Take SeaWorld’s Coaster Challenge

Are you ready for one of Orlando’s most extreme challenges? Like, a high-adrenalin thrill challenge? If the answer is Yes, then you’re a prime candidate for SeaWorld’s new Coasters After Dark programme, a rare event that crops up periodically to appeal to avid thrill-seekers.

And this latest version is a true novelty, as it’s the first time SeaWorld has offered this opportunity late in the year. Yes, it’s Coasters After Dark – Christmas Edition, and it is all set to kick off on November 8, and run through to December 13, on select nights.

Now, we already know that SeaWorld considers itself the Coaster Capital of Orlando, and there is little arguing with that label, as the maritime-themed park is now home to fully eight out-and-out coasters, from the junior-sized Super Grover’s Box Car Derby to the mammoth Mako, which reaches a dizzying height of 200 feet and a top speed of 73mph.

But adding the chance to ride these high-octane attractions once the sun goes down adds a very real extra element of excitement, and this is not for the faint-hearted. But, for everyone else – have at it!

What is ‘Coasters After Dark’?

Ever since the opening of Mako in 2016, SeaWorld has set special store by its array of coasters, which is challenged only by Busch Gardens for max thrills in Florida. Nowhere else in the Sunshine State has the line-up of scream machines that SeaWorld has; no, not Disney and not even Universal. And, while its sister park in Tampa Bay can also boast eight coasters, SeaWorld has the most unique series of rides, which gives it a true cachet of exhilaration for coaster fans.

Then, when it comes to Coasters After Dark, this is a separately ticketed event on select nights that starts at 7 or 8pm and lasts until 11pm or midnight respectively. It opens an hour early on each occasion to allow guests with the evening tickets to enjoy the park before the coasters kick in. This is fun enough at regular times of the year, but it takes on extra pizzazz during the Christmas period as the park is positively sparkling with lights and other decorations, which definitely add to the occasion.

With a limited capacity approach, guests can immerse themselves in all the rides without the worry of long waits. Tickets for this jolly night-time event start at $49.99, and the dates and times for the Christmas Edition are as follows:

Doors Open at 7pm. Event Hours 8pm-11pm.

• November 8 • November 9 • November 15

Doors Open at 8pm. Event Hours 9pm-12am.

• November 22 • December 6 • December 13

So, what do I get to ride?

In short, it is all seven of SeaWorld’s A-list coasters, including the marvellous Mako, the innovative “surfing” experience of Pipeline, and the brand new thrills of Penguin Trek. And, if you’re not familiar with the Magnificent Seven, here are the essential details, in chronological order:

Journey to Atlantis (1998): The ride that started it all for SeaWorld, this is part water ride and part coaster, with an initial indoor section that sails gently through the mythical city of Atlantis before an evil siren steers it off course and into the big outdoor drop, at which point the “boat” becomes a roller-coaster car and careers off for a final showdown with the siren. Quite a blast! Thrill Factor: B.

Kraken (2001): SeaWorld went full speed into the coaster business with this immense floorless coaster that took its name from the mythical sea beast. It slowly carries riders 153ft up the main lift hill and then plunges into a series of fast twists and turns at up to 65mph, including a dizzying seven full inversions and a subterranean dive into the Kraken’s lair! Thrill Factor: A.

Manta (2009): Eight years later we welcomed another unique ride to Orlando as the park unveiled the state’s first “flying” coaster, which puts riders in a prone position as if they are racing through the water like manta rays. It is an exhilarating feeling, especially as the ride swoops low over the lagoon and adds four head-spinning inversions for good measure. Thrill Factor: A.

Mako (2016): We had to wait another seven years before SeaWorld made another addition to its coaster collection, but it was worth the wait, as Mako proved to be quite a monster. Based on the speed and hunting aspect of the mako shark, this is the second tallest ride in Florida, equally with SheiKra at Busch Gardens and only 6ft less than Iron Gwazi, also at Busch Gardens. There are no inversions, but it’s straight-line speed – an Orlando-best at 73mph – and swooping nature of its drops and turns ensure this is a huge experience. Thrill Factor: A-plus.

Ice Breaker (2022): SeaWorld’s first launch coaster added yet another element and style to the park’s growing gathering, and sparked a three-in-three-years expansion that has cemented its reputation for high-speed thrills. Ice Breaker reaches 52mph, includes a 93ft top hat feature and a 100-degree beyond-vertical spike to ensure it is another genuine eye-popper. Thrill Factor: A.

Pipeline: The Surf Coaster (2023): While the designers don’t call it a stand-up coaster, the fact the seats shift up and down through the various twists and turns makes it feel like you’re standing at various points. This makes it another entry in SeaWorld’s pantheon of creative rides, while it is also a good one just to watch. The fast-launch zips the surf-style coaster from 0-60mph in an eye-blink and, even though there is only one inversion, it feels like more! Thrill Factor: A-plus.

Penguin Trek (2024): The latest and, in many ways, the most entertaining ride in the park is this conversion from the previous attraction in the Antarctica area. It’s not the fastest, at just 45mph, and is not the highest, topping out at only 65ft, but it starts as a dark ride, features both indoor and outdoor sections, has two separate launches and mimics the movements of a bobsled or snowmobile for much of the time in ultra-smooth fashion. Simply put, it’s a really FUN ride, albeit a bit short at barely two minutes. Thrill Factor: B-plus.

What else is there to do?

In addition to the seven coasters, there will be select retail and food and beverage locations open for the event, including guest favorites like Flamecraft Bar, South Pole Sips and the return of the seasonal favorite, the Hot Chocolate hut. And, adding to the visual appeal of the whole park, SeaWorld’s superb Christmas décor will be lit up throughout, making for a dazzling back-drop to all the excitement of the rides. And you can trust us when we say, the view from the top of Mako at night is just coaster-rific!

Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldorlando.com.

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