World’s Tallest Roller Coaster to be Built in Orlando: Introducing the Skyscraper

Hi everyone!

Orlando is due to become the home of the world’s tallest roller coaster in 2016! The world’s first Polercoaster now has the name Skyscraper at SKYPLEX. We attended the press conference today at what will soon be the SKYPLEX site, and Jeff went up in a helicopter to capture video. I didn’t feel comfortable flying today with my ankle in a walking boot, so Indigo Frost from The Disney Blog took photos for us.

Joshua Wallack and his father David are partners in the SKYPLEX venture, and Joshua is also COO of Mango’s Tropical Cafe’, with a Mango’s Orlando being built within the sightline of where we sat for the press conference.

One piece of concept art was shown, which included the Skyscraper and the retail/restaurant complex. The Skyscraper will be 570 feet tall, and will include an obervation tower. For comparison purposes, Montu at Busch Gardens stands at 150 feet. The Skyscraper is expected to reach speeds of about 65 miles per hour, and 1000 guests per hour should be able to ride. 12 acres has been secured for the project, and they are collaborating with US Thrill Rides to develop the Skyscraper. A parking garage for 1500 cars will also be included.

Bill Kitchen, founder of US Thrill Rides, took to the microphone with his son Michael. Nearby, Joshua and David Wallack embrace as Kitchen talks about the two sets of fathers and sons that are part of the project.

We have video of the press conference with some helicopter footage included (which shows how high the Skyscraper will be).

Here are some close-up looks at the concept art.

Jeff took a ride in the helicopter to check out the project site.

The area with all the people is the site (I am down there too).

The Orlando Eye is in view from the helicopter.

We look forward to the future Skyscraper and SKYPLEX!