Hold on tight! Rollercoasters have taken on a scary new twist
DIVING into the depths of the ocean in our high-tech submarine, we were surrounded by the sights of amazing marine life and undersea volcanic activity.
It was a startling vision, especially considering that just moments earlier we had been strapped into a rollercoaster in Orlando.
It was even more incredible when we suddenly dived straight into a seabed ‘chasm’ that opened right before us – but this is the basis for the latest virtual-reality technology at SeaWorld in Florida.
The bold and ultra-exciting attraction is the latest creation of the wizards who have already produced Orlando’s highest and fastest coasters, as well as new habitats for SeaWorld’s young dolphins, penguins and rescued manatees.
Kraken Unleashed is the ride in question – but it is not new.
The exhilarating 150ft-tall aquamarine steel machine is actually 17 years old, but the designers have turned it into a new experience by adding virtual-reality headsets that immerse riders in an extravagant undersea journey.
As the coaster dives, twists and loops, so does the visual action on the headset, providing a convincing and thrilling whizz through the depths. Riders are surrounded by various prehistoric monsters and the fearsome Kraken itself.
You can choose to have the full VR sensation, or simply enjoy the coaster ‘au naturel’, with its dizzying series of high-speed swoops and barrel rolls. We definitely recommend the enhanced version, though, especially as the graphics are so sharp.
Designer Brian Morrow said: ‘This is the next generation of ride experience for us. It takes a classic ride and adds the latest technology, but we think there is a lot more to come as things continue to develop.’
Kraken Unleashed only serves to highlight a summer of sea monsters, sea lions, special effects and bubbles – lots of bubbles – at Orlando’s oceanthemed park this year, on top of the usual array of rides and shows.
From now until August 5, the park comes alive at dusk to the sights and sounds of the Electric Ocean programme, with special performances from an electro-dance party, ‘Bubble Master’ Fan Yang, and a superb nightly pyrotechnic and special-effects extravaganza called Ignite.
Yang’s show, POP, is a riot of tricks and wizardry with millions of bubbles, large and small, while Sea Lions Tonite features the park’s sea lions (and otters and walrus) in a night-time parody of SeaWorld’s other shows.
The evening excitement then builds further with the Glow party, featuring dancers, DJs and acrobats.
Finally, as the Glow dies down, the night ramps up for Ignite, the park’s new signature finale. This ten-minute light-and-sound production is unlike anything else in Orlando, underscored by an outstanding soundtrack.
As a way to conclude a memorable day at the park, you could almost say that Electric Ocean is a must-sea!