Journey to Atlantis
Specific Type: Water Coaster
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Sea World San Diego is not the biggest park in the world nor does it have the most roller coasters. Their one and only coaster, Journey to Atlantis, is the star attraction and is very unique as well. This water coaster has some first of a kind elements like an elevator lift in a tower and the swaying of the boat in the current as it lifts to the surface. Opened on May 29, 2004, the ride is 95 feet tall, has a maximum speed of 42 mph, and is five minutes long. The ride was built by MACK, who has also built the otherJourney to Atlantis’s at Sea World Orlando and Sea World San Antonio. The water coaster that MACK builds is a mixture of a flume ride and roller coaster. The one in Orlando is heavily themed and is the same length as this one. San Antonio’s, on the other hand, isn’t themed as much and is the shortest of the three.
The entrance to this attraction can be found in the far right corner of the park, and its brilliant bright blue track can be seen from the parking lot. The queue is mostly indoors and is themed to tell part of the storyline about the mythology of Atlantis. The station, however, is not indoors and doesn't even have a roof over it. The car is themed to look like a boat. It has numerous wordings on the hull, to make it look abandoned. It looks very rustic and ruined, fitting well into the Greek mythology theme. After loading the boat, which holds up to eight passengers, you go straight into the lift. During the lift, more of the story is being told through the speakers on the catwalks. Once cresting the lift hill, you take a 135 degree turn and pause before plunging down the first drop, where the on-ride photo is taken. You will get wet at the bottom of the drop. After a slow "U" turn and other curves where people with quarters can take a water shot at you, the boat enters the show building. Suspense builds as the lift gets ready mechanically. To your left, there is a video screen showing an ocean with fish and other sea creatures. An elevator lift raises the boat to the top of the next drop which is used by coaster tracks. During this segment, you feel like you're swaying down an ocean current. After seeing a great view of the parking lot, you plunge into a curving drop to the right. Going under the drop, you turn to the right and then your left into the final splashdown area. Although this Journey to Atlantis isn't as highly themed as the one in Orlando with the same name, or as short as the newer one in San Antonio, it is still unique with an elevator lift and a great storyline. It really deserves its place in Sea World history. |
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