Nassal brought the frozen wonders of the South Pole to life through the expert fabrication of immersive themed environments for Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld Orlando. Tasked with replicating one of the most extreme and visually stunning environments on Earth, the team completed all scenic rockwork including formations designed to resemble snow-covered cliffs, glacier peaks and icy crevasses.

In a groundbreaking feat of themed fabrication, Nassal pioneered entirely new scenic panel technologies that mimicked the look and feel of real ice—down to the shimmering transparency and layered color effects found in glacial formations. These panels, developed in-house, not only had to capture the rich blues, deep purples and crystal-clear clarity of ice and glass but also withstand the intense heat and sunlight of Central Florida, no small feat given the material and environmental challenges. The result was a durable, visually captivating surface that maintained its magic year-round.

From fabricated icicles that drip from overhangs to textured snow rockwork that transitions from ride path to penguin habitat, every element was designed to enhance the illusion of a frozen world. This seamless integration of scenic artistry and engineering supports the narrative experience from queue to habitat.

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin transports families into a rarely seen icy realm, one filled with awe, scale and wonder. Guests embark on a one-of-a-kind family adventure ride where they see the world through the eyes of a young penguin and journey through extreme environments. At the end, they arrive in a massive climate-controlled penguin habitat where over 250 penguins live, explore and play. Nassal’s contribution ensures the story doesn’t just feel told, it feels real, offering an unforgettable encounter at the edge of the world.

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