April 13, 2017SeaWorld is bringing a river rapids ride to their Orlando park. The new ride will open in 2018 and feature the world’s tallest drop on a rapids attraction. Infinity Falls is designed to demonstrate the power of water and the connection it has to the world around us.
The ride is manufactured by Intamin and features a unique vertical lift. The first of its kind in North America. The drop itself is 40 feet which is 10 feet higher than Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The ride is 1,520 feet long and SeaWorld reports a ride length of over 4 minutes. Kali River Rapids’ duration is around 5 minutes, and Busch Gardens Tampa’s Congo River Rapids lasts about 6 minutes.
Riders must be 42 inches tall to experience the attraction. Restraints are not part of any of the renderings released, but I can imagine a seatbelt will suffice. Each raft holds 8 passengers and was custom designed in partnership with Intamin.
There’s no exact date for the opening, but construction should start soon since it will be opening next year.
The full press release from SeaWorld is below:
SeaWorld Orlando announces its latest world-class attraction, Infinity Falls, to debut summer 2018. Thrilling rapids will roar through the brand new rainforest river experience, while adventure-seeking guests plunge down the world’s tallest river rapid drop.
“We are constantly looking at new ways to amaze our guests – Infinity Falls will do that, and more,” said Jim Dean, President of SeaWorld Orlando Parks. “From the excitement of the thrilling rapids, to the unique vertical lift element, it will be an adventure that appeals to the entire family. Infinity Falls continues our commitment to investing in our park, and developing new ways to entertain and inspire our guests with meaningful, fun-filled vacations.”
To bring Infinity Falls to life, designers were inspired by the rainforests of South America and the flowing rivers found within. Each raft will twist and turn through a lush jungle environment as guests experience the feel of exhilarating Class IV rapids. A unique vertical elevator will lift each raft for a dramatic launch into the river, 40 feet below.
“Water makes up more than 70% of our planet,” said Brian Morrow, Vice President of Theme Park Design Experience. “We developed Infinity Falls to tell new stories that showcase the beauty and sheer power of water and the amazing wildlife that lives in it. The result is a new river rapids adventure for our guests to explore, and actively help freshwater ecosystems in a way that only SeaWorld can bring to life.”
The addition of Infinity Falls is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio. From the roller coaster thrills of Mako, Manta and Kraken to the water flume fun of Journey to Atlantis, Infinity Falls will soon join the park’s famed attractions as a must-do experience in Orlando.
Infinity Falls will be the centerpiece of a newly themed surrounding area, fully immersing guests in a rainforest canopy. After riding the rapids on Infinity Falls, the entire family can explore the village and take part in interactive experiences that combine play with education to create a positive impact on freshwater ecosystems. SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassadors will also provide up-close encounters with animals native to South America.
Infinity Falls will open at SeaWorld Orlando in summer 2018.
