SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are set to welcome new roller coasters ‘Ice Breaker‘ and ‘Iron Gwazi’, coming to the theme parks in 2020.
The company has also announced a new waterslide, Solar Vortex, heading to Adventure Island in Tampa in 2020.
For the first time in four years, both parks are launching new coasters in the same year, with SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Pass Members among the first to ride.
Iron Gwazi, opening in spring 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, will be North America’s tallest coaster, and the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster.
Iron Gwazi coaster opening at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be 206 feet tall, with a 91-degree drop, and top speeds of 76 mph along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track.
It will also feature three inversions and 12 airtime hills, and will integrate elements of the former wooden attraction.
Iron Gwazi will boast a reimagined layout with a new experience and story, and will be inspired by the crocodile.
“Iron Gwazi is the evolution of a classic wooden coaster into a modern icon,” said Stewart Clark, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Solar Vortex waterslide at Adventure Island Tampa Bay
“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.”
Solar Vortex, opening in spring 2020 at Adventure Island, will be America’s first dual-tailspin waterslide featuring high-banking rotations and rapid descents.
The family raft slide sends guests on a journey through two open tailspin features, with top speeds of 20 mph.
Solar Vortex is manufactured by Whitewater, and will also include three dynamic AquaLucent elements, turning the Florida sun into colourful patterns.
Ice Breaker is SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster
Ice Breaker, debuting in spring 2020 at SeaWorld Orlando, is a family-friendly attraction and SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster.
The new ride, located near the Wild Arctic Attraction, will also feature four backwards and forwards launches.
It ends with a reverse launch into Florida’s steepest beyond vertical drop – a 93-foot-tall spike with a 100-degree angle.
The name ‘Ice Breaker’ is a nod to SeaWorld’s conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center, which is dedicated to marine research, education and wildlife response.
Experience the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida
“The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to grow our partnership with SeaWorld,” said Tara L Riemer, President and CEO of Alaska SeaLife Center.
“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.”
Images: SeaWorld/Busch Gardens
