SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[southpuddle]

I’ll echo a lot of what has already been said about Pipeline - fantastic ride, so much more fun than I had anticipated when I saw initial renderings. Definitely some unique sensations to be felt that I’ve never experienced. I will say, however, that the vests need a bit of an adjustment- they dig into your collar bone to the point that I was slightly bruised today after only 2 rides. Other B&M rides with these vests have had similar issues and I believe those parks have been able to adjust the tension so that they’re not pinning you back so hard. The only gripe I have for a very fun attraction!

[Hilltopper39]

13 hours ago, southpuddle said:

I will say, however, that the vests need a bit of an adjustment- they dig into your collar bone to the point that I was slightly bruised today after only 2 rides. Other B&M rides with these vests have had similar issues and I believe those parks have been able to adjust the tension so that they’re not pinning you back so hard. The only gripe I have for a very fun attraction!

Yeah I'll say I didn't have an issue with it, nor have I on any of the other B&M vest restraint rides I've ridden, but my daughter did mentions being slightly uncomfortable mostly when sitting on the brake run. It seems like the vest thing is hit or miss for a lot of people depending on height/shape/etc. but yeah hopefully they can adjust the tension in the future if needed.

[tndank]

Leaked plans for the 2024 B&M family multi launch coaster surfaced today. 

[Hilltopper39]

11 hours ago, tndank said:

Leaked plans for the 2024 B&M family multi launch coaster surfaced today. 

I didn't realize this was going to be a B&M, I just figured since BGW, SWT, and SWSD got Intamin motorbike coasters this would be some version of that. I was kind of looking forward to that model in Orlando but it's hard to complain about capacity and reliability with a B&M. Wonder what kind of trains this thing will have, if it's a "family" coaster I'd just assume it will be some kind of sitdown with the vest restraints but maybe they've something else new in the works similar to the new Standup with Pipeline.

 

It's kind of interesting to think of how stagnant B&M had been for a few decades as far as innovation and now all they sudden they're doing launches, and custom standup trains, and family coasters. Now none of these things are really "new" for the industry but for a company as reputable and reliable as B&M to be doing something new to them is exciting.

[thrillseeker4552]

Sounds great (and we're really getting spoiled aren't we?) but please, for the love of all that is holy, this height restriction better not be 54 inches if it's another B&M!

[grsupercity]

what is the height limit on the junior inverts that B&M has made?

[YoshiFan]

Happy Valley’s website shows 1.2 m, that’s 47.2 inches so probably rounded up to 48 inches in the US.

[grsupercity]

16 hours ago, YoshiFan said:

Happy Valley’s website shows 1.2 m, that’s 47.2 inches so probably rounded up to 48 inches in the US.

Isnt Dragonflyer only 39 inches and Merlins Mayhem is 39 inches. Those would be direct comparison to the B&M junior invert. Big Bear seems like a competitor to this and that is only 39 inches. So if this a family B&M launched coaster it better not be 48 inches lol

[Hilltopper39]

I was looking at the Howl-O-Scream event page for this year and noticed this bag policy. I *think* this is a new policy but don't really remember the past couple years as I usually don't take a bag with me.

I took a quick look at the HOS pages for Busch Gardens in Tampa and Williamsburg and it looks like the Williamsburg park has a similar policy but the page for Tampa doesn't seem to mention anything out of the ordinary.

Anyways just a heads up for anyone attending the HOS events this year at SWO, BGT, or BGW, may want to check out the bag policy before you go.

 

 

https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/faqs/

[Satans Hockey]

Was there any rumors of this? Looks fun, I just got an email about it from SeaWorld

https://seaworld.com/orlando/roller-coasters/penguin-trek

Penguin Trek - Coming in 2024Race Through the Ice on Penguin Trek!

This will be the coolest research mission you’ve ever joined! Prepare for Penguin Trek, an unforgettable family launch coaster adventure through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica. Board your snowmobile and race along with your expedition team at up to 43 miles per hour, navigating twists and turns and narrowly escaping the crumbling hazards of an icy cavern. Reach the end and you’ll make the ultimate discovery: a real penguin habitat! This new indoor/outdoor family ride is the most immersive addition to the Coaster Capital of Orlando, and with a height requirement of just 42”, it’s the perfect journey for families to share.

[tndank]

It's been leaked for awhile now.  Some track is also on site and construction is moving along.  This is the first word from the park, though.  Sounds like a cool family ride. 

 

[A.J.]

SeaWorld has announced new attractions at all three US theme parks for 2024, including a brand-new family coaster for SeaWorld Orlando!

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seaworld-to-open-exciting-one-of-a-kind-marine-life-themed-rides-and-experiences-for-the-whole-family-in-every-park-in-2024-301941243.html?fbclid=IwAR2sI-YLXuCex8PumYog6zravF8H04-JShfKX9kej41HzW24oVO_4jhmoic

 

SeaWorld is thrilled to announce it will open one-of-a-kind marine life themed rides and attractions in every SeaWorld park in Spring 2024.  Guests to the award-winning parks in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego can look forward to epic journeys and experiences for the whole family that will leave them breathless, drenched, and utterly mesmerized.  Attractions include "Penguin Trek" at SeaWorld Orlando, an all-new family friendly coaster for guests 42-77 inches in height that will transport riders on an unforgettable expedition through the Antarctic wilderness aboard unique snowmobile styled ride cars traversing an indoor/outdoor track that ends at the penguin habitat where riders can experience the enchanting world of these remarkable animals.  The first of its kind at SeaWorld parks, the all-new "Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience" at SeaWorld San Diego offers an immersive and interactive view into the mysterious underwater world of glowing and graceful jellyfish, along with touch and behind the scenes experiences.  At SeaWorld San Antonio, guests will celebrate the first splash of the much-anticipated opening of Catapult Falls, the world's first launched flume coaster and the only vertical lift in North America.  The new attractions continue the SeaWorld legacy of blending marine life inspired adventure, discovery, and family-friendly thrills.  The best way to experience the new attractions is with a SeaWorld 2024 Annual Pass on sale now.  2024 pass members will be the first to experience the new attractions before they open to the public.

"2024 looks to be another fun year with exciting new rides in our parks and our first jellyfish exhibit," said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.  "We know our fans will delight in the all-new lineup of marine life inspired experiences that gives everyone even more new ways to really enjoy our parks.  And when they do, they can feel good knowing that a portion of proceeds goes toward our rescue and conservation work."

"Penguin Trek" at SeaWorld Orlando is a Unique Family Friendly Coaster Experience to Traverse through the Antarctic Wilderness Aboard a Snowmobile Styled Ride Car on an Indoor/Outdoor Track that Concludes in the Penguin Habitat

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.  A unique and immersive blend of coaster thrills and authentic animal interaction offers the whole family the spirit of adventure and exploration, while further connecting SeaWorld's mission and commitment to animal care, education, and research.

Coming in Spring 2024, "Penguin Trek" is the eagerly awaited eighth coaster to join SeaWorld Orlando's ever-expanding ride portfolio.

[Hilltopper39]

I know we've been expecting this but I still think this is a really cool concept. Should be interesting to see how they re-use the exiting building/themeing from the Antarctica ride, but no matter what they do a multi launched family coaster in that section of the park should do pretty well. 

[prozach626]

It seems like there is a lot of family focus on roller coaster additions lately. Just in time for my daughter to be scared shitless of every roller coaster, and any ride with a tunnel. (because "bears"...)

[michaellynn4]

Definitely rare nowadays to see any park add coasters in back-to-back-to-back years like this. Glad to see the family focus.

[Nrthwnd]

This coaster reminds me of the one in Legoland Billund, that (SPOILER ALERT!)

 

...... has a drop section within the main show building. After the drop, the coaster goes outside for a bit of a sprint, into the load/unload building which has an indoor (and climate controlled) penguin habitat beside it, and large viewing windows as the coaster train headed into the station.

Polar X-plorer, it was called.