If you’ve been looking for a new coaster to ride, SeaWorld San Diego has just the thing for you starting March 12 as they launch their newest coaster, Emperor! We were able to get a preview of the brand-new attraction, and we’re sure that it’ll have you screaming for more. Let’s take a look at what Emperor is all about…

, NEW COASTER: Emperor Dives into SeaWorld San Diego Starting March 12It’s been a busy start to the year for SeaWorld and Bush Gardens parks. In the last few weeks, Iron Gwazi opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando. Not to be left out, SeaWorld San Diego has Emperor! The top-of-the-line coaster officially opens March 12, 2022 to all guests but Passholders can get a special sneak peek on select days now through March 11th. Situated towards the back end of the park between Journey to Atlantis and Wild Arctic, this coaster is a sight to see.

, NEW COASTER: Emperor Dives into SeaWorld San Diego Starting March 12

Approaching the light blue and teal structure of the roller coaster is an experience as this is California’s tallest, longest, and fastest dive coaster in the state. At 153 feet tall, it’s the second-tallest structure in the park after the Sky Tower. Reaching speeds of 60 mph or more as you dive down 14 stories at 90 degrees. This coaster also features 3 inversions including a barrel roll.

, NEW COASTER: Emperor Dives into SeaWorld San Diego Starting March 12

But this ride does have some unique restrictions which could keep many guests firmly on the ground. To ride this attraction you must be a minimum of 52″ and can not exceed 78″ (6′ 5″) tall. Larger guests may also not be able to ride due to the size of the seats – there is a test chair out front for you to try before getting in line.

, NEW COASTER: Emperor Dives into SeaWorld San Diego Starting March 12
SeaWorld San Diego Emperor Small Seats

, NEW COASTER: Emperor Dives into SeaWorld San Diego Starting March 12

We sat down with Jim Potter who oversaw the project design for Emperor and chatted about what makes this coaster such a special addition to SeaWorld San Diego. Jim shared a fun fact about the inspiration for Emperor: the emperor penguin is able to dive 12 times the height of this roller coaster. In other words, “you could stack 12 of these lift hills together and that is how deep an emperor penguin can dive in open water.” Jim informed us of the partnership this coaster has with a penguin preservation organization, Penguins International. A portion of the merchandise proceeds of Emporer will go to support Penguins International.

We then took a quick look around the pop-up shop with exclusive merchandise for Emperor. A few standouts for me were the Emperor hat and coffee mug as well as the pins.

SeaWorld San Diego is the only location in North America where you can see emperor penguins on display. Jim highly recommended checking out the exhibit before heading on the coaster (or reverse that to cool off after the ride). While Bush Gardens has similar roller coasters they have a different train style. SeaWorld San Diego has a slightly different model. According to Jim, it’s the “European version” which allows for tighter turns and a smaller radius which causes a more dynamic experience. Jim wasn’t kidding! Just look at this POV from SeaWorld:

 

As we were watching from the queue, we couldn’t believe how fast the lift hill is. In the video, it may seem sped up, but I can assure you that it’s really that quick! Here are a few more videos of the coaster in motion:

Unfortunately, the area around Emperor has minimal theming, which seems to be the case with SeaWorld’s recent coasters. There are signs in the queue to explain some of the amazing facts about the emperor penguin. Other signs indicate the partnership with Penguins International and ride rules.

As with most coasters nowadays, you are not allowed to bring anything with you onto the ride. You will need someone to hold your bags or you can rent a locker right before entering the queue for a small fee. Also, remember to smile for the camera as this is one ride photo you may need to get.

One thing to note about Emporer is the lack of shade around the coaster. The only areas that have any sort of shade coverings are the lockers and the loading area. While it makes sense that SeaWorld is hoping to drum up excitement in line by watching the coaster in motion, the lack of shade will be brutal during the hot summer months. Also, note that this coaster (along with many other coasters in the park) won’t be able to operate during inclement weather.

, NEW COASTER: Emperor Dives into SeaWorld San Diego Starting March 12
The loading area is small considering each train can hold up to 18 people with three rows of six seats. 

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Let’s Hear From You

Aside from the lack of shade and minimal theming, this attraction still makes our must-ride list (at least once). Emperor opens at SeaWorld San Diego on March 12. Too intense for you, or just right? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

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