ORLANDO, Fla. — Theme park enthusiasts will soon be able to board a brand-new ride at SeaWorld Orlando.

Expedition Odyssey is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, May 9. Here are five things to know:

  1. Expedition Odyssey is an indoor ride and is touted as an adventure that blurs the line between simulation and reality.
  2. Guests will soar through glaciers, tundra, and the frosty depths of the Arctic Ocean. Expect to bump up to all kinds of wildlife, from polar bears and orcas to beluga whales.
  3. All the video on the ride was shot in remote Arctic locations — exclusively for this ride. “Whoever thought you could take all of this custom filming equipment and mix it with cutting edge technology, and create something that we truly say doesn’t just show you the Arctic, but takes you to the Arctic,” said Conner Carr, SeaWorld Orlando Rides & Engineering Corporate VP.
  4. It’s a family-friendly thrill, meaning kiddos at least 39 inches tall can get on it.
  5. The adventure isn’t over, even after you get off the ride. Guests will experience face-to-face encounters featuring real Arctic animals inside the new habitat at Expedition Odyssey. If you want to get even closer, there’s a behind-the-scenes experience that lets people stand poolside with some of the marine mammals, learning firsthand about their behaviors and conservation.