Orlando is a thrill-seeker’s dream, with steep drops for days and more roller coasters than you can shake a stick at. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando all offer innovative, world-class attractions which are guaranteed to get
your adrenaline pumping and your pulse racing.
Whether you love inverted coasters, spinning coasters, drop rides, or simply free-falling through the air, Orlando has it all.
So, strap yourself in and get ready to scream as we count down our favourite big rides in the Florida theme parks. Are you brave enough to try these roller coasters?
SeaWorld | Universal Islands of Adventure | EPCOT | Universal Studios Florida | Magic Kingdom Park | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park | Universal Epic Universe |
Mako | Jurassic World VelociCoaster | Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind | Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit | TRON Lightcycle / RUN | Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain | Stardust Racers |
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster | Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure | Revenge of the Mummy | ||||
The Incredible Hulk Coaster |
What is the best theme park in Orlando for thrill rides?
Most parks have at least one thrill ride, so you can find a rush of excitement wherever you go in Orlando. SeaWorld has the most roller coasters in one park, with a whopping eight of them.
It’s therefore a good idea to add SeaWorld to your “not to be missed” list if you want to give yourself a thrill.
Most thrilling rides in Orlando?
Here’s our list of Orlando’s most thrilling rides and roller coasters with some key stats. We’ve also added an alternative for anyone usually left holding the bags!
Best thrill rides at SeaWorld
As we’ve already mentioned, SeaWorld has the most roller coasters of any park in Orlando, so ride addicts will want to tick this one off first.
1. Mako
- Orlando’s tallest and fastest roller coaster
- Height: 200 feet (61 metres)
- Speed: 73 mph
- Length: 4,760 feet (1,450 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 4
This hyper coaster is hands down one of the best in the world. With Makos being the fastest shark species known to man, this coaster definitely lives up to its name. Repetitively dropping from heights of up to 200 feet with only a lap bar restraint holding you in your seat, it is certainly not for the faint of heart.
Luckily, there’s often not too long of a queue for this coaster as most people are too scared to try it!
Top tip: Sit in the back row for the fastest and most intense experience.
Alternative nearby for non-thrill seekers: Near Mako, you’ll find the paddle boats on the lake for a much more relaxing alternative.
2. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
- Height: 110 feet (34 metres)
- Speed: 60 mph
- Length: 2,950 feet (899 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 2
Feel like catching a few waves? Head over to SeaWorld to try Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which gives you the sensation of surfing to shore! This ride features a unique surfboard-shaped ride vehicle with innovative seats, allowing riders to move within the vehicle space.
The coaster begins with a high-speed launch and then curves into multiple inversions. This ride is truly unique and a must-tick on your roller coaster bucket list.
Top tip: For extra fun, book a ticket during SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular event to watch a mesmerising fireworks display and entertaining shows with complimentary drinks.
Alternative nearby for non-thrill seekers: If you time it right, you can catch one of the shows at the Bayside Stadium.
Thrill rides at Universal Islands of Adventure
1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Fastest and tallest launch coaster in Florida
- Height: 155 feet (47 metres)
- Speed: 70 mph
- Length: 5,577 feet (1,700 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 2
As one of the newer additions to Universal Islands of Adventure, this Jurassic World-inspired ride does not disappoint. This coaster has incredible theming from the famous franchise from the start of the queue to the end of the ride.
You are strapped into the ride vehicle with only a lap bar as you’re launched twice to create the feeling that you’re on a high-speed chase with velociraptors. Like Mako, it makes you feel like you’re flying as you lift off your seat during a series of inversions.
Top tip: Ride during sunset for incredible views.
Alternative nearby for non-thrill seekers: Nearby, you’ll find the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, an interactive exhibit where you can learn more about dinosaurs.
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Height: 65 feet (20 metres)
- Speed: 50 mph
- Length: 5,053 feet (1,540 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 2
This magical attraction opened in 2019 and is still one of the most popular rides in the park. The theming sets this coaster apart, with exciting scenes to explore throughout the queue while you wait to board.
Beginning with a speedy launch, you zoom through the Forbidden Forest towards Hagrid’s hut on a motorbike. This coaster includes a few surprises, such as speeding backwards and a small vertical drop.
Top tip: Ride this at the beginning of the day to avoid excessive queue times.
Alternative nearby for non-thrill seekers: Visit Ollivanders nearby and let your wand choose you!
3. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Height: 110 feet (34 metres)
- Speed: 67 mph
- Length: 3,670 feet (1,119 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 4
This launch coaster is themed around the iconic MARVEL super hero, the Hulk, and has been open since 1999. One of the most popular attractions in Universal Orlando Resort, this thrill ride reaches high speeds from the uphill launch and instantly begins twisting and turning through its seven inversions.
The ride has been recently refurbished to create a smoother ride and more immersive theming, including on-board audio. It also features strong green lighting and a moment where the ride dives towards a lake to create a near-miss feeling.
Top tip: If you can, ride the front row for an incredible view.
Alternative nearby for non-thrill seekers: If you don’t fancy riding, you can meet the MARVEL super heroes nearby.
Walt Disney World Resort roller coasters
Park | Thrill rides |
Magic Kingdom Park | TRON Lightcycle / RUN |
EPCOT | Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind |
Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain |
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT
- Height: 120 feet (37 metres)
- Speed: 60 mph
- Length: 5,577 feet (1,700 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 2
Join the intergalactic gang from the world-renowned trilogy Guardians of the Galaxy as you whirl through space to save Earth. The theming of this ride is incomparable, and it starts as soon as you get in line, where the iconic soundtrack is playing.
If there is anything better than a thrill ride, it’s a roller coaster with music blaring! This indoor coaster is incredibly immersive. It launches you backwards into a spin around space, creating a different feeling every time you ride as you’re designated one of the six songs available.
Top tip: There’s no longer a virtual queue for this ride but you may be able to ride quicker with a Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Alternative nearby for non-thrill seekers: Take a journey through time on Spaceship Earth
2. TRON Lightcycle / RUN
- Height: 78 feet (24 metres)
- Speed: 59 mph
- Length: 3,160 feet (963 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 2
TRON Lightcycle / RUN was first introduced to Shanghai Disneyland Park before becoming a favourite at the Orlando park. This semi-enclosed attraction offers a unique experience as you board a light cycle vehicle illuminated to match the exterior building, and engage in a high-speed race inspired by TRON: Legacy.
This coaster begins with a fast launch towards the iconic illuminated sheltered outside area and then loops into a dark building. The launch is so sudden it truly takes your breath away.
Top tip: TRON Lightcycle / Run is not part of early entry and doesn’t open until official park hours. Go there as soon as it opens for a shorter wait time.
Alternative for non-thrill seekers: Take a ride in your very own hot rod at the Tomorrowland Speedway.
3. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Height: 199 feet (61 metres)
- Speed: 50 mph
- Length: 3,884 feet (1,184 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 2
Disney has a reputation for providing amazing immersive attractions, and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain lives up to this. On Walt Disney World Resort’s tallest attraction, you are seated in the train-themed ride vehicle with only a lap bar and begin your journey through the Himalayan mountains.
This coaster includes innovative elements, including sharp twists, swift drops, and high-speed backwards acceleration to help you escape the yeti.
Top tip: This ride usually has quite a short line, so you may be able to ride it more than once.
Nearby alternative for non-thrill seekers: Cross Discovery River to Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond and watch a theatrical retelling of the much-loved story.
Universal Studios Florida roller coasters
1. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Height: 167 feet (51 metres)
- Speed: 65 mph
- Length: 3,800 feet (1,158 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 2
Slightly older than some of the other coasters on our list, this is a true classic. Not for the faint of heart, you begin the ride with a vertical chain lift guaranteed to get your pulse racing.
Once you reach the top, you instantly plummet towards the ground into multiple inversions. All this is elevated by the music blasting in your ears – you choose the tunes when you board the vehicle. This coaster films you so you can purchase the hilarious videos after the ride.
Top tip: Try this ride at night during Halloween Horror Nights to get an incredible view.
Alternative for non-thrill seekers: Head to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem to help Gru with his latest scheme.
2. Revenge of the Mummy
- Height: 45 feet (14 metres)
- Speed: 40 mph
- Length: 2,200 feet (671 metres)
- Number of people on each row: 4
This coaster is slightly different from the rest of the list as it is relatively slower – but don’t underestimate the intensity! This is an indoor coaster that explores Egyptian tombs, encountering scary creatures.
There is always an element of surprise on this ride as you travel through multiple rooms and fall into quick inversions in the dark. Just as you think it’s about to end, there’s an additional shock to light up your experience!
Top tip: For a scarier experience, ride the front row.
Alternative for non-thrill seekers: Enjoy a medley of cheerful tunes from Jake and Elwood in The Blues Brothers Show.
Are you brave enough to complete this roller coaster bucket list? Get your Orlando tickets and start planning your holiday now.
New for 2025! Universal Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe opened its gates on May 22, 2025, making it the third theme park and fourth park overall at Universal Orlando. It’s also the largest Universal park in the US!
Comprising 5 very different worlds in one park, visitors can fully immerse themselves in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.
Best of all there’s experiences and attractions here for everyone, from the most timid to the biggest thrill seekers. Universal Epic Universe is guaranteed to delight!
