SeaWorld San Diego’s new dive coaster Emperor is now open to the public. The opening was commemorated on March 12 with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Puck the Penguin, live performances by The Waddlers and the Funky Feathers leading the way for guests to take their first ride.
Nonprofit conservation partner Penguins International was also on hand to share in the celebration and a portion of Emperor Hazy IPA and Emperor merchandise sales in the park will go to them to help support their cause.
Named after the Emperor penguin, the world’s largest penguin, the Emperor coaster mimics this species’ amazing underwater diving ability. Climbing to 153 feet with feet dangling in the air, riders are suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride before plunging down a 14-story facedown vertical drop, accelerating to more than 60 miles per hour. Riders also experience inversions, barrel roll, Immelmann loop, hammerhead turn and a flat spin as they race along the nearly 2,500 feet of track. Each of the floorless ride cars hold 18 riders in three, six-person rows. This is the first seating configuration of its kind in North America.
To complement the experience on the ride, guests can sample the new limited release Emperor Hazy IPA from Mike Hess Brewing, which was created and inspired by the ride and is only available at the park. Following some hops and the big drop, guests are encouraged to visit Penguin Encounter, the only place in North America where you can see Emperor penguins in person.
“Our annual pass members had a special opportunity to ride Emperor ahead of the grand opening, and it’s been great to hear all the positive feedback and enthusiasm surrounding our new ride,” said Jim Lake, park president. “Emperor brings all-new thrills to the park, being the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in California and our first ever dive coaster at SeaWorld San Diego. We’re so grateful to our guests for their patience and we can’t wait to have them come to take the dive and experience Emperor firsthand.”
SeaWorld San Diego partnered with penguin research and conservation nonprofit Penguins International for the opening of this penguin-themed ride. Penguins International conservation education manager Katie Propp was among the speakers at the grand opening ceremony.
“We’re so excited to partner with SeaWorld San Diego for the opening of this thrilling new ride inspired by the majestic Emperor penguin,” said Penguins International executive director David Schutt. “SeaWorld has been a longtime proponent of penguin research and education, providing important research opportunities for scientists at their facilities and generating awareness for these amazing birds through their presentations and learning opportunities.”
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com.
