Many theme parks have been forced to suspend their new roller coasters and attractions due to the pandemic. Some of the rides were ready before the closures began in March 2020.
As blockages have eased, these highly anticipated rides are now set to debut. Rides range from an adrenaline-fueled roller coaster and a new roller coaster based on a Disney World story, to a Peppa Pig theme park and a Sesame Street theme park.
Here’s a list of the new roller coasters and attractions to expect at theme parks across the country in 2022.
Iron gwazi
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida
Iron gwazi is a redesign of an old wooden merry-go-round which has now replaced its steel and wooden track. This merry-go-round was due to open in 2020. It will finally be ready for its first new riders in March.
This merry-go-round will be the world’s fastest, steepest and tallest roller coaster made of wood and steel. It will have a top speed of 76 mph and a drop of 91 degrees 206 feet.
Today is my 3rd visit to @BuschGardens for the #IronGwazi VIP event next year! I CAN’T WAIT to ride this beast !! pic.twitter.com/W65YEOAZEQ
– Jason Adams (@JasonAdamsWFTS) 23 December 2021
Pantheon
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia
Pantheon will be the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster, which means it will have four different magnetic launches. It stands 180 feet tall, has a 95-degree drop angle, and a top speed of 73 mph. The ride can reverse runners twice.
Take a ride on the next Busch Garden Williamsburg #Pantheon Russian mountains! Open in March, the Pantheon will go 73 miles per hour and take cyclists to 180 feet. Click the link below for the full front row POV:https://t.co/ZBxsCQGU5T pic.twitter.com/yf3kzARGEQ
– Attractions magazine (@Attractions) December 14, 2021
ArieForce One
Fun Spot America Atlanta
ArieForce One will be “America’s largest zero-g stand,” meaning it’ll hold riders upside down and taller than any other zero-g coaster. It will reach a top speed of 64 mph. The ride is priced at $ 13 million.
Atlanta, say hello to your latest roller coaster: ArieForce One._
Tell us, what part of the roller coaster are you most passionate about ?!#ArieForceOne pic.twitter.com/nRgwggYvmP
– Fun Spot America Atlanta (@FunSpotAtlanta) November 16, 2021
Wonder Woman Flight of Courage
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California
This ride will be the tallest and longest ride to feature the patented single-rail track from amusement ride maker RMC and will overturn three times. It reaches 131 feet high and 3,300 feet long. It has a drop of 87 degrees.
JUST ANNOUNCED: WONDER WOMAN Flight of Courage – the tallest and longest single-rail roller coaster on the planet and our 20th roller coaster record. Take off in summer 2022. #SixFlagsMagicMountain #ThrillCapitaloftheWorld #WONDERWOMANFlightofCourage #BelieveinWonder pic.twitter.com/ewaBuHDMql
– Magic Mountain of Six Flags (@SFMagicMountain) October 21, 2021
emperor
SeaWorld San Diego
emperor will first climb to 153 feet tall, then drop runners at a 90-degree angle to send them through three different turns upside down. He was originally ready to go before the pandemic but has since been suspended.
The Emperor Dive Coaster has just had its first test! Who can’t wait to ride this spring !!
Photo credit: SeaWorld San Diego pic.twitter.com/Prv8n0Ml6E
– SeaWorld News (@SeaWorld_News) March 10, 2020
Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger
Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio
This ride is similar to Emperor and will drop runners from 150 feet tall at a 95 degree angle and send them through two different turns as well.
Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger! World’s steepest diving roller coaster unveiled as part of Six Flags Fiesta Texas 30th anniversary celebration in 2022!https://t.co/RELTtrz2Bu# SFFT2022#DrDiabolicalsCliffhanger#Fountain of Youth#Six flags#FiestaTexas pic.twitter.com/5eyslolgHt
– Fiesta Texas (@SF_FiestaTexas) July 28, 2021
Challenge
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Challenge starts by dropping runners farther than the vertical at 102.3 degrees, which means it will dive inward on the descent. It is also placed on top of Iron Mountain, 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. This ride offers insane views of the river and the Rocky Mountains. Its opening is scheduled for summer 2022.
The word got out! It’s official, the new attraction at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a record-breaking coaster built by Gerstlauer and will hereby be called Defiance. Coming in summer 2022.
Thank you, @USA TODAY for making our big announcement!https://t.co/wzKStcJh4c– Glenwood Caverns (@GlenwoodCaverns) August 5, 2021
Icebreaker
Sea World in Orlando
This ride is a multi-launch roller coaster that goes back and forth until it reaches a speed high enough to climb a 100-degree peak, then descend back down to an 80-foot-high tower. It has been suspended since the pandemic and is expected to open in February.
Here’s a look at Ice Breaker, which will open in February 2022 at Sea World Orlando _ pic.twitter.com/IyGvgQgLTD
– Theme park in the world (@ThemeParkWW) November 14, 2021
palindrome
Cotaland in Austin, Texas
palindrome will go upside down twice in an infinite pattern to eventually climb a dead end peak, then roll backward through inversions. Its location is at the same location as the Austin Grand Prix Formula 1 race.
PARK NEWS: The first Infinity Shuttle Coaster in the United States called Palindrome will be built in Cotaland in late 2022. pic.twitter.com/irKphIGMnV
– Midway Mayhem (@Midway_Mayhem) November 17, 2021
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Epcot Center at Walt Disney World, Orlando
This new “Marvel movie” from Disney World story-based attraction will also be a roller coaster. It will be considered the longest closed coaster in the world. The ride will take passengers through a series of physical scenes unfolding around them.
From Avengers Campus to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, see everything superheroes are happening at Disney parks around the world. # D23Expo pic.twitter.com/CBZm97K29f
– Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) August 26, 2019
Volkanu: the quest for the golden idol
Lost Island in Waterloo, Iowa
This new attraction at Lost Island will become the park’s flagship attraction. It will feature animatronics, projected media, special effects, interactive gameplay, and complex vehicles.
FIRST LOOK: The incredible Audio Animatronic Volkanu Quest for the Golden Idol figure, premiering at Lost Island Theme Park next year. #IAAPAExpo pic.twitter.com/7bFv2BYBO7
– Matt Dobrovolsky (@ darthvader92) November 16, 2021
The Speelunker Pirate Cave
Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas
This attraction and ride and will be a combination of roller coasters and water rides, it will also feature an array of animatronic and projected images.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Pirates of Speelunker Cave is heading to Six Flags Over Texas in early 2022. https://t.co/EVaNuWGMYI pic.twitter.com/m9QmfSyL41
– Six Flags Over Texas (@SixFlagsOverTX) August 5, 2021
Mattel Adventure Park
Crystal Lagoons Island Resort, Glendale, Arizona
This new “toy brand” theme park will include indoor and outdoor attractions like hot wheel roller coasters and a Thomas the Tank Engine train ride.
Just announced: The developers behind Crystal Lagoons, Island Resort – a proposed entertainment district in Glendale – are teaming up with @Mattel to open Mattel Adventure Park there.
Here are some recently released renderings. pic.twitter.com/2H0XnZfBVt
– Josh Frigerio, ABC15 (@JoshFrigerio) June 10, 2021
Peppa Pig Theme Park
Legoland Florida Resort, Winter Haven, Florida
This new addition to the park at Legoland in Orlando will feature several Peppa Pig attractions like Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster and Muddy Puddles Splash Pad and will be the first of its kind.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is getting a brand new theme park next year! Based on the popular Peppa Pig, it will contain several rides, shows, play areas and water areas, providing the “ultimate day for toddlers”.
Squeak squeak! _ pic.twitter.com/2dzVeEF6s9
– Orlando Informant (@OrlandoInformer) February 25, 2021
Sesame Place San Diego
This new theme park will be aimed at the youngest and will feature attractions of Sesame Street characters like Elmo’s Rockin ‘Rockets, as well as water slides.
Sesame Place San Diego – New Theme Park 2021 # Sesame Street #San Diego #California #amusement park #masterpieces #rollrcoaster #water park pic.twitter.com/1PDKrW3j7v
– World of Theme Parks (@Worldoftheme) October 21, 2019