Theme parks and roller coasters are synonymous with holidays to Florida for most people.
The Sunshine State boasts a world-class selection of amusement parks with a bewildering variety of rides and attractions for visitors of any age. We thought we’d take a look at the top ten must-experience rides for those seeking ultimate thrills and the best themed rides in the world. Grab some flights to Florida and check out these ten screwy screamers!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Disney Hollywood Studios
A ride with its own soundtrack and theming built around the iconic rock band Aerosmith, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a huge draw for Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. The ride begins by launching its train from 0-57mph in 2.8 seconds, and shoots at high-speed around the darkened track, creating G forces of up to 4.5!
Expedition Everest
Disney Animal Kingdom
Since 2006, Expedition Everest has been a real highlight for visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Spectacularly themed and with a particularly memorable backwards drop section, this ride is world-class.
The Incredible Hulk
Universal Islands of Adventure
This hulking green ride will turn your face an appropriate colour if your stomach’s not up to the job! Twists, turns and inversions to make even a veteran coaster-rider squeal, The Incredible Hulk more than lives up to its comic book namesake.
Kraken
SeaWorld
Over at SeaWorld, Kraken is an epic floorless roller coaster which features a heart-stopping vertical drop of 119 feet! In addition, a zero-G roll and some turns which pull some serious Gs, the Kraken is indeed a beast of a ride.
SheiKra
Busch Gardens
This one will render anyone incapable of doing anything but screaming! SheiKra at Busch Gardens slowly pulls the train up to 200 feet, then suddenly drops everyone at 70mph, pulling up to 5 G! Another vertical drop later in the ride ensures nobody gets complacent after the initial shock… this beauty is almost worth booking flights to Florida for in itself!
Revenge of the Mummy
Universal Studios Florida
Stunningly well themed, the Revenge of the Mummy combines dark ride thrills with roller coaster spills. An in-depth introduction sets the scene before the ride launches its occupants through a chase scene, as they are pursued by the mummy and his ghoulish friends. Unforgettable.
Manta
Sea World Orlando
Combining a thrilling ride, which sees passengers lying face-down, with some near-misses with a range of water features. At the end of the ride, visitors can head to the aquarium to learn more about the graceful sea creatures.
Montu
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
One of the highest and longest roller coasters on the planet, Montu propels its occupants at up to 60mph and through turns of up to almost 4 G. At its highest point, the ride climbs to 46 metres!
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Universal Studios
Riders on the Rip Ride Rockit get to select their own soundtrack for the ride, and are offered a personalised video at the end! The coaster climbs and twists its way around at up to 65mph, incorporating six ‘near miss’ situations where riders will think a collision is unavoidable, only to swerve away at the last moment. Not for the faint-hearted.
Space Mountain
Magic kingdom
A true classic coaster. An indoor experience themed around space, rider get to choose between the Alpha or Omega tracks
Image sources:
