Ihu’s Breakaway Falls Opens Today at Aquatica
Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in Orlando, officially opens at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark this morning. We attended a VIP preview party last night and got chance to check out the latest attraction to hit the Central Florida skyline.
The first thing that strikes you when you first see Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is its height. Riders have to climb 126 steps to the top of the eight-story tower (nearly 80 feet) before they get the chance to step into one of three colorful breakaway boxes. As the door closes, riders cross their arms and give a thumbs up in preparation for their drop and this is where the fun really starts as they’ll never know when the floor beneath them will disappear!
Riders face each other while other riders in line watch the anticipation build. There’s a nervous tension as each rider knows the fate that awaits them! It adds to the drama and making things even more interesting is the sound of a heartbeat, which can be heard in the background while bracing for the drop. A neat touch!
Once the floor disappears, riders drop 20-24 feet per second launching them into a spiraling speed slide culminating in a final splashdown.
Riders who are not quite brave enough for the breakaway boxes can try the open slide. But don’t be fooled, this is not an ordinary slide; it’s the steepest of the four slides and many riders are calling it the most intense.
“Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the reason to visit Aquatica Orlando this summer,” said Bryan Nadeau (pictured above), Aquatica Orlando vice president. “From the daring height, crazy drops, and intense speed, this thrilling new attraction brings a whole new level of excitement to an already amazing park that has so much for every age.”
Fear the Falls … Fun Facts
- Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ features the tallest, steepest, and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in Orlando.
- Those who dare to brave Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ will experience an almost vertical drop for nearly 40 feet, the steepest slide of its kind in Orlando.
- Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ is the longest water thrill slide of its kind featuring three “breakaway boxes” – orange, green, and blue — and one open slide – purple – offering four completely different slide paths.
- Drop more than three stories and slide for 420 feet, the longest of the four slides, on the orange slide.
- The green slide path has the shortest drop, but it’s still a 28-foot fall – that’s the same as four seven-foot tall basketball players!
- Fall from the blue slide if you’re looking for the steepest slide with a breakaway box.
- While the purple slide isn’t a true drop slide, it is by no means a “chicken slide”. In fact, this open-aired slide is the steepest of all four slides.
- 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 with three breakaway boxes that face each other so riders can share the full experience.
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 42 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. You can also stay cool, relax, and enjoy your own private cabana with a view of Roa’s Rapids® at the all-new Roa’s Island River View Cabanas.
More photos at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
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