Considering Orlando is dubbed the “Theme Park Capital of the World”, it’s safe to say that Florida is home to a collection of world-class roller coasters. With so many exciting theme parks with thrilling rides in Florida, you’ve certainly got your pick of preferences, from those that emphasize maximum speed and gravity-defying twists to ones that immerse you in an interactive storyline. No matter which one you choose, these top roller coasters in Florida are sure to leave you shrieking with joy and pumped with adrenaline.
Mako, SeaWorld Orlando
Florida’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Mako deserves to be at the top of the list. A SeaWorld favorite, this roller coaster is named after one of the fastest known sharks in the ocean. This white-knuckle ride is known for its extreme first drop that will leave you wanting more. Hop on and experience its tall peaks, vertical drops and high speeds, as the ride is designed for you to feel like a shark is speeding through the water at top speeds to chase prey.
SheiKra, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
SheiKra at Busch Gardens offers you a wild ride at 70 miles per hour, where you will experience two vertical drops and takes you to a height of 200 feet. Marvel at views over Tampa before being thrust forward and then stopped again suddenly at a 45-degree angle so you can look straight down, only to plummet back to earth with a G force of 5. There’s also an Immelmann loop, water feature, and another 90-degree drop from 138-feet.
The Incredible Hulk, Islands of Adventure
Known for its unique launch, The Incredible Hulk at Universal’s Islands of Adventure sends passengers up to its “Gamma Force Accelerator” tube right into an inversion over a lake. Your heart will be racing from the start and is followed by a series of exciting elements such as cobra rolls, barrel rolls, two vertical loops, and a Zero-G roll. Not for the faint-hearted, the coaster reaches speeds of up to 67 miles per hour.
Kraken, SeaWorld Orlando
With a drop of almost 15 stories high and speeds up to 65 miles per hour, it’s no wonder that Kraken at SeaWorld is a fan favorite. You’ll find seven inversions including two vertical loops, a dive loop, a zero-g roll, a cobra roll and a corkscrew. It’s the second-longest floorless roller coaster in the world that is sure to impress roller coaster fanatics.
Montu, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Montu is one of the tallest and longest roller coasters in the world, as it stands in Busch Gardens at around 150-feet. Reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, this coaster offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping fun, offering a G Force of 3.85. It’s considered one of the best examples of an inverted coaster, where it navigates into underground trenches and boasts plenty of inversions.
Manta, SeaWorld Orlando
Considered one of the best flying coasters in the Sunshine State, Manta at SeaWorld packs a punch with its inversions and “flying” position. Thrill-seekers are sure to enjoy its high-octane experience as you slide, glide and fly head first, face down and get your heart pumping with its inverted nosedives. The highlight of the coaster is its 270-degree turn, where water sprays against the side of the ride to make you feel like you’re flying through an aquarium.
Kumba, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
You probably won’t want to eat any theme park food before riding Kumba at Busch Gardens, as it features seven different inversions and doesn’t let up from the moment you descent from the 143-foot hill. Similar to Montu with its inversions, it’s a must for those who crave twists, turns and being upside down. Throughout the ride, you will go under walkways, through tunnels and interlocking corkscrews.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Who doesn’t love some tunes with their roller coaster experience? Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios does just that pairing up with Aerosmith, but it also features three different inversions, complete darkness and twists and turns past glow-in-the-dark props. You’ll go 0 to 57 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds to songs like “Dude Looks Like a Lady”.
Cheetah Hunt, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A front-row seat is a must on Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens, as this non-traditional roller coaster incorporates three launches and reaches up to 60 miles per hour. Families who love coasters can experience airtime hills, launches, water features and an inversion, all above animals below you. It may not be the biggest coaster but it’s sure to give you enough thrills.
Space Mountain, The Magic Kingdom
One of the most beloved coasters in Florida, Space Mountain at The Magic Kingdom has been a family favorite for over 30 years. The indoor coaster is actually one of the smallest rides in Florida, but what makes it special is that it is entirely in the dark. Enjoy the space-themed decor with stars and galaxies as you spin upside down and plummet down a 180-foot-high mountain.
White Lightning, Fun Spot America
You can’t have a roller coaster list and not include the iconic White Lightning at Fun Spot America. One of only three wooden coasters in the state, it has a 67-foot drop and 44 miles per hour top speed. Families will love its 90-degree turns and over a dozen airtime-filled moments, and you don’t even have to pay to get in the park, as its pay per ride here.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Universal Studios Florida
Located at Universal Studios, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit reaches speeds of 65 miles per hour and has a height of 17 stories. Listen to hit songs as you ride the coaster and enjoy the six “near misses” where you think you’re going to collide with something. Soar high above the park before experiencing the world’s first non-inverting loop, then see it again on video after the ride.
Expedition Everest, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Built on a man-made mountain, Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom features one of the best drops. Come face to face with a wild mountain Yeti before journeying around the caves of Mount Everest at 50 miles per hour. It includes both forward and backward motion as you discover the ride track “torn apart” so you have to retreat deeper into the mountain.
