SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[robbalvey]

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls Daring Details

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 21, 2014) – Riders brave a watery free-fall when Ihu’s Breakaway Falls - the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in the southern United States - opens at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark May 9.

 

At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is where thrill seekers face their fears and each other. After stepping into one of three clear “breakaway boxes,” they’ll watch each other fall one-by-one as the floor underneath them disappears. They’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride! 

 

“With four unique slide paths, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls brings a whole new level of thrill to Aquatica Orlando,” said Bryan Nadeau, Aquatica Orlando vice president. “Riders can step into three breakaway boxes or test their bravery on a fourth open slide for a different, but just as thrilling experience. No matter which slide you choose, once you get to the top, the only way down is down.”

 

From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools, to tranquil beaches and the remarkable animal habitats that are the hallmark of SeaWorld®, Aquatica Orlando delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind waterpark is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 38 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches.

 

Be among the first to hear the latest updates and go behind-the-scenes of Ihu’s Breakaway Falls by staying connected on Facebook and joining the conversation using #NothingTaller.

 

The best way to experience Ihu’s Breakaway Falls when it opens is with an Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass starting at just $8 a month with EZpay available for a limited time only through March 31, 2014. For more information, visit AquaticaOrlando.com.

 

Fear the Falls … Fun Facts

 

- Ihu’s Breakaway Falls features the tallest, steepest, longest and only multi-drop tower slides of their kind in the southern United States.

 

- At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls has the tallest and steepest 360-degree spirals in the southern United States.

 

- Those who dare to brave Ihu’s Breakaway Falls will experience an almost vertical drop for nearly 40 feet, the steepest in the southern United States.

 

- Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the longest water thrill slide of its kind featuring three “breakaway boxes” and four completely different slide paths. Once the floor disappears, riders will drop 20-24 feet per second.

 

- Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the only high-speed water thrill slide in the world that propels guests through four, 360-degree spirals.

 

 

Here is some concept art and photos from today's construction tour:

 

There were some ProSlide tube pieces on site to check out so you can get an idea of what you'll be looking at while dropping!

 

While it's still very much an active construction site, we are told the slides should go up quick and be ready to ride on May 9th!

 

Another look at the current construction at Aquatica

 

This balloon represents the 80 foot mark that will be the platform of the tower that you will drop from.

 

Another piece of concept art for the ride.

 

"The tallest, steepest, and longest multi-tube slide complex will open May 9th!"

 

And of course, there were animals to play with... after all this is SeaWorld!

 

Looking forward to the new slides!

Edited February 21, 2014 by robbalvey

[larrygator]

The woman in the concept art looks eerily like Elissa, and is even making an Elissa face.

[cfc]

^Virtual Elissa is terrified!

 

Looks like a better slide tower that Vanish Point at Water Country--those trapdoor slides are always scary (but fun).

[jedimaster1227]

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls looks like it is all kinds of twisted! I can't wait!

[KBrylczyk]

Holy geez, the concept art shot in the video gives a slightly better idea than the still Robb posted. That looks ridiculous.

 

It reminds me of this evil contraption I came across in Myrtle Beach a while ago called Turbo Twisters at Myrtle Waves Water Park.

 

 

Yeah, looks pretty awesome, right? WRONG. The sudden changes of direction and insane amount of speed meant you were tossed around the interior of that tube like a pair of sneakers in a dryer. It's a miracle I didn't get a bloody nose.

 

I really hope Ihu's Breakway Falls doesn't suffer the same fate.

[chargersmichael]

I've heard that they made a wave pool shorter to put this ride in as well as demolishing a bunch of cabanas. Are the slides going to be in-between the 2 wave pools? Also, the concept art looks as if the slides empty into the wave pool itself.

[Mrlittle]

This looks like a great addition to the park.

[_koppen]

Looks like they will place the launch boxes against each other, similar to the Splastacular slides that Six Flags have been installing, which is awesome IMO. Is also nice to see them installing drop boxes slides that is taller than the average 60 feet they all seems to be stuck with.

 

Looks like a killer addition to an already impressive water park..

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-seaworld-orlando-50-weekday-ticket-20140225,0,1504747.post

 

SeaWorld Orlando is re-introducing its ticket deal that allows admission on one weekday for $50.

 

The offer lasts through May 5, 2014. It must be used by that date as well. U.S. residents can purchase the $50 deal at SeaWorldOrlando.com or by calling 888-800-5447. A similar deal is available at SeaWorld's sister park, Busch Gardens in Tampa (BuschGardens.com).

 

SeaWorld's previous $50 weekday deal started last August and extended into December. This version will include key spring break dates and the beginning of SeaWorld's 50th anniversary celebration, which begins March 21.

[jedimaster1227]

Bruce Hall of REO Speedwagon recently visited SeaWorld Orlando to see firsthand what the SeaWorld parks really are like, and it appears he has had a change of heart!

 

 

Had the opportunity today to take a tour of the facilities at Sea World and saw the truth first hand about this wonderful park. For the record, I never wanted to cancel our show here. So glad that my good friend, Larry The Cable Guy, was able to pick up the gig and I was happy to be there and support him.

[AndrewRnR]

Good to see Bruce speak up for the park! Here lives here in Orlando and his family works at some of the local parks.

[Cyrbuzz]

So happy to read this post. I really hope the others who cancelled will consider doing the same and see the real truth.

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-seaworld-blackfish-osha-complaint-20140227,0,6916706.story

 

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. on Thursday filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor, asking the agency to examine the conduct of an investigator who led the probe into SeaWorld's safety practices following the death of an Orlando trainer killed by a park killer whale in 2010.

 

In a complaint lodged with the Labor Department's Office of the Inspector General, SeaWorld accused U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigator Lara Padgett of leaking confidential company documents to the makers of "Blackfish," the controversial documentary that is sharply critical of SeaWorld and killer-whale captivity.

 

SeaWorld alleges Padgett shared materials with "Blackfish" producers that she obtained while investigating the Feb. 24, 2010, death of Dawn Brancheau, who was battered and drowned by the six-ton orca "Tilikum."

 

That investigation led OSHA to charge SeaWorld with "willful" safety violations — its most severe classification — and to recommend that SeaWorld trainers never again be allowed to perform in close, unprotected contact with the giant marine predators. SeaWorld has appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C.

 

Brancheau's death is also the subject of "Blackfish," which contends that abuses in captivity may have led Tilikum to lash out violently against his trainer.

 

Blackfish Associate Producer Tim Zimmermann has said Padgett did not provide the filmmakers with any records or other assistance. "In fact, we repeatedly tried to secure interviews with her, her OSHA supervisor, Les Grove, and OSHA attorney John Black, and were refused each and every time," Zimmermann said in January.

 

SeaWorld also accused Padgett of ethical lapses for socializing with the cast and crew of "Blackfish." Photos surfaced last month of Padgett posing with various "Blackfish" personnel at several movie premieres, including its global premiere in January 2013 at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

 

Padgett has declined to comment on the controversy.

[thrillrider]

There is something fishy going on(No pun intended).

[cfc]

^^She's going to have a few problems explaining why she was so "social" with the Blackfish producers.

[Meteornotes]

Yeah, this probably does need to be looked into.

 

dt

[jray21]

"In fact, we repeatedly tried to secure interviews with her, her OSHA supervisor, Les Grove, and OSHA attorney John Black, and were refused each and every time," Zimmermann said in January.

 

Yeah, and being all cozy with her at Sundance was just a coincidence. What a moron. Glad Sea World is fighting back.

[Jew]

Translation: she couldn't talk on camera, but was still helping us out.

[arby]

It was smart of SW to wait to bring this up until after things settled down. Actually SW has handled this whole situation brilliantly by pacing their reactions to get this behind them once and for all.

[thrillrider]

Looks like the $lackfish people were right. The movie has made a huge impact on the park. Just look at this picture as proof.

Just look at all the empty seats.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

This was posted in the San Diego park thread, its pretty great!

 

Thought today's Political Cartoon from Steve Breen (he's a San Diego cartoonist) speaks VOLUMES:

 

[Diamondbacker27]

I do agree that the fin was bent over because of stress. And I do agree that it isn't right to capture orcas from the wild. Or remove them from their mothers. But they the whales were captive born or at least most of them. And they never removed the mothers from their babies. So Blackfish was a big lie for the most part.

[Philrad71]

^^That's awesome!

[Gmaster562]

I do agree that the fin was bent over because of stress. And I do agree that it isn't right to capture orcas from the wild. Or remove them from their mothers. But they the whales were captive born or at least most of them. And they never removed the mothers from their babies. So Blackfish was a big lie for the most part.

 

So you're saying that they couldn't have been unhappy because they didn't know any better?

[Spideyfreak]

I think what he's getting at is this: The ones born in the park have never been exposed to the wild, therefore they don't miss it.

 

You only know what you're raised with. Watch some backstage videos of the trainers interacting with them. They are clearly happy.