Orlando’s International Drive Plans To Build ‘World’s Tallest Roller Coaster’

Orlando, to most people, is considered the family vacation capitol of the United States. With numerous theme parks, including Disneyworld, Universal, and Sea World at their disposal along with plenty of smaller theme parks, dinner shows, and such, it makes sense why. Now, Orlando had announced they will be building a new roller coaster. However, it is not just any roller coaster, but the world’s tallest roller coaster.

According to an article by Orlando Sentinel, Orlando announced the plans to build a 570 ft. tall “skyscraper” with a roller coaster on it. The structure will become Orlando’s tallest structure and the world’s tallest roller coaster will be a three-minute ride, whipping thrill seekers through loops and barrels and 65 mph.

The thrill-seeking ride will be designed by US Thrill Rides, will be the centerpiece of the attraction called “Skyplex”. Its planning is by the father-and-son team of David and Joshua Wallack, who own Mango’s Tropical Cafe, which is also under construction on International Drive. The project was outlined during a news conference at the 12-acre Skyplex site near the northeast corner of International Drive and Sand Lake Road. It is also proposed on a $200 million development.

The roller coaster may be the crowning jewel of the upcoming Skyplex, but there will be other features added to make it unique. This will include a tower-top restaurant, observation deck, ground-level stores, a 1,500 vehicle parking lot, and a 425 ft. Ferris wheel called the “Orlando Eye”. Ticket prices for the roller coaster have not been revealed but a $20 price for unlimited rides may become the offer.

Historically, the roller coaster is not the tallest roller coaster in the world. That belongs to the High Roller on top of the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was on top of a building that is 1,000 ft. tall. The only reason Orlando can now claim the Skyplex as the tallest roller coaster in the world is because back in 2006, the High Roller was removed for a brand new observation deck.

How long will the Skyplex’s jewel remain in the top spot for the world’s tallest? Nobody really knows, but records are always made to broken. As of now, the record for the tallest roller coaster in the world belongs to Kingda Ka in Six Flags Theme Park. It also holds the record for longest drop.

[Images via Bing]