Opening on March 12, Emperor is the newest addition to the park’s thrill rides and will be the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in California, as well as the only floorless dive coaster in the state.

Named after the Emperor penguin, the world’s largest penguin, the Emperor coaster will mimic this species’ amazing underwater diving ability. Climbing to 153 feet with feet dangling in the air, riders will be suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride before plunging down a 143-foot facedown vertical drop, accelerating to more than 60 miles per hour.

Riders will also experience inversions, barrel roll, Immelmann loop, hammerhead turn, and flat spin as they race along the nearly 2,500 feet of track. Each of the floorless ride cars will hold 18 riders in three, six-person rows. This is the first seating configuration of its kind in North America.

Guests can experience the Emperor daily during regular park hours. Visit www.seaworldsandiego.com for the most up-to-date schedule. The best way to experience Emperor is with a SeaWorld fun card, or annual pass, which includes an exclusive Emperor ride preview in March. Annual passes are available at https://seaworld.com/san-diego/annual-pass-1/.