originally posted on 7/29/2024
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
The SeaWorld chain of parks is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, and SeaWorld Orlando (Florida) has big plans of its own, introducing a new take on an experience that is almost 30 years in the making.
Penguins at SeaWorld Orlando date back to 1987’s Penguin Encounter.
Photo: Michael Christopher. View full-sized image.
In 1987, the park opened the Penguin Encounter exhibit in the former Sea of Ice areas of the park, which allowed the public to experience their environment through the penguins’ eyes. Called a penguinarium, it was extremely cold (a terrific way to escape the oppressive Florida heat) and dark to simulate the penguins’ natural environment. The exhibit closed in 2012 but subsequently reopened in May 2013 as part of a ride called Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin — a trackless ride during which up to eight guests boarded a car and toured the different habitats with a plucky baby penguin named Puck as their tour guide. As the ride ended, guests were able to experience the original penguin exhibit as a walking journey. However, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin was short-lived, having closed in March 2020 (though guests were still able to view penguins in the penguinarium).
Rumors of a family coaster being added to SeaWorld Orlando in place of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin would prove accurate.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
Photo: Michael Christopher. View full-sized image.
In 2023, whispering began that a new coaster was going to be added to the park and that a portion of the original penguin exhibit would be integrated into the new attraction. SeaWorld Orlando later confirmed that this would be a new family coaster called Penguin Trek to open during the 2024 season, courtesy of Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M).
Penguin Trek represents SeaWorld Orlando’s latest reimagining of its Penguin Encounter exhibit, this time featuring a B&M family coaster.
Photo: Michael Christopher. View full-sized image.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
Following months of construction that rerouted guests around the center of the park near Pacific Point Preserve and the former Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, crowds are discovering that B&M created a fun linear synchronous motor-launched coaster for families to enjoy, featuring two launches to a top speed of 43 mph along 3,020 feet of twisted, low-to-the-ground track. The ride vehicles, like those for the recent Pipeline the Surf Coaster, are highlighted by two-abreast seating (unusual for a B&M coaster), with a minimum rider height of 43 inches and a maximum of 78 inches.
Penguin Trek features a new style of train from B&M.
Photo: Michael Christopher. View full-sized image.
The coaster occupies space between the penguin exhibit and Pacific Point Preserve, immediately behind Manta — the park’s B&M flying coaster.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
What is unique about the attraction is that its exit — much like that for Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin that preceded it — takes riders through the penguinarium. For those not yet brave enough to experience Penguin Trek, the penguinarium is still available for all park guests to enjoy. For those opting to take a ride, the coaster is a great starter and enjoyable for those of all ages.
— Amanda Hilliard
#ACENews