![]() Its Sky Tower observation deck is 400 feet tall. Like Skyplex, SeaWorld falls under county jurisdiction, but Orange County planning administrator John Smogor told commissioners that the park probably would have gotten a larger height allowance simply by asking for it. The Orlando city code restricts Universal's roller coasters to a 200-foot height limit because the park is bordered by a residential neighborhood. The denial came even though Skyplex got a positive recommendation from county support staff and Federal Aviation Administration approval. Last month, the Orange County's advisory planning and zoning commission denied Skyplex's request that its nearly 12 acres be rezoned. In addition, it must follow a plan it worked out with officials regarding its impact on traffic and easing any potential light pollution. Since it is yet unclear exactly how high the roller coaster will eventually be, it agreed that it won't exceed 600 feet. Skyplex did agree to some conditions as part of its zoning approval. "It has to fit into the community, and height is the issue," McReynolds said. Universal vice president of external affairs John McReynolds told commissioners that Universal's opposition was not about fears of competition, but did still have concerns about Skyplex's impact on the area. Opposition led by neighboring Universal Orlando argued the coaster, which would have a 450-foot drop, would be too tall and adversely change the culture of the tourist corridor. The support included residents of some of International Drive's closest residential neighborhoods, as well as business owners who said Skyplex would help revitalize the area. Several dozen people voiced opinions about the project during Tuesday's standing room-only public hearing. The current tallest roller coaster is the 450-foot "Kingda Ka" at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure. The Skyplex complex, scheduled to open in 2018, would include two other rides, a 350-room hotel, restaurants and stores. Hopefully they've sort of seen the public sentiment is for Skyplex and for the rebirth of I-Drive, for prosperity and the renaissance of this year." "We want to build the world's tallest rollercoaster as our anchor and, of course, Universal didn't want us to have such a competitive ride. International Drive, located about 20 miles outside of downtown Orlando, is an 11-mile strip of shops, restaurants and hotels situated between Universal and SeaWorld Orlando. It had been decaying and shabby for the last 20 years." "Central Florida really needed a renaissance of North I-Drive. "We couldn't be happier with the board's decision," Wallack said. The unanimous vote means that developer Joshua Wallack and his family can move to the planning and construction phase on their project to build the 570-foot "Skyscraper" coaster and surrounding entertainment complex on Orlando's International Drive. Orange County's board of commissioners granted zoning approval Tuesday night for the $500 million Skyplex Orlando project. That concludes our trip through the Cedar Point attraction graveyard, now you’re ready! If you liked this list, make sure to check out Universal Studios Florida Attraction Graveyard article too.Orlando's hope of having the world's tallest roller coaster is one step closer to becoming reality. With the opening of Steel Vengeance in 2018 (which smashed coaster records globally), Cedar Point had again delivered well above expectation! As a result of this, potentially one of the best wooden, if not overall, roller coasters in the world was born: Steel Vengeance. However, it would be unlike Cedar Point to close such a popular attraction without having a plan in place. ![]() Upon its closing in 2016, a lot of coaster fans were sad to see it go. At the time of its opening, Mean Streak held the records for both the height (161 ft) and biggest drop (155 ft) for any wooden coaster in the world. ![]() Mean Streak was a wooden coaster which operated at Cedar Point between 19. Last but not least on our list of closed Cedar Point rides and attractions is Mean Streak. ![]()
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