Skyplex facts for kids

Skyplex was a huge entertainment center that was planned for Orlando, Florida. It was going to be built on a 14-acre (5.7 ha) piece of land near International Drive. The most exciting part of Skyplex was a 570-foot (170 m) tall tower. This tower was meant to hold the world's tallest roller coaster, called Skyscraper. It would also have had the world's biggest Perkins Restaurant and Bakery.

The project was expected to cost about $250 million. It was first planned to open in 2016. However, the opening date was pushed back many times, to 2017, then 2018, 2019, and finally 2020. There was even a plan for Lionsgate to build a resort there. But in 2022, the companies behind Skyplex faced financial problems. In January 2023, it was confirmed that the Skyplex project would not be built.

How Skyplex Was Planned

Early Ideas and Design

The idea for Skyplex started in 2012. The first plan had a budget of $500 million. After buying the land needed, work began on designing Skyplex and its amazing roller coaster.

The design for the complex was created by a company called Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects Inc. In 2014, a website was launched to find people who wanted to invest money in the project.

Local Support and Challenges

In 2015, another company spent $50 million to build a shopping area and a parking garage nearby. This showed that the area was growing.

On December 1, 2015, local leaders in Orange County gave their full approval for the Skyplex project. However, not everyone was happy about it. A group called Save Our Orange County Community was against the project. This group was mainly supported by Universal Orlando.

Universal Orlando had a big concern: the very tall Skyscraper roller coaster. They worried it would block the views from their theme parks, especially from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Also, Universal itself was not allowed to build anything taller than 200 feet (61 m).

Construction Delays and Cancellation

By April 2017, some parts of the roller coaster track were already made by a company called Intamin. These parts were put into storage. But the actual building work in Orlando was on hold. They were waiting for official permits to be approved.

In January 2019, the project's cost was reduced to $250 million. The plan was also scaled down to use only part of the 14-acre (57,000 m²) site. However, the height of the tower and the 2020 opening date were still planned.

Later, there was a plan to team up with Lionsgate Entertainment to open Skyplex as a Lionsgate Entertainment World resort. But in early 2020, the project lost its funding. This happened because theme parks in Florida had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even though the original plan changed, the people behind Skyplex still believed in the idea. They even thought about building a hotel there to support the new Universal Epic Universe theme park nearby. But on December 21, 2022, the companies involved in Skyplex faced financial difficulties. Finally, in January 2023, it was confirmed that the Skyplex project would not be built.

What Skyplex Was Going to Have

Skyplex was designed to be a place with lots of fun things to do.

Skyscraper Roller Coaster

The main attraction was going to be Skyscraper. This roller coaster was planned to be over 500 feet (150 m) tall, making it the world's tallest. The idea for Skyscraper started in 2012. It was officially announced on June 5, 2014. In 2015, they also announced that a thrill ride called SkyFall would be part of the Skyscraper tower. SkyFall would be a drop ride.

Other Fun Attractions

• Game Rooms: There would have been an adult game room with party areas, a bar, billiards, video games, and simulators. A family game area would have had classic games, electronic games, and simulators.
• Go-Kart Tracks: Plans included a 1,000 feet (300 m) long, high-speed go-kart track for racing. There would also be a 250 feet (76 m) track for all ages.
• Apex Sports Bar: This bar would have had private party rooms and VIP seating. It was also planned to have a tequila bar and big screens for watching sports.
• Skyplex Observation Deck: Visitors could go up 535 feet (163 m) to an observation deck. This deck would be reached by Florida's tallest glass elevator.
• SkyPlaza Shopping and Dining: An outdoor shopping area called SkyPlaza was planned. It would have a raised walkway leading to the main entrance. The biggest Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in the world, covering 10,000 square feet (930 m²), would be here. Many other shops and restaurants were also planned for SkyPlaza.