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Catapult Falls, the World’s First Launched Flume Coaster, Now Open at SeaWorld San Antonio

Press Release from SeaWorld San Antonio:


SAN ANTONIO, Tx., March 4, 2024 – SeaWorld San Antonio opened the world’s first launched flume coaster, Catapult Falls, to kick off Spring Break. The new ride, perfect for families, combines the speed and thrill of a roller coaster with the rocking, sailing, and splashing of a water flume ride. The first-of-its-kind ride features a vertical lift elevator that lifts riders 55 feet above the theme park before they come barreling down the steepest flume ride drop in the world. The ride produces multiple rushes of adrenaline as well as moments of invigorating splashes to cool guests down.

“SeaWorld San Antonio is thrilled to open Catapult Falls, the world’s first launched flume coaster which also boasts the steepest drop in a ride of its kind.” said Jodi Davenport, SeaWorld San Antonio Park President. “The highly anticipated flume coaster is the perfect family ride for our guests, giving them another way to cool off at SeaWorld. We know it will be a hit with pass members and first-time guests.”

The World’s First Launched Flume Coaster Features the World’s Steepest Drop in a Flume Ride, as well as North’s America Only Vertical Lift in a Flume Coaster

Guests taking a ride on Catapult Falls get to experience the world’s first launched flume coaster. With 11 boats each seating eight passengers, riders will navigate through quite the adventure. Guests can feel the rush of riding on a coaster, while still enjoying the rocking and swaying of riding a boat on the water. This adventure ride will catapult through launches at speeds of 30 feet per second as riders enjoy a series of twists and turns.  Catapult Falls also features North America’s only vertical lift that uses a state-of-the-art elevator to lift riders up seven feet per second to reach the top of the ride. Once at the peak, riders will be in for a thrill as they drop from a height of over 55 feet. Angled at a staggering 53 degrees - the steepest drop in the world for this type of ride - the elevator chutes riders into a watery splashdown at over 37 miles per hour, creating the ultimate splash that drenches the observing crowd below. The duration of the ride is approximately five minutes long which makes this coaster an extended adventure for the whole family to enjoy.

The location of Catapult Falls has seen its share of updates as SeaWorld has a history of changing up the scenery around the park to keep things fresh. In 1991 the site became home to Texas Splashdown which holds the distinction of being the first ride at any SeaWorld Park in the nation. Guests with a keen eye will find some hidden surprises that pay homage to the original splashdown attraction.

New celebrations during SeaWorld’s 60th anniversary!

2024 marks SeaWorld’s 60th anniversary. Started in 1964 in San Diego, SeaWorld is known worldwide for its animal care and rescue efforts, as well as for its thrilling rides and fun yearly events. As SeaWorld celebrates its 60th anniversary, there’s truly “So Much More to Sea,” with celebrations that introduces fans to several new and exciting experiences that include:

  • Daily Celebrations To Commemorate the Anniversary Weekend: On March 21st  through 24th (SeaWorld’s actual anniversary date), the park will begin each day with a festive celebration in the entrance plaza that includes playful characters, remarks from officials, and give aways.

  • All-New Presentations & Shows: New exciting Cirque-style show will offer unbelievable feats that will amaze and entertain guest young and old. 

  • All-New Character Parades: Making its debut this summer, guests of all ages will enjoy a new 60th Anniversary celebration parade featuring fan-favorite costumed characters.

  • All-New 60th Anniversary Food & Beverage, Merchandise, and Collectibles: Guests will be able to celebrate SeaWorld’s milestone 60th Anniversary with special limited-edition food and beverage offerings, collectibles, and exclusive memorabilia throughout the year.

Spring Break Sale – Buy SeaWorld Pass and Get Aquatica Free

The best way to experience Catapult Falls, take in the 60th Anniversary Celebrations, and enjoy everything happening at SeaWorld this year is by taking advantage of the Spring Break Sale. For a limited time, guests can buy a SeaWorld pass and get Aquatica for free! Pass members enjoy unlimited visits and unbeatable benefits like thrilling rides, festive events, and amazing animal experiences at SeaWorld, as well as unlimited visits to Aquatica. Annual Passes are packed with benefits designed to make the park even more enjoyable all year long. Annual Passholders enjoy 12 months of visits with special benefits like exclusive access to new events and attractions, FREE parking, FREE guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and more! Guests are invited to learn more at www.SeaWorldSanAntonio.com

About SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date.  The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent.  A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).  SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.