Ice Breaker roller coaster now open at SeaWorld Orlando
It’s been a long time coming, but the Ice Breaker roller coaster is now open at SeaWorld Orlando, which had its grand opening today. Let’s take at look at the ceremony, first riders, and some on-ride videos.
Ice Breaker was first announced almost two and a half years ago, on Sept. 12, 2019, and was supposed to open in the spring of 2020. But thanks to the pandemic, it was finished and had SeaWorld team members riding bout a year ago. Then it sat until the first passholder previews started this late January.
Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker features four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida – a 93 feet tall spike with 100-degree angle. The thrills continue as riders fly over a near vertical top hat maneuver into a series of twists, turns, and airtime hills. The brand-new coaster is located across from the park’s Wild Arctic exhibit and complimented by the Glacier Bar (opened October 2020) and Altitude Burger (opened March 2021).
The coaster opening was commemorated with a special ceremony featuring the breaking of an ice ribbon, in keeping with the ride’s Arctic theme. Reflecting the company’s commitment to conservation, Tara Riemer, president and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center, spoke at the grand opening. Primarily dedicated to marine research, education, and wildlife response, the Alaska SeaLife Center mission matches closely to SeaWorld Orlando’s.
“The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to expand our partnership with SeaWorld. This new collaboration will enhance our mission to share Arctic and sub-Arctic rescue and conservation stories with the public, especially SeaWorld visitors,” said Riemer. “For many years, SeaWorld has been a devoted supporter of the Center’s Wildlife Response program and has assisted the Center with incredible animal rescues, including Aku the walrus and Tyonek the beluga whale. This close collaboration is possible because the Alaska SeaLife Center and SeaWorld both meet the exceptionally high accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning that care of rescued and resident animals is second to none.”
Back in November 2020, SeaWorld released this rendered video of what the ride would look like to riders. Compare it to a real point of view video below it.
Here’s a look at the coaster vehicle reveal at an industry expo in Nov. 2019:
Here’s a look at me and my son Quinn riding it:
Finally, here’s a look at some of the first official riders smiles and screams in slow motion from opening day:
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.
