Journey to Atlantis features a small aquarium exhibit, "Jewels of the Sea", in its gift shop exit area.

During its seasonal maintenance in March 2017, SeaWorld greatly altered the ride's theme; all effects featuring Allura the Evil Mermaid and Hermes the Fiber-Optic Seahorse (audio and lighting) were removed.

The original version of the ride received mixed reviews, including complaints from parents that some scenes frightened small children and may have been too dark and scary for a family-friendly attraction.

Journey to Atlantis begins as the boat is propelled via friction drives into a water flume meant to resemble an underwater canal.

The boat escapes from the siren into the darkness, down a spiraling drop to the left before swooping up and landing in a final splash-down pool.

[3] Riders advance out of the station slowly onto the chain lift hill that is covered in fog machines, which give the illusion of climbing up water.

At the top of the lift hill, riders make a full U-turn on a roller coaster track, which wraps around the elevator tower which stands at a height of 95 feet, while traversing a small hump.

This turn offers the riders a view of the main roller coaster portion and parts of the park, in which boats emerge above the U-turn.

The boat heads toward the 83 foot tall plunge tower, which bares an arched portico with fountain pouring down directly onto the tracks.

[4] Although initial plans had called for a more elaborate indoor station and "towers" to enclose the ride's two turntables, SeaWorld opted to reduce the number of drops and turns.

Additionally, SeaWorld added walkways and a "viewing area" next to the ride's splash zone and queue, enabling guests the option to get soaked.