Star Trek pretty much cornered the market when it comes “to boldly going where no-one has gone before,” but SeaWorld Orlando might just have come up with their own take on this “brave new frontier approach” with their dramatic new ride for 2026.
Just when we thought this concept of sealife-based attractions was running out of steam with this year’s Expedition Odyssey attraction, along comes a radical proposal for what could well be the most compelling ride of the year. Step forward SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep!
Amid a distinct fanfare of typical razzamatazz and presentation this week, SeaWorld’s head honchos delivered a powerful reminder that they can be as creative as Disney and Co when it comes to crafting their own rides.
We had a few doubts after May’s Expedition Odyssey, their new-for-2025 Arctic simulator adventure, which wasn’t quite the attention grabber it might have been. Sure, it was a fun ride and clever addition to the Wild Arctic habitat, but it rather paled by comparison with Walt Disney World’s Soarin’ Around the World attraction at the EPCOT park. The Odyssey didn’t quite match the ambition.
Fast forward to this week’s big annual IAAPA Convention here in Orlando – the yearly celebration of the latest and greatest under the umbrella of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions – and there was a distinct all-new glow from SeaWorld’s presence at the well-attended show, especially as they were joined on stage by ride-makers extraordinaire, Vekoma.
Theme park aficionados will immediately recognise the company that created three of Disney’s most outstanding rides of recent years, namely the TRON Lightcycle/Run coaster and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom, plus Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
That’s some significant theme park bona fides right there, and it definitely caught our attention. If this Dutch company has been called in to co-create something novel, it’s likely to be something out of the very top drawer, hence our curiosity was more than piqued by this big announcement. And, while it is still a bit short on detail, there is enough to unpack to make it a mouthwatering prospect for next year, especially as there had been few hints of anything this significant brewing in the House of Shamu.
Here’s what we know:
- SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep will be a suspended dark ride, completely indoors, in a definite first-of-its-kind ride for SeaWorld.
- It will feature a smooth, gliding motion system that allows ride vehicles to swing and rotate through different themed environments, all aimed at creating a cinematic experience.
- SEAQuest will be located in its own, newly expanded section of the park, currently under development.
- It will also boast immersive audio in every vehicle, plus dynamic lighting and a fully indoor setting that allows families to embark on a deep-sea expedition, no matter the weather outside. As many people will know, thundery weather is a distinct prospect in Orlando’s summer months, and that can halt all outdoor rides at times. SEAQuest will ensure the show CAN go on for visitors even if there’s lightning outside.
That in itself is a major step forward for SeaWorld, with Expedition Odyssey as its only existing fully indoor ride, alongside other attractions like the Shark Encounter and shows of Seaport Theater. We can immediately see the added appeal of another dark ride here.
We can also expect a dramatic new presentation of the vibrant undersea world with the new ride, which featured some tantalising soundbites at the big unveiling.
Conner Carr, SeaWorld’s vice-president of rides and engineering, insisted: “SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep redefines what a family attraction can be. By blending cutting-edge ride technology with the mystery of the deep sea, we’re creating an experience that inspires curiosity and brings explorers of all ages along for the adventure.” He added: “We’re going to go where no one’s gone before. Guests are going to come and board this submarine and dive under the water and come face to face with animals, in environments of all kinds.”
The park’s press release about the ride also waxed lyrical about its potential, adding: “For the first time ever, SeaWorld Orlando is blending multi-sensory storytelling, imaginative ride technology and the awe-inspiring experiences of the deep sea into one unforgettable voyage. Aboard state-of-the-art submersibles, guests will embark together on an expedition beneath the waves – discovering glowing worlds, exploring sunken shipwrecks and encountering astonishing creatures that capture the exhilaration of the unknown.”
Yes, it’s a very dramatic turn of phrase but, with Vekoma’s backing, this should be enough to really hit the jackpot where Expedition Odyssey largely missed out.
This week’s press conference was also accompanied by some alluring artist’s renderings of aspects of the ride, while the ride vehicle itself – revealed to distinct “Wows!” from the audience – added another level of sophistication and intrigue to the occasion.
Put simply, this is the kind of mega new attraction that puts SeaWorld back in the forefront of our thoughts when it comes to looking ahead for potential headline grabbers. Yes, there’s still a big step to go from press release (and ride vehicle revealing) to actual blockbuster ride experience, but it definitely sounds like this will be a highlight of 2026.
There was no official word of exactly when next year we can expect to take this SEAQuest, but, knowing SeaWorld’s recent track record of opening their new attractions just ahead of the official summer season in late May, that may well be the date to look out for. Watch this space, as they say!
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