ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld Orlando has shared a first look at SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, the suspended dark ride it plans to open in 2026.

The theme park revealed the ride vehicle for the new attraction Tuesday during the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center. 

‘First-of-its-kind’ dark ride

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The vehicle, from Dutch ride manufacturer Vekoma, is designed to look like a submersible. The model on display at the expo is yellow with blue accents. The vehicle will be able to tilt in different directions.  

SeaWorld first announced SEAQuest in September, describing it as a “first-of-its-kind” dark ride that will take riders on an adventure filled with “extraordinary creatures, sweeping environments, and powerful stories drawn for the heart of the ocean.”

SeaWorld Orlando unveiled the first look at SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep

SeaWorld has not yet announced a specific opening date for the new attraction. 

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SEAQuest will be SeaWorld’s first suspended dark ride, a departure from the park’s usual output of coasters. 

For the last few years, the park, dubbed the “coaster capital of Orlando,” has had a steady lineup of new coasters, including Penguin Trek, the family-friendly launch coasters in 2024; Pipeline, its standing surf coaster in 2023 and Ice Breaker, a multi-launch coster in 2022. 

What happens at IAAPA Expo

The IAAPA Expo, which runs through Nov. 21, features more than 1,100 exhibitors showcasing their products across the expo’s massive 500,000-square foot trade show floor.

The displays range from food, games, virtual reality and new attractions.

Some of the highlights include Sky Tour, a new zipline attraction from RCI Adventure; and Ubisoft All-Star VR, an arcade attraction from LAI Games that features haptics and D-BOX motion seats. 

IAAPA—which stands for International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions—is a chance for industry professionals from around the world to network and for companies to showcase what’s new and emerging in the attractions’ industry. Some of the products on display at the expo could make their way into the theme parks in and around Central Florida. 

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“Expo reflects the extraordinary creativity and innovation of our industry,” said Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA, in a news release. “Every exhibitor, every attendee, and every session represents our shared passion for creating memorable moments and happiness. The attractions industry doesn’t just entertain—it transforms lives, strengthens communities, and continues to grow a a global economic force.” 

The Source: This article was written using information from SeaWorld Orlando. 

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