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Attraction Type
Roller Coaster
Attraction Status
Existing
On September 28th, 2023, SeaWorld Orlando officially announced Penguin Trek, a new, prototype, Bolliger & Mabillard-made, multi-launch, indoor/outdoor, family coaster slated to replace the Antartica: Empire of the Penguin darkride in 2024. Official details regarding the stats of this new coaster are in short supply, but we do know that it will feature a darkride segment at the start, two launches during the course, a top speed of 43 miles per hour, and a total track length of 3,020 feet. Per the press release, Penguin Trek will accommodate rider heights between 42 and 77 inches.

Though confirmed layout information is limited, leaked SeaWorld Orlando Project Toboggan site plans from June 2023 have given us a lot of information to work with. An in-depth breakdown of the leaks can be found here.

Official Concept Art​

SWO_Penguin_Trek_1.jpg SWO_Penguin_Trek_2.jpg 383841480_324487100253050_2436261598420530153_n.jpg 750x422-SWO-Rides-Penguin-Trek-Interior-Track-Concept-Art.jpg 750x422-SWO-Rides-Penguin-Trek-Concept-Art.jpg

Press Release​

SeaWorld Orlando Announces the Arrival of The Ultimate Antarctic Adventure: “Penguin Trek” – The New Immersive Family Coaster Coming Spring 2024

· Unique snowmobile styled ride cars transport riders on an unforgettable expedition through the Antarctic wilderness with two launches, a 3,020-foot track that traverses both indoors and outside, and a grand finale arrival at the penguin habitat where riders can experience the enchanting world of these remarkable animals
· Exciting for the whole family, the coaster accommodates rider heights from 42-77 inches
· Become a 2024 Pass Member and be the first to ride before the coaster opens to the public; 2024 passes on sale now

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2023) – SeaWorld Orlando, already recognized as the Coaster Capital of Orlando with an impressive array of heart-pounding rides, is about to take your breath away once again with its all-new attraction coming in Spring 2024 – “Penguin Trek” – the eagerly awaited eighth coaster to join the park's ever-expanding ride portfolio. 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. 2024 Annual Pass members can be the first to ride before the public and passes are on sale now.

"We are incredibly excited to unveil our newest addition to SeaWorld Orlando's outstanding coaster lineup in Spring of 2024," said Jon Peterson, President of SeaWorld Orlando. "This family launch coaster embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration, offering an immersive journey through the wonders of Antarctica while further connecting our mission and commitment to our animal care, education and research. We know our guests were ready for a new thrill that the whole family could enjoy, and we’re excited to redefine the family launch coaster experience alongside our longstanding partners at B&M.”

Once aboard, riders will embark on an unforgettable expedition on this one-of-a-kind immersive family launch coaster that catapults them through the Antarctic wilderness at speeds of up to 43 mph across a 3,020-foot track. As they step into the shoes of intrepid researchers, they’ll navigate in a unique snowmobile ride car across the icy expanse, narrowly escaping an ice cave's clutches. This family-friendly adventure intensifies as they burst onto an outdoor coaster track, featuring two exhilarating launches and a maze of twists and turns. With adrenaline pumping, riders navigate this treacherous coaster, emerging from the looming danger of falling ice to finally reach the safety of a penguin colony, a journey that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of adventure and discovery. 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. The exhilaration of the ride seamlessly transitions into a heartwarming encounter with these charming, feathered inhabitants. This unique and immersive blend of family coaster thrills and authentic animal interaction offers an opportunity for the whole family to connect with the enchanting world of these captivating penguins, making it a one-of-a-kind adventure that will forever remain etched in their memories.

This family coaster's engineering prowess and world-class design are credited to Bolliger & Mabillard, the renowned design and manufacturers known for their excellence in roller coaster engineering. With five other remarkable coasters already at SeaWorld Orlando, including the park’s most recent thrill ride, "Pipeline: The Surf Coaster," which opened to rave reviews in May 2023, Penguin Trek is set to tie the park for the record of the most B&M coasters in one location.

SeaWorld Orlando's commitment to providing diverse thrills for all family members is evident in "Penguin Trek's" unique indoor/outdoor coaster experience. This latest addition to the coaster family promises to be another crowning jewel in a park already celebrated for its coaster excellence. Joining the ranks of award-winning rides such as "Mako," voted the #1 Best Roller Coaster by the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll for five consecutive years, and "Ice Breaker," which secured the #1 New Attraction spot in the same poll, "Penguin Trek" is poised to continue SeaWorld Orlando's legacy of pushing the boundaries of coaster innovation for the whole family.

Be Among the First Family to Ride “Penguin Trek” with a SeaWorld Annual Pass

Guests can experience the best of SeaWorld Orlando with a 2024 annual pass including unlimited visits, unbeatable benefits, and the opportunity to be among the first family to experience “Penguin Trek” before it opens to the public. 2024 annual passes are on sale now and start at $14 per month with no down payment. Membership includes unlimited admission, access to vibrant seasonal events, and exclusive Pass Member benefits like FREE guest tickets, FREE parking and special savings on merchandise, and food and beverage. Plus, Pass Members receive special monthly rewards throughout the year such as exclusive Pass Member merchandise, behind-the-scenes animal experiences, festival-exclusive food & beverage deals, and discounts on admission to SeaWorld’s separately ticketed Howl-O-Scream event. The SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass program features the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum annual pass, which grants access to all 11 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment locations nationwide including, three SeaWorld parks, two Busch Gardens parks, two Sesame Place parks and several award-winning water parks. Annual Pass Members also get exclusive discounts at Discovery Cove. The program is structured in a guest-friendly way that allows visitors to choose the pass, the benefits, and the parks that are the best fit their needs. Restrictions apply.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news from SeaWorld.

Official Website​


Project Timeline​


Leaked Site Plan​

Site Plan.jpg

Speculative Layout Based on Leaked Plans​

Rough Layout Graphic REDUCED.png

NoLimits Recreation of Speculative Layout​

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POV from Midway Mayhem with showbox

My only issue with the theming is that the screen is way too close to the track and is too large. Screens should be surrounded by theming elements or be farther away from the track to give it depth. Other than that it's great!
 
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My only issue with the theming is that the screen is way too close to the track and is too large. Screens should be surrounded by theming elements or be farther away from the track to give it depth. Other than that it's great!
Tbh, I am just glad they fit in a screen there because there was not a lot of room in the building, they could have easily had a blank wall. I think this ride is the best thing they've done in a while. So far, I haven't seen a pic of the queue that looks like the concept art, unfortunately. But at least it is indoors.

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So far, I haven't seen a pic of the queue that looks like the concept art, unfortunately. But at least it is indoors.

View attachment 33317

I didn't notice an area that looked like this.


Hi Friends! It is time for the final update of Penguin Trek since the ride is now open to platinum passholders! There will be spoilers.

What to expect in the queue:
-The outdoor queue is for the most part completely the same where you have the down and back inside of the ice formations. Once you're inside, you see a bunch of gear, maps, facts, and directional signs sending you to different areas of the base. In my opinion, the first hallway needs a little bit more something, but the queue gets much better as you go on.

Ride Experience:
-First off the trains. While they may look cute, I think the lapbars are extremely uncomfortable. If you are anyone of size, make sure to try the test seat. While the seats look like they are accommodating, the ends of the lapbar come to a point that will stab you in your thighs. Also the front seems to be a tad more accommodating then the back row. I rode 4 times, twice in the front, twice in the back. The first ride was in the back and the attendant had to staple me to fit, which i don't care about. We then rode in the front and the same attendant didn't have to recheck or staple me. This happened for both of my front row and back row rides.
-I love the grand revile being above the station, but the station seems empty due to how large it is. Now with that being said, the station is not empty and looks good. It just feels like something is missing due to the height of the show building.
-The dark ride part of the ride is amazing. Its beautiful on the inside and the projector looks great. I'm very happy with how it turned out. I just wish it was longer. There is a dark section of the ride. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be like that or maybe they are still working on it. Either way its a very short dark section.
-Lord does she rattle. You can really feel it in the back on the tighter turns like the one by JTA and the final turn. It seems like the turns are just a taddddd to tight for the trains, but that's just my thoughts and not a fact.
-The ride itself is fun. Don't go in expecting airtime or any really good positive forces because you will be very disappointed. The ride feels like a true family coaster and it does a fantastic job of filling a void that the park has. Now would i wait an hour for it? nah, but would i wait 30/45 for it. Eh, maybe. The ride is enjoyable and i would ride it from time to time but not on every visit.

The Exit Experience:
-Once you exit the station, you go down a short ramp, do a 180, and bam, you are met with a glass wall with some penguins. You will not be able to see them from the ride. Once you continue down the exit. You eventually meet up with the Exhibit line. An ambassador is stationed at this point directing guests where to go. You DO NOT have to wait to see the penguins after the ride if you don't want to. At this same point in the line, there is a exit door where you can leave the building and it will spit you out by the lockers.


Overall, this ride is exactly what this park needed and fits the gap between Grovers and ice breaker very very well. Congratulation's to SeaWorld as they will for sure have a hit on their hands for families!

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It was a fun coaster and will be a BIG hit with kids. Lots of small kids riding and loving it.

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The indoor portion exceeded all expectations and was really well done.

I liked the merchandise for Penguin Trek and it looked like there was a lot of great new merchandise throughout the park.
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My only concern with the ride was that it’s a little rougher and more “rattle-y” than I expected for a B&M. I’m hoping it’s growing pains as they try different wheel consistencies. I know that’s a trial and error process as a ride gets broken in.
 
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Yeah, I'm super impressed by the indoor portion in videos and I'm very intrigued to see how that still seemingly works in progress scene near the small drop goes.

Overall seems like this is an absolutely monumental win for SeaWorld Orlando. Hard to imagine a park that needed a true family coaster more. Presumably this will skyrocket to the number one most ridden coaster in the park and stay there for years to come.
 
I can confirm the ride is awesome. People say it has a rattle and I will say, kinda. It’s not in the typical sense of a traditional B&M rattle. It feels more like a stutter. The tight turns, especially the last turn, just vibrates strongly. I wouldn’t say uncomfortable, but definitely noticeable.
Oddly enough, yesterday it felt glass smooth on one of my rides with no stuttering. Ride is AWESOME. Many small children conquering their fear which is great to see. Overall, exceeded expectations.
 
Has it been running all 3 trains regularly?
Haven’t seen it run 3 trains at all, but they haven’t needed it. Almost All rides are walk ons and they could run with one train. Another thing to note is that it’s kind of a hike to exit and reride, especially if your going to the gift shop. Long hallways and if you want to skip penguins you exit the emergency alarm exit which confuses many guests
 
To be fair, it does seem to be an enormous guest experience issue right now that is both ruining the ability to exit Penguin Trek and the ability to enjoy the penguin exhibit.

I think it's reasonable that guests should expect SeaWorld to integrate animal exhibits into their attractions. That doesn't mean that any integration of any animal exhibit into any attraction, regardless of execution, is up to an acceptable quality bar.

Given the huge overcrowding issues, it seems like it would benefit everyone in this scenario to implement an optional exhibit bypass for guests exiting the coaster.
 
Haven’t seen it run 3 trains at all, but they haven’t needed it. Almost All rides are walk ons and they could run with one train. Another thing to note is that it’s kind of a hike to exit and reride, especially if your going to the gift shop. Long hallways and if you want to skip penguins you exit the emergency alarm exit which confuses many guests
Does anyone know if the ride is (or can be) programed to run with 3 trains? As with others I've always seen it run two, so I'm curious if the third is designed to run or just to serve as a maintenance spare.
 
It was testing with employees with 3 trains so… I’d say yes.
 
Went last week and rode 5 times in various spots. It's exactly what the park needed from a height requirement and I thought the ride itself was fun, but what a terrible rough ride. I cannot believe a new B&M could be that bad! It shakes. It vibrates. It feels like the wheels are going to fall off! If they can fix those issues it will be a wonderful addition!
 
Went last week and rode 5 times in various spots. It's exactly what the park needed from a height requirement and I thought the ride itself was fun, but what a terrible rough ride. I cannot believe a new B&M could be that bad! It shakes. It vibrates. It feels like the wheels are going to fall off! If they can fix those issues it will be a wonderful addition!
Rode it for first time this AM in back row and boy is it rough. I went over to Mako afterwards, and that sucker is smoothe as glass! Not sure how B&M screwed this up, but it makes Ice Breaker look much better in comparison.
 
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