SeaWorld Orlando has revealed details of its new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction, due to open at the park next year.

The attraction will be divided into two zones - an interactive ride experience and a walkway through a real penguin colony.

At the centre of the first phase will be new interactive vehicles that will transport guests around Antarctica on artificial snow and ice.

Each vehicle will carry eight people and will act as a mobile simulator, allowing guests free movement on a trackless ride through the first phase.

The intention is to allow visitors to play a part in an interactive storyline featuring the adventures of a young penguin.

Unveiling the vehicle at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando yesterday, Brian Morrow, SeaWorld's creative director, said the experience would be the first of its kind.

"There's nothing else like this in the world," he said.

"When our little hero penguin learns to waddle and slide, riders will 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."

After disembarking the vehicles, guests will then be able to explore penguins in their own habitat via a more traditional walkthrough.

However, unlike before - when they could observe the flightless birds from the warmth of separate viewing areas - guests will now be immersed in the colony in sub-zero (around 32 fahrenheit) temperatures.

To see a video of the new Antarctica attraction, click here.