Back in September 2016, SeaWorld San Diego announced that an all-new realm would be added to the park in Summer 2017. This area, aptly named Ocean Explorer, would feature five new family attractions, as well as a new restaurant and some undersea viewing opportunities. We were lucky enough to get an invitation to the Media Day for Ocean Explorer, and got to experience new attractions first hand on Wednesday.
The morning began in the outdoor seating area for the new Ocean Explorer restaurant, with some sea life-inspired donuts, as well as visits from several of SeaWorld Orlando’s “Animal Ambassadors.”
Shortly after 10:30, we were led to the entrance of the new land, where although the sign was covered, the area looked great. We were led into the area by a group of local first graders, who were all thrilled to be experiencing the new attractions inside Ocean Explorer.
Ocean Explorer’s realm features four new flat rides:
Tentacle Twirl, a Zierer Wave Swinger themed like a jellyfish.
Aqua Scout, A Zamperla Jump Around
OctaRock, A Zamperla Happy Swing
Sea Dragon Drop, a Zierer Family Tower Ride
However, the main attraction of the land is the new Submarine Quest dark ride. This nearly three minute ride takes park guests through the entire realm, where they encounter octopi, jellyfish, and giant crabs. After riding, I can confirm that this ride is going to be a hit for families with young children. The ride vehicles feature interactive touch-screen technology that help progress the attraction, and gives younger riders an interactive element.
“We want to bring animal lovers up close and personal to an undersea world that is virtually inaccessible to most people,” said SeaWorld San Diego’s park president, Marilyn Hannes. “Through the use of advanced digital interfaces and live animal experiences, that world is available for our guests to immerse themselves in.”
The ride was manufactured by Chance Rides.
After riding, guests can get up close an personal with several forms of wildlife, including electric eels, octopi and giant spiny crabs. Each aquarium tank features a tunnel to crawl through to an underwater viewing pod to get up close and personal with the sea creatures.
Elsewhere in Ocean Explorer, the new Explorer’s Cafe opened, and featured a unique menu, along with several local craft beer options. (Personally, I’m most intrigued by the Mashed Potato Pizza with pulled pork and fried onions, but I couldn’t bring myself to try it. Next time!)
I think that SeaWorld San Diego has a winner on its hands with Ocean Explorer. The area has an amazing look to it!
It’s going to be another great addition to bring families to their park. (And once Electric Eel is added next year, then thrill seekers will be able to enjoy this new land as well!)
Following our experiences in Ocean Explorer, we were escorted to the first performance of the new Orca Encounter show. I thought the show, along with the new arena, was very well done. It was less of a “Orca Stunt Show” and more of an educational look at the various characteristics of an Orca, demonstrated during the show.
There were jumps and fin waving, but there was also a ton to learn about these fascinating creatures, and was presented in more of a documentary format.
“Guests may see a natural breaching behavior by the whales, and then on our new massive infinity screen they’ll see the same behavior by a killer whale in the wild enabling them to draw an even deeper connection to the orcas,” said SeaWorld San Diego orca behaviorist, Kristi Burtis. “Our visitors also hear how scientific research on killer whales at SeaWorld is benefiting wild populations.”
The Orca Encounter show features 11 orcas, and takes place in a 5.8 Million gallon salt water tank. The backdrop of the show is a 140′ long first-of-its kind infinity screen that features high definition imagery.
One thing we didn’t get to experience was SeaWorld San Diego’s new nighttime spectacular, Electric Ocean, which debuts later this summer. Electric Ocean will transform the park, and will feature new entertainment options, as well as special features for the park’s two roller coasters.
Elements of Electric Ocean
- Club Current: The night kicks off at the signature dance area, Club Current, where DJ Moray spins the hits while denizens of the deep show off the latest moves. Guests will meet reimagined vibrant sea creatures like Manny, the ray; Loggerhead, inspired by the world’s second largest sea turtle species; Cora del Fuego, the ever-colorful representation of fiery coral reefs; and many more imaginative ocean-themed characters.
- Living Glow: Powered by BioPop: The all-new, fully-interactive exhibit, at the Aquaria aquarium, is where guests will touch real bioluminescent organisms and watch these incredible microscopic algae glow, just like they do in the ocean. Microscopic algae called dinoflagellates absorb light during the day through photosynthesis, but at night, they let out a bioluminescent glow that dazzles. Through fun, hands-on table-top displays, guests will also learn how these organisms play a vital role in our oceans while marveling at their bioluminescent brilliance that is truly real and amazing.
- Cirque Electrique: Cirque Electrique is a nighttime reincarnation of the popular daytime show, Cirque de la Mer, featuring daring aerial performers in advanced LED suits that will mesmerize audiences as they bounce and fly in and over the waters of Mission Bay.
- IllumiNight: This new nighttime experience will submerge guests below the waves and electrify the ocean floor with a radiant exhibition of sight and sound. This illuminating performance will feature overhead laser lights and an interactive RFID experience, high-flying acrobats, live musicians and larger-than-life animal puppets that soar over guests, making this a truly immersive and thrilling show.
- Atlantis Ignites: The park’s water coaster, Journey to Atlantis, will enthrall guests with a 100-foot projection mapping experience that takes guests on a vibrant and thrilling undersea adventure.
- Manta reCHARGED: Guests can ride the ray and feel the rush on Manta reCHARGED. SeaWorld’s double-launch roller coaster transforms into an adrenaline pumping, electrifying coaster with new special effects, colorful lighting and pulsing music.
- Laser Reef: The party’s grand finale lights up the night with the tallest laser show in San Diego. Colorful beams shine down on Explorer’s Reef and dance to Electric Ocean beats atop the iconic Skytower, closing out the night in vibrant waves of light.
Since it was my first trip to SeaWorld San Diego, I took the rest of the afternoon to experience the rest of the park.
I wanted to take a spin on Manta, SeaWorld San Diego’s launched coaster from MACK rides. I didn’t know what to expect with its stats; a top speed of just over 40 miles per hour, and a max height of just 30′ above the ground. Compared to my expectations, this ride blew me away.
There were several great airtime moments, and the initial launch combined with the 360-degree video elements made for a very thrilling ride experience.
SeaWorld San Diego’s first coaster, Journey to Atlantis was another creation from MACK, but instead of a launched coaster was a Water Coaster. It’d been years since I’d ridden its predecessor at SeaWorld Orlando, but this seemed like a different ride to me. Sitting in the third row, my goal was not to get completely soaked. I got a little wet, but it was refreshing, even in the chilly San Diego day.
I walked around the park a little more, and though I’m not entirely sure, I think I found the proposed location for Electric Eel. Like I said, I have no idea where it’s going, but this open clearing seemed to be a great spot for it.
My final ride of the day was SeaWorld’s Double Decker Observation tower, which can be seen for miles around San Diego. I always love the bird’s eye view that Observation towers provide. My favorite part was viewing three coasters from the air, despite the fact that Sea World San Diego only has two. Even through the fog, I was able to see Belmont Park’s Giant Dipper off in the distance.
After that, it was time to head to the airport and catch my red-eye flight home!
For more information about SeaWorld San Diego, visit the park’s website!
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