As of May 9, thrill-seekers will have a new attraction to conquer in Orlando. That’s when SeaWorld’s Aquatica debuts Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in the southern United States.
During a recent hard-hat tour of the construction site, I spoke with Bryan Nadeau, the vice president of Aquatica, about the new attraction.
“When the sun is hitting it and these guests are falling, at 20 feet per second — you’re going to be able to see these guys flying through these translucent tubes all the way around the structure,” he said.
Nadeau answered many questions that we expect AllEars.Net readers and water park enthusiasts to ask:
Just how high is high?
The platform where riders will start the body slides is about 80 feet from the ground. Ihu’s Breakaway Falls will be the tallest structure at Aquatica at 105 feet overall.
What am I getting myself into?
Riders step into one of three clear “breakaway boxes” that face each other. The see-through bottom drops out and guests plummet in a free fall that transitions into an exciting body slide.
Will I have any control over when I start my ride?
You will be asked to give the ride operator a thumbs up when you’re ready to go. After that, you have to wait and see what happens. The ride operator can set the boxes to drop randomly or all together. Each guest will hear a countdown, but he or she will not know if other guests are hearing it at the same time.
Just how fast will I be going?
Riders will drop at about 20 feet per second. The free fall ranges from 27 feet to 40 feet on the three slides that are positioned at an 80-degree angle.
What happens after the free fall?
Riders transition from a vertical position to a horizontal one and circle the structure in four loops at a speed of 16 miles per hour. The entire ride lasts 20 to 30 seconds.
Should I ride Ihu’s Breakaway Falls more than once?
That’s up to you, of course, but if you do, you’re likely to have a slightly different experience each time. That’s because each of the four tubes — purple, green, blue and orange — takes a unique path.
Can I enjoy this attraction without experiencing the free fall?
Yes, a fourth slide is an open tube that starts from the same platform and does not have a breakaway box.
Can young kids who are brave enough ride Ihu’s Breakaway Falls?
Like the Dolphin Plunge and Omaka Rocka water slides, there is a 48-inch minimum-height requirement.
How are animals incorporated in the ride?
Although guests zooming through this ride won’t be seeing any animals — there’s no time! — Aquatica team members will be offering animal interactions near the attraction. Ihu, the water park’s colorful gecko, will be represented by a real gecko.
Where is this attraction located?
Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is being built where the cabanas were situated adjacent to the wave pool. The cabanas are being moved to the island in the center of Roa’s Rapids and are expected to open prior to Ihu’s Breakaway Falls.
How can I follow the progress of construction on Ihu’s Breakaway Falls?
By reading AllEars.Net, of course! Aquatica also has set up a new Facebook page just for this attraction.
This ride looks amazing. I think the scariest bit is going to be the waiting in the tubes. The ride itself will be so exciting but for sure the waiting to drop will be amazing.
I think if I ever try it i’ll probably take a fit of laughing before the drop as I tend to do when I’m nervous. Can’t wait.