Penguin Trek opens at SeaWorld Orlando with ‘arctic researchers,’ Scouts of America
SeaWorld Orlando’s new Penguin Trek roller coaster opened with fanfare, park executives, character performers, and Puck the penguin.
Penguin Trek, a new SeaWorld Orlando ride, officially opened July 7, 2024 to all guests following several days of pass member previews.
Penguin Trek Trivia Challenge
Penguin Trek is SeaWorld Orlando’s eighth roller coaster. Can you name them all?
(Find the answer at the bottom of this story.)
Arctic researcher characters
As guests entered SeaWorld Orlando on Penguin Trek’s grand-opening morning and made their way toward the coaster, “arctic researchers” greeted them. Dressed in snow jackets, scarves, and beanies — despite the morning’s temperature reaching the late ’80s — these character performers frantically asked visitors if they’d seen any penguins.
Grand opening ceremony
Penguin Trek formally debuted with a grand opening ceremony hosted by Justin, an explorer character, alongside Puck the penguin. (Though Puck now seems to be a spokespenguin for the new roller coaster, he was the star of the attraction’s predecessor, a trackless dark ride called Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.) Justin and Puck were joined by Rob McNicholas (director of operations at SeaWorld Orlando), Jon Peterson (park president of SeaWorld Orlando), and a gathering of children from the Scouts of America.
“Today, SeaWorld Orlando gets just a little bit chillier,” Justin remarked.
McNicholas emphasized the value that the new coaster brings to the portfolio of SeaWorld Orlando rides. “Penguin Trek is a little different,” he said. “It’s perfect for the youngest riders [and] the coaster enthusiasts alike.” He continued, “At SeaWorld, we combine real and amazing. Here, you experience your thrilling coaster before coming face-to-beak with over 300 penguins in their 34-degree habitat.”
By the numbers
- Maximum speed: 43 mph
- Track length: 3,000 feet
- Heigh requirement: 42 inches
- Number of launches: 2
Video from opening day
Here’s our video recap of Penguin Trek’s opening day, featuring the arctic researcher character, the opening ceremony, and the ride itself:
Queue photos
Props throughout the line contribute to the placemaking of a penguin research facility. Employee timecards and various bulletin board messages populate the walls.
Tour the queue then take a ride in our video:
Merchandise
A selection of Penguin Trek merchandise, including an opening-day shirt, is available for purchase.
Trivia Answer
SeaWorld Orlando has eight roller coasters. They are Penguin Trek, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, Ice Breaker, Mako, Kraken, Manta, Journey to Atlantis, and Super Grover’s Box Car Derby.
More Penguin Trek stories:
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