(Mar 31, 2023)
The chairs are connected to two massive arms, which spin around at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. When you're swinging at its highest point, you'll be taller than most skyscrapers.
This is scary — but that's what makes it so fun! You can go with a friend or family member, but if you're flying solo (pun intended), don't worry: You'll be seated next to someone by random selection when you get there.
And as always, if you have any medical concerns or limitations, ask before riding.
Location
The Starflyer is located in ICON Park, an outdoor entertainment complex on International Drive in Orlando. The Starflyer is at 8375 International Drive, part of "The Wheelhouse" cluster of rides and shops. The Starflyer is the centerpiece of this cluster.
History
The Starflyer was built by the Austrian company Funtime and opened in June 2018. Funtime's Starflyer series rides are located in Sydney, Australia, and Toronto, Canada. It's a famous ride for thrill-seekers visiting ICON Park.
The Starflyer's claim to fame
This is Orlando's tallest stand-alone swing ride. At its towering height, rider beats out the other swings at nearby Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World by a long shot! To put that into perspective, it's about 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and 25 feet taller than the Great Pyramid at Giza.
There are two seats per gondola so that riders can sit with a friend, but you can also ride solo. The Starflyer features a center column that contains the counterweights for the ride. The seat is attached to a cable that connects to the top of the column. It has two swinging arms that are used to propel riders up and down around the column.
The Experience
The Starflyer seats 24 passengers in a circular gondola that is suspended from a central support tower. Riders are secured with an individual lap bar restraint and straps across their shoulders.
The gondola rotates around the tower while swinging back and forth in an arc of up to 60 degrees at a maximum speed of 65 mph. Riders experience 3 Gs of acceleration during operation.
The configuration
Unlike most amusement park rides which feature a circular layout, the Starflyer has an unusual figure-eight configuration that allows it to pass over the giant observation wheel. Passengers ride above the wheel for about half of each two-minute cycle before returning to ground level for landing.
Some might call the Starflyer a giant swing set. The giant swing, however, is anything but simple. Riders are hoisted about 200 feet in the air and launched nearly 100 feet out before swinging back around. It's no wonder thrill-seekers have started flocking to the Starflyer this summer, ready to take flight (and enjoy a great view of Orlando) every day in Central Florida.
This is clearly a well-made ride, with great aesthetics and an original concept. It should be simple enough to maintain as well. The fact that it's also accessible to wheelchairs makes it that much more worthy of attention.
Although there are other flying coasters out there, this particular one is worth consideration based on its theme and the experience it delivers for guests. It offers them a chance to experience flight in a way that few other rides can.
Open hours
The ride is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight. The price is $15 per person per flight or $30 for three flights. You must be at least 52 inches tall to ride, and those under 14 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.
Other Icon Park attractions
The StarFlyer is just one part of ICON Orlando, which has other rides and attractions like roller coasters and water rides designed to look like scenes from comic books or video games. It's also home to some of the most elaborate dining establishments in Central Florida.
Walk around ICON Orlando in the middle of a day, and you'll see people riding all kinds of rides, from roller coasters to carousels. You might not see a lot of swings, but this one is special because it's the world's tallest stand-alone swing ride.
There are big swings all over the place at ICON Orlando, including the SkyScreamer, a zero-gravity coaster that "floats" riders through space, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, which gives them a spin in giant loops. But none of those are near as fun as swinging through the air on a 100-foot-high swing that hangs over Lake Buena Vista.
Things you will see on Orlando StarFlyer
The ride takes you high feet into the air, but it's not just a drop ride or an exciting thrill ride. It is a slow, scenic ride that takes you to the top and lets you see some of the most scenic views in Central Florida.
On your way up, you will pass by some of Orlando's iconic attractions:
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Universal Studios – You can see Universal Studios from both sides of Orlando StarFlyer. On one side, you will be able to see Universal Studio's Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Coaster and Escape from Gringotts (inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter).
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On the other side of Orlando StarFlyer, you will be able to see Islands of Adventure's Spiderman Ride and The Incredible Hulk Rollercoaster.
- The Coca Cola Eye – This iconic Ferris wheel is located next to Universal Studios and Sea World. You can't miss it on your way up!
When the ride starts, there are only two things you can do. You can scream. And you can look down and marvel.
The Orlando Starflyer is one of the best Orlando attractions available, no matter your age. If you're considering a visit, don't hesitate—jump on it already! The experience will be more than you expect. See for yourself with a ride-booking today!
Interested in learning about becoming a resident in Florida or moving there? Read more.
(Mar 31, 2023)
