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The Best Thrills
Orlando lays claim to some of the biggest and baddest thrill rides and roller coasters anywhere -- certainly one of the largest collections of them in any one locale. So if your idea of fun is to twist and turn at speeds only a jet should reach, dive uncontrollably from dizzying heights to below ground level and back, or see just how far up into your throat your stomach can go -- this is the place for you. Here are the city's top stomach churners and G-force generators.
Incredible Hulk Coaster (Islands of Adventure): It's the smoothest ride in town, but you'll still blast from 0 to 40 mph in 2 seconds flat (on your way up to 60 mph), spin upside down more than 100 feet above the ground, dive straight back down only to spin your way through seven rollovers, and then drop deep below ground on this big, green, mean machine. (You might glow as green as the coaster when you're done.)
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Disney-MGM Studios): You'll launch from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, heading straight into the first of several inversions as 120 speakers in your "stretch limo" blast Aerosmith at (yeeeow!) 32,000 watts right into your ears. To add to the thrill of this indoor coaster, the entire experience takes place in the dark.
Dueling Dragons (Islands of Adventure): Whether you choose the dragon of fire or of ice, your legs will dangle below as you sharply twist and turn through five inversions at speeds of 55 to 60 mph. The two intertwined coasters come within only inches (12 to be exact) of each other, only just missing a collision, not two, but three times.
Summit Plummet (Disney's Blizzard Beach): This one starts slow, with a lift ride (even in Florida's 100°F/38°C dog days) to the 120-foot summit. But it finishes with the (self-proclaimed) world's fastest body slide -- a test of your courage and swimsuit -- as it virtually goes straight down and has you moving sans vehicle at 60 mph by the end.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Disney-MGM Studios): The name says it all. The ride transports guests into the Twilight Zone as a haunted hotel's service elevator slowly rises -- only to plummet 13 stories, terrifying those inside. But the freefall fun doesn't end there. The tower's computer program randomly alternates drop sequences to make sure you never experience the same ride twice. When you get off and your legs finally stop shaking, some of you will want to ride again.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (Islands of Adventure): Combining the best of all worlds -- 3-D movie effects, a moving simulator car, and live action -- this is by far the best ride in Orlando. Your vehicle spins, twists, pitches, and dives through elaborate sets as Spiderman tries to save the world (and you) from total annihilation. The chase ends in a dramatic, simulated 400-foot drop that feels an awful lot like the real thing. It doesn't offer the same type of thrills as a coaster, but it's sure to get your Spidey senses tingling.
Kraken (SeaWorld): Named for a mythological creature, this stomach-churning ride is a beast! This floorless, open-sided coaster reaches speeds of up to 65 mph as it combines steep climbs, deep drops, and seven tremendous loops reaching high above water before plunging below the ground, to make it one of the most aggressive and intense coasters anywhere.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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