SeaWorld San Diego announced plans Tuesday to open a 150-high roller coaster dubbed the “Electric Eel” in 2018.
The new ride will accelerate to more than 60 mph and feature loops, twists and airtime — including an upside-down view of Mission Bay.
“Electric Eel will bring a whole new level of excitement to SeaWorld in 2018,” said Park President Marilyn Hannes. “This new, first-of-its-kind coaster at SeaWorld will give riders the rare opportunity to feel what it’s like to move like an eel as they twist and flip along nearly 900 feet of undulating track.”
The theme park plans to open three other attractions this year, including Ocean Explorer, the Orca Encounter and the summer nighttime extravaganza Electric Ocean.
Officials said Electric Eel will cap a 24-month period of the most robust growth since the park’s opening more than five decades ago.
The new investment comes in the aftermath of the park’s decision to phase out the iconic orca shows and focus on educating the public about the giant aquatic mammals.
