It was a big morning for SeaWorld Entertainment as the company announced the names of three new attractions coming to their Central Florida parks. In 2020, guests will be able to experience Ice Breaker, Iron Gwazi, and Solar Vortex at SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Adventure Island respectively.
What’s happening:
- SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have revealed details regarding new attractions coming to the parks in 2020.
- This marks the first time in four years that both parks have launched new coasters in the same year, in addition to a new water slide in Tampa.
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Pass Members will be among the first to experience the new attractions.
- Next year the parks will welcome:
- Iron Gwazi (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)
- Solar Vortex (Adventure Island)
- Ice Breaker (SeaWorld Orlando)
via SeaWorld Entertainment
Iron Gwazi – Opening Spring 2020 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, 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
- Reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour
- Include 3 inversions and 12 airtime hills
- Race along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track
via SeaWorld Entertainment
- 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.
What they’re saying:
- Stewart Clark, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: “Iron Gwazi is the evolution of a classic wooden coaster into a modern icon. From the bones of the original Gwazi, a new legend rises, reaching taller heights and faster speeds, delivering the next-level thrills that our coaster fans crave and expect from Busch Gardens.”
via SeaWorld Entertainment
Solar Vortex – Opening Spring 2020 at Adventure Island:
- Spin and splash at Adventure Island on Solar Vortex — America’s first dual-tailspin water slide.
- This thrilling family raft slide combines high-banking rotations and rapid descents, sending sliders on a swirling journey through two open tailspin features.
- Manufactured by Whitewater, Solar Vortex will also include three dynamic AquaLucent elements — harnessing the power of the Florida sun into colorful patterns that shine through the slide as riders reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
- Solar Vortex will be an electrifying new ride for families next year when it opens with the 2020 Adventure Island season.
Ice Breaker – Opening Spring 2020 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 a perfect partner to help educate riders about the Artic and its inhabitants.
- The opening of Ice Breaker is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio.
- 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.
What they’re saying:
- Tara L. Riemer, President and CEO of Alaska SeaLife Center: "The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to grow our partnership with SeaWorld. For many years, SeaWorld has been a stalwart supporter of the Center, and particularly our Wildlife Response program. We are grateful for SeaWorld's contributions of funding and staff over the years to further our mission. This new collaboration will continue efforts to highlight Arctic rescue and conservation stories.”
ICYMI:
- SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are currently offering guests the option to purchase a Fun Card for 2020. Guests buying the Fun Card now can enjoy the rest of 2019 and all of 2020!
Photos by Jeremiah Good except where noted.