As part of a major park upgrade, SeaWorld Orlando is bringing virtual reality tech to its Kraken roller coaster.
The coaster will become the first in Florida to get a permanent virtual reality treatment as SeaWorld designs a VR storyline for the ride in time for a summer 2017 launch.
A custom digital overlay through the VR headsets will be fully integrated within the ride.
It is just one aspect of a multi-million dollar upgrade planned to boost SeaWorld’s dwindling attendances.
These include Electric Ocean, which is an after dark attraction featuring ‘a glowing sea of wonder’ of bioluminescent lighting, music and entertainment.
It will also debut the Nautilus Theatre next year and SeaWorld Orlando’s popular Seven Seas Festival of food and music programming will expand to 14 weekends during 2017.
In all, the company will invest about $175 million in SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks, including a new roller coaster for SeaWorld San Antonio and the New Orca Encounter at SeaWorld San Diego.
"We are extremely excited with the scope and depth of the new attractions and events coming to our SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks in 2017. We want our guests to share experiences that matter, and our 2017 additions truly reinforce that mission," said CEO Joel Manby.
