Calling all adrenaline junkies! Ongoing plans to build the world’s tallest roller coaster – “The Skyscraper”- are officially in progress at an Orlando, Florida theme park due to open in 2017. Dubbed the Skyplex, the new park will join the ranks of Sea World and Universal.
Designed by Orlando-based US Thrill Rides, a 4-minute computer animation video of the attraction was recently released. In it, the ride track spirals up and down the side of a 535-foot-tall observation tower, sitting eight passengers – separated in two rows of four people.
“The unique design of the coaster means more incredible, heart-pounding inside and outside loops, dives, spirals and inversions in a vertical area than riders have ever before experienced,” said Bill Kitchen, founder of US Thrill Rides.
The Skyscraper will be housed at a $250 million entertainment complex called Skyplex, which is planned for Orlando’s International Drive. Officials said the 495,000-square-foot site is set to include high-end arcading, simulators, rock climbing, bars, restaurants, and retail.
Rolled at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo 2014, the video also included footage of on-board perspective, as well as day and night experiences on the coaster. Brief views of other International Drive sites, including the under-construction Orlando Eye observation wheel, can be viewed throughout the footage.
The Skyscraper’s observation deck will give guests views over 500 feet above the ground, and will even be accessible by glass elevators.
“Skyscraper will not only take riders higher than ever before, but also introduce one thrill right after the next – there’s no ‘down time’ on this four-minute coaster experience,” said Michael Kitchen, president of US Thrill Rides.
Currently, Six Flags Great Adventure’s Kingda Ka in Jackson, New Jersey holds the title for the world’s highest roller coaster. Its U-shaped track darts 456 feet into the air and accelerates riders from zero to 128 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds.
Construction for the new ride will take place near the intersection of International Drive and Sand Lake Road. Developers expect to begin building in 2015 and conclude by 2017.
“It is an absolute cutting-edge engineering marvel that will deliver pure adrenaline unlike any roller coaster in the world today,” Kitchen added.
To view the thrilling animation of The Skyscraper, click here.
