Penguin Trek, new SeaWorld Orlando coaster, is a fantastic addition

SeaWorld Orlando has been focusing on high-thrill coasters over the past few years, one of numerous park changes ongoing since the 2020 closures. Now, after two high-thrill attraction openings, SeaWorld Orlando has opened Penguin Trek, a family coaster. In our opinion, this was exactly what SeaWorld needed next. Penguin Trek finds the fine line between family fun and thrilling.

Thanks to Parkineer, we were able to join for the Penguin Trek Media Event. This event involved a tour of the queue and a ride on this new attraction. Penguin Trek has a 42 inch height requirement and 78 inch height maximum. The coaster reaches speeds up to 43 miles per hour and has two launches.

Penguin Trek indoor queue

Fantastic news, penguin lovers! The Penguin Trek queue is mostly indoors. While some extended queue does wrap outside, the majority of the queue is both themed and in the AC. This is a major win for families, especially during the hot Florida summers.

Inside, guests can expect nods to scientists, hidden mini-stories and penguin facts. The queue is split into zones as guests progress farther and father towards their own Penguin Trek. The exit of the ride has a really fun surprise as well.

Penguin Trek load and unload area

The grand reveal! Guests will get a top-down view of Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando as they make their final few steps towards the load platform. One thing we noticed was the lack of loud music or noise. There are some mild themed humming sounds, but generally the platform was fairly quiet. This seemed like another win for the ride, as loud music with the metal walls could be jarring after some time.

And, much like the majority of the queue, this area was protected from the sun and air-conditioned. Even with large doors for the coaster to leave and return from, this area was plenty cool. As seen on the right side of the image, there are spots for item storage. During testing we normally saw a two coaster operation. Even with two full coasters, the temporary storage should be more than enough for day guests.

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What to expect on Penguin Trek

A ride on SeaWorld’s Penguin Trek can be simply described as: surprising, fun and balanced. This coaster had more interior sections than expected, with well-timed effects and a powerful first launch. The ride itself was smooth, never smacking you around on turns and causing aggressive whip-lash. And overall, it was just fun. The coaster was long, but not so long that it would be overstimulating for kids. It had thrill, but it wasn’t a scary coaster.

Penguin Trek hits the mark for a family-style roller coaster. And for many kids, this may be their first “big coaster.” While certainly not the speed or aggression of Mako, Pipeline or Manta, this coaster is certainly a step above a kiddie-coaster and offers a truly fun, thrilling time. And, it is something I would recommend for the entire family (as long as everyone is within the required height range).

Guests will experience two launches, some drops, twists and turns, as well as numerous moments flying by the Manta coaster and over park guests. Even after the ride, this Penguin Trek adventure isn’t fully over.

Real penguins at Penguin Trek roller coaster

From a coaster ride to an up-close penguin viewing, this new ride offers excitement and education. Those who rode on the former ride, Antartica: Empire of the Penguin, may remember the finale, a view of penguins and being dropped off inside the exhibit. Penguin Trek also lets riders get close, with an exit viewing ramp.

From disembarking the coaster and heading out, guests are put face-to-face with different penguin breeds. But, unlike the former ride, they aren’t given immediate access into the cold climate of the exhibit. Instead, guests can choose to wait in a secondary line to see the penguins in the true cold. Or, they can continue out a secondary exit, placed back into the Antartica land (also known as back outside in Florida).

Penguin Trek family roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando

Penguin Trek adds onto SeaWorld Orlando’s extensive coaster list. In fact, with the opening of Penguin Trek, this park now has as many roller coasters as Disney’s Animal Kingdom has rides. From high-thrill to world-first to family-friendly, SeaWorld is truly the roller coaster park of Orlando.

This new offering adds yet another thrill element to the park, being mindful of offering shade and AC, and adding in educational and themed elements. The coaster is fun, the ride is all-new and SeaWorld Orlando continues to update its park to match guest requests and needs for the area.

Another new offering is down the street at Universal Studios Florida. CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular is a drone, lagoon fountain, laser light, projection mapping and firework spectacular.