It’s PPPP-power to the penguin in Orlando! SeaWorld has opened its new multi-million pound attraction where you enter the frozen world of 250 of the black and white feathered favourites – and YourHols joined the celebrations.
Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin transports you into temperatures of -1C on a journey to the colony of penguins waddling and gliding on snow and diving and soaring through water.
The brilliant ride begins with a choice of taking one of the “wild” or “mild” saucer-shaped vehicles seating eight people. You get the same experience – the wild just spins around faster and rocks. So go for the shorter queue!
The innovative trackless cars shimmy on one of 32 paths through 50ft glaciers and frozen waterfalls, howling winds and blizzards with video of Antarctica seen through the eyes of a cute animated penguin called Puck.
It gets colder and colder on the three minute 50 second journey to the penguins, all to a musical score performed by a 65-piece orchestra. And then your vehicle turns you round to see… the stars of this magnificent show.
Four species – king, Adelie, rockhooper and Puck’s gentoo – live in the state-of-the-art empire which mirrors their real home. Ten tons of snow fall on the birds daily and the light cycle follows that in the Southern Hemisphere so changes from sunrise to sunset and springtime light to wintertime dark.
Once you’ve seen them, heard them and been splashed by them because you are so close with the smallest of barriers, you can watch them underwater in a 16ft deep pool from a three-level viewing area with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, which superbly combines the thrill factor of a ride with teaching families about penguins and their habitats, was three years in the making and the genius of Creative Director Brian Morrow.
Trisha caught up with him at the launch and, wiping away tears, he said: “It is overwhelming to see the result, it has exceeded all expectations.
“This is Antarctica at its best and the attraction is so full of wonder and emotion, you actually come away believing you’ve been to that frozen world. Everyone loves penguins and people of all ages can take this big adventure. That’s why we created two ride experiences, so that no one is excluded.”
Simon Veness, author of Brit Guide to Orlando, who has been on every ride in the theme park capital of the world, was mightily impressed and described the latest addition as “awe-inspiring”.
He said: “It’s freaky good with the accent on freaky. The effect of entering Antarctica is truly surreal and because the ride vehicles have no tracks you have no idea where you are going. It’s unique and the exit to the penguins is stunning and magnificent.”
SeaWorld has really splashed out on this attraction, they won’t say how much it cost but it’s estimated to be more than £25 million – so those penguins better start PPPP-performing well.
In the four-acre icy continent with phenomenal lighting (see pictures below) there’s lots of money-making add-ons such as an Expedition Cafe and the shop, Glacial Collections, selling everything from penguin fluffy soft toys to penguin tea towels.
The ride’s uniqueness will make it popular and during the hot Florida summer, you’ll welcome the sub-zero temperatures. Take a jacket if you want to spend any time with the stars of the show (they sell fleeces in the shop, of course!).
It joins the park’s other star attractions, the rollercoaster Manta where you fly through the air like a Manta ray, the killer whale Shamu show One Ocean and Turtle Trek, a 3D film about the life of a turtle.
GETTING THERE: Virgin Holidays offers seven nights room-only at the 5V Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld with car hire, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick on November 6, from £899 per person, based on two sharing. Start your holiday in the v-room at Gatwick or Manchester, adults £20, kids £12. Visit www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844 557 3859.
The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package includes one day reservation at Discovery Cove (with 30-minute dolphin swim experience, meals, snacks and drinks) plus 14- day unlimited entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica from £164 per person. Visit www.seaworldparks.co.uk
Also visit www.VisitOrlando.com
