Alternative Antarctica: SeaWorld's latest icy attraction

A trip to Antarctica usually tops most travellers' bucket lists, but it's also one of the hardest to check off.

Despite the numbers of tourists visiting Antarctica rising, the cost of an expedition to the most southerly ice cap on the planet can be prohibitively pricey.

Good news then for those willing to settle for an alternative as SeaWorld Orlando has launched its biggest ever project, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.

Guests visiting the ride go on a simulated voyage to icy Antarctica through the eyes of one of its residents: a penguin. This penguin's eye view comes complete with an encounter with a colony of over 200 real penguins.

According to Brian Morrow, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment's creative director, each visitor will get a unique, personal adventure via state-of-the-art interactive ride technology.

Morrow told TravelPulse: "When our little hero penguin learns to waddle and slide, we'll feel what it's like as the car moves and reacts to the storyline.

"When he takes his first swim or barely escapes danger, our guests will feel as if they're right there with him. On this adventure, we learn that we're a lot like penguins. We'll find we need each other and our families to survive."

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is set to an authentically chilly temperature but also features the less likely amenities of a gift shop and restaurant.

Take a look at the video of the Orlando-based ride below and tell us if you'd give the attraction a go...

If only the real thing will do then have a look at our gallery of extreme holiday destinations:

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