Skyscaper Roller Coaster Coming to Orlando

The Skyscraper at Skyplex to Bring 570ft tall Roller Coaster and Observation Tower to International Drive

International Drive is undergoing a bit of a renaissance. Fun Spot USA has expanded, Merlin Entertainments is building a giant ferris wheel and aquarium complex, and now a new shopping and entertainment center has been announced with a feature that will top them all. That feature is a 570 foot tall tower that will house an observation deck and provide the structure for a roller coaster.

The entertainment complex will be called Skyplex and the roller coaster will be known as The Skyscraper. Height limit is expected to be 58 inches and ride capacity around 1000 guests per hour. There’s no official word on ticket prices, but they did mention that they want to keep it affordable, something like $20 a day for unlimited rides.

The coaster itself will do more than just soar above International Blvd. It will weave in and out of the building all the way out to the street extending the uniquely thrilling experience.

Concept Art for Skyplex and Skyscaper coaster

Bill Kitchen, Founder of US Thrill Rides and creator of the Polercoaster concept said “Not only will the ‘Skyscraper’ coaster be the world’s tallest, we believe it will be the most thrilling. There will be incredible heart-pounding inside and outside loops, dives, spirals and inversions like the world has never seen.”

The Skyplex observation deck at the tip of the tallest structure in Central Florida will offer views 535 feet from the ground. To get there, visitors will ride in the region’s tallest glass elevators.

“We’re extremely excited about creating a record-breaking, must-try attraction on International Drive,” said Joshua Wallack, Mango’s Tropical Café chief operating officer, who also will open a Mango’s Orlando next year across International Drive from SKYPLEX. “Nowhere in the world will you have two iconic structures like The Skyscraper and the Orlando Eye. This will be an incredible opportunity for International Drive.”

Groundbreaking is expected in 2015 with a grand opening in 2016. While I do think this would be a great project for the Orlando area, I’m a bit skeptical at the ability of anyone to get this built. We’ve had some amazing projects announced in the last 5-7 years and only one, LEGOLAND Florida, ever opened.