SeaWorld San Diego to launch duelling coaster Tidal Twister in 2019

SeaWorld San Diego guests will feel the power of the ocean in 2019 with the launch of the park’s all-new Tidal Twister roller coaster. This duelling coaster, the first of its kind in the world, is a unique and horizontal ride that will be an exhilarating experience for visitors.

Accelerating to 30 miles per hour, riders will twist and bank as if they are riding the tide along a tight, figure-8 track including a dynamic Zero-G roll at the centre section.

Two trains, holding 16 passengers each, load at opposite ends of the figure-8 and cross in the centre, with guests facing both forward and backward on the trains. A lower-height requirement of 48 inches makes this attraction a perfect ride for younger guests and families.

“There is no other coaster experience in the world like Tidal Twister,” said Marilyn Hannes, SeaWorld San Diego’s park president. “The two trains duel one another and guests will see the excitement on the faces of other riders. You’ll almost feel like you can reach out and touch them. The tight turns, the inversion and the airtime hill will leave our guests wondering which way is up.”

Tidal Twister, elevated 16 feet off the ground, will be located adjacent the Aquaria touch pool and aquarium in the northwest corner of the park, the perfect location to highlight the new attraction’s conservation element, focusing on sustainable aquaculture and coral reef protection.

Rising Tide Conservation, started by SeaWorld in 2009, is dedicated to developing and promoting aquaculture of marine ornamental fish through the collaborative efforts of researchers, public aquaria, and conservation groups. This aquaculture effort aims to provide a sustainable alternative to wild fish collection, which can result in tremendous damage to the coral reefs where they live.

SeaWorld’s Aquaria: World of Fishes aquarium will have a research support aquarium dedicated to the type of ornamental fish Rising Tide Conservation is concentrated on, as well as providing educational information to guests on the importance of protecting the ocean and coral reefs

“I am so excited that SeaWorld San Diego is part of the Rising Tide Conservation team,” said Mike Price, curator of fishes at SeaWorld San Diego. “Creating sustainable populations of these marine fishes helps support healthy fish populations, which are a cornerstone of maintaining healthy active coral reefs. It’s great to help advance this ground-breaking science here at the park.”

Tidal Twister, a Skywarp Horizon roller coaster built by Skyline Attractions, is scheduled to open in May 2019 and will join Electric Eel and Manta as SeaWorld San Diego’s newest coaster-type ride experience.

Along with SeaWorld’s new Tidal Twister opening next summer, the park has a full year of fun in 2019 with its extraordinary line-up of seasonal events:

• Inside Look: Select weekends in January, June & September 2019
• Lunar New Year: Select weekends in February 2019
• Seven Seas Food Festival: Select dates in March & April 2019
• Sesame Street Party Parade: Weekends from May to October 2019
• Electric Ocean: Select dates in June to September 2019
• Seaworld Halloween Spooktacular: Select weekends in September and October 2019
• Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration: Select dates from November 2019–January 2020