SeaWorld’s Pipeline Surf Coaster – stylized graffiti and day testing
As summer nears, SeaWorld Orlando is finalizing construction on Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. We went out and captured images of the new graffiti-style graphics and rare daytime coaster testing.
The image above (taken from the parking lot) shows the Pipeline: The Surf Coaster maintenance building. This coaster is sitting right at the entrance to SeaWorld Orlando. With a large public facing building, we are happy to see SeaWorld using this flat space to its advantage.
The detailed surf graffiti gives a preview of what visitors can expect inside SeaWorld Orlando. This work seems mostly complete, so we should expect scaffolding to come down soon, revealing the painter’s skill. Show buildings have to happen, so we’re glad to see SeaWorld put in extra effort to make this one look nice.
Universal Orlando also used their show building’s large flat exterior to an advantage when they built Florida’s largest hand-painted mural for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Once inside the park, we were greeted with this now iconic view. If you haven’t yet seen, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is a striking orange color against the blue track and sky.
Ethan Hershaft noticed new signage was installed for the locker and merchandise area of the coaster. As this is a surf-style coaster (which is similar in design to a standing roller coaster), and the ride goes completely upside down, you will want to leave all loose items behind.
We noted in a previous article that this area of the park used to be the hub for many of SeaWorld Orlando’s events. It’s still our belief that this area could be used in this way again, while also sharing space with the world’s first surf coaster. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is quieter than expected. We associate that with a smoother ride, focused on the surf feel and less about aggressive maneuvers. Although, when riders are on it, we know the area will be filled with screams and laughter.
If you have read enough of my construction articles, you may know that I love to see trees. Trees and foliage are the perfect clue that an area is clear of major construction efforts. You wouldn’t risk knocking over a palm tree with a crane, so we use patches of foliage to know when areas have moved along.
While this particular area isn’t yet covered in lush green grass, we can see palms trees installed and supported. We can also see areas clearly marked out and prepared for coaster-only areas. The dirt is ready for sod, and now we wait to see when it arrives.
Almost complete graffiti artwork, continual daytime testing, and foliage areas waiting for sod all tell us SeaWorld Orlando’s Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is continuing to move forward for a 2023 opening. While we originally expected this coaster to open in mid or even early spring, it seems a late spring or early summer is more likely. Early summer would certainly align with the coaster’s theme, all set to let SeaWorld guests have a totally tubular summer visit.
