Emperor is a peng-WINNER!

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originally posted on 3/1/2022

Photo: Nicholas Laschkewitsch. View full-sized image.

After two years of tantalizing residents of San Diego with its imposing presence, SeaWorld San Diego’s newest coaster, Emperor, has begun plunging riders for a completely new thrill experience. The coaster, from the respected manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, is of their Dive Machine variety. Emperor features a first drop of 90 degrees, but the steep drop experience is exaggerated by the slow tease of leaving riders feeling they are being dangled over the edge for a few seconds. At the top of that 143-foot drop, riders are looking straight down for what seems a delicious eternity before being released into gravity’s hands. A series of super smooth inversions and twists follows, returning riders back to the open-air station in about 30 seconds.

Photo: Nicholas Laschkewitsch. View full-sized image.

Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

Emperor mimics the under- and above-water acrobatics of the emperor penguin, which can only be seen in North America at SeaWorld San Diego. Guests who do not want to partake of the coaster can enjoy viewing the namesake penguins just steps away at Penguin Encounter. The thrilling, yet family friendly, Emperor has a height limit of 52 inches, putting it in between Manta’s 48 and the more challenging Electric Eel’s 54, thus being accessible to a wider range of guests.

Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

As pointed out by Erika DiProfio, vice president of marketing, Emperor is SeaWorld San Diego’s first coaster with a traditional lift hill, albeit one taken at a quick and quiet 20 mph. She added that the park is proud to highlight one of its featured animals as well as support Penguins International, a conservation charity, by donating a portion of the proceeds from promotional merchandise sales. Finally, DiProfio mentioned that this coaster builds on other iconic aspects of the California park that create the park’s skyline, such as the Sky Tower. As an added incentive, she pointed out that the park has partnered with a local brewer to create an Emperor beer (a hazy lPA), sold in attractive, Emperor-themed cans and only available at the park. Other beer-ride tie-ins are to follow. (Remember when SeaWorld gave out free beer?)

Photo: Nicholas Laschkewitsch. View full-sized image.

Judging from the applause, hoots and hollers from riders returning to the station (and not just ACE members), it’s clear that SeaWorld San Diego has a real winner on its hands. Emperor opens tomorrow to passholders and to the general public on March 12.

Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

— John Gerard

American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.