Ride
The Polar Express at SeaWorld Orlando
The Polar Express is returning to SeaWorld Orlando for
the holiday season. Originally introduced last year, the
popular Polar Express ride is returning to SeaWorld Orlando
from Nov. 14, 2008 thru Jan. 4, 2009.
Warner Bros. Pictures
and Iwerks Entertainment reprogrammed the theme park’s Wild Arctic ride, transforming it
into a simulated train ride to “Santa Town,” based
on Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book The
Polar Express and the 2004 animated movie of the same name.
The ride uses motion technology and big-screen video
to simulate a wild, fast-moving trip. Normally, it offers
visitors a simulated helicopter flight to an Arctic animal-research
station, complete with swooping maneuvers to spy various
animals and to avoid danger. Under The Polar Express
format, the ride simulates a train excursion powered
by a massive steam-locomotive.
Guests will ride the
train up snow-cloaked mountains, across frozen lakes
and along perilous, icy
passes. SeaWorld’s
exhibit of polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and other
Arctic animals also remains part of the attraction, although
the exhibit area will resemble a winter wonderland.
