Pipeline: The Surf Coaster testing spotted at SeaWorld Orlando
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster testing has been spotted day and night at SeaWorld Orlando. This high-speed surf-style coaster is expected to open in the coming months, and thanks to aerial drone images by Peaceful Thrill Seeker on Instagram, we got a look at this upcoming thrill ride.
Testing has been seen in the late evenings, early mornings, and at night as SeaWorld prepares their all-new coaster for eager fans. While SeaWorld Orlando states this is a surf-style coaster, it’s nearly identical in its restraint system to standing roller coasters. Surf or standing, this will be a first in the state of Florida.
The new 2,900-foot-long coaster will start with a launch and reach speeds of 60 miles per hour. Even with the unique standing configuration, this coaster will still do a complete inversion, taking riders upside-down on their trip around the track.
The vibrant orange over the blue track makes this coaster design a standout. If you haven’t seen the coaster train, it’s themed to a surf board, a unique coaster design that was revealed at the 2022 IAAPA Expo.
The vehicle and coaster track already stand out in the SeaWorld landscape, but we imagine this will be greatly amplified once vegetation is added to this space. This area used to be the center for most of SeaWorld Orlando’s events, like the Seven Seas Food Festival, and we expect it will be a hub of food and drink again when this area is ready to re-open.
The next big milestone will be pouring concrete and initial landscaping, which we can assume will begin within the next month. Once we see the concrete being formed, it will also give us an idea as to how walkable space will be added or taken away for this attraction.
As previously mentioned, this was the hub for events and major activities, and would get quite busy for events like Electric Ocean. SeaWorld has left behind structures to allow for merchandise, shaded relaxation areas, or food and beverage kiosks, but hopefully all three.
SeaWorld has already tested the new coaster with human riders. This is our first view of someone using the surf-style restraints, and while the coaster is built to be ridden in a standing position, it’s interesting to see riders with their feet up. SeaWorld claims the restraints will move with the riders to create a surf sensation.
For now, we can keep enjoying views of Pipeline: The Surf Coaster testing as we eagerly await Orlando’s newest roller coaster.
So is all the festival area gone now?
The Festival Area appears to be modified to fit the coaster, but once concrete paths are restored we may see this area be used as the main festival area once again.