A next generation sea-life experience has arrived at SeaWorld California with the debut of the new three-acre realm Ocean Explorer and new educational experience, Orca Encounter.
Ocean Explorer immerses families in an underwater world of deep-sea discovery. This extraordinary new attraction combines multiple aquariums, rides and digital technologies designed to engage park guests in an experience centered on exploration and adventure.
Submarine Quest, the realm’s signature ride, is an interactive adventure intended to encourage guests to explore and act to protect wildlife in the future. It boasts the world’s first use of “smart play” technology enabling riders to guide their mission of oceanic exploration.
Climbing out of their specially designed mini submarines, guests can then roam one-of-a-kind aquariums featuring 360-degree viewing experiences. Among the animals that guests can see rarely seen giant Japanese spider crabs, the world largest arthropod; dozens of slithering eels; and giant Pacific octopuses.
Ocean Explorer also features Tentacle Twirl, a wave swinger ride where guests fly in chairs suspended from the tentacles of a giant jellyfish. Three additional family-friendly rides—Aqua Scout, a jump-around ride; OctaRock, a happy swing ride; and Sea Dragon Drop, a family free-fall tower—round out the fun of this immersive, new attraction.
The all-new, inspiring Orca Encounter, representing an important evolution of how SeaWorld guests will experience killer whales, has now also launched. Presented in a documentary-style format, Orca Encounter features a first-of-its-kind infinity screen and combines a live orca presentation in an enhanced and augmented digital environment, featuring a rugged coastline backdrop with towering pines and picturesque waterfalls.
“What we’ve done is gather some of the world’s most distinctive aquariums, ocean exhibits, and oceanographic exploration experiences and fused them with the latest advances in technology,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s vice president of theme park experience and design. “The result is what we think is the most unique way to experience the mysterious creatures that dwell in a submerged universe most will never see.”
Capping off SeaWorld California’s spectacular new attractions will be Electric Ocean, set to debut 17 June, 2017. This nighttime experience will transform the entire above-the-ground park to the look of the deep bioluminescent ocean below.
