Skyplex

The project began in 2012 with a planned budget of US$500,000,000.[2] After several successful land negotiations conducted under the name WF IDrive Realty, development of Skyplex and the roller coaster began.[7][8]

The complex was designed by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects Inc. Winter Park Construction Company was chosen as the general contractor. Euforria LLC provided the pre-construction and construction management services.[3] In May 2014, a website seeking investors was published.[5][9][10]

In 2015,[2] Wallack Holdings LLC spent US$50,000,000 to develop a retail complex, a parking garage, and a Mango's Tropical Cafe on the southwest corner of the same intersection as Skyplex.[3]

On December 1, 2015, the Orange County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the project's rezoning.[11] The project was lobbied against by Save Our Orange County Community, a group backed primarily by Universal Orlando. Universal's main issues with the project were that the Skyscraper might ruin the sight lines from their parks (specifically The Wizarding World of Harry Potter), and that Universal itself was not permitted to build anything over 200 feet (61 m).[12][13][14]

Portions of the roller coaster's track had been completed by Intamin and were in storage by April 2017, but the start of construction in Orlando was on hold pending the approval of permits.[15]

In January 2019, it was announced that the project had been scaled back to US$250,000,000 and would only take up a portion of the planned 14-acre (57,000 m²) site, but that the size of the tower and 2020 opening date would remain unchanged.[2] However, Wallack Holdings LLC started losing capital and investors began to have doubts in Wallack's ability to run the company. Due to multiple delays, the project was later removed from Mango's Tropical Cafe's website in June 2019 and has been in limbo throughout 2020. As of 2021, it is unknown whether or not construction will begin.

Skyplex would feature Skyscraper, which would be the world's tallest roller coaster at over 500 feet (150 m). Development of Skyscraper began in 2012 after the Polercoaster concept from US Thrill Rides was selected as an attraction for the new complex.[7] Skyscraper was officially announced on June 5, 2014.[4][8] In February 2015, it was announced that a drop thrill ride called SkyFall would be incorporated into the design of Skyscraper.[6]

An adult game room would feature party rooms, a central bar, billiards, video games, and simulators. The family game area would feature traditional games, electronic games, and simulators. There would be a 1,000 feet (300 m) high speed competitive go-cart track, and a 250 feet (76 m) track designed for all ages.[5]

The Apex Sports Bar would include private party rooms, VIP seating, a tequila bar, and large screen theatre style viewing of sports programs.[5]

The Skyplex Observation Deck would be 535 feet (163 m) high, and was planned to be accessible via what would be Florida's tallest glass elevator.[5]

There would be an open-air retail area promenade, SkyPlaza, with a raised pedestrian walkway leading to the main entrance. SkyPlaza would be anchored by a 10,000 square feet (930 m²) Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, which would be the largest in the world. The promenade would’ve include several other retail and restaurant tenants.[6][16]