A new thrill ride is coming to the Skyplex amusement complex set to be built on the corner of International Drive and Sand Lake Road in Orlando.
SkyJump is the sixth major attraction planned for the complex, the developers announced Thursday. The new attraction joins the lineup of rides such as the Skyscraper roller coaster, the SkyFall ride, a 450-foot drop ride, a Sky Surf park and SkyLedge, which allows guests to walk around the edge of the Skyplex tower 600 feet above ground.
Joshua Wallack, who is developing the complex, says in a news release that the attractions for Skyplex are ‘some of the most innovative in the world.’ After the world’s tallest roller coaster and the world’s tallest drop ride, his company is launching ‘an experience that feels like you are flying.’
The new attraction is similar to a Las Vegas thrill ride and it is sort of like bungee jumping. It allows guests to jump off the edge and free-fall from 500 feet above the ground while attached to a tether. In comparison, the SkyJump attraction at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas reaches top speeds of 40 mph while guests descend 830 feet. There is another similar attraction at Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand.
The Skyplex complex originally expected to cost $500 million and also includes a 450-room hotel. Developers are planning to break ground later this year and the amusement complex is expected to open in 2019.