We tested Pipeline, the world's first Surf Coaster at Seaworld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando continues its transformation to become a new roller coaster capital. And this year, the park wants to continue attracting new customers and move away from the controversial image of animals in captivity with a one-of-a-kind coaster.

For this visit, we had not one, nor two, but several new attractions to test: Pipeline, the Surf Coaster, Ice Breaker, the family launch coaster, and also the entire Sesame Street area.

This article is not intended to polemicize about the animal part of the theme park. We are going solely for the coasters and its water attractions.

SeaWorld Orlando's New Attractions

We will go in ascending order for these new attractions.

The New Sesame Street Area

The park was slightly lacking in an area for the little ones, even though the park's target audience is clearly families. Some time ago, the group acquired the Sesame Street license and is deploying it in its different parks. The area was under construction during our last visit, but it is now open.

First of all, it's super nice; you can find the iconic facades and details, numerous small attractions, and shops. We really appreciated the interactive elements that add charm to the area.

However, one could criticize the lack of shade for an area dedicated to children.

In Sesame Street, a new small coaster has also been installed and can be seen in the video.

The Ice Breaker Roller Coaster

We continue with another, slightly more impressive roller coaster this time with Ice Breaker. It's a launch model by Premier Rides, and unfortunately, it also has the flaws of this manufacturer. Spoiler alert, it's not a favorite.

First, you have to manage to get onboard; it's quite cramped. Then, the transfer system is original before you launch with several launches on the circuit. Fortunately, there are several launches because it's very short and really not very pleasant. For the younger ones, it's a very good roller coaster for first big thrills because there are no inversions, so it's very accessible.

Fortunately, there weren't many people during our visit, because we wouldn't have really wanted to wait for this. It complements the park's offering, but in terms of experience, it's not really on the level of the rest of the park.

The Pipeline Surf Coaster

In August 2023, the park opened its very latest roller coaster, and we were able to enjoy it. This new model by B&M (Bolliger & Mabillard) is unique because it's the first roller coaster in the world where you stand up and are launched onto the circuit.

So, we have already done stand-up coasters, but this version is truly unique because the seat remains mobile during the ride, and there are several moments where you don't touch the ground at all. It remains family-friendly and accessible, even with an inversion. It's a B&M, so it's super smooth on the track, but with this system, it's much less smooth in the station; that's a major area for improvement.

The decoration is really nice with the associated music, and it also allows putting an attraction in an area of the park that was underutilized. With its location, it also helps to better distribute the crowd at the park's opening, which is a good point.

As you can imagine, we liked it a lot, and with few people, we rode it, then re-rode it, then re-re-rode it...

Other Attractions at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is home to many other excellent attractions and roller coasters.

I was looking forward to riding Mako again, and it didn't disappoint. Manta is still just as impressive with a real feeling of swimming.

Infinity Falls, the excellent river rapids ride

We experienced it during a pre-opening on our last visit, and we thoroughly enjoyed this wet log flume ride again. The rapids are incredible, the music is always great, and you have fun with the strangers sharing the ride.

Journey to Atlantis, the water coaster

After the one in San Diego, we had a mixed memory, but in the end, it's a quite long ride with dark ride sections that need renovation, certainly, but there are more of them than elsewhere. And of course, always that little drop that will soak you from head to toe. With no wait, what more could you ask for.

Events at SeaWorld Orlando

The park comes alive throughout the seasons with a sort of Food & Wine festival in late summer, Halloween of course, but also concerts all summer as well as end-of-year events. It's a park that offers more than just the park-goer experience, and that's also what we like.

In 2024, yet another new roller coaster will open with Penguin Trek. This new B&M attraction will offer a family-friendly layout with its 2 launches. The park continues its transformation.

Our Opinion on SeaWorld Orlando

Still without any controversy, it's a park that now offers such a diversity of roller coasters that going to SeaWorld is a must. Aimed more at families, it will nonetheless suit those looking for thrills. The park is green and pleasant, but the operators could be more friendly.

With the new attractions, it was fortunate that there were few people, as we wouldn't have had time to do everything.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you are planning a visit to SeaWorld Orlando, we will be happy to give you more advice!