Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando isn’t just your average family coaster – it’s a chilly expedition that’ll have you waddling with excitement.
This B&M-manufactured beauty tops out at a brisk 43 mph, perfect for thrill-seekers-in-training.
With a height requirement of just 42 inches, it’s a great stepping stone between kiddie coasters and more intense rides.
What sets Penguin Trek apart is its immersive theming. You’ll zip through indoor and outdoor sections, feeling like you’re on a real Antarctic adventure.
Trust me, the air-conditioned queue is a lifesaver on those scorching Florida days!
Alright, coaster fan, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of SeaWorld Orlando’s coolest new addition!
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Penguin Trek Roller Coaster at a Glance:
- Height: 65 feet
- Opening Date: July 7, 2024
- Top Speed: 43 miles per hour
- Duration: 2:02
- Length: 3,020 feet
- Minimum Height Requirement: 42 inches
- Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard
- Inversions: 0
- Lift System: LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor)
Keep reading to get everything you must know about this incredible SeaWorld roller coaster.
Location
Penguin Trek is nestled in the heart of the Antarctic section of SeaWorld Orlando, making it a breeze to locate if you’re coming from the Manta roller coaster.
It’s right across from the quick service restaurant, Expedition Cafe, making it a prime spot to easily grab a snack after your chilly journey.
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Queue and Storyline
My favorite part (next to the ride of course) is the queue. With the air-conditioned queue being a godsend during Florida’s sweltering summers, you’ll learn that this is the base camp for researchers.
The storyline whisks you away on a research mission to study our tuxedoed friends in their natural habitat.
As you waddle through the queue, you’ll feel the temperature drop and spot icy formations that’ll make you wish you’d packed a parka.
Once you walk through the icy caverns, you’ll notice that the indoor queue is packed with all sorts of gear, maps, research tools, and more!
Plus, you’ll see little fun facts about penguins in this part of the world. It’s such a nicely designed queue and your body will thank you for the cool break!
After the ride is over, you’ll exit through the VERY cold Penguin Exhibit where you’ll see these little guys hanging out.
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Design and Experience
Picture this: you’re gliding through snowy caves one moment, then bursting into the Antarctic sunlight the next.
As I previously mentioned, the ride’s layout is perfect for new thrill seekers as it blends both indoor and outdoor sections seamlessly.
What about that punchy launch?
It’ll catch you off guard in the best way possible. You’ll be chilling one moment as you go through the dark, frosty caverns, then you launch out going through curvy white tracks on this new Florida coaster.
But here’s the kicker: Penguin Trek it’s not just about the thrills.
The designers have struck a great balance, making it exciting enough for coaster enthusiasts while still being approachable for the whole family.
What sets this coaster apart?
The low-to-the-ground design isn’t just for show. Plus, there are things such as the:
- Smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor sections
- A mix of tight turns and swooping curves
- Unexpected moments of airtime that’ll make you feel like a flying penguin
Just know that it’s manufactured by Bolliger and Mabillard (AKA B&M) and it does have that “B&M Rattle” when you’re turning on that final curve. If you have bigger thighs like I do, you’ll definitely feel some discomfort there.
There are test seats at the front of the ride for you to check your comfort levels with the train.
Just know that the seat design is not that forgiving and I saw a lot of people getting turned away when they tried to fit on the ride at the boarding station.
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Comparison with Other Attractions at SeaWorld Orlando
Penguin Trek is less intense than Ice Breaker but more intense than Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, making it a nice option for families looking to level up their thrill game.
Think of Penguin Trek as SeaWorld’s answer to Disney’s Slinky Dog Dash or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
It’s got that Goldilocks factor – not too tame, not too wild, just right for a wide range of riders.
Many coaster enthusiasts are also praising the ride’s smooth launch and immersive theming, comparing it favorably to popular Disney attractions.
Plus, its unique Antarctic theme sets it apart from the park’s other coasters, offering a cool (pun intended) change of pace from the marine-themed attractions.
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Cool Upgrade to Your Day
When this ride first opened, there was an opportunity for you to make it a full vacation themed around penguins.
Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Orlando gave fans the option to cool off this summer with a staycation inside the SeaWorld Suite!
This penguin-themed suite was inspired by SeaWorld Orlando’s all new Antarctica Realm, home to the new family launch coaster, Penguin Trek.
You would’ve been able to book a stay in a one-bedroom themed suite that slept four guests and included one-day park admission, a Penguin Encounter, All Day Dining, and Quick Queue.
Limited stays were available between August 1st and September 8th of 2024 and it was a unique way to experience your Orlando vacation.
If you message Extra Holidays, they may be able to bring it back with enough requests.
10 First-timer Tips for Visiting SeaWorld and Riding Penguin Trek Roller Coaster
Now that you’re officially ready to conquer Penguin Trek like a pro, here are some insider tips to make your icy adventure unforgettable:
- Beat the heat: Hit the air-conditioned queue early in the day.
- Bring a light sweater: It’s chilly inside of the penguin exhibit that you exit out so have a light sweater in case you want to spend a significant amount of time in there.
- Snag a snack at the Expedition Cafe: Fuel up after your ride.
- Ride twice: Once for thrills, once for theming details.
- Bring the whole fam: 42″ height requirement means most can join.
- Capture the moment: Grab a post-ride pic with your windswept hairdo.
- Do the Penguin Encounter: Spice up your day and book a tour.
- Explore the Land: Be sure to walk through all of the nooks-and-crannies of the Antarctica Realm.
- Go Shopping: Did you really ride the NEW Penguin Trek if you don’t have the shirt for proof? Be sure to grab yours at the gift shop.
- Have fun! Make the most of your experience as you take on this new attraction.
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My Final Thoughts and Review
I actually like this roller coaster A LOT. It’s easy to ride in the sense that I don’t have to prepare myself mentally for something intense like I do for VelociCoaster at Universal.
The indoor part totally stole the show for me… the launch actually packed a punch that took me by surprise.
I am so happy to see this addition to the SeaWorld Orlando roller coaster lineup.
It gives the park a diverse set of attractions and I’m here for all of the new changes and directions coming to this Florida theme park!
Have you experienced Penguin Trek at SeaWorld? Let me know what your thoughts are about it in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
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