SeaWorld's Failed VR Rollercoaster Experiment: The Legendary History of Kraken

Join us again on Expedition SeaWorld as we look at the legendary history of Kraken. SeaWorld Orlando's iconic rollercoaster that for a short period of time was a failed VR Rollercoaster Experiment.
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[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Have you been on a VR coaster? What did you think

[@Canadas_Wonderland_Nerd]

No but I want too

[@Harry-kg5ts]

Went on Galactica in 2016, was alright for the one off but I'm glad the 2016 vr gimmick died off ! much better ride without it :)

[@Bismuguy]

4 days ago?

[@aldoparise1224]

I rode Thunder Run at Canada's Wonderland with VR. It was actually very fun.

[@CraigAndrews666]

​@Bismuguy more than likely had this video up and ready to go but set it to private until he was ready to publish it.

[@maikhenrich5879]

It's quite interesting that they chose an eel as the ride's mascot at first, since the mythological Kraken has always been a giant squid or octopus and that's what most people think of when they hear the word "Kraken", right?

[@moonlightsky6951]

YOUR SO CORRECT THATS MY POINT I TRY TO SAY TO PEOPLE

[@timeflys3248]

From my understanding the oringial Norse myth of the kraken was just a huge sea creature that is not described as one specific thing. Through out the years the myth of a giant squid from sailers used the name because of the legend. So if your going to base the kraken off of the oringial myth you can make it anything. For instead the kraken from the movie Clash of the Titans which is just a unique creature.

[@opo3628]

TBF, I've seen "The Kraken" portrayed as a giant eel in fiction before...but yeah, that imagery for the creature isn't *nearly* as popular as the classic monster octopus / squid.

[@drankydrank1]

I would assume it had to do with it being easier to work with the live eels than squids or octopuses

[@ilkvomit88]

That's not what I think of when I hear the word kraken, I immediately think of the giant Kraken from OG Clash of the Titans

[@hoosiercoasterfan2655]

Kraken was probably the most important coaster to me. I remember watching my older brother ride it when I was little, and I was obsessed with it. I’d draw pictures of it in school, I’d take giant smart erasers and make it do coaster maneuvers (the rectangular shape kinda reminded me of Krakens Floorless trains), and when I got access to KZbin I watched POVs of it religiously. It would be another 15 years before I returned to SeaWorld Orlando (which was in February) and I finally got to ride Kraken. The ride is everything I hoped it would be, and more. It is actually my favorite roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando even with all the other amazing coasters in the park. It’s not my favorite B&M, but it’s up there. The ride is starting to show its age a little bit, but it’s still going strong, and I’m sure it will thrill riders for many years to come.

[@butterpecan1938]

That was mr freeze for me 😅 good to know I’m not alone in that lol

[@mindofmax2067]

My sibling also went on without me as I was one CM too short, we never got to go back but I've always wondered what this beast felt like before they started trying to find updates. Maybe I'll go back for a half day trip just for this

[@TheVloggerDude2018]

Oh yeah…. 2016 was weird. There was this one, and six flags had a few VR experiments too. I mean honestly if you wanna do a VR roller coaster, just do a roller coaster in VR. Not the other way around 😅

[@thewizardofgore5303]

Six Flags: Great America just slapped VR on The Demon around that time.

[@noisetank15]

Someone marketed to everyone that they could get a "new" ride on the cheap and everyone took the bait! Only took a season or less to see that would not work.

[@TheVloggerDude2018]

@@noisetank15 ah yes. The “Shiny New Thing” effect. I remember people FLOCKED to supercharged when it opened in universal just bc it was new. Welll…. Some people learned that new doesn’t always mean fun that day 🤣🤣🤣

[@MalrusOSC]

Galactica had VR too at Alton towers, we know how that went though

[@lauriechan1426]

Yeah, i live in tx and six flags fiesta tx slapped a vr 'experience' to the superman coaster, where you 'fought' brainiac...it was kinda dumb and weird, they got rid of it after just like 4 months 😂

[@ChaoticTranquility12]

My dad worked on Kraken!! He may have been one of the bois speeding around in the time lapse parts!! Kraken means the world to me, I love my daddio and the memories this brings me!! I remember the live eels that used to live in the eggs. Made me so sad when they stopped, but I get it. Probably hard to keep them alive. Especially in the weird "fish bowl" they were in. But a great memory, regardless.

[@budgetglados8761]

If I had a nickel for every time a b&m coaster had vr added and then taken away, id have at least 2 nickels, which isnt much but its strange its happened at least twice

[@alaeriia01]

Three, actually. Six Flags Fiesta Texas added VR to Superman Krypton Coaster.

[@macymoonshine2278]

They tried it with Air, B&M flying coaster at Alton Towers. They renamed it to Galactica as the VR was space themed. Didn’t last long!

[@notacatnt]

@@macymoonshine2278 I still have my weird photo from right after they did the switch. It was terrible, I actually hurt myself on the ride and it was terribly blurry. The queue was pretty much nonexistent, even on the disabled side. Glad it's gone, but I do miss the original theming of the ride.

[@jasonkwong3207]

I had the chance to ride Kraken Unleashed with the VR once. I recall having a great time on it. The complicated loading process, even when the ride didn't have much of a line, really hurt the viability of keeping the VR long-term. Also I recall having a school field trip to Sea World on a day that was overcast with a bit of light rain, but the park kept both Journey to Atlantis and Kraken open with neither having much of a wait time. My group went back and forth between the two rides a few times that day. Hop off Atlantis, go straight over to Kraken, then back to Atlantis, then Kraken again. Felt pretty spoiled for excitement!

[@ShamHLTS]

Seaworld has such an interesting history, thanks for exploring it in these videos!

[@metscool]

I was apart of the opening team for Kraken Unleashed. The real reason why they took the VR out was because Figment did an update one night that caused all of the video and data that were on the trains disappear.

[@gordonwchas]

I loved riding Dueling Dragons; too bad they had to go extinct. "Kraken is still a crackin' ride" - I was waiting for that one. Another great one, Sam.

[@flohawkins1]

Now if that had VR it might have protected some eyes if you know what I mean

[@broadlygesturesateverythin94]

Really appreciating the Florida videos. Kumba and Kraken were coasters I grew up with and now at 25 I work at Serengeti Flyer at BGT, waiting impatiently for Pipelines opening

[@VeryTori]

I have been on Kraken twice. Once when I was 12 years old, and once a few months ago. Outside of small children's roller coasters (and even most of those), I did not like coasters as a kid. I fell in love with coasters when I was 17, though. I slowly worked my way up over the years, but I never got the chance to ride Kraken until a few months ago. I was with my cousin who convinced me to go on it. Even though I love roller coasters, this one stood out because of my memory of not liking it as a kid. Recognizing that this was now 14 years ago, and my opinion of roller coasters has since changed, I went on the roller coaster. OH MY GOODNESS it was so fun! I am glad that I conquered that nervousness and went on it! I have a fondness for roller coasters for a couple of reasons. First, they are incredibly fun! Second, I like to see it as a callisthenic, or exercise, for overcoming obstacles or fear. It's a nice way to practice getting used to that feeling of overcoming something, and I hope that that translates to other aspects of life! I am sad that I never got to try the VR for this roller coaster. I've done VR on a different roller coaster, and I loved it, but it was a small coaster, and I can see how people would get motion sick on it, or have other issues. Stinks that VR on roller coasters left quicker than they came, though.

[@Alex-Novell]

Your content is unmatched, can't wait for another HHN season! Keep it up Sam!

[@jtallant1977]

The motion sickness I got from wearing that VR Headset while riding the ride ruined the rest of the day for me - even though I closed my eyes for most of it. I hated the extra weight it put on my neck too. My husband's headset didn't even work but he had tightened it so tight that he couldn't get it off while on the coaster, and had to do the whole thing blind. Kraken was a fun rollercoaster before they added all of that junk to it - and is still a fun rollercoaster now that the VR stuff is gone.

[@sterospa]

Rode this in front row with VR before it was removed. It was pretty slick. But made loading long and the headset was cumbersome.

[@OTownNews]

I was in the 6th grade - 2003 - on my class field trip to SeaWorld. I was afraid, nervous as a cat when I got on for the first time. I rode again twice before the day was through. My coaster bug grew exponentially in the months and years since. Some I was just as terrified at, others I had no fear over at all. But I give Kraken all the credit in the world that plunged me (no pun intended) into the roller coaster world.

[@NachoCheesus]

It was my first inverting coaster too 😁

[@MakBot]

Although it wasn't Kraken, its predecessor Madusa at Great Adventure is what popped my coaster cherry. Floorless B&Ms are great.

[@thomaszach38]

I was so happy to be apart of making this VR happen though. Even though it didn’t work as imagined. Miss my kraken days

[@DJFerg1990]

Kraken was the first ride I rode when I first ever arrived in Orlando. It holds such a special place in my heart. Great vlog again . Awesome coaster .

[@ChairmanChico]

Rode Kraken for the first time earlier this year. Never knew that those eggs had eels before. Thanks for the deep dive!

[@cleio81]

I bet a roller-coaster with AR (augmented reality) would actually be pretty cool. Seeing that the tech works by adding an image over real time input without blocking your vision of the world around you. I bet you could really do some cool stuff with that.

[@JByrd1227]

not a lot of vids out there exploring Orlando's park history in total so this was a treat to watch! awesome content as always :)

[@alexis4594]

Fantastic video! Was sad when they removed the big eel from the entrance.. but glad it got some love with a new paint job. Thank you for exploring Krakens history!

[@masonwhite3698]

I went to SeaWorld once, and one of the only things I remember there was riding Kraken first thing in the day. Genuinely one of the best coasters around--probably the best in Orlando.

[@chrisyoungblood1421]

Great content as always Sam! Thank You!!

[@Sean-eo8ns]

I was listening to your previous Seaworld video earlier lol Happy to go on another expedition with this channel

[@Jindomess]

I really want to have see this, this sounds amazing. I am so sad that its gone. this is such amazing idea, I think only over time it could have gotten better with tech advancements

[@timh4794]

Massively underrated ride, hadn’t realised it’s age! Could plonk it in any UK park and it’ll be one of the best. Not a fan of VR, didn’t like it on Galatica. Great video 👍🏻

[@bridgetkorns8174]

Thank you Sam. Your videos are always so awesome.

[@themastrofwar]

Kraken is a great ride. It was my first major roller coaster. It certainly is iconic

[@SammyNail]

I feel like the money spent on VR woulda been better spent just building physical sets to theme the ride.

[@andyball67]

One of my favourite coasters from my time in Orlando. (2007) I’m sure there are better, but just got great memories from riding this and then going straight back to the queue to ride again.

[@alphie333]

Oh wow I remember this! I rode this and then Iron Dragon at CP had a VR. Both made me incredibly motion sick and weren’t the greatest experience, but i respect something different 😂

[@shaggytallboy4982]

I love all of the B&M coasters I've been on. I never rode this one with the vr but I've been on it a bunch of times. This video made me sad that Dragons is gone ( I know it's been a long time) I miss it. Thanks for another great video

[@deadshotdaiquiri2734]

I never got to ride the Vr version of this attraction as its recently my home park but i love it none the less

[@Shocknfunk]

Not as good as it seems. Being a guarantee for motion sickness and the fact that every ride through required wiping off the headsets before anyone else can load in killed que times.

[@woodencoasterfan]

The VR experience on Kraken was unique and fun when it was working right. There was one major flaw it had besides horrifically long load and unload times. There was a problem with its spatial orientation while on the ride. Leaving the station, everything was properly synchronized but as the ride went through it’s course, I kept having to look further and further to the right or left to keep the view looking forward while wearing the headset. In other words, my eyes would see that I was looking forward but my body says no, you are looking 90 degrees left or right. Needless to say, I felt a little queasy once or twice at the end of the ride.

[@dennisud]

I had completely forgotten about the VR part as I'm not riding coaster anymore. Thanks for the memories!

[@thewizardofgore5303]

I love how the announcer in the ad almost snarls "Kraken is on the loose" like he hates us or something 😂

[@unf2008]

Thanks for another great video. I'm not sure why Sea World had the VR as an underwater exploration. Shouldn't it have been the riders being chased and escaping a kraken with several shots of the beast nearly eating the rider? The idea of a VR rollercoaster sounds very intriguing but I understand why it is difficult to execute. Maybe it will be perfected one day.

[@vylbird8014]

With modern VR technology, the hardest part would be making headsets that are durable enough to endure not just the coaster's acceleration and vibration, but the abuses of the guests. The actual VR side is easy: You just use off-the-shelf VR gear. Accelerometer noise would be ridiculous, so you'd use IR beacon optical tracking on the cart. Sync a fixed offset in the virtual world to the motion of the coaster. There's nothing fundamentally new in that - you'd need a small team of VR engineers, but it's doable. The hard part would be making that into something than endures. Routine operation is hard enough, but riders would be constantly trying to rip off foam comfort seals, poke screens, stuff mud in holes, pull cables off, and generally break stuff. And it will have to securely attach the headsets in place as well, for safety reasons. You can see what's what happened here. The headsets are clearly old Oculus units - off the shelf. It worked. The tech was functional, until actual guests started to use the ride and it proved impossible to maintain.

[@CardinalKaos]

Outstanding work as always!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you

[@CardinalKaos]

@@ExpeditionThemePark i gotta be honest i only have one other persons bell active on here (john daub only in japan) so its ON SIGHT when either of you post new content. Youre genuinely one of the top creators on this platform.

[@hamtarotimefan]

Vr coasters is a gimmick that I really want to work. I feel like if you are gonna do it right is do it like a mix of the mummy and the Mario kart ride. A argumented reality darkride/ coaster hybrid. I think this would work since you could do more with the story and since you can see where you are going kinda you won't feel motion sick from it.

[@Tomneom]

Loving these More Frequent Videos! Krack on! (That joke hurt to write)

[@DancefloorFitness]

Woooohoooo 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Expedition Theme Park spoiling us 🙏🏻🥰

[@markymark-r]

4:57 love this bit. Wrong way round mate!!!!! 😂

[@melissajensen3166]

Great video Sam. That’s too bad the VR didn’t work out on Kraken. That would be so cool. I understand how difficult it would be to make everything sync.

[@kkmarie36]

I got a chance to ride this, it was definitely interesting. I don’t remember much of the actual experience, but I do remember holding onto the headset the entire time.

[@naarahjanemorris3121]

Thanks for the Informative video on the Kraken it's a shame I'm from the uk & won't get a chance to ride it.

[@KuyaMagik]

another great video thank you!!

[@nigelcarren]

Let's face it though, no ride could ever be as exciting as the thumbnail! 👍🦕🏆😂🤣

[@TobiasBroad]

I did my first VR Coaster quite recently, I was actually quite impressed. However it had three key components: 1. The VR headset was easy to operate, collect and return. 2. It was an indoor coaster. 3. It was a family coaster.

[@lego4av]

The way you say Orlando, give me goosebumps

[@opo3628]

Just like Disney's immersive Star Wars hotel experience, it's a cool idea *in theory...*

[@ChirpyChips-vj4uo]

Yo the new ghost train at thorpe is actually rlly good. Thank god they’ve finally made it into a good experience

[@ThemeParksAndAttractions]

Great video again Sam 👏

[@scottabcdef123]

Another great video sam!

[@greatwhitecatcher]

Wow, what are the odds? I just rode this for the first time yesterday as my first inverting coaster.

[@LowgaenSchmidt]

Riding in my teens, Kraken was my favorite coaster for a few years, right up until I rode my first ever RMC coaster in college.

[@datsniiice]

I love the Kraken. I will always remember getting in the park really early and there was no queue so I went on it 4 times in a row. Good times

[@cherylmaden5989]

Went on it 1st week! Now i❤Monty and Kumba, but Kraken was AWESOME! Soooo much fun..saw the eels..eh. it's the ride was fn amazing ❤

[@hey_itsdeanna]

I've never been hugely into rollercoasters, I would usually avoid them. I ran out of line at dueling dragons when my family tried to get me to ride it. Kraken is the only coaster I have ever ridden to this day, and I've ridden it a grand total of two or three times. Something about it seem less terrifying than other coasters. It will forever have a special place in my memories. Kinda glad I never experienced it in VR, I can totally see it detracting from the experience.

[@Drew791]

Lol I have jumped out of line on at least 3 occasions. During an 8th grade trip to a theme park I was right at the boarding platform at coaster and I just couldn’t bring myself to get in the seat. Jumped right over the balcony as the staff were screaming at me and I waded my way through all these tall bushes plants back to the main pathways. My friends called me a pussy the entire bus ride home and I never spoke to them again. Oh well I hate coasters.

[@elitelord5350]

Funny how this releases while on my break while working at Sea World

[@jimthar17]

Love Kraken. Glad it's at one of my home parks. Never got into the coaster VR thing though and to this day have never done it. Kraken is exciting enough on its own without having to add a gimmick. The VR thing on coasters seems to have disappeared. It was a short lived fad. didn't one of the Funspot parks try VR as well?

[@MuneShadow1]

I've been on Kraken back when I was a junior in high school, nearly 20 years ago. I remember getting that my folks having set a meet up time and place in the park because we had to leave early, but there was a bout of miscommunication and in the end, I completely fuck up the plan by going my own way and rode the roller-coaster several times. Oh well.

[@itsShowtime247]

I thought it made the ride so much better.

[@editingsecrets]

With your accent I thought there was now a "flawless" roller coaster. I thought, that's nice that they can make a 100% perfect roller coaster now. Impressive quality control! Later in the video I discovered what was actually removed was the kind of flaw you stand on!

[@hopediamond4654]

That intro had no right to go so hard but oh my god it's amazing 😭

[@drock13]

The one and only time I got to ride Kraken VR it was raining ( not enough to hurt) but it made the ride experience more enjoyable. I must have gotten lucky , also I do remember hating the virtual line

[@eddienhp]

It's interesting to say that Kraken had VR on their ride before they removed them during that time. But luckily people get to experienced it!

[@ryukagesama]

I just went on Kraken as well as all of SeaWorld Orlando's coasters (except for Ice Breaker) last month. Kraken is still their best coaster.

[@Ms.HarmonyJ]

Hey my friend so glad to see another amazing video yes I did have a Chance but it wasn't what I thought it would be but it was OK

[@wolffuryanimates7227]

God, 2016 was weird. Great vid btw!

[@MichaelPicherMusic]

Love the original Kraken. Have fond memories riding it with my brother, when we were kids. I'm glad the VR is gone now. Road Kraken: Unleashed once and I guess the headset had a loose connection because the picture kept cutting out, leaving me blind for most of the experience. Now, bring back the eels and cave music!

[@spasshelden]

Wow, impressive... love to see more ... 👍👍👍 like

[@LChatmanFL]

So I did this back in the day & actually enjoyed it. Also, SeaWorld gave you the option not to put on the headset. I also did the VR on the Legoland FL wild mouse coaster. It was also fun. It really is subjective. Crunchy peanut butter vs creamy. To each his own.

[@robertyoung7962]

The drop towers with the VR was nice

[@tinflowers]

I remember getting something like 10 back to back rides on Kraken one trip. Fun coaster, but it was no Kumba, or Montu.

[@kellark]

When I got the notification, you released a new video I kinda expected it to be about Poseidon after I seen you and Jackie ride it for a final time

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I already made that video! A couple years ago

[@kellark]

@Expedition Theme Park ... you should have mentioned it in Jackies video. Cross promotion never hurts 😆. Going to go watch it now. Cheers

[@mdivilio9]

I remember when kraken was built I remember the test rides. I still ride it til this day once a week at least. She’s a lot rougher now but still my all time favorites as it was my first roller coaster. Kinda sentimental to Me in a way

[@jonathanbishopmusic]

I must be one of the only people who actually really enjoyed Kraken Unleashed. It was a major theming upgrade and made the ride unique not only at SeaWorld but among roller coasters, even rides in Florida in general. The technical issues were a bummer and it's understandable that they eventually had to give it up, but I'm not sure why they felt the need to also remove the theme and original music altogether. Now it's about as generic of a ride as it could conceivably be.

[@brynnharris5445]

I work at SWO now as a camp counselor and its funny how VR kraken had wait times upwards of 6 hours that you'd have to join a virtual queue for but now any time I really want to ride a coaster I can go and hop on kraken after work and only wait 5 minutes for it because it's so jerky.

[@01Lisler]

nearly thought this was the Krake von Heide Park soltau... now im slightly dissapointed

[@howardcraigiv518]

man i remember the times when there was no apps or checking on line to see what is going on in the parks. You had ti actually go to experience the rides. I remember going to Disney 4 different times and Test track not being open yet. We use to have to go to the park hoping it was open. The times of changed. Who thought VR would work on a roller coaster

[@Deterna]

Reminds me of the darron brown ghost Train at thorpe park, maybe they could try again in ten years

[@sophieshaw7015]

I really like vr on rides it's a shame people didn't agree. But to be fair it does sound like an ache to set up

[@ThePillowGamer]

Whoever thought adding VR - a medium which nauseates a person through dissociating then from reality - would be a good combination with a roller coaster which nauseates a person through its sheer number of inversions is beyond me. Never rode the VR version myself, but I couldn’t imagine it produced anything other then a headache for it’s riders.

[@jugatsu23nichi]

Loved this video! I've never been on a VR coaster but I think it would make me sick since I've tried the VR coaster game/app on the Oculus Quest...and that made me dizzy :)

[@Thoralmir]

Universal Studios Japan still does VR coasters every summer, usually themed to anime.

[@mrWendybird]

Oh geez I remember that commercial. There was no escaping Kraken when it opened XD

[@mercator79]

I love the Kraken, We went there in a november and noone was there and we rode it like 3-4 times in a row in the front row, which is legend. Never tried vr thank god

[@Rose258V]

I loved this coaster, when I first went. I haven’t been back. I went before VR was available. I probably would’ve shied away from it. Been there enough, I guess. Would only go back for Atlantis, Shamu, Kraken, the Artic ride, the observation tower, and the animal shows. That’s all. I know some that I mentioned are no more, but what can I say. 😢

[@rorykay521]

It’s funny seeing people talk about Medusa because that’s at the six flags I grew up going to and you never really hear about it.

[@margaret_adelle]

As someone who gets severe motion sickness from VR, adding it to a rollercoaster sounds miserable.

[@dansuarez6808]

Have to do a video on the Antarctica ride at SeaWorld at some point as well

[@JustOutnAbout]

We actually never got to try the VR on this. We didn't visit SeaWorld during those years. But I don't feel like I missed anything!

[@shezzagaming4692]

The vr was so good

[@Misfitschibis2]

I actually did get to ride this! Despite the changes I thought it was unique. In the fact when I rode it. I couldn’t feel the ride? My brain couldn’t compute with my body that I was going upside down or being flung around so quickly. It was very odd. I even took my brother in law and he felt the same!

[@kolcheks]

omg yeah i felt the same, ironically it felt way less tense

[@danielward4868]

I rode Kraken in 2019 and found the ride good but slightly less memorable than Hulk and Kumba. It is still one of my favourite coasters, though. I did ride Galactica with vr the year before and prefer it without, so I doubt I missed much with this one.

[@EyeCanShootFL]

awesome. I live 4 min from here. :)

[@theheroneededwillette6964]

Honestly I liked how they wanted to go into theming stuff, it’s just a shame their attempt was with a roller coaster using experimental vr of all things.

[@maxb4085]

I went on Kraken when I visited Orlando with VR and without VR, going on it without VR was so much beyter for me, mainly because the VR just wasn't setup correctly. I had to look completely to my right just to see what was going on in my VR headset, the headset also didnt completely fit my small head (it wasnt going to come off but it rattled around during the ride)

[@KellyABEATS]

Could you do a video on the River Rapids at Alton Towers in the UK or Storm Force 10 at Drayton Manor in the UK? 😁😁😁