ORLANDO, Fla. – Big changes are coming to SeaWorld Orlando as the park prepares to debut Expedition Odyssey, a state-of-the-art flying simulation ride that will take guests on a thrilling journey through the Arctic.
Alongside this new attraction, the beloved Wild Arctic exhibit is getting a major facelift to enhance both guest experiences and animal habitats.
“We’re not just showing you the Arctic, we’re taking you to the Arctic,” said Conner Carr, Corporate Director of Rides & Engineering.
Set to open this spring, Expedition Odyssey promises a fully immersive experience, engaging all five senses as riders soar over icy landscapes, dive into freezing waters, and encounter majestic Arctic wildlife like beluga whales and walruses.
“We’re incredibly excited about this ride because it brings not only a family experience, but an immersive experience that ties into what we love here—thrilling attractions and our passion for animals and conservation,” Carr said.
The attraction will feature wind, mist, and motion effects to make guests feel like they are truly flying through the Arctic, creating a breathtaking and educational adventure for all ages.
The ride system consists of a row of seats that will provide a “flying” effect in front of a theater screen that will showcase Arctic footage that was captured by a SeaWorld team. It was a month’s worth of work to create the 4.5-minute film. The attraction is also set up so that when guests are experiencing the ride, the next group will be loading.
Expedition Odyssey is taking over the space that housed the previous Wild Arctic simulator ride.
“Our screen goes all the way to the ceiling. We really wanted to reuse this space to the maximum potential,” Carr said.
In addition to the new ride, SeaWorld is revitalizing the Wild Arctic exhibit, which houses Arctic animals like beluga whales and walruses. The walk-through portion of the exhibit is being redesigned to bring visitors even closer to these incredible creatures while ensuring the best care for the animals.
Non-thrill seekers will also have the option to skip the ride and have access to the animal exhibits.
“We’re bringing the animals even further into the ride experience, allowing guests to explore the Arctic alongside them and then make that face-to-face connection in their habitat,” Carr added.
With a spring deadline fast approaching, construction is moving quickly to bring these exciting updates to life. Once complete, Expedition Odyssey and the newly enhanced Wild Arctic exhibit will offer visitors an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions.
