A new coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando in 2020. Over the weekend, the park released a teaser video announcing the arrival of a new coaster next year. The video, posted below, shows the camera flying through a snowy mountain environment and promises “plunging thrills” and “predatory heights”.
https://www.facebook.com/seaworldorlando/videos/330206460981451/
What We Know About the Coaster So Far
Last September, leaked documents from an internal presentation showed plans for a new launch coaster at SeaWorld Orlando in 2020 that reaches speeds up to 55 mph and comprising airtime and banked turns. A SeaWorld representative has since confirmed that the plans were real, however, no other information was given until this teaser was released.
Earlier this year, SeaWorld Orlando filed for permits for the 2020 attraction. As reported in an article by the Coaster Kings, who obtained the site plans through a public records request, the coaster will be located next to Mango Joe’s, across from the Wild Arctic attraction. According to the article, the outdoor seating area at Mango Joe’s appears to be where the ride queue will be located, with the ride station being built adjacent to Mango Joe’s.
Based on the site plans, it’s rumored that the ride will contain a switch track at the station, and a multi-launch similar to those of Premier Sky Rocket II rides like Tigris and Electric Eel. The major difference according to the rumors is that the ride initially launches into a top hat, then launches backwards up a vertical spike (think Impulse coasters such as Vertical Velocity and Possessed), before launching a third time over the top hat and into a full circuit layout. Please keep in mind that these details are all predictions. We will keep you update as more news about the coaster is released!
Theming
As far as theming goes, the ride clearly has an Arctic theme based on the teaser video and the ride’s location in the park. Whether this ride will serve as a compliment to or replacement of Wild Arctic is a question that remains. So far, it appears that the coaster will not affect the Wild Arctic building structure. Based on the phrase “predatory heights”, the ride could be themed after an arctic animal, such as the polar bear! The Wild Arctic attraction used to house several polar bears until they passed away in recent years, so this could be a nice tribute to those animals. The only thing that deters me from a polar bear-themed ride is the phrase “new coaster takes flight 2020” at the end of the video. Polar bears clearly do not fly, and I highly doubt that we will be seeing a puffin-themed coaster!
That leads me to another theory. The teaser video is very similar to the ride video of Wild Arctic, right down to the plunges. Additionally, Wild Arctic is themed after a wild jet-helicopter excursion through the Arctic Circle en route to “Base Station Wild Arctic”. That certainly would fit the theming of this new coaster. Could Wild Arctic be on its last legs this year? Regardless, I would think the Wild Arctic animal exhibit would remain, given SeaWorld’s focus on animals and conservation.
Closing Thoughts
At any rate, it looks like the Arctic section of the park will be getting a new coaster next year. That would be a welcome addition to that side of the park, completing a loop of A-list attractions throughout the park. Also, with a height restriction of 48″, this ride gives the park a much needed midrange coaster to accompany its trio of B&M coasters and the kiddie coaster at Sesame Street.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment is planning for a big year in Central Florida in 2020 with the addition of this coaster along with the Gwazi RMC conversion at Busch Gardens Tampa. What do you think about the confirmation of this new coaster at SeaWorld Orlando? Also, be sure to follow the park on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
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