SeaWorld Orlando has changed the minimum height requirement for its latest roller coaster, Ice Breaker, just days after opening the new ride, which boasts the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida.
“Ice Breaker is one of the most anticipated coasters of 2022 and it has been extremely popular among guests since opening February 18,” SeaWorld Orlando said in a statement (via Click Orlando).
“We are experiencing some operational issues with smaller riders and so out of an abundance of caution, we raised the height requirement from 48 inches to 54 inches for the time being as we work with the manufacturer and safety professionals to make adjustments.”
“Ensuring our guests have a safe and thrilling experience in our park remains our top priority,” SeaWorld added.
Steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida
Ice Breaker offers four backwards and forwards launches before culminating in a reverse launch into Florida’s steepest beyond vertical drop – a 93-feet-tall spike with 100-degree angle. Riders also fly over a near vertical top hat manoeuvre.
Earlier this month, SeaWorld Entertainment confirmed that Cedar Fair had rejected its “unsolicited non-binding proposal” to purchase the theme park operator for $3.4bn.
“In response to inquiries from various stakeholders, we confirm that our offer to acquire Cedar Fair was rejected,” SeaWorld shared in a statement. “Unfortunately, we do not see a path to a transaction.”
Ice Breaker is one of 11 new rides and attractions launching at 10 SeaWorld theme parks this year. SeaWorld and Sesame Workshop have also announced that the Sesame Place San Diego theme park will open on March 26, 2022.
Images: SeaWorld Entertainment
