SeaWorld Orlando recently invited The Disney Blog in for a hard hat tour of the construction of Ice Breaker – the first multi-directional launch vertical drop roller coaster in Orlando.
The layout fo Ice Breaker is a very tight footprint for the length of the experience. It is taking over the space between Shamu Stadium and Bayside Stadium and usurping the back of Mango Joe’s eatery for the queue and loading zone. It will expand the artic themed zone started by the nearby Wild Artic attraction.
SeaWorld’s Vice President of Design and Engineering Brian Andrelczyk took us on a hard hat tour of the construction site. Listen to him describe the project in our video:
The coaster will reach a speed of nearly 55mph over its 1,900 ft length (you ride some portions of the track multiple times, so your overall length traveled will be 2,750 feet). It features a beyond vertical angle of 100 degrees that you will experience multiple times as you go through the multi-pass LSM launch. While there are no inversions, there is an 80 foot tall top hat twist element.
Ice Breakers Top Hat feature is visible from across the park 
The 100 degree beyond vertical drop bumps up against Shamu stadium 
Look at how close the track comes to the queue area 
A few pieces have yet to be put into place 
SeaWorld invited dozens of media out to check out the progress 
Track leading into the new load station 
Another look at the vertical drop 
The 80 ft tall Top Hat feature
While the final pieces of track have yet to be put into place, SeaWorld expects Ice Breaker to open this Spring.
With additions like Ice Breaker, and another roller coaster that’s rumored to be on the way next, SeaWorld Orlando is positioning itself as the theme park for thrill seekers that has been missing from Orlando’s lineup and further away from a park known for is nature inspired shows.
Previously: Premier Rides and SeaWorld Orlando reveal ride vehicles for Ice Breaker at IAAPA EXPO.