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Planning for Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin began in mid-2010 according to Brian. For six to eight months, SeaWorld's creative team developed the concept for the attraction. Currently, the exhibit is in the middle of a 20-month-long construction period.
The entrance to the structure housing the ride will be hard to miss. A 50-foot tall snow cap, designed to look like a mother penguin and her baby will stand ready to welcome passengers. Inside, visitors will find a new ride, along with a circular ride vehicle, that Brian currently calls "a device."
"The device that we've created to be part of the attraction will actually allow our guests to ride as a family unit, and experience this together, and not separate," Brian predicts. The family ride is designed to be gentle, so each member of the family can ride, regardless their height or ability level.
At a separate facility, Brian hints the ride vehicles may already be assembled and ready for testing.
He did confirm the ride units will stay dry and will not float like a boat. A seatbelt will secure riders, allowing the vehicles to possibly make quick changes in direction, as if they are sliding on ice.
How cold can visitors the new environment to be?
"They will not need a jacket," Brain confirms. "This attraction is designed in ways that allow guests to make a choice as well as how long they wish to experience certain portions of the attraction."
While SeaWorld has not released climate details inside the attraction, Penguins need a balmy 30 degrees to be comfortable. Inside the show building may be awaiting a second attraction where guests can spend more time with Rock Hooper, King, Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins.
A press release from SeaWorld about the new trackless ride car that you will ride on Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin describes it not just as a trackless dark ride car, but as a mobile simulator who’s movements will will allow you to become one with the storyline as you follow a young penguin’s adventures. They also say that “Guests will also be able to choose one of two levels of adventure to experience Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin. This will allow the whole family to enjoy the attraction at their own pace.”
This last part is a bit interesting, though they don’t get into more detail, I have to wonder if the two levels are a way of cranking up the thrills for those seeking adventure, compared to a more mild tour experience for those visiting with Grandma. (She’s got a back back don’sha know?) In case anyone was wondering, the ride hardware for the new system comes from Oceaneering, who are apparently also looking to sell the system to other interested parties as well.