Within the past week, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have made some exciting announcements regarding new roller coasters coming to the parks. I visit SeaWorld very often, and I make a trip out to Busch Gardens at least twice a year, so anytime they make a big announcement like this, I get so excited. As many of you know, SeaWorld has been working really hard to keep its title as ‘The Coaster Capital of Orlando’ but pumping out a new coaster each year. Currently, the park is home to the most roller coasters in one Orlando theme park.
Busch Gardens is another park that is jam-packed with breathtaking, thrilling roller coasters. They also have lovely animal exhibits and education centers throughout the park, but the roller coasters tower over the park. One of my favorite coasters ever lives at Busch Gardens, so I am excited to see what they do next.
Anyway, let’s jump into the roller coaster news!
Penguin Trek – SeaWorld
SeaWorld is finally doing something with the area that once housed the trackless attraction Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. Unfortunately, this ride had many technical issues, and it got to the point that they shut it down. As of right now, guests can participate in the walking portion of the attraction that leads them to the penguin exhibit.
In 2024, this area will finally have a new attraction showcasing penguins. SeaWorld said this will be the coolest research mission you’ve ever joined. This will be an unforgettable family launch coaster. It will send guests on an adventure through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica.
The ride vehicle will look like a snowmobile, and once you board it, you’ll be racing along your expedition team at 43 miles per hour. In the description that SeaWorld gave us, they say that guests will be navigating twists and turns and narrowly escaping the crumbling hazards of an icy cavern. The best part is that the ride will end by bringing guests to a real penguin habitat.
This will be an indoor and outdoor coaster and is being labeled as a family roller coaster. SeaWorld claims this will be the most immersive addition to the Coaster Capital of Orlando. They also released that the height requirement minimum will be 42 inches, and the maximum will be 77 inches.
Phoenix Rising – Busch Gardens
Over at Busch Gardens, they are telling travelers to prepare for a fiery, family-friendly new adventure. Phoenix Rising is set to soar above the Serengeti Plain in the Spring of 2024. B&M will manufacture this coaster, and it will be the park’s 10th coaster.
This coaster will become the largest family-friendly addition to the Pantopia area of the park. This will also be the first coaster to feature onboard audio at the park. The minimum height requirement will be 42 inches, allowing thrill-seeking families to experience this attraction.
The coaster will allow guests to experience the exhilarating flight of the Phoenix aboard an all-new suspended roller coaster that will swing riders side-to-side. They will feel the rush of the wind and the thrill of the flight. The ride will travel up to 44 miles per hour, and the length of the coaster is 1,831 feet.
I can’t wait to experience these two roller coasters. They will be fantastic additions to the parks, and these new rides could bring new travelers to these theme parks. I will definitely be checking these coasters out once they open. Do you plan on making a trip out to either of these parks in 2024 to experience the new coasters?