USA: SeaWorld San Diego to Open New Coaster with “Arctic Rescue” in 2023

SeaWorld San Diego has announced a new multi launch-coaster scheduled to open in spring 2023. “Arctic Rescue” will be the “longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast,” according to the park. The Family Launch Coaster from Intamin is aimed at the whole family with a height requirement of about 48 inches. The seats, designed as a snowmobile, allow for a thrilling ride experience by allowing visitors to lean into the curves during the ride, which reaches a height of up to 30 meters. The coaster will launch indoors within the Wild Arctic Exhibit at a launch station and then travel through two additional launches along the 2,800-feet (850-meter) track, accelerating the train up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour). The Wild Arctic Exhibit’s inhabitants include ringed seals, walruses and belugas, which are among the most endangered species due to Arctic sea loss. The ride is thematically inspired by SeaWorld’s Rescue Team, which rescues animals in distress.

“We’re continuously looking for ways to add new experiences to the park for our guests and this new coaster is a great addition to our ride line-up and a perfect complement to the Wild Arctic Exhibit,” said Jim Lake, SeaWorld San Diego Park President. “The ride is also an educational opportunity for guests to learn more about climate change, how it impacts animals in the Arctic and what they can do to help the issue. I truly feel that seeing these animals up-close at SeaWorld allows guests to build a stronger connection and encouragement to take action to help protect them.”

A similar attraction, “Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster”, already opened in 2017 at sister park SeaWorld San Antonio, also part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. (eap)