originally posted on 6/16/2023
Photo: Courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego. View full-sized image.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has been on a “roll” in 2023. With openings announced for Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando (Florida), DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) and Manta at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), coaster fans have been wondering about Arctic Rescue at SeaWorld San Diego (California). The park finally announced that its sixth roller coaster – an Intamin launch coaster whose station is built in the space formerly used for the Wild Arctic simulator – would open to the public June 2. (The beluga whale, walrus and seal exhibit are still part of the Wild Arctic attraction adjacent to the ride.) The addition is billed as a family coaster (not a kiddie coaster) with a minimum height requirement of 48 inches and a maximum height limit of 77 inches.
Arctic Rescue loads in the building previously occupied by the Wild Arctic simulator, although the animal exhibits remain.
Photo: Courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego. View full-sized image.
Once seated, riders straddle snowmobile-styled cars and grip the handlebars to prepare for the adventure. The lap bars are very comfortable, and the trains feature an additional handle on the lap bars, allowing riders to decide how to brace themselves during the ride.
Riders begin their adventures by boarding snowmobile-style vehicles similar to those utilized on SeaWorld San Antonio’s Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster and Busch Gardens Williamburg’s new-for-2023 DarKoaster.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
The ride features three launches at 34, 38 and 40 mph, respectively, with the first launch following a U-turn within the station building featuring overhead screens depicting the aurora borealis. This initial launch sends the trains through some laterals and curves in the track. The second launch is set in a research station tunnel and leads to more laterals and curves before finding a helicopter from the old simulator ride. The final and fastest launch takes riders to a height of 30 feet – the highest point on the coaster.
Each of Arctic Rescue’s three launches sends riders into a tight tangle of track.
Photo: Jackie Edwards. View full-sized image.
Arctic Rescue is enclosed by fences all around to support the idea one is no longer in San Diego, with the 30-foot peak providing only a small peek at the real world outside. The experience concludes with more laterals and curves and a windsock with a sign that reads “Wind Gusts.” Although there was no wind in San Diego on opening day, Arctic Rescue makes its own wind! The ground cover is white (mimicking snow) and black (mimicking dirt), and the cloudy June gloom of Southern California really lent itself to feeling the cold of the Arctic.
Arctic Rescue reaches a maximum height of 30 feet, remaining below the tops of trees to focus on low-to-the-ground maneuvers.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Unlike its Electric Eel neighbor, Arctic Rescue eschews thrills in its bid to appeal to younger, less daring riders.
Photo: Courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego. View full-sized image.
Intamin managed to place a lot of track in a small space, and while one may be tricked into thinking it’s a quick ride, it feels much longer. The coaster does not really slow down at all and is extremely re-rideable. SeaWorld San Diego’s last three coaster installations (Tidal Twister, Electric Eel and Emperor) are more extreme rides, so the addition of Arctic Rescue provides younger riders with something in addition to the park’s family favorites. Arctic Rescue will help give visitors to SeaWorld a little more awareness of the Arctic as well as bring smiles to their faces. It is a thrilling coaster for the whole family.
— Jackie Edwards, ACE Pacific Southwest Regional Representative
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