Welcome to Florida, where the sun is always shining, palm trees sway in the breeze, and roller coaster rides reign supreme! As the home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks, there’s no shortage of attractions to keep you entertained. But with so many heart-stopping rides, choosing the best ones can sometimes be a challenge.
Hold on tight as we take you on a roller coaster journey like no other. Whether you’re a fan of vibrant Legos or spooky mummies, there’s something for everyone on this list.
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, we have the insane SkeiKra at Busch Gardens to lift you high into the sky before letting you plummet down at lightning speed. If you prefer your thrills a little more…prehistoric, the VelociCoaster will be a perfect choice!
And for a truly magical experience, it’s Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure you want to take you through the enchanted forest and into another world.
What are you waiting for? Strap yourself in and get ready to scream your lungs out on the best roller coasters in Florida, the roller coaster capital of the world!
Best Roller Coasters in Orlando and Kissimmee
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Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Are you ready to take your idea of rock and roll to the next level? Brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that combines the power of a popular rock band like Aerosmith with a heart-stopping roller coaster ride!
Situated right next to the Tower of Terror, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will blast you off at an insane speed of 57 mph in just 2.8 seconds, with corkscrews, loops, and inversions that will leave you breathless!
For a wild and crazy 82 seconds, you’ll be screaming in the dark, sometimes even hanging upside down, while Aerosmith’s music blares in your ears. You might even feel your internal organs wanting to join in on all the excitement! But don’t worry, you’ll get that blissful moment of peace when you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
You’ll be entertained by the story of the ride and the band’s greatest hits even as you wait in line! But what really makes this one the best rollercoasters in Orlando is the unique “reinterpretation” of the lyrics to one of Aerosmith’s most popular hits – get ready to sing (or scream) “Love on a Roller Coaster” instead of “Love in an Elevator”!
This is one of the top 10 roller coasters in Orlando. Perfect for thrill-seeking teens, it has a minimum height requirement of 48″ (122 cm), but fear not if you’re traveling with younger kids.
You can take turns by using the single-rider line and experience one of the best roller coasters in Florida without worrying about the little ones.
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure
Buckle up, thrill-seekers, because the Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the best roller coaster in Orlando to make you and your family roar like dinosaurs! This monster-themed launch coaster is one wild ride that is not for the faint of heart.
Once it starts, there’s no turning back. It only gets faster and crazier, with speeds of up to 70 mph, heights of up to 155 feet, drops of up to 100 feet, an 80-degree plunge, and even a 360-degree upside-down loop!
Add to all of this a couple of sneaky Velociraptors prowling around to scare the bejeezus out of you, and you’ve got a pretty strong contender for your best roller coasters in Orlando and Kissimmee list.
This coaster is legendary for being one of the scariest roller coasters in Orlando, with a height restriction of 51″ (130 cm). But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be treated to an epic story that sets the stage for the first Jurassic World film.
The ride is perfect for a wild family experience with teens and older kids, but if you have little kids, take advantage of the Single Rider line or the child swap program.
Remember, Universal Express isn’t valid on this ride, so make sure to arrive early or make it your first stop of the day. Although wait times can get crazy, trust us – it’s worth it to experience one of Orlando’s tallest roller coasters. It will have you gasping for breath in under 2 minutes!
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios
It’s time to rock and roll on one of the most electrifying coasters in Orlando! The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a towering mega steel roller coaster that stands tall at 167 feet, ready to take you on a wild, bumpy ride along a 3,800-foot steel track.
Before you buckle up, make sure to empty your pockets because this coaster will take you on a heart-stopping 17-story vertical lift hill and then launch you into a thrilling 65-mph plunge! And here’s the coolest part – you get to pick your own music for the ride!
Choose your favorite tune, whether it’s rock, pop, or hip-hop, and get ready for 97 seconds of hair-raising twists, turns, and loops that will leave you feeling dizzy with excitement.
With a height requirement of 51 inches (129 cm), this is one of the best roller coasters in Universal Studios Orlando that is perfect for families with older kids who crave an exhilarating adventure.
If you have little ones in tow, no problem – just take advantage of the child swap program so you can enjoy the best ride at Universal. And once it’s over, you can relive the thrills and spills by watching a video of your ride and taking it home as a cherished memento.
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom
Take on a mind-blowing intergalactic journey at Magic Kingdom! Brace yourself for the ultimate space adventure on the one and only Space Mountain, the original ride that put Disney on the map.
Since its opening during the groovy 70s, it has fast become one of the best roller coasters in Florida for sending thrill-seekers on a heart-pumping adventure through a galaxy of stars, comets, and meteors.
Don’t let this classic ride’s age fool you! The Disney attraction still manages to pack a punch with speeds of up to 44 mph as it hurtles through the inky blackness of space. And with its realistic space sounds and dazzling light effects, you’ll feel like you really are rocketing through the cosmos.
Got teens or tweens in tow? They’ll love the chance to zoom through the stars on their very own rocket. Space Mountain is a perfect choice for families looking for a fun and affordable space adventure. And while you wait in line, you can enjoy the interactive queue that is complete with video games and other fun activities.
With a height requirement of 44 inches (113 cm) and a single-line formation, this ride is ideal for those who don’t mind the dark. And if you’re not a fan of heart-stopping vertical drops, fear not – Space Mountain keeps things relatively tame.
It’s one of the best roller coasters at Disney World Orlando for those who want a thrilling ride that doesn’t make them queasy.
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain at Animal Kingdom
Does going for a wild ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom sound fun to you? Then hold on tight and get ready to experience the thrilling Expedition Everest!
With intense turns that will have you on the edge of your seat, this steel roller coaster is not for the faint of heart. The one thing you can take solace in is the fact that there are no upside-down moments to make you dizzy!
As you make your ascent to the top of Mount Everest, steel yourself for what comes next and take in the stunning views of the park. You’ll be hurtling into a cave system at breakneck speeds before you can say “nice view”!
And don’t be quick to let your guard down either, because you’ll soon suddenly find yourself off the rails and hurtling deeper into the mountain. This coaster is a towering 199.5 feet tall, features an 80-foot plunge, and goes at speeds of up to 60 mph.
It even goes backward! Brace yourself as you zoom through the Himalayas and encounter a terrifying yeti who pops up out of nowhere. And, when riding one of the top roller coasters in Orlando, don’t forget to lean back to brace yourself during those scary backward moments!
Expedition Everest is perfect for riding with tweens and teens that are over 44 inches tall. Luckily, there is a single rider queue and fastpass+ access to help you skip the lines.
And if you do find yourself waiting, check out the Yeti Museum. It has over 8000 artifacts to keep you occupied. If you really want to avoid long lines, download the My Disney Experience app to find out when wait times are the shortest.
TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
Between its video games, animated series, and comic books, TRON has captivated audiences since 1982. And now, with TRON Lightcycle Run, you can experience it like never before.
Take an electrifying journey into the neon-drenched, futuristic world of TRON like never before at Magic Kingdom! This exhilarating attraction transports you from reality and immerses you in the Grid.
Here, you’ll race through the bright, neon landscape on your very own Lightcycle, surrounded by a thrilling mix of live-action and computer-generated visuals!
As you climb gradually into the heart of the Grid, brace yourself for the ultimate race through the winding track. Beware, it’s not an easy ride – you’ll need to pass through eight energy gates to emerge victorious!
With its high-speed twists and turns, TRON Lightcycle Run is a surefire way to get your heart pumping and satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie.
This ride is perfect for fans of TRON but is also an incredible adventure for tweens and anyone over 48″ tall. Don’t forget to reserve your spot in the virtual queue using the My Disney Experience app, and enquire about the Individual Lightning Lane entry option to skip the line.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure
Attention all Potterheads! It’s time to jump on Hagrid’s motorbike (or sidecar) and embark on an epic adventure through the wizarding world. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is one of the best roller coasters at Universal Orlando for Potterheads and muggles alike, but beware; this ride is not for the faint-hearted!
With a whopping 65-foot spike, seven launches, and a plethora of turns, drops, and twists, it’s one that’s guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush.
While it is popular for being one of the Orlando theme parks with the most roller coasters, the highlight of this park is undoubtedly the breathtaking views. This ride, in particular, offers a stunning view of the wizarding world as you zoom through the air.
Be sure to save this ride for the end of the day so you can soak up the stunning scenery without having to miss out on the other attractions. As far as your little witches and wizards go, know that they are required to be at least 48 inches tall to ride.
The ride does not offer Universal Express, but you can still use the single-rider line to minimize wait times. Here’s an insider tip: keep an eye on the wait times for all the rides using the Universal Orlando App so you can plan your day like a pro and hit all your favorites.
Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios
If you are a fan of spooky thrillers, you will feel right at home on this slow-moving but mind-boggling indoor ride that is inspired by “The Mummy” films. The first act will make your heart drop with stunning animatronics and scary ride features and the second act will take you into inky black darkness with special effects that unleash the Mummy’s curses on the riders.
The Revenge of the Mummy launch coaster reaches 40 mph, but what will startle you the most are the swarms of beetles, the army of mummies, and the scary fireballs. And let’s not forget being chased by the movie’s frightening antagonist, Imhotep!
While it is not the most thrilling coaster on the list, it is probably the scariest ride at Universal Orlando. It has climatic stop-and-start elements, a reverse launch, and even an elevator drop. Lasting almost 3 minutes, the ride has a grand total of three launches that propel the riders from a complete standstill.
The ride has a 48-inch (122 cm) height requirement, making it one that’s best enjoyed with your teens. While you wait in the queue, you will be entertained by videos of the cursed film crew members. But luckily, this ride is not that crowded, thanks to the four large ride vehicles that are loaded up at once!
The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure
Smash through the ordinary and transform into a superhero on the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal Orlando! It all starts innocently enough with a visit to Doctor Bruce Banner’s lab, but soon you’ll find yourself hurtling through a tunnel at breakneck speed, going from 0 to 40 mph in just two seconds!
Hang on tight as you experience weightlessness during a zero-gravity roll, and feel the power of positive G-forces as you twist and turn through more than six inversions, including an incredible upside-down segment.
Named after the legendary green hero, this coaster is a true beast, reaching towering heights of 150 feet and speeds of up to 67 mph! With seven inversions and amazing views of the park, it’s a must-ride for anyone looking for a heart-pumping adventure.
This ride is perfect for thrill-seeking teens that are at least 54″ (137 cm) tall. If you have little ones with you, don’t worry – you can still take on the Incredible Hulk Coaster with the child swap option.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot isn’t your average roller coaster – it’s an Omnicoaster. What does this mean? Just that you’ll spin and rotate a full 360 degrees while flying at up to 50 mph!
Prepare yourself for a wild ride, because it’s also the first Disney attraction with a reverse launch.
Travel through the galaxy and visit planets and constellations beyond your wildest dreams. Expect plenty of hilarious banter from your favorite characters, like Gamora, Star-Lord, and Irani Rael, all while jamming to the ultimate 80s and 90s mixtape.
Don’t want to wait in line? No problem! You can purchase individual Lightning Lane passes or use the My Disney Experience app to reserve your spot at the best possible time.
The ride has a height requirement of 42″, so grab your tweens, teens, or older kids and prepare to rocket through space on one of the best roller coasters in Orlando!
Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens
Get ready to conquer the highest roller coaster in Orlando – the record-breaking wooden steel hybrid coaster! The towering Iron Gwazi coaster stands at 207 feet and can reach speeds of up to 76 mph, so you better buckle up.
You’re in for a wild ride with a dozen airtime moments, including three inversions, a spine-chilling death roll, a mind-boggling 91-degree drop, and an unbelievable 200-foot plunge.
This coaster merges the classic wooden coaster structure with modern steel technology to give you the most exciting ride in Orlando. Get your heart racing as this non-stop ride takes you on a thrilling journey at insane speeds.
Brace yourself for an exhilarating moment as you near the first drop, launching you out of your seat and leaving you breathless.
With a height requirement of 48″, this ride is perfect for a fun time with your teens. Just make sure to prepare them for the mind-blowing twists and turns they’ll encounter.
Hold on tight and get ready to conquer one of the best roller coasters in Florida!
SheiKra at Busch Gardens
Hold onto your hat and scream your heart out as you embark on the spine-tingling SheiKra roller coaster ride that lasts a whole 2 minutes and 20 seconds! If you think a 200-foot drop is scary, just wait until you ride on a floorless vehicle.
With no floor beneath your feet, you’ll feel like you’re flying through the air as you cling on tightly at a 90-degree angle before the ultimate drop. But the fear doesn’t stop there. With speeds reaching up to 70 mph, you’ll zoom through a dramatic Immelmann loop and dive into an underground tunnel before getting soaked in water at the end.
Keep in mind that riding one of the biggest roller coasters in Orlando comes with restrictions. This ride has a height requirement of 54 inches (137 cm), making it unsuitable for young children.
Montu at Busch Gardens.
Montu is an inverted roller coaster at Busch Gardens. Montu has seven inversions, a unique Batwing inversion with speeds reaching 60 mph with up to 3.8 G-forces!
The Great Lego Race at Legoland
Get ready to blast off on a ride like no other at Legoland! The Great Lego Race isn’t just any ordinary kids’ coaster – it’s a mind-blowing combination of virtual reality and roller coaster thrills.
Strap on your seatbelt and put on your VR headset to be transported to a vibrant and colorful world filled with Lego characters that include pharaohs, pirates, wizards, and surfers. It’s a 360-degree sensory adventure that will leave you gasping for breath!
With stunning views of the park and lake, this outdoor steel ride offers plenty of excitement and fun even to those who are not a fan of VR rides. Although this ride reaches speeds of only 35 mph and has but a 50-foot plunge, it is still one of the most popular attractions at Legoland for how much of a hit it is with young kids. It’s the perfect way to introduce little ones to the world of imagination and visual sensory technology.
Kids who are at least 43 inches tall but shorter than 48 inches must ride without the VR headset, but those over 48 inches tall can experience the full virtual reality adventure. And if one parent wants to ride with the kids while the other takes a break, the child swap program is available.
Best Roller Coasters In Orlando And Kissimmee For Younger Kids
It’s time to get your littlest thrill-seekers ready for some epic roller coaster adventures! Start off at Islands of Adventure with the Flight of the Hippogriff, where you’ll soar through the Wizarding World and take in breathtaking views.
Universal is probably the best roller coaster park in Orlando so for the younger kids over 36 inches tall, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster at Universal is the perfect way to dip their little toes into the world of roller coasters.
That’s just the beginning! Head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly coaster that’s less intense than the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
With that being said, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of the best roller coasters in Florida for families with young kids over 38 inches tall who crave a rustic mine train adventure.
At the Magic Kingdom, Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini is sure to delight the whole family, while Coastersaurus at Legoland offers a fun and twisty ride for all ages. If you’re looking for more Lego-filled excitement, The Dragon and The Flying School have got you covered.
Next door at Peppa Pig Theme Park World, Daddy Pig’s Rollercoaster is perfect for a toddlers first coaster ride.
With so many thrilling coaster options to choose from, your family is guaranteed to have a blast and make tons of unforgettable memories.
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