SeaWorld Orlando's Expedition Odyssey Ride Getting Major Update

The Arctic-themed ride will be transformed into Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice this spring.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:11pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the style of A.M. Cassandre, depicting towering, streamlined forms against a backdrop of sweeping, airbrushed gradients in shades of blue and orange, conceptually representing the new Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice ride at SeaWorld Orlando.The new Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice ride at SeaWorld Orlando promises to transport visitors to a world of contrasting geothermal forces in the Arctic.Today in Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando's Expedition Odyssey ride, which opened just a year ago, is set to undergo a major update and transformation. The new version of the ride, called Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice, will feature a new story-driven experience that will showcase the contrast between geothermal fire and ice in the Arctic. The ride system will remain the same, but guests will see new environments, animals, and special effects.

Why it matters

The update to Expedition Odyssey is an example of how theme parks are constantly looking to refresh and improve their attractions to keep visitors engaged and excited. The new version of the ride is expected to take better advantage of the advanced ride system and provide a more immersive and compelling experience for guests.

The details

Expedition Odyssey, which is similar to Disney's Soarin' ride, currently features 'unparalleled ride technology, breathtaking real-world footage, and up-close encounters with Arctic wildlife.' The new version, Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice, will maintain the Arctic theme but add a new story-driven experience that will showcase the contrast between geothermal fire and ice. Guests will assume the roles of Arctic researchers and journey through new environments, including volcanoes, and encounter new animals like sperm whales.

  • Expedition Odyssey, in its current version, will remain in place during the transition to the new version of the ride, which should take about 40 days.
  • The new Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice ride is expected to open this spring.

The players

Expedition Odyssey

A ride at SeaWorld Orlando that opened about a year ago and features 'unparalleled ride technology, breathtaking real-world footage, and up-close encounters with Arctic wildlife.'

Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice

The new version of the Expedition Odyssey ride that will feature a new story-driven experience showcasing the contrast between geothermal fire and ice in the Arctic.

Kevin Boutte

The vice president of attraction design at SeaWorld Orlando, who stated that the new ride will tell 'a whole new immersive adventure from beginning to end.'

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What they’re saying

“We are telling a whole new immersive adventure from beginning to end.”

— Kevin Boutte, Vice President of Attraction Design, SeaWorld Orlando

“Guests will see new environments that they've never seen before, new animals that weren't in the previous experience, such as sperm whales. And then new environments, like volcanoes. … I won't give too much away, but really unique environments that only exist because these forces that are at play. People will be amazed that the world has these types of places.”

— Kevin Boutte, Vice President of Attraction Design, SeaWorld Orlando

What’s next

The current version of Expedition Odyssey will remain in place during the 40-day transition to the new Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice ride, which is expected to open this spring.

The takeaway

The update to SeaWorld Orlando's Expedition Odyssey ride highlights the ongoing efforts of theme parks to continuously refresh and improve their attractions to keep visitors engaged and excited. The new Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice ride promises to provide a more immersive and compelling experience for guests by showcasing the contrast between geothermal fire and ice in the Arctic.