• ℹ️ Heads up...

    This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks.

SeaWorld Orlando: General Discussion

I genuinely have bruises this morning on my shins from Icebreaker - that's how bad it was. Shinbreaker would be a more suitable title!

And I certainly didn't go into the day with any more of a critical mindset than any other day - BGT for example on Friday was excellent (barring some technical issues with Iron Gwazi). Park looked much better than than my last visit and everything was running pretty great operationally.

I just find that the prices paid at SW don't reflect in the experience whatsoever sadly.

EDIT: And on Pipeline the issue wasn't a long queue I hasten to add, the queue was just as you described @Sazzle - just one or two trains worth in the station (as with most rides in the park). Even so it was horribly operated (as, Mako aside, was everything else!).
 
I only got one ride on Icebreaker last year due to thunderstorms but I wish I got a chance to ride it more than once, it was a lot of fun and I don't recall it being uncomfortable, just awkward to get into the restraints for.

Manta I hated the feeling of heaviness at the bottom of the loop, but Mako we did at least eight times.

The food prices are ridiculous at Seaworld though, makes Aramark look cheap. We got a well priced UK ticket which included all day dining, but a lot of the food didn't look worth the prices they were asking for.
 
Alastair said:
I genuinely have bruises this morning on my shins from Icebreaker - that's how bad it was. Shinbreaker would be a more suitable title!

And I certainly didn't go into the day with any more of a critical mindset than any other day - BGT for example on Friday was excellent (barring some technical issues with Iron Gwazi). Park looked much better than than my last visit and everything was running pretty great operationally.

I just find that the prices paid at SW don't reflect in the experience whatsoever sadly.

EDIT: And on Pipeline the issue wasn't a long queue I hasten to add, the queue was just as you described @Sazzle - just one or two trains worth in the station (as with most rides in the park). Even so it was horribly operated (as, Mako aside, was everything else!).
Click to expand...
Hmm I do find that an odd comparison.

When I visited Busch on Wednesday many coasters were on one train, and there was what felt like the same operational approach.

While I prefer Busch for atmosphere and aesthetics, the two parks felt no different to me operationally. I certainly wouldn’t say either was horribly operated…!

We shall have to agree to disagree!
 
Last edited:
Alastair said:
I genuinely have bruises this morning on my shins from Icebreaker - that's how bad it was. Shinbreaker would be a more suitable title!
Click to expand...

Absolutely agree on this one. The only ride that gave my shins more of a battering was Iron Gwazi!

Coming off Icebreaker - my first coaster with the Skyrocket trains - I derided Premier as designing the worst trains known to man (a statement which was quickly updated 24 hours later after riding my first RMC 😂).

Be interested to try it again without the comfort collars as they too were vile. It’s a shame really cause I actually thought the layout was reasonably punchy. There were a couple of good moments on it for what it is, but it was totally ruined by the train design for me.
 
I visited SWA in July/August time and thoroughly enjoyed Icebreaker, certainly a unique ride experience for me as I’d not ridden that type of coaster before, I was gutted we only had time for one ride on it to be honest as we found it to be a fun ride. Aside from the trains being poorly designed resulting in them being a bit cramped and awkward to climb in and out of, I didn’t really have any complaints about it. I can’t say I or anyone in my group noticed any discomfort on the shins but I suppose that depends on your size and build. I’m short so that probably helps, it’s not often being on the shorter side turns out to be beneficial! Imo it’s a solid family thrill addition to the park. Glad they ditched the comfort collars so I wasn’t subjected to them.

Pipeline was a laugh, nothing amazing but definitely a novel experience, neither me or my partner noticed any discomfort whilst riding, which was something I was worried might impact my partner especially due to him being a bloke but neither of us had any issues. What was annoying was whilst waiting in the queue in the blazing sun, people were hogging the umbrellas and weren’t moving along with the queue until the next umbrella was ‘free’ so they could remain in the shade, meaning those of us behind them were left standing in the sun with little respite from it. Umbrella’s that cover the whole queue area or some kind of canopy would have been a better idea.

Operations were not great at both SeaWorld or Busch, during busier times like when we went, it can make queueing a bit of a slog.

So fascinating how peoples experiences on the same coasters differ. The trains on icebreaker are pretty bad though, I think we can all agree on that.
 
Sazzle said:
Hmm I do find that an odd comparison.

When I visited Busch on Wednesday many coasters were on one train, and there was what felt like the same operational approach.

While I prefer Busch for atmosphere and aesthetics, the two parks felt no different to me operationally. I certainly wouldn’t say either was horribly operated…!

We shall have to agree to disagree!
Click to expand...

Definitely odd - everything at Busch on this past Friday barring Kumba was on 2 trains minimum. This pleasantly surprised me given it was so quiet.

And I was surprised by the pain on Icebreaker - I've been on a number of other Premier coasters with what I assumed was an identical shin guard design and none of them have been as close to painful as IB was. RMC's seem to be just about tolerable for me conversely, though it is close. I suspect if I was a foot taller it would also be a major issue!
 
I have had no issues with any restraints on any coasters ever except the following:
- Pipeline was tight on my collarbone and was only really uncomfortable by the end.
- Tigris at Busch Gardens was too tight on my lap and was so uncomfortable going over the top section. Especially the first drop.
- The Swarm and Raptor (Gardaland) get way too tight and don’t let you breathe.
- Furius Baco for the same clamping as Tigris, plus some added head hitting and spine cracking.

I am about 5ft 9 so I am assuming it’s mostly taller people who are impacted by the leg restraints on Ice Breaker and Iron Gwazi? I didn’t notice either! Though it is quite funny how little room Ice Breaker gives you to move in and out of the train!
 
I’m 6’2, had no issues with Iron Gwazi or Ice Breaker ! The comfort collars were a bit annoying to manoeuvre into but once seated the actual ride was fine. I thought they had been removed now anyway?

Sometimes I do wonder whether people just have wildly different tolerances, or significantly higher expectations of a rollercoaster. It’s worth noting though I am very much of an average weight so perhaps it’s those who are meatier than the average that have comfort issues?
 
I felt my upper body was too long for Cheetah Hunt at Busch. Once the restraint was closed it felt like my spine was being compressed.
 
tayspru said:
perhaps it’s those who are meatier than the average that have comfort issues?
Click to expand...
Weird Al GIF by The Roku Channel
 
Ian said:
Weird Al GIF by The Roku Channel
Click to expand...
I do think when discussing comfort of attractions is important to be open about your size if you are comfortable to do so

Rides aren’t designed to be a perfect fit for every single person, but if you do happen to be outside the 90% that’s pertinent information when writing off a Ride as badly designed (that is very much a different conversation though! )
 
SeaWorld Orlando announced their new family launch coaster, Penguin Trek, in a press release earlier today:
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.
Click to expand...
More info and a series of pictures can be found here: https://seaworld.com/orlando/roller-coasters/penguin-trek/

I'm glad that this only has a 42" height restriction, and I also think that it's nice that they're keeping the same ending as the former Antarctica dark ride had!
 
Matt N said:
SeaWorld Orlando announced their new family launch coaster, Penguin Trek, in a press release earlier today:

More info and a series of pictures can be found here: https://seaworld.com/orlando/roller-coasters/penguin-trek/

I'm glad that this only has a 42" height restriction, and I also think that it's nice that they're keeping the same ending as the former Antarctica dark ride had!
Click to expand...
That looks fun. The height restriction should make this available for many children. The layout is fairly long, which is good.
 
I take it this penguin coaster replaces the indoor penguin attraction?

SeaWorld parks need more indoor attractions for when the weather turns bad, not less.

I get it that they're trying to move away from animal captivity but they really need to look at the big picture. You can't just keep throwing up coasters and hoping for the best.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top