When you ask most travelers about visiting Central Florida the first thing that often comes to mind is Walt Disney World, complete with Main Street USA and its dazzling castle. Brimming with pixie dust and mouse ears visitors often worry there may not be enough for the bigger kids (and kids at heart) in the family to enjoy. But not to worry! Orlando is the number one theme park destination in the world. With experiences and attractions for toddlers and thrill seekers alike there is plenty of pixie dust and adrenaline to go around.
If you're a thrill-seeker looking for adventure in Orlando, you're in luck! The region is home to some of the most innovative, thrilling, and exciting roller coasters in the world.
1-Expedition Everest Head over to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park and you will spot this coaster on the horizon in the park. Expedition Everest takes you on a heart pounding adventure up a steep incline before plunging into a darkened tunnel. From there, you'll be launched into a series of twists and turns, and a backwards section that will leave you breathless.
Tip: See if you can spot the “Disco Yeti”
2-Pipeline Catch a wave on SeaWorld Orlando's newest coaster, Pipeline. Inspired by the surf and sand this is a standing coaster. Featuring several drops and twists, including a 360-degree loop that will leave you feeling weightless, you’re going to be sure to want to catch another wave.
Tip: Be sure to watch the load instructions video in the ride’s que.
3-VelociCoaster Who is ready to run with the Raptors? Inspired by the Jurassic Park movie saga Universal's Islands of Adventure is home to the VelociCoaster, a wild ride that includes two launch sequences taking this coaster to a ferocious 70 miles per hour ascending a 155 foot near 90% drop. That run is packed with twist, turns barrel rolls and a crazy zero-gravity stall that will leave clinging to lap bar.
Tip: You will be required to place everything in lockers before boarding.
4-Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure Filled with a mix of thrills in whimsy Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure is the best of all theme park attraction worlds. Begin your journey in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure where you will board your Magical Motorbike and race into the Forbidden Forest. A series of launches take you to 50 miles per hour while you did turn and drop to avoid some of the forest’s enchanting creatures.
Tip: Want to ride Hagrid’s without the line? Learn more about a Universal VIP Experience
https://www.ourtravelpartner.com/post/the-vip-experience-maximizing-your-time-at-universal-orlando-with-the-non-private-vip-tour
5-Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind The Wonders of Xandar pavilion located in World Discovery at EPCOT is home to a state of the art one of its kind attractions: Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. This coaster’s innovative ride system sends you on a journey back in time and has a reverse launch to prove it. A series of twist turns, and camel humps paired with a state-of-the-art car design and an amazingly smooth track system leaves you feeling like you are floating thru space. Don’t worry, you’ll be back on earth in no time.
Tip: Ask for row 9 and thank me later.
Honorable Mention- Tron Lightcycle Run The newest addition to the Magic Kingdom Tron Lightcycle Run immerses you in Tron Legacy. Hop aboard your Lightcycle and race to victory on the grid. We recommend asking to wait for the front row, it is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
What’s your favorite coaster in Orlando, or beyond? Let us know in the comments.
Great list. Velocicoaster and Guardians are 2 of the best coasters I have ever been on. Both very unique
I had no idea there was even a coaster at animal kingdom! This is a great list!
Velocicoaster is the best coaster in FL. Tron is a good, smooth ride, lots of fun. Not too bad. Guardians is also a fantastic coaster. So much going on there.