After months of teasing, Aquatica Orlando has officially opened Ihu’s Breakaway Falls to the public today, May 9, 2014.
Riders climb 126 steps to the top of the eight-story tower (nearly 80 feet), stepping into one of three colorful breakaway boxes. As the door closes, riders cross their arms but never know when the floor beneath them will disappear. Facing each other, riders watch as their fellow riders fall. Adding to the anticipation is the sound of a heartbeat, which can be heard in the background while bracing for the drop. Once the floor disappears, riders drop 20-24 feet per second launching them into a spiraling speed slide culminating in a final splashdown.
Those who are not quite brave enough for the breakaway boxes can try the fourth 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.
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