhabitants. This unique and immersive blend of family coaster thrills and authentic animal interaction offers an opportunity for the whole family to connect with the enchanting world of these captivating penguins, making it a one-of-a-kind adventure that will forever remain etched in their memories.
This family coaster's engineering prowess and world-class design are credited to Bolliger & Mabillard, the renowned design and manufacturers known for their excellence in roller coaster engineering. With five other remarkable coasters already at SeaWorld Orlando, including the park’s most recent thrill ride, "Pipeline: The Surf Coaster," which opened to rave reviews in May 2023, Penguin Trek is set to tie the park for the record of the most B&M coasters in one location.
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Won't this be the first B&M family coaster in the US? And not a wing or a suspended too.
Interesting considering the return of Vekoma en force this year.
If I'm reading this right, they're recycling the Whirling Hockey Pucks of Doom building for this ride. I remember how proud they were of that back in the day. Funny how a trackless dark ride without good IP can be just terrible.
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
Bummer that new rides all over the place are opening with lower height limits... Used to be 78" or above for the most part, and those rides had it posted but hardly ever enforced. Now, every new ride seems to have tighter height limits that do get enforced... Which is a bummer, as I am 6'6", so I tend to be at the cutoff anymore. Intamin tends to be all over the place and usually the worst offender... For example, using some of their latest rides with the same trains for the most part:
Taron = No Height Limit that I am aware, never any issue riding on 3 visits now. Probably 6'6", but they never check/care.
Velocicoaster = No official limit, as long as head is supported by headrest (you know, body proportions differ and all that... The proper thing to do). No issue there.
Toutatis = 6'6 or 6'7" if I recall when there, either way, never checked when riding.
Pantheon = 6'4" - Somehow, I was lucky to ride a few times without getting checked... Even though others were and getting denied.
Gothem City Escape = 6'6"
Kondaa = 6'5" (Got denied, here)
Just crazy to me that they can't at least standardize to some extent. Oh well, between this and surf coaster, both of the new additions at SWO I may not be able to ride, anyway, with the 6'5" limits.
PhantomTails:
How's it feel to be in the top 1%?
Would be better if I didn't have to play height-check roulette or have to pay the 'airline tax' for being tall to upgrade to a seat that I can actually sit in properly.
But otherwise...
Sharpel007:
It's definitely a better mix than SF:GrAdv's 5-Pack though.
Or Cedar Point's Arrow 5-pack. When your best coaster is Iron Dragon (yeah, I said it) you know it's terrible.
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