New Roller Coaster Openings at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Delayed to Summer 2024
SeaWorld Orlando's Penguin Trek and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Phoenix Rising are both new "family" coasters, promising a moderate thrill level for visitors. These attractions are part of the United Parks & Resorts (formerly SeaWorld Entertainment) portfolio and are eagerly awaited by coaster enthusiasts and park guests alike.
Penguin Trek and Phoenix Rising were constructed by the renowned manufacturing company Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M). Interestingly, another B&M coaster, Iron Menace, successfully opened earlier this month at Dorney Park in Allentown, Penn., adding to the excitement in the amusement park world.
Penguin Trek's opening has been shrouded in mystery, with SeaWorld Orlando initially announcing a spring 2024 opening date for the coaster, which is set to be the centrepiece of the park's revamped Antarctica area. However, the park's website no longer specifies a precise opening date, simply stating that the coaster will open in "2024." A recent press release from 29th May 2024 indicated a "summer" opening timeframe for Penguin Trek, encouraging eager park guests to anticipate its arrival. The launch coaster is expected to reach speeds of up to 43 mph. Despite the delay of Penguin Trek, SeaWorld Orlando reopened the Antarctica area to the public on 25th May 2024, albeit without the flagship coaster. In addition, the park marked the occasion with the official debut of a new parade, celebrating 60 years of SeaWorld parks.
Similarly, the opening date for Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has also been enshrouded in uncertainty. Initially promoted to open in spring 2024, a press release from 23rd May 2024 revealed that the eagerly anticipated coaster is now scheduled to debut "this summer." Phoenix Rising, set to be located in the park's Pantopia area, will offer an exhilarating experience as riders are suspended below its tracks, reaching a maximum speed of 44 mph.
As enthusiasts and visitors eagerly await the launch of these thrilling new attractions, the delay of Penguin Trek and Phoenix Rising only heightens the anticipation and excitement for the much-anticipated coaster debuts.
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