SeaWorld’s Flying Arctic

OK, SeaWorld fans, this one’s definitely for you. If you like the new Penguin Trek ride in this excellent animal-themed park, you’re going to LOVE what’s next – a cool journey to the frozen Arctic!

That’s right, while this year’s newcomer takes guests all the way South, their next attraction will take the opposite tack and head North for an even bigger adventure.

And no, it’s not another coaster. This will be a fully indoor attraction and include a complete makeover for an older ride that has not been in commission for many years. In fact, it will be a first-of-its-kind experience and it is targeted for a spring 2025 opening, which is a great reason to start planning for next year.

What is this new SeaWorld ride?

The “Coaster Capital of Orlando” has become renowned in recent years for its impressive selection of thrilling and unique rides, and their new, as-yet-unnamed attraction for next year should definitely live up to that reputation, albeit the newcomer will be somewhat different from anything SeaWorld has built in recent years.

When it unveiled the plans for its latest groundbreaking attraction, SeaWorld advertised it as the world’s first Arctic flying theater (as opposed to any other kind of flying theatre!). Here’s what they said:

“This new experience invites families to soar over icy landscapes, dive beneath frozen waters and come face-to-face with some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures. From majestic beluga whales to awe-inspiring orcas and walruses, this adventure puts riders right in the middle of the action. It’s also all indoors, so rain or shine, this attraction guarantees a cool, thrilling escape for the entire family all year round.”

They also released a video about it here.

Building on the family-friendly thrills of Penguin Trek, which opened earlier this year, the next ride will accommodate guests with a minimum height requirement of just 39 inches (99cm), ensuring the whole family can enjoy the adventure together. Riders will embark on a four-and-a-half-minute journey within one of two of the attraction’s immersive multi-level theatres, each accommodating 30 guests. “They will experience the Arctic as if they were truly there, witnessing jaw-dropping visuals both in the air and underwater, including the stunning Aurora Borealis and remote, untouched areas of the Arctic,” added the SeaWorld press release.

Farewell, Wild Arctic, Hello new experience

All of this, of course, means we must say a belated farewell to the attraction that has been largely forgotten since the start of the pandemic, when it was put into cold storage (ho, ho). It still included the animal exhibits and walk-through section, but the simulator ride itself was officially decommissioned, and the new flying Arctic experience will take its place.

However, it WILL also mean that the whole exhibit will get a new lease of life, with riders getting the rare opportunity to experience a seamless journey from underwater views of the Arctic’s marine life to the outer atmosphere, providing a satellite perspective of this incredible and expansive region. This attraction will also emphasise SeaWorld’s commitment to blending education with entertainment, offering guests a comprehensive view of the North Pole’s vast and varied ecosystems.

Thanks to custom filming equipment specifically created for the project, the award-winning production team was able to film in some of the most remote parts of the Arctic, capturing its diverse environment in stunning detail. From lush, green landscapes that challenge the typical perceptions of the Arctic to the snow-capped vistas and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, guests will be transported to locations that are otherwise inaccessible to most.

Education and innovation

SeaWorld itself is in no doubt this will be another step forward in the park’s innovative style, taking full advantage of the latest technology in the “flying theatre” ride concept (which Disney uses to such good effect in its Soarin’ Around the World attraction at the EPCOT park and LEGOLAND Florida showcases in Masters of Flight).

“We are thrilled to introduce this first-of-its-kind attraction to SeaWorld Orlando,” said park president Jon Peterson. “This indoor immersive flying theatre experience reinforces our commitment to education, animal care and research. As guests disembark, they’ll find themselves in the awe-inspiring wonder of one of the world’s most remote places, face-to-face with some of those very animals found within the Arctic, such as beluga whales, walruses and more. By bringing the wonders of the Arctic to life, we are offering guests an unparalleled and immersive experience that will create lasting memories for people of all ages.”

With the launch of this attraction, it should solidify SeaWorld among Orlando’s lineup of world-class attractions and underline its status as a premier destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. Annual Pass Members will also have the exclusive opportunity to be among the first to ride into the Arctic before it opens to the public next spring.

New for Busch Gardens, too

Not to be out-done by its sister park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has also unveiled its next game-changing attraction, the all-new Wild Oasis realm, which aims to be America’s most engaging and interactive adventure realm when it opens in spring 2025.

Located within the Jungala area, Wild Oasis is designed to ignite the imagination and engage all the senses, promising non-stop excitement for every member of the family. In the park’s own words: “Prepare to be captivated by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, the rush of a newly reimagined drop tower featuring state-of-the-art digital and sound effects, an interactive water-play wonderland and a multi-level climbing canopy. Plus, discover an all-new, multi-species animal habitat for up-close encounters with some of the world’s most fascinating animals.”

What all that means is the main part of the Jungala section, which included the Wild Surge drop-tower and Jungle Flyers ride (for children), as well as tiered play area Tree-Top Trails, will be completely revamped for the Wild Oasis theming, which should bring a rather forlorn section of the park back to dramatic life.

As park president Stewart Clark explained: “It’s been five years since guests last set foot in the tucked away realm of Treetop Trails in the Jungala area, and we are thrilled to breathe new life into this corner of the park with the development of this realm. The all-new Wild Oasis truly offers something for everyone – whether you love the thrill of the ride or learning about animals, getting wet or climbing high, or just cooling off under the shade of the rainforest canopy.”

What are your favourite rides at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens? Tell us about them on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages.