SeaWorld is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary throughout 2024 and is inviting guests to participate in event-specific food and beverages as well as special commemorative merchandise. Looking back at SeaWorld's history, the journey began with the opening of the first park in San Diego on March 21, 1964, and by December 15, 1973, there was a SeaWorld location in Orlando.
![SeaWorld Orlando 60th Anniversary Commemorative Products](https://orlandoinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_8087-1024x683.jpg)
From the moment it opened, SeaWorld Orlando established itself as a theme park that connects guests with the ocean and its inhabitants. Over time, it has developed into a cherished travel destination, with families from all over the world flocking to enjoy its amazing attractions.
![SeaWorld Orlando 60th Anniversary Celebration](https://orlandoinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_8090-1024x683.jpg)
In 1992, SeaWorld Orlando introduced its first ride, Mission: Bermuda Triangle. This would later become Wild Arctic and inspire the park to set a precedent for future attractions by mixing theme park thrills with animal presentations. Since then, SeaWorld has introduced several record-breaking and innovative experiences, such as Infinity Falls and the upcoming Penguin Trek launch coaster.
In celebration of SeaWorld's 60th anniversary, we felt it was appropriate to take a look at some of SeaWorld Orlando's best attractions since it opened. Combining some of our favorite rides with a look at the park's history, this journey through time is told chronologically by premiere date.
Readers who want to visit SeaWorld Orlando and experience the park's rides for themselves before venturing too deep into the ocean can purchase discounted SeaWorld Orlando tickets through trusted sources at Orlando Informer. Then let's go swimming!
A trip to Atlantis
Opening date: April 17, 1998
![Travel to Atlantis from SeaWorld Orlando](https://orlandoinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Journey-to-Atlantis-1024x683.jpg)
Following the opening of SeaWorld Orlando's first attraction, it was natural for water rides to be introduced. Journey to Atlantis was released on April 17, 1998.
This water coaster takes guests on a thrilling journey through hidden passages and tunnels to the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Hold on tight as you slide, twist, turn and fall through the remains of this ancient underwater city.
Since its debut in 1998, the ride has gone through several minor tweaks, including an update to the storyline. Despite these changes, it remains the first thrilling water coaster from manufacturer Mack Rides.
Kraken
Opening date: June 1, 2000
![Kraken at SeaWorld Orlando](https://orlandoinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SeaWorld-Kraken-1024x683.jpg)
From the day of its release, Kraken established itself as a force in the roller coaster world. Standing 149 feet tall and over 4,177 feet long, this thrill ride boasts seven twists and turns and speeds of up to 65 miles per hour, putting it on a daring display against its competitors.
This mythology-themed ride features a bottomless concept and an initial drop that is almost the length of the apex. Beginning in June 2017, the attraction incorporated virtual reality headsets and was named Kraken Unleashed. However, this concept was short-lived and was shut down in June 2018, reverting to its original Kraken status.
For a time, this coaster held the record for the tallest and longest ride in Florida. As often happens, the title changed hands and SeaWorld didn't let it go for long. The Kraken will remain the park's largest and longest roller coaster until another thrill enters the depths of SeaWorld.
manta
Opening date: May 22, 2009
![Manta Rays and SeaWorld Orlando](https://orlandoinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Manta-1024x683.jpg)
Manta is this writer’s favorite ride in the state (yes — “situation,” Thank you for reading!) Thanks to the theme and innovative design. Kew's boardwalk features 10 tanks filled with 3,000 animals representing more than 60 species of marine life and decorated with colorful mosaic tiles.
With a top speed of 56 miles per hour and a height of 140 feet, the Manta falls a bit behind its brethren. But since its premiere in 2009, Manta has garnered a lot of praise and has long been a fan-favorite attraction, and for good reason.
Just standing in line is a thrilling ride that will take your breath away. It's not often that guests can glide across the water and feel the thrill above the heads of other guests in the park.
Mako
Opening date: June 10, 2016
![Mako at SeaWorld Orlando](https://orlandoinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SeaWorld-Mako-1024x683.jpg)
When Mako came on the scene, Florida's theme parks had a habit of breaking records and raising the bar higher and higher on how they could challenge each other.
The ride broke state records with a top speed of 73 miles per hour, a top speed of up to 200 feet, and a zero-gravity bank that mimicked the movements of real shark species, giving guests moments simulating free fall during the track. deep curves.
Pipeline: Surf Coaster
Opening date: May 27, 2023
![Pipeline: Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando](https://orlandoinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Preview-Pipeline-The-Surf-Coaster-1024x683.jpg)
Pipeline: Surf Coaster is the first thrill ride inspired by surf culture around the world.
Pipeline's cutting-edge design allows riders to experience the feeling of carving through fully tubular waves, mirroring the dynamic movements of the sport it emulates. Innovative restraints provide a simulation of wave motion as you navigate wild curls at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour along a 2,950-foot track.
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