Thrill rides at Sea World

[WebmasterBarry]

The scariest thing at Sea World Orlando used to be David Hasselhoff singing “Falling in Love” during the Baywatch ski show. The show has been closed, but new terrors have risen in Sea World Orlando: Wild Arctic, Journey Into Atlantis, and Kraken.

Before you can enter the Wild Arctic area, you must ride aboard a flight simulator. You take flight in a helicopter called “White Thunder.” You begin on a leisurely flight across the Arctic and view Arctic animals. Things suddenly go wrong. You find yourself falling off an icy cliff and flying through an avalanche. The shakeup is similar to Star Tours at Disney-MGM Studios. If you can’t ride flight simulators, you can enter the non-motion line. You basically enter the same simulator and see the same ride film, but the cabin doesn’t move. The lines generally are much shorter for the non-motion flight.

The Wild Arctic gift shop has a special feature. If you go to the Observation Bay, you can view the simulator cabin from the outside. The Wild Arctic video plays on an overhead monitor and you can see the cabin shake, rise, and drop in sequence to the video.

Journey Into Atlantis is described as a “water coaster.” That means the ride begins as a water ride and ends up as a roller coaster. The storyline of the ride is hard to follow. I’ve ridden it several times and I have yet to figure out the plot. After reading some travel books, the storyline is that Atlantis has risen up from the depths of the ocean and you’re going to visit it. An old fisherman warns us not to go, but we do anyway. He sends a magical seahorse to protect us. We are greeted by Atlantians, but an evil witch doesn’t like us being there and we’re tossed out. Then we’re brought back into the witch’s lair, but we escape just in time.

Since I can’t figure out the plot, I concentrate on the best parts of the ride: the two drops. The first drop is a Splash Mountain-type drop. You can view the first drop from the lagoon. You’re dropped 50 feet on a Splash Mountain-type drop. Sploosh, you're wet! The next drop is hidden within the ride. You do a U-turn around the lagoon and go up a lifthill. Your boat engages steel tracks and becomes a roller coaster. You drop down 60 feet on S-shaped and banked curves. Sploosh, you're wet again!

The ride can get you very, very wet, especially if you’re sitting in the front seat. Since the last drop is hidden and partially in the dark, it takes people by surprise!

The next thrill ride recently opened up: Kraken, the roller coaster. The storyline behind this ride is that the sea creature Kraken has risen up from the ocean and taken residence at Sea World Orlando. The ride is a Bollinger and Mallibaud creation. They created most of the roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa and most of the coasters at Islands of Adventure. Roller coaster fans say that Bollinger and Mallibaud makes good coasters and Kraken is no exception.

Kraken has three outstanding features. The first feature is the first drop. You climb a large lift hill, do a small curve, and drop all the way to the ground. The second feature is airtime. Before the coaster travels underground, it goes up, slows down a bit, and drops you underground. During this time, you can feel a small bit of airtime. The last feature is its smoothness. The roller coaster isn’t very noisy; in fact, the screams are louder than the coaster itself. Some coasters will really jar your neck and bang your head around. Not Kraken. Your neck and head will be quite comfortable on this ride.

Wild Arctic lines tend to be the longest after the Shamu Adventure show. Journey Into Atlantis and Kraken are close to each other and Sea World Orlando has its own “thrill ride corner.” Try to ride them early in the morning because lines can get quite long. Since Journey Into Atlantis loads slower than Kraken, ride Journey Into Atlantis first and ride Kraken to dry off.

[msr709]

Thanks Barry, you just convinced me to ride Kraken. I love roller coasters but I hate when they jar your neck and head (like Hulk and Dueling Dragons) but I'm definitely going to try Kraken! Thanks for all the helpful hints. I'll keep checking these boards for more info on SW. Thanks again!:D

[leslieh]

We just got back from orlando last night. We did discovery cove, and with that comes a 7-day sea world pass. We did two days, just taking our time, dodging the rain!!!!. We rode kraken with a 10 minute wait in the a.m. Then got right back on it again. Like he said, no head jerking, etc. I did feel a little quezzy though. Ive ridden many coasters, even at my age, and this was a smooth ride.

[Bobrow]

I'm not a roller coaster person. The scariest I like to do is Big Thunder Mountain @WDW. Kracken sounds too much for me. I like flume rides,somehow i feel safer in water.How would I do on the other thrill rides at Seaworld?

[leslieh]

I believe there is only three actual rides, Kraken, Atlantis and the wild artic, which is a similator. Atlantis is a flume like roller coaster, you will most likely get wet. They are all fun, Dont miss the CirQuelMar the chinese acrobats in the theater by the Horses, two shows daily,it was a great show and very entertaining, be there early to catch the nut who does the pre show. This was as good an a show we saw in Vegas last month. Also the pets ahoy, the in the sea world theatre, its great.

[mickeysgal]

Does anyone know the age and height requirements for these thrill rides?

[WebmasterBarry]

Height requirements:

Wild Arctic: 42" or ride the stationary seats
Journey to Atlantis: 42"
Kraken: 54"

[mickeysgal]

Thank you!! That was just what I was looking for. Now...does anyone have any of the Shamu show times? They are not listed on the sea world site and I don't know where else to look.

[Wishing on a star]

I don't think the two coasters were there last time I visited SeaWorld, but I LOVED the simulater ride Wild Arctic!!! It was really great. I was SOOOO disappointed with BodyWars after this great ride! BodyWars was just a lot of jostling around, but Wild Arctic was so fun!

[liquidsky88]

I'm glad they finally have some thrill rides at SW. The park can be a little boring for people who love rides. Don't get me wrong, the park is great, but rides make it that much better!

[steve_rob]

If you go on Journey to Atlantis with a light boat (i.e. not many people in it) you will get soaked. Okay, so I know you don't go on this ride expecting to stay dry or anything, but you'll get wet in a part of the ride you don't expect..........

You'll come down the main slope (the one you can see from the outside) and get a lot of spray, but probably won't get too wet. But just as you thought you'd gotten away with it, you turn 180 degrees and do a really short 10 foot (or less) drop. Water will flood in and soak EVERYTHING!!!!

Once it's happened to you, it's very funny to watch other people from the outside of the ride and see if it happens to them (or am I just cruel like that ;) )

[retro girl]

I have never been on Kraken of Atlantis. I love rollercoasters though. Is Kraken really scarey. I've ridden the Hulk and Duling Dragons. Journey to Atlantis isn't scary is it?:bounce: :Pinkbounc

[msr709]

I rode Kraken and its scary but very smooth ride, I screamed the whole way down and then went on it again!! I LOVED IT! Journey is not scary (at least to me) but a lot of fun. If you can ride the Hulk Journey is nothing, but don't miss it. Try doing them first thing in the morning, lines get a very long after 10am! I went first thing to Kraken and got on and rode and went right back on line and rode it again! Have fun!

[The_Banking_Scot]

Hi,

For those spectators with a mean streak in them at Journey to Atlantis for a quarter (25cents) you can press a button which sends a water spray over the poor unfortunates in the boat.

:D

Regards

TBS

[The Sweetness]

I'll make sure DD(11) has her little pocket full that morning:jester: :eek:

[madcoco]

Thanks for sharing Barry.:) We visited SW last July. It was our 1st visit in a number of years to the Orlando location. ("free" admission from Discovery Cove) We were really surprised how smooth and fun Kraken was. We also were not able to follow the Atlantis storyline after riding a couple of times. The 1st time we rode it, we thought the 1st SM type drop was it. Had the "Is that it?" feeling not knowing there was more to come. We did get pretty soaked and enjoyed the cooling off. They also had pretty good burgers at SW. Definitely making a return trip.:)

[MiaSRN62]

I have never been on Kraken of Atlantis. I love rollercoasters though. Is Kraken really scarey. I've ridden the Hulk and Duling Dragons
If you've ridden Hulk and DD, then you'll love Kraken---it's a much smoother ride. I was able to ride Kraken 3 times in a row--no line that day---and it was great. When I got off DD and Hulk I needed a break before I got back on ;)

Journey to Atlantis isn't scary is it?
The first drop is scary, but it's all fun after that. I find Splash Mtn at WDW easier to stay dry on than I do this ride. I don't think there's any escaping getting wet on this ride. :bounce:

[Minniespal]

Thanks Barry,

You've convinced me to give Journey to Atlantis a go.

[il-gander]

I have two DDs, 5 and 9 years. Any advice on whether Journey to Atlantis would be too scary for them? They will have already tried Splash Mountain before we go to SeaWorld... thanks-

Carla in Illinois

[Tara8595]

From the top of the first hill on Kraken, you can see the Dolphin hotel - just look for the big blue triangle - then next to it on the left - Spaceship Earth. For some reason, I thought that was so cool.

[Gabriel&Nana]

:smooth:
Do you think that is possible to ride Atlantis in January ?

I'm really worried because last time my family and I rode Atlantis, we loved (went on 4 times) but it was Septembre, and it was very hot that day...:sunny:

I can take a change of clothes, but the water seems to be cold, does it ?

I'd appreciate to hear your opinion...:wave2:

[debsnyder32]

I wasn't expecting much out of Krakken, but was I ever in for a surprise! It was probably the best rollercoaster I have every ridden! Our 10 year old rollercoaster fan thinks so too! We had just spent 4 days at Disney and 2 at Universal. This was the best thrill ride that we rode.

[UO Trainer]

Did anyone see the story on the electrical fire at Journey into Atlantis? The ride was down for hours. No one was hurt. The news was al over it here.

http://www.local6.com/firstnews/3268431/detail.html

[Tatakai]

:Pinkbounc :earsgirl: :earsboy: :bounce:

[TN Traveler]

We were at Sea World last Saturday (6/5) and had a great time!
DD and I rode Kraken and loved it. Yes, it's scary but it's so fun!
Wanted to ride it again but storm moved in and the ride was shut down. I wouldn't have gotten on it anyway w/the lightening popping around everywhere. Rode Atlantis too which was alot of fun. Got soaking wet--not by the drop but by the folks paying the $$ to squirt you!! Didn't get to do the plane ride of Frozen Artic....line was over 40 mins long. Since the stationary portion was only 20 mins we opted for that. I'm sure the flight would have been much better.

[ellindea]

A question for those who have ridden "Soarin' Over California" (Califorrnia Adventure) and the Wild Arctic simulator.
I am a wheelchair-bound young woman and I usually, b/c of my multiple complications from CMD (Congenital Muscular Dystrophy), cannot ride thrill or simulator rides. I was, however, able to fully enjoy "Soarin' Over California" w/ my dad transferring me. Is the Wild Arctic ride comparable to Soarin' over CA, or is Wild Arctic pretty rough? It sounds like a fun ride, but if it's pretty rough I'll plan on doing the non-motion option. My family and I are trying to plan a vacation to Disney World and possibly a day at Sea World, too, so it would be cool to know what options there are concerning rides for me and the 2 other disabled members of my family.
Thanks!:earsgirl:

[8675309E9]

Webmaster Barry, I know you wrote this and all. I noticed the name of the tour has changed. Has anything else changed? Thanks so much, Barry!

[superchef]

Kraken was a awesome ride to go on. I managed to get on it a few times on my visit to sea World. Journey to Atlantis was also awesome, but obviously you got wet in the process. :earboy2:

[The Traveller]

Being from a land far far away - I am planning a trip to the US later this year. I need some advice as to which Sea World is best :Orlando or San Diego? :D

[tiggerdan]

how long was the line for Kraken because my family is going to seaworld in april so i am trying to see what rides are good to go on and what rides are the scariest and the rides that have the shortest lines

[tiggerdan]

oo that osunds like fun banking scot: i am going to bring alot of quarters that morning!!

[tiggerdan]

oo that sunds like fun banking scot: i am going to bring alot of quarters that morning!! pirate: :rolleyes1

[TN Traveler]

TiggerDan.......when we went in June, DD and I walked right on! I promise...I don't think we waited longer than 10 mins if that long. It was awesome. I wish we could have rode it again but storms were coming in and the ride was shut down a couple of times b/c of lightening. :umbrella: It was great and I'd do it again in a heart beat!!
Karen
aka TN Traveler

[thrillriderbb]

You gotta keep in mind though that you are eventually going to be on the opposite end and get soaked yourself and it's not just a little soaked like Splash Mountain, it's extremely soaking wet. For a clarification on the themeing for Journey to Atlantis the italian man sends the god Hermes in the shape of a golden horse and twinkling lights to guide your way to Atlantis. Then a Siren appears and lures you into the city. She then turns the tables on you and surprises you as you lift up up up up to the top of Atlantis, then she drops you from the top on an extreme vertical 60 ft drop which is higher than Splash Mountain's and more intense. Then she brings you back for the rollercoaster part where she's lured other victims in her lair. The lines everytime i've gone since this last august have been no more than 5-10 min for these rides so it's been great. Just one piece of advice though for Journey, DO NOT sit in the front of the car or you will get the most wet out of anyone in the boat guaranteed!!! pirate:

[disneynutsss]

:guilty:
I am not a big roller coaster rider. I like the mountains at disney. Wont do DD or Hulk. Wont do really big drops or upsidedowns. How tall is the drop on kraken and are there any loops?

[TN Traveler]

Disneynutsss........
If you don't like Hulk then don't do Kraken. I didn't get to go on the Hulk last year but did Kraken. It is absolutely positively one of the best rides I have ever been on but it's pretty wild too. There are 7 loops and according to the paper I have on it, it gets up to 65 mph! We loved, I'd do it again in a heartbeat but like I said, I LOVE roller coasters. DH couldn't even watch it so I don't know if I'd do it if I were you!

Karen aka TN Travel

[disneynutsss]

Thats the info I was looking for! I guess I will stand on the sidelines and watch the rest of the family ride! OK by me tho!

Thanks!

[buggin']

Leme ust put MY 2 cents n...?!? I totally LoVE Kraken!!! But then again mite say that when they WORK there!?! :cool1: :love: :cheer2:

Next time any1 is there, b sure 2 stop by & say hey...(as long as its NOT a Fri or Sat...!!!)

Buggin'
Amber

[Blizzrock13]

Kraken is an wawesome ride and one of the best coasters I've been on. For the best experience, ride in the back. It's kewl.
Height - 149 ft
Largest Drop - 144 ft
Inversions - 7 (2 vertical loops, diving loop, 0-G roll - this is awesome-, cobra roll, corkscrew

Journey to Atlantis is also awesome, and the storyline was all in place when they had the original preshow instead of the current mime safety video. People think the ride's over after you go down the main drop, but then, SURPRISE! The ride's not through yet.

Wild Arctic is cool. Both the ride and the animals.

[Mouselander]

Guess that I am going to be doing a lot of watching rides....the teens love the thrill/coasters at IOA and WDW (but I am a chicken!!!) Looks like there will be a lot of coasters at Sea World! :teeth:

The only coaster that I have been on in years is the RRC. (I like the loud music and the dark ride!!!)

Are there any nice "safe" rides at Sea World for chickens??? :rotfl:

[tinkernelllec]

anyone know if they do the kid swap thing?

[NeverlandClub23]

I love Atlantis, the plot is completely lost on me too but it's so much fun. Especially at the end because it's so unexpected. And I've always been drenched. :(

P.S. Also last May when we were there they would not let you take anything on the ride (camera, purse, etc.) or leave it in the station (not that you would want to). They made us put our camera (that was in a waterproof case) in a locker that was located beside the entrance to Atlantis and was $1 (of course we ended up putting $3 in it because of malfunctioning lockers and didn't feel like going through the trouble of getting our two dollars back as there was no one around). Just FYI!