Riding the Orlando FreeFall and SlingShot!

Located a convenient distance from any of Orlando’s theme parks, ICON Park offers a wide variety of delicious dining, exciting attractions, and riveting adventures – including two WORLD RECORD-SETTING experiences: the Orlando FreeFall (the world’s tallest freestanding drop tower) and the Orlando SlingShot (the world’s tallest slingshot)! We were absolutely thrilled to be invited to ride both of these awesome attractions. A huge THANK YOU to Orlando SlingShot for having us out!

With structures standing at 430 feet (Orlando FreeFall) and 300 feet (Orlando SlingShot) high, these attractions can be intimidating – even for a seasoned theme park enthusiast like myself. But no matter how nervous you are when you look up at that tall, tall tower – these rides are an incredible experience that no thrill seeker should miss!

Of course, the best way to calm any fears is to know what to expect during your ride. Here’s what I experienced at the Orlando SlingShot and Orlando FreeFall!

Orlando SlingShot

In case you aren’t familiar with the concept, a slingshot attraction works very similarly to a traditional slingshot. A pair of riders are strapped into a small double seat suspended between two structures, pulled back and “flung” into the air. While the structure itself stands at 300 feet, Orlando riders can expect to fly as high as 450 feet and at speeds of up to 100 mph.

The Orlando SlingShot Experience

When it was our turn to ride, my friend and I climbed the ramp and were directed to place any loose items in a bin on the ground. Afterwards, we sat in double seat while team members worked to fasten our safety restraints.

Once secured, the entire seat began to sink lower into the volcano-shaped platform, increasing the suspense. One of the employees, Kenny, talked us through the process, which helped distract from our nerves. As he asked us to put our hands up, we suddenly heard the “click” of the slingshot being released!

At first, we simply shot straight into the air at an incredible speed. Watching the sky get closer and bluer was probably my favorite part of the whole experience! After reaching the maximum height, we began to occasionally (and unpredictably) flip. This portion of the ride was, of course, disorienting (and I’m not gonna lie – I felt my stomach lurch a couple times), but it’s not nearly as intimidating as it looks from the ground. If you can handle upside-down turns in a roller coaster or amusement park ride, you can probably handle this. Just be sure to prep your stomach in the way that works best for you (I grabbed a greasy – but not too filling – breakfast to keep my stomach settled).

After about a minute, riders are safely returned to Earth and given the opportunity to watch/purchase the onboard video (assuming you haven’t already bought one of SlingShot’s packages). A video purchase might even earn future deals on SlingShot tickets, so be sure to ask employees about current promotions!

Orlando FreeFall

Standing much higher than the SlingShot, the Orlando FreeFall (a drop tower ride featuring a controlled, outdoor fall) reaches a height of 430 feet – literally towering over the SlingShot structure and pretty much everything else in sight.

The Orlando FreeFall Experience

After we placed our loose items on the ground in front of our vehicle seat, employees secured our harnesses and made the final safety checks.

As the ride begins, the vehicle will slowly ascend, rotating to give each rider a view of the surrounding area. From our seats, we could spot International Drive, Interstate 4, Universal theme parks, as well as other local hotels and attractions. Once we reached the top, our vehicle sat still for a moment – allowing us to take in the view (and freak out, of course) before the seats actually titled about 30° (a good lean, like you’re looking over a railing)! After getting a long glance at the ground, the ride released – sending us hurtling downwards at approximately 75 mph!

How do I get tickets for the Orlando FreeFall and Orlando SlingShot?

Tickets for both the Orlando FreeFall ($12) and Orlando SlingShot ($30) are only available onsite – at the Orlando SlingShot Box Office. There are no online sales available at this time.

To find the box office, simply look for the green and gray building at the base of both attractions. If you need another landmark, these attractions are located near Ole Red in the ICON Park complex.

Depending on availability and current pricing, you might be able to enjoy repeat rides or other perks for a discount. Make sure to ask Box Office employees about any promotions. For hours of operation or other information, visit http://orlandoslingshot.net/.

Know Before You Go

• You won’t be able to ride with loose items. If you’re traveling with valuables, consider leaving them in one of the available lockers (or in your car/hotel room).

• No online ticket sales are currently available. You’ll need to buy your tickets onsite.
• The Box Office is located at the base of both attractions, near Ole Red in the ICON Park complex.
• Repeat rides might be available for a discounted price. Ask a Team Member about availability.
• These rides are visually intimidating, but the experience is accessible for many riders (especially those used to large, thrill-based attractions). Don’t be afraid to try something new!

Freaky Thoughts: The Orlando SlingShot and Orlando FreeFall

Wow! I had such a great time riding both the Orlando FreeFall and SlingShot. Each attraction offers a different experience with its own unique flavor.

The Orlando SlingShot is all about the thrills. Yes, there is some suspense as you’re being lowered into the floor and waiting for the release, but the majority of the experience is spent flying through the air and getting thrown around in various directions.

The Orlando FreeFall, on the other hand, is all about suspense; the slow climb to the top, the tilt, and, of course, the delicious waiting for the tower to finally drop. If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking that heart-pounding adrenaline rush that only that kind of anticipation can provide! While I enjoyed both experiences, the Orlando FreeFall was most definitely my favorite.

Whether you’re a tourist exploring the city or a local looking for an exciting adventure, I highly recommend checking out the Orlando SlingShot and Orlando FreeFall attractions. They offer a fun experience and unforgettable adventure for your family or friend group. PLUS, there’s free parking, lots of dining options, and even nearby clubs and bars to make it an entire evening of excitement!