Among the many announcements coming out of the IAAPA Expo going on this week at the Orange County Convention Center we’re getting our first look at two of the roller coaster train designs for Central Florida.
Ice Breaker for SeaWorld Orlando and Iron Gwazi for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will both be opening in the Spring of 2020, and both debuted their lead coaster car designs this week. Take a look at photos and video below, along with coaster stats for these new thrill rides. And stay tuned to the site for continuing coverage and theme park updates.
Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando
Making its debut in spring 2020, riders will shiver through family friendly adventures on SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster: Ice Breaker. Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot tall spike with 100-degree angle.
Located near the Wild Arctic Attraction, the ride’s theme is reflective of this area with a nod to Ice Breaker’s conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center. Primarily dedicated to marine research, education and wildlife response, the Alaska SeaLife Center mission matches closely to SeaWorld Orlando’s, making them an ideal partner to help educate riders about the Arctic and its inhabitants.
The opening of Ice Breaker is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio, and its 48-inch rider height makes it a family friendly thrill ride. From the roller coaster thrills of Mako, Manta and Kraken, to the water rapids of Infinity Falls and the flume fun of Journey to Atlantis, Ice Breaker joins the park’s famed attractions as a must-do experience in Orlando.
• Maximum Height
Rear Spike: 93 ft.
Top Hat: 80 ft.
• Length of Track
Track length: 1900 ft.
Track traveled: 2750 ft.
• Maximum Speed: 52 mph
• Ride Duration: ~90 seconds
• Number of trains: two
• Number of coaches: three per train, with three rows per coach
• Ride Elements: 4 multi-directional launch points, top-hat, 100-degree vertical spike
• Manufacturer: Premier Rides
Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A new legend is surfacing in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the evolution of Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be 206 feet tall, feature a 91-degree drop, and reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The journey will include 3 inversions and 12 airtime moments as it races along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. With a 48” height requirement, Iron Gwazi will be an exciting thrill attraction that families can take on together.
While elements of the former wooden attraction will be integrated into the new ride, the steel track and reimagined layout of Iron Gwazi present an entirely unique experience that tells a different story. Iron Gwazi will highlight the best of both worlds — the classic nostalgia of a wooden coaster and the bold innovation of a steel coaster. Thriving and adapting over millions of years, this evolutionary crossroad is perfectly represented in the crocodile, the largest living reptile and the animal inspiration for Iron Gwazi.
• Maximum Height: 206 feet
• Maximum Speed: 76 mph
• Drop Angle: 91 degrees
• Track Length Traveled: 4,075 feet
• Number of Trains: two
• Riders per Train: 24
• Ride Elements: 12 airtime features, including three inversions
• Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction
Remember to stay tuned to the site for more roller coaster and theme park news. If you’re thinking about booking your next trip to Orlando, request your free vacation quote from our good friend Elizabeth at Destinations in Florida. She can help you get the best deals on theme park tickets, your on-site hotel room, dining reservations and more — and her services are completely free!
Stay tuned for more coaster news as it happens! Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email below to never miss an update. Photos by Alicia Stella | Logos and Concept Art by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
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