SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announces it will open one-of-a-kind marine life themed rides and attractions in every SeaWorld park in Spring 2024. Guests to SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego can look forward to new journeys and experiences for the whole family that will leave them “breathless, drenched, and 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 world of these unique birds. 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 experience 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.
“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.”
The Busch Gardens parks in Tampa and Williamsburg are solidifying their place as thrill ride leaders with two record-breaking attractions in 2024. “Phoenix Rising”, a family-friendly suspended roller coaster is set to soar at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and “Loch Ness Monster”, the world’s first interlocking loop coaster will celebrate 46 years as Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s most iconic attraction with a full restoration.
With the addition of “Phoenix Rising” both parks will each have ten roller coasters in their lineup of thrills, adding to a strong portfolio of attractions including “DarKoaster” at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and “Iron Gwazi” at Busch Gardens Tampa.
“Penguin Trek” at SeaWorld Orlando
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 launches and a maze of twists and turns, this family 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 unique 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 eighth coaster to join SeaWorld Orlando’s ever-expanding ride portfolio.
“Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” at SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego announces the upcoming debut of “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” in 2024, adding another enjoyable and educational dimension to the park’s offerings. The first of its kind for SeaWorld parks, the Jellyfish Experience will be the newest immersive and interactive aquarium at the park.
Nestled within the Ocean’s Explorer area, guests to the new exhibit will be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes in three unique galleries as if diving into the heart of the ocean. Glowing with an ethereal light, Moon Jellyfish, Pacific Sea Nettles, Upside-Down Jellyfish, and Comb Jellies will gracefully glide through the water, showcasing their hypnotic movements that seem almost unworldly. The experience features an 18-foot-tall cylinder, among the tallest jelly cylinders in the country, a 10-foot-tall acrylic living arch of jellyfish for guests to walk through for views from multiple angles, plus a vivid display from walls to ceiling that show virtual oceanic moments, ranging from calm waters to dynamic, energetic crescendos. Guests can also upgrade their experience with a behind-the-scenes tour led by an aquarist and learn more about jellyfish propagation and have hands-on experience to touch the ocean’s translucent treasures.
As part of the park’s commitment to education, the Jellyfish Experience also offers a fun way to learn more from experts about what makes a jellyfish, the beauty and diversity of the translucent species, their behaviors and patterns, and how they have adapted to some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Plus, guests will come away with a better understanding of what they can do to protect jellyfish and our oceans.
“Catapult Falls” at SeaWorld San Antonio
At SeaWorld San Antonio, guests will experience the first splash of the anticipated arrival of “Catapult Falls,” the world’s first launched flume coaster and the only vertical lift in North America. First announced in 2022, it will feature the world’s steepest flume drop, North America’s only vertical lift flume coaster, and the tallest flume drop in Texas.
This family friendly ride will catapult through the launch at speeds of 30 feet per second, allowing riders to feel the rush of a coaster while experiencing the rocking and swaying of riding on a track of water.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – “Phoenix Rising”
This coming Spring, Busch Gardens brings to life a legend with its newest roller coaster, “Phoenix Rising”, – the park’s tenth coaster, and the largest family-friendly addition to the Pantopia area of the park. This new experience will have family members soaring above the Serengeti Plain before going on an exploratory journey over the Pantopia region, with its vibrant-colors, thrilling attractions, and more. Riders will feel the wind and thrill of flight in this suspended roller coaster that enables ride cars and riders to swing side to side as the train races along the track high above the Serengeti Plain. “Phoenix Rising” will be the park’s first coaster to feature on-board audio, enhancing the ride experience with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack, integrated into an exhilarating array of twists, turns and surprises for families riding together.
Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, “Phoenix Rising” is a family-friendly suspended roller coaster, traveling at speeds up to 44 miles per hour throughout the 1,831-feet journey. With a minimum height requirement of 42 inches, “Phoenix Rising” is the perfect attraction for thrill-seeking families to embark on and have fun together.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg – “Loch Ness Monster”: The Legend Lives On
The most monstrous icon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg resurfaces in 2024 with all-new thrilling elements and a full restoration. Celebrate 46 years of the world’s first interlocking loop coaster, as enhanced storytelling and innovative effects are added to this classic coaster. In addition to over 900 feet of “Nessie’s” signature steel track being replaced, riders will experience new sights, sounds and surprises during their journey through the Scottish terrain.
The adventure begins with an enhanced queue experience featuring new storytelling elements, and the quest continues during the lift hill climb, guided by an all-new soundtrack created just for Loch Ness Monster. New in 2024, while braving the first drop, guests catch a glimpse of something monstrous lurking under the water. Next, after plummeting over 100 feet, riders race towards the first of two interlocking vertical loops, traveling up to 60 miles per hour. Thrill-seekers emerge into a spiraling tunnel, traversing a helix and coming face-to-face with the monster in a shadowy cave lair. Out of the darkness and into the daylight, the train descends into the second iconic loop and makes one final turn before returning to the station.
