Introducing Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker!

Introducing Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker!

New attractions in the Orlando area tend to come in thick and fast each year, but it’s still rare to get two major rides arriving at pretty much the same time.

To a certain extent we can blame it on the pandemic. Everyone’s construction calendar and seasonal timetable have been knocked sideways by the restrictions and effects caused by the worldwide virus.

But it is also the case that the theme parks know attendance gets a significant boost from a headline new ride or show, hence there is always a strong incentive to keep shaking things up.

And roller-coaster fans will certainly feel “all shook up” as Central Florida celebrates the debut of two outstanding new coasters in quick succession.

Breaking the Ice!

First, we have just witnessed the debut of the awesome Ice Breaker, the latest steel colossus from SeaWorld, which can now boast no fewer than five headline rides that all have major adrenaline components, i.e. they’re really exciting!

And their new entry in the scream machine stakes is highly worthy of all that has come before. With its vivid orange livery, 93ft beyond-vertical spike and signature “top-hat” manoeuvre, it definitely looks the part of a powerful and compelling experience.

But, having tried it out shortly after its official opening on February 18, we can definitely report that the ride is even more impressive than it looks.

Not only does the repeated back-and-forth launch sequence get your blood pumping right from the word go, the huge acceleration into the 80ft top-hat arch seems WAY higher than it actually is thanks to the intense G-force of the final acceleration.

After that, the terrific series of 13 high-speed twists and turns is pure excitement, sending riders zipping through a sidewinder turn and sideways camelback among others. There are no actual inversions, but you’ll definitely feel like your world has been turned upside-down!

Feel The Bite of Iron Gwazi

Like Ice Breaker, the debut of Busch Gardens’ latest attraction was delayed by the pandemic. Originally due in spring 2021, the fearsome Iron Gwazi was launched on March 11th

Long-time fans of this lovely animal-and-thrill-ride park in nearby Tampa Bay (just a 75-minute drive from the luxury gated community of Solterra Resort) will already know that this is the second incarnation of thrill-ride here.

The first one, an all-wooden coaster simply called Gwazi, lasted from 1999 to 2015 before the park decided it needed a change. And what an upgrade it has proved to be!

Instead of the all-wood construction, the Gwazi redux went for a hybrid version with a steel track that allowed the manufacturers to make it smoother and more dynamic, including two full inversions. Towering up to 206 in height, with a first drop that is as near vertical as makes no difference and reaching a top speed of 76mph – the fastest coaster in Florida as well as the tallest of its kind in North America – it is an eye-popping sight.

The early reports from media and passholder previews are all extremely promising, with Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel newspaper calling it “a blur of spins and twists along purple steel rails,” while Theme Park Insider reported, “It’s about enjoyment, pacing and thrill elements executed flawlessly.”

In truth, we can’t wait to try it out and we know it’s going to be high up on the must-try list for many of our customers.

And There’s More!

As exciting as this two-coaster blast is for our ever-growing destination, there is even more on the horizon as Walt Disney World has still to unveil its blockbuster ride for this year.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the name, and Disney is still just listing the opening as “summer 2022,” which could mean anytime from May to September.

But, from what we hear, a June opening seems most likely, and this unique blast into the Xandarian world – and that of Star Lord and Co – promises to be a really different ride experience, a “story-telling coaster” that includes projection technology, screens and other special effects, as well as cars on rotating pivots.

Roll on summer!

What attraction are you most looking forward to if you’re going back to Florida this year? Give us your thoughts on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.