SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — SeaWorld San Diego revealed Tuesday that its newest roller coaster will open this spring.
"Emperor", named after the biggest species of penguin, which can be seen at the park's popular "Penguin Encounter" attraction.
"It will be the tallest, fastest, longest, and the only floorless dive coaster in the state of California and the entire west coast of North America," said Senior Vice President of Attractions Mike Denninger.
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The ride reaches 153 feet at its tallest point, tops 60 miles per hour, and includes multiple inversions. The centerpiece of the ride, however, is the 90-degree, straight down drop. Denninger says the train will freeze for a few seconds just after going over the edge, ratcheting up the anticipation, while also offering unparalleled views of SeaWorld and Mission Bay.
"I think it will be wonderful. Very thrilling," Denninger said.
10News joined a group of invited guests for a tour of the work site Tuesday, which included several bloggers who write about roller coasters.
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Derek Perry, of Coaster Kings, says aficionados are looking forward to riding Emperor.
"We're super-excited about it," said Perry. "We haven't had anything like this west of the Mississippi and the views of the bay, I think, are going to be awesome"
