Guests disappointed as Sea World's New Atlantis precinct closed just days after opening

Visitors wanting to experience rides within Sea World's recently opened New Atlantis precinct are reported to have been left disappointed this week after the new Leviathan rollercoaster, closed just days after it opened at the Gold Coast theme park.

Media reports suggested the new ride was closed without explanation on Tuesday just four days after its official launch.

7News reported that guests were told that the "precinct was closed for maintenance, possibly for mechanical faults" and that it "may be open by the end of the week".

In a statement, a Sea World spokesperson advised “it is not uncommon for new attractions to have temporary closures after launching to allow operators and manufacturers to conduct rectifications and enhancements to better the guest experience and internal operations and processes.

“Our team are working diligently to have the New Atlantis precinct open and operating as efficiently as possible for our upcoming peak season,” a spokesperson for parent company Village Roadshow said.

The spokesperson confirmed the Trident is currently operational for guests and gave some insight into the cause of the Leviathan’s closure, noting "we are currently focusing on finetuning and programming the ride’s theming and technical elements.

“This process is not dissimilar to getting your car serviced, with our team working with the manufacturer on finessing and synchronizing the multiple components and processes which go into operating the ride.

“Modern rides have incredibly complex operating systems with rider safety at the forefront, and at no time were there any safety concerns for guests who have ridden.”

The spokesperson said the Vortex “has been open and operational since December 2020” but goes through annual maintenance, adding "our team was timing the ride to reopen from its annual maintenance period to align with the launch of the Leviathan and Trident, however there was a delay in a part which we are currently waiting to arrive internationally from the manufacturer.

“This should arrive in the next day and the ride will reopen shortly after.”

Responding to the criticism Sea World has received from visitors, the spokesperson said “we strive to provide the best possible guest experience at our parks and are working with guests on options to assist them with re-visiting when the rides are operational.”

Opening two years later than originally planned, Sea World's $50 million New Atlantis precinct was completed last Friday with the official opening of the Leviathan is Australia’s first wooden rollercoaster design in 35 years.

Reviewing the new attraction, which takes guests on a 90-second ride reaching speeds of 80km/h, theme park enthusiasts website Parkz described the ride as the first 'modern' wooden rollercoaster.

Parkz praised for positioning the ride “as a family thrill ride” saying “it is without a doubt the best-designed rollercoaster we've ever seen in Australia.”

It added that Leviathan is “Impeccably paced, perfectly engineered and fits the brief perfectly: a thoroughly enjoyable family thrill ride” while also praising the overall themed and pre-ride experience.

However, Parkz did question the ride for having the “lowest guest throughput of any major ride in Australia” but concluded that “Sea World undeniably have a hit on their hands.”

Image: Sea World's New Atlantic precinct.