20 Nov 2014
IAAPA 2014: World’s tallest rollercoaster a 'gamechanger', says its creator
BY Jak Phillips
The theme park capital of the world is on course to quite literally scale new heights when the world’s tallest rollercoaster opens in Orlando, Florida, in Q2 2017.
The record-breaking ‘Polercoaster,’ designed by US Thrill Rides, will shoot riders 570ft into the air at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. The innovative design sees the ride travel vertically around a supporting tower, offering four minutes of twists and turns within an incredibly confined space. The planned attraction on International Drive - dubbed ‘Skyplex’ - was designed by Orlando-based architectural firm HHCP. The accompanying $250m shopping and entertainment complex will measure 495,000sq ft and will also feature a 535ft observation deck.
Speaking to Attractions Management at IAAPA 2014, the Polercoaster’s inventor Bill Kitchen said the design represents a 'gamechanger' for rollercoasters.
“Orlando’s home to the biggest and best attractions in the world, so if you want to get noticed you have to do something pretty spectacular,” said Kitchen, who is founder and chair of US Thrill Rides.
“It’s a feat of engineering to send a ride - which comprises 10,000 tons of steel - skywards and we’ve overcome substantial challenges. It’s completely cutting-edge and takes rides to another level - if anyone can beat this then I hope it’s going to be us.
US Thrill Rides is partnering with several other firms to bring the ride to fruition, including Celtic Engineering and S&S-Sansei Technologies. It is set to usurp the world’s current tallest rollercoaster - the 456ft Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey.
Kitchen added: “We’ve had unbelievable interest and the phone has not stopped ringing this week since we announced it. We’re expecting there to be several more Polercoasters in Europe and China, as well as a 250ft version scheduled for 2016 at LakePoint Sporting Community in Atlanta.”
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