News SeaWorld Orlando Project 2024/Toboggan: Penguin Trek (Multi-Launch B&M Family Coaster)

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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.
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Official Website​

Penguin Trek | Roller Coasters | SeaWorld Orlando

Prepare for Penguin Trek, an unforgettable launch coaster adventure through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica.
seaworld.com seaworld.com

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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When I went to Seaworld last week and rode Manta, I had no idea how close you got to the supports! Does anyone know how being that close will effect the ride?
 
cricket said:
When I went to Seaworld last week and rode Manta, I had no idea how close you got to the supports! Does anyone know how being that close will effect the ride?
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we wont know sadly until they release an official layout showing how close they will really get. There is a possibility of a really cool effect if both trains are timed up just right to be in that area!


Hello friends,

I have another Penguin Trek Construction Update for you! so far it looks like another 6 more pieces of track have been added and a ton of supports! As of 1pm yesterday, there was no additional track on site waiting to go in but there were a few new supports. Part of the midway between Manta and the sealion and otter stadium has been closed off for the addition of a large crane! work is quickly moving over to the manta side of the ride. Linked below you will see all the latest progress to the ride, show building, and some rumors of attraction closures (not permanent) in the next few weeks!

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New update from Jan 10th! Tons of park updates but for Penguin Trek specifically:
  • Second launch is now mostly in place!
  • Much of the right side of the attraction is in place and about 40 percent of track work has been completed!
  • New footers have been poured by the Journey to Atlantis restrooms.
  • Work continues to the front of the show building closest to the entrance to Antarctica.

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Also does anyone know what this crane is for? I've never noticed it before.

Screenshot 2024-01-12 195639.png
 
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Zachary said:
The density of this layout and the tightness of the various transitions throughout look really impressive from the photos and videos of what's constructed so far. Looks like a really refreshingly unique coaster for B&M in a lot of ways.
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I agree! it also seems like the coaster is going to keep much of its speed during the layout. The last turn into the brakes is very whippy! It looks like it will have a few really good pops of airtime between transitions making it a little more intense than most of use thought it would be. No where near Ice Breaker, but i was fully expecting it to kind of mosey around.
 
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tursiops said:
Which is great because the closure of paths has made getting around really difficult! I'm excited to see the area when it's finished!
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Thankfully it could be much worse. The only area its truly a pain in the butt is in Antarctica. Besides that you can cut through the sealion and otter stadium until 60 mins before a show starts then they block it off until they pre load 30 mins before the show starts. During the show you are still able to use it as a short cut. As long as the show is not at capacity.
 
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I haven't given this the proper thought I should have yet. So in the brake run area do you arrive at the penguin exhibit? That will probably make this ride for a lot of people. Can already hear the Tiktok voice "this roller coaster at SeaWorld in Orlando ends at a real Penguin exhibit!"
 
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My hope is it exits in the exhibit and then moves forward to the load area. But that might put people into the exhibit too quickly.
 
tursiops said:
My hope is it exits in the exhibit and then moves forward to the load area. But that might put people into the exhibit too quickly.
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Don't forget this is SeaWorld after all. I don't think this will be an issue. 😆😆

New Update!

As of yesterday 1/21/24:

  • Walk way between Manta and the Sealion and Otter Stadium that was closed for construction for a few weeks has reopened!
  • Tons of wooden work walls have been taken down and have been replaced with temp fencing with mesh netting on it. Main two areas are by the reopened path next to the men's restroom and the haunted house by the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium and all of the work walls down the entire path that leads towards Journey to Atlantis.
  • The work walls have been extended outwards near the JTA restrooms to accommodate a crane to start vertical construction in this area.
  • Track work has made it's way almost all the way to Manta making track work about 75% complete!
  • The 2nd launches track has been fully installed!

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Hey Friends! It's time for another Penguin Trek Update! All footage was shot on 1/23/24.

Penguin Trek Site Updates:
  • The entire Antarctica area is now closed to the public. It seems like guests may still be able to see the penguins via a back stage path into the show building.
  • Guest path work has begun where the double gate is between Vacation Experience and the Restrooms leading across the site under most of the ride leading over to the Pacific Point Preserve. Also some smaller pathway work for employees has started leading to and from the show building under the rides final brake run.
  • Work is finishing up on the electrical room. Hopefully soon it will receive some theming because if not it'll stick out like a sore thumb.
  • The mesh net fencing by the haunted house and the restroom has been replaced by wooden work walls.
  • The old queue line area for the haunted house next to the men's side of the restroom is now being demolished. The haunted house has yet to be touched though.
  • New bracing is just starting to go up in this area so I'm assuming there will be a path that wraps around the restroom.
  • Some of the rides tallest supports have now gone vertical near manta! Crews have also added a few new track segments as well.
  • The ride is now about 85% complete with track work. All that remains is the area by Manta and Journey to Atlantis assuming the indoor section is complete.

SeaWorld Orlando also has a ton of additional projects going on around the park right now as well like:
  • Possible new 2025/2026 addition with a marker by Turtle Trek (no idea if that's a new or a old marker though).
  • New food stand: Coaster Coffee Express located across from Dockside Pizza and Orca Encounter
  • Parking lot project
  • JTA Rehab
  • Orca Encounter Rehab
  • Bayside Stadium Rehab
  • Seven Seas Food Festival Setup
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Kingdakev said:
Hey Friends! It's time for another Penguin Trek Update! All footage was shot on 1/23/24.

Penguin Trek Site Updates:
  • The entire Antarctica area is now closed to the public. It seems like guests may still be able to see the penguins via a back stage path into the show building.
  • Guest path work has begun where the double gate is between Vacation Experience and the Restrooms leading across the site under most of the ride leading over to the Pacific Point Preserve. Also some smaller pathway work for employees has started leading to and from the show building under the rides final brake run.
  • Work is finishing up on the electrical room. Hopefully soon it will receive some theming because if not it'll stick out like a sore thumb.
  • The mesh net fencing by the haunted house and the restroom has been replaced by wooden work walls.
  • The old queue line area for the haunted house next to the men's side of the restroom is now being demolished. The haunted house has yet to be touched though.
  • New bracing is just starting to go up in this area so I'm assuming there will be a path that wraps around the restroom.
  • Some of the rides tallest supports have now gone vertical near manta! Crews have also added a few new track segments as well.
  • The ride is now about 85% complete with track work. All that remains is the area by Manta and Journey to Atlantis assuming the indoor section is complete.

SeaWorld Orlando also has a ton of additional projects going on around the park right now as well like:
  • Possible new 2025/2026 addition with a marker by Turtle Trek (no idea if that's a new or a old marker though).
  • New food stand: Coaster Coffee Express located across from Dockside Pizza and Orca Encounter
  • Parking lot project
  • JTA Rehab
  • Orca Encounter Rehab
  • Bayside Stadium Rehab
  • Seven Seas Food Festival Setup
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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

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Spoke too soon
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