We’ve got a gnarly twist for you today: details on the “tallest, fastest, longest” dive coaster in all of California, officially opening on Sat., March 12, right here in San Diego. The “Emperor” ride will reign at SeaWorld . Buckle up — ‘cause we’re diving in.
🎢 Fast facts:
- “Emperor” is the first and only “floorless” coaster in California — meaning riders’ feet will dangle in the air.
- Max speed: 60 mph.
- Track length: nearly 2,500 feet.
- The ride is 153 feet tall, with a 45-degree incline.
- Featured twists, in coaster talk: inversions + a “hammerhead” turn , an “immelmann” , a “barrel roll,” and a “flat spin.”
- Oh, and we should probably mention there’s a vertical drop: 14 stories (or 143 feet), facedown.
- You must be a minimum of 52 inches tall to ride “Emperor” (and max of 78 inches).
According to SeaWorld , the ride is named after the Emperor penguin — the world’s largest penguin (fitting, right?) — and will “mimic this species’ amazing underwater diving ability.”
Another standout element: the ride cars will each hold 18 riders in three, six-person rows — the first seating configuration of its kind on a dive coaster in North America.
Access to “Emperor” is included in admission to the theme park, whether you’re an annual pass-holder , a Fun Card member , or visiting for the day .
Find it:
📍 500 SeaWorld Dr., San Diego
Pro tip: if you’re not much of a coaster person but love penguins, you can see Emperor, King + smaller varieties at the Penguin Encounter indoor exhibit at SeaWorld. That’s definitely more my speed.