originally posted on 3/6/2020
A handful of SoCal ACEers were invited to tour Emperor’s construction.
Photo: John Gerard. View full-sized image.
On the bright, warm morning of February 25, a few lucky Southern California ACEers were treated to a hard-hat tour of SeaWorld San Diego’s newest addition, the dive coaster Emperor, slated to open in spring 2020. Attendees were first treated to a short presentation on the background and specifics of the new coaster — billed as the tallest and fastest dive coaster in California— by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s Corporate Vice President of Attractions Mike Denninger. Emperor begins with a 153-foot drop which results in a speed of 60 mph. This plunge is followed by a quick series of four inversions before finally hitting the brake run. The inversions are listed as an Immelmann, hammerhead, barrel roll, and flat spin. However, to this author’s eye, what is called a flat spin is not a typical corkscrew-type inversion but instead a sort of twisted Immelmann. The hammerhead is an overbanked turnaround but does appear to the naked eye to be more than 135 degrees. Whatever the names of the inversions, Emperor looks to be a seriously fun and peppy ride!
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Trains are arranged in three rows of six seats. This will be the first such configuration in North America.
After the presentation, attendees were led to specific spots around the coaster for photo opportunities, including underneath the still-in-its-wrapping train on the transfer track. One piece of wrapping that was removed showed the penguin-themed livery of the lead car — the first showing to anyone! The second viewing location, the queue line, afforded wide views of the entire structure, as well as a point where waiting riders can interact with those on board the train above as it approaches the lift hill. Riders will enter the queue from an entrance just to the south of the Wild Arctic pavilion. Although there will be no actual penguins on exhibit, there will be ample educational signage to provide waiting riders with knowledge of the Emperor Penguin, the world’s tallest penguin. At this stop, Denninger answered various questions, including number of trains (two) and throughput (800 per hour).
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Mike Denninger presents details about the B&M dive coaster.
Photo: John Gerard. View full-sized image.
The final stop allowed access to the actual infield of the coaster, offering more photo opportunities. Many thanks to Kelly Terry and the entire SeaWorld team for this event. Hurry up, spring!
— John Gerard, ACE Southern California Assistant Regional Representative
Emperor will be the tallest dive coaster in California.
Photo: John Gerard. View full-sized image.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Photo: John Gerard. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
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