Does SeaWorld Orlando’s Ice Breaker Meet or Melt Expectations?

Passholder previews have begun for the long-anticipated new coaster “Ice Breaker” at SeaWorld Orlando. The attraction is set to open to the general public on February 18th. I had the opportunity to take a few rides on the first preview day. So how does this new coaster stack up? Let’s take a look!

Ice Breaker Opening Announcement

Ice Breaker was first announced in June 2019 with an expected opening date of Spring 2020. After some delays, testing finally began in 2021 and the expected opening date was supposed to be by the conclusion of 2021. However, at the end of 2021, it was announced the coaster would be further delayed for a February 2022 opening date.

Riding Ice Breaker

Before getting onto the new coaster, there are a few things you should know. Ice Breaker has a strict no-bag or loose article policy. There are lockers outside the line starting at $2.00 for 2 hours. Unlike other SeaWorld coasters, there is no location in the loading/unloading area for cell phones or glasses. 

Another thing to to be aware of before riding is that the attraction has seats that may not accommodate larger guests. At the entrance to Ice Breaker there is a sample seat for guests to test out if they fit in the narrow seats. We did see attraction staff offering a guest a short clip extender for the shoulder straps, but ultimately that guest couldn’t ride. If you are unsure if you’ll fit in the seat, be sure to try it out first before getting in line.

You must be 54 inches or taller and at least 14 years of age to ride alone. Children under the age of 14 can ride with an adult as long as they are at least 48 inches tall. 

Ice Breaker seats two across in cars with three rows for a total of 18 passengers per train. Two trains operate with one loading and unloading while one is on the track.

Once you start the ride, you leave the station and the track slides out.

The long-anticipated ride is just over a minute long. You start with a backward launch up the spike, gaining speed dropping and then back to the spike backwards once more.

Then it’s a twist over a near-vertical lift and drop followed by more twists and turns until the ride comes to an end. It’s a lift-out-of-the-seat ride that will please those looking for speed and airtime.

Did Ice Breaker Meet Expectations?

Since the passholder preview of Ice Breaker was only available to Platinum and Gold members mid-week, there was very little wait. That meant we were able to ride multiple times!

We rode in the last row first. This is definitely the place for the thrill-seeker as you climb the highest up the vertical spike. It is also the roughest spot to sit in with the most out-of-your-seat feel. It was also by far the roughest spot to sit.

The first row was our smoothest ride. No thrill in the spike as you go up very little, but you still have some good airtime and hang time looking over the vertical drop and I felt there was a greater rush in the second backwards turn up the spike.

The middle by far is the tamest route to take. If you are unsure if you want to wait for the front or the back, this is the spot to be.

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Overall this ride is fun, but there are a few drawbacks. The seats are difficult to climb into, narrow, and not particularly comfortable. The chest strap is awkward and troublesome to get over your head. I felt like I was getting tossed around a lot on the coaster (particularly in the back row).

Ice Breaker has some high points. The second drop from the spike up and over the first drop is particularly memorable. Unfortunately the ride as a whole is a bit lackluster. For a ride that lasts just over a minute, I’m not sure that I would be willing to wait any significant amount of time to ride it again. For me, Ice Breaker just didn’t measure up. 

More SeaWorld News

In a surprising bit of news, SeaWorld is making a bid to acquire theme park operator Cedar Fair (owners of Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Point). SeaWorld offered to pay approximately $3.4 billion for Cedar Fair and its 17 theme parks. For more details about this industry-shaking move, be sure to take a look at the article below!

SeaWorld to Buy Knott’s & Cedar Fair Parks?!

Let’s Hear From You

Are you looking forward to the grand opening of Ice Breaker on February 18? If you were able to ride during the previews, what did you think? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.