SeaWorld Orlando has a brand new family-friendly launch coaster (though it sure does pack a punch). My nine year old son, Johnny, and I got a sneak peek at Penguin Trek! Are you ready to ride through Antarctica in search of penguins? Let’s take a look.
Penguin Trek takes over much of the space previously occupied by the “Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin“ dark ride. Both rides lead you to the penguin habitat.
Penguin Trek Story
Hop aboard your snowmobile and join the expedition team on Penguin Trek, twisting and turning through an icy cavern and the snow of Antarctica. As you reach your destination, you’ll make the ultimate discovery: a real penguin habitat!
Before you board, check out the ride vehicle seat, which is very bucketed. The harness comes from overhead and secures across your lap.
The queue is highly themed with the outdoor being reused from Empire of the Penguin.
The interior queue has been completely changed. Welcome to Sea Station Antarctica. Let the adventure begin!
To enter the vehicle hangar go up and over the track, where you get your first look at the ride vehicle.
Bins are provided on the exit side of the ride for any personal items. But note that they do not close and are shared with other riders. Be careful with valuables.
Let’s Take a Ride on Penguin Trek
Johnny is nine and can still be apprehensive about new rides. Would he be able to handle Penguin Trek? Let’s take a look.
The embedded video contains both POV and Rider views back to back, so you’ll get to watch the ride twice:
Penguin Trek Ride Requirements and Statistics
The immersive Penguin Trek is a launch coaster that reaches 65 feet in the air and speeds up to 43 miles per hour with two launches. While it has some fun banked turns, it doesn’t have loops, which is what helps make it family friendly.
SeaWorld did a great job fitting this ride into very little space. The attraction, for the most part, is squeezed behind the Antarctica buildings and Manta. That said, it does not feel like there is a lack of space when riding.
There are three height requirements to be aware of: a minimum height requirement of 42 inches, a minimum to ride alone of 51 inches, and a maximum height of 78 inches.
Penguin Habitat
As you exit the ride, you walk past the penguin habitat with underwater viewing.
Penguin Trek Merchandise
Ride-specific merchandise is found at the exit of the penguin habitat viewing area – from hats to shirts and memorabilia.
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Final Thoughts on Penguin Trek
Penguin Trek is a great family coaster. It is nice to see a lower height requirement on a “big” coaster. At 43 miles per hour, it is not a slow-moving coaster. Even without a big drop or loops, there is plenty of thrill with the twists, turns, and the second launch that makes sure you don’t lose speed. It is definitely a ride we will be on again, Johnny gave the Penguin Trek a thumbs up!
Are you looking forward to SeaWorld Orlando’s newest adventure, Penguin Trek? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
