SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have revealed details about new attractions that will hit the parks in 2020. This is the first time in four years that both parks have launched roller coasters in the same year, in addition to a new slide in Tampa.
Iron Gwazi – Inauguration in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A new legend will emerge in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the arrival of Iron GwaziTM, the tallest and fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be almost 62m high, fall to 91 degrees and reach maximum speeds of 122 KPH. The trip will include three investments and 12 airtime falls (zero gravity sensation), while traveling 1242 m of a purple steel track. With a height requirement of 1.22m, Iron Gwazi will be an exciting attraction for the whole family.
«Iron Gwazi is the evolution of the classic wooden roller coaster in a modern icon,» said Stewart Clark, president of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay park. «From the bones of the original Gwazi, a new legend emerges, reaching higher heights and faster speeds, providing the next-level thrill that our roller coaster fans crave and expect from Busch Gardens.»
While the elements of the old wooden attraction will be integrated into the new promenade, the steel track and the reinvented design of Iron Gwazi present a completely unique experience that tells a different story. Iron Gwazi will highlight the best of both worlds: the classic nostalgia of a wooden roller coaster and the bold innovation of a steel roller coaster. Thriving and adapting for millions of years, this evolutionary crossroads is perfectly represented in the crocodile, the largest living reptile and animal inspiration for Iron Gwazi.
Solar Vortex – Inauguration in 2020 on Adventure Island
Tour and soak up Adventure Island in Solar VortexTM: America’s first double-tailed water slide. This exciting family raft slide combines high-rise rotations and rapid descents, sending rafts on a spiral-trip trip. Manufactured by Whitewater, Solar Vortex will also include three dynamic AquaLucent ™ elements, harnessing the power of the Florida sun to reflect colorful patterns that shine through the slide, as passengers reach speeds of up to 32 KPH. Solar Vortex will be a new electrifying trip for the whole family, next year when it opens with the 2020 season of Adventure Island.
Ice Breaker – Inauguration in 2020 at SeaWorld Orlando
Making their debut in 2020, adventurers will shudder through family adventures on the first SeaWorld Orlando: Ice Breaker ™ launch roller coaster. Named for the icy Arctic peaks, Ice Breaker will feature four pitches, both backward and forward, that will culminate in an inverse launch toward Florida’s steepest vertical fall: a 28m high peak with a 100 degree angle.
Located near Wild Arctic Attraction, the theme of the ride relates to this entire area with the Ice Breaker conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center. Mainly dedicated to marine research, education and wildlife response, the Alaska SeaLife Center mission closely matches that of SeaWorld Orlando, which makes it the perfect partner to help educate Ice Breaker passengers about The Arctic and its inhabitants.
«The Alaska SeaLife Center is pleased to grow our partnership with SeaWorld. For many years, SeaWorld has been a strong advocate of the Center, and particularly of our Wildlife Response program,» said Tara L. Riemer, President and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center. «We are grateful for the contributions of SeaWorld funds and staff over the years to promote our mission. This new collaboration will continue efforts to highlight the Arctic rescue and conservation stories.»
The Ice Breaker opening is the perfect complement to the growing SeaWorld travel portfolio. From the emotions of the roller coaster of Mako, Manta and Kraken, to the water rapids of Infinity Falls and the fun of Journey to Atlantis, Ice Breaker joins the park’s famous attractions as a must-see experience in Orlando.