Ice Breaker (roller coaster)

Ice Breaker is a launched steel roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Florida, United States.[1] Manufactured by Premier Rides, Ice Breaker reaches a maximum height of 93 feet (28 m) with a maximum speed of 52 mph (84 km/h) and a total track length of 1,900 feet (580 m).[1] Originally scheduled to open for the 2020 season, its opening was delayed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2][3]

Ice Breaker
Ice Breaker during construction in January 2020
SeaWorld Orlando
LocationSeaWorld Orlando
Park sectionSea of Power
Coordinates28°24′32″N 81°27′48″W / 28.4088°N 81.4633°W / 28.4088; -81.4633
StatusOperating
Opening dateFebruary 18, 2022 (2022-02-18)
General statistics
TypeSteel – Launched
ManufacturerPremier Rides
ModelSky Rocket
Height93 ft (28 m)
Length1,900 ft (580 m)
Speed52 mph (84 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration1:20
Max vertical angle100°
Height restriction48 in (122 cm)
Trains2 trains with 3 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 18 riders per train.
WebsiteOfficial website
Quick Queue available
Ice Breaker at RCDB

History

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In September 2019, SeaWorld Orlando revealed the name for the roller coaster, Ice Breaker.[4][5] In November 2019, SeaWorld Orlando revealed the trains for the roller coaster at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Exposition.[6][7] In February 2020, the track work for the ride was completed.[8][9]

In January 2022, it was announced that Ice Breaker would open on February 18, 2022.[9][10] The height requirement was adjusted from 48 inches to 54 inches a day after opening.[11] Following the removal of the ride's "comfort collars" during a maintenance period, the ride reopened on March 11, 2023 with its height requirement lowered back down to 48 inches.[12]

Ride experience

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After leaving the station, the ride starts with a switch track, where the section of track below the train moves to the right while the train is on it. Next is a multi-pass launch, where the train is launched back and forth multiple times, building up speed. The train is first launched backwards at a slow speed over a small hill and towards a vertical spike. Next, the train is launched forwards over another small hill, going partially up a top hat. The train is then launched backwards once more, back over the small hill and up the 93-foot (28 m), 100° beyond-vertical spike. Then, the train is launched for the final time, traveling forwards over the top hat. After finishing the top hat, the train turns to the right before traversing two airtime hills. Next, the ride turns up and to the right, then drops down and twists to the left. After this, trains traverse two banked turns and an airtime hill before going up to the final brake run and turning into the station.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Ice Breaker – SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, Florida, United States)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  2. ^ MacDonald, Brady (May 8, 2020). "SeaWorld and Busch Gardens coasters could be delayed until 2021 due to coronavirus closures". Orange County Register. Digital First Media. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  3. ^ Russon, Gabrielle (May 8, 2020). "SeaWorld plots its safety plan for reopening as company reports $56.5 million loss". Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Publishing. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  4. ^ "SeaWorld and Busch Gardens unveil new coasters for 2020". Blooloop. September 13, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  5. ^ Russon, Gabrielle (September 12, 2019). "SeaWorld Orlando is getting a new roller coaster called Ice Breaker". Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Publishing. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  6. ^ Staff (November 21, 2019). "Ride vehicle unveiled for SeaWorld's Ice Breaker roller coaster". WFLX. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  7. ^ Staff (November 21, 2019). "First look at ride vehicle for SeaWorld's Ice Breaker roller coaster". WPTV-TV. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  8. ^ Kleiman, Joe (February 27, 2020). "Ice Breaker track complete and first train in place at SeaWorld Orlando". InPark Magazine. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  9. ^ a b Fake, David (March 2022). "Premier Rides' Ice Breaker delivers family chills to SeaWorld Orlando" (PDF). Amusement Today. 25 (12): 1, 8.
  10. ^ Ruth, Daisy (January 3, 2022). "SeaWorld's 'Ice Breaker' coaster to open Feb. 18". WFLA. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  11. ^ "SeaWorld Orlando Changes Height Requirement for Ice Breaker One Day After Opening". Laughing Place. February 19, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  12. ^ "SeaWorld Orlando Ice Breaker Re-Opens With MAJOR Modifications 3.11.23 Tour, Review, & POV!". Midway Mayhem. YouTube. March 12, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  13. ^ "Ice Breaker". SeaWorld. Retrieved 7 May 2024.