Above all else, a Florida theme park holiday puts the feels in thrills. Heart-quickening, gravity-defying attractions unite young and old as big kids both looking for the next exhilarating high. Yet out of all architects of adventure, one Florida theme park resort has the tallest, fastest, and steepest roller coaster rides in the state:
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Here's where you can find them across
SeaWorld Orlando and
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay...
Florida’s Steepest Beyond Vertical Drop - Ice Breaker, SeaWorld Orlando
Inspired by the daring peaks of the Arctic, you will need ice-cool nerves for Ice Breaker. From the moment the ride begins, your adrenaline kicks in as you fly into a reverse launch. Then, prepare for three more airtime launches - one up to 93 feet in the air - and the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida, all while reaching speeds of 52 miles per hour. That's why Ice Breaker is a worthy winner of the Best New Theme Park Attraction, as voted for in the USA Today 10Best Reader's Choice poll.
World’s Fastest and Steepest Hybrid Coaster - Iron Gwazi, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Reserved for daredevils, Iron Gwazi sends you climbing and nosediving through 12 airtime hills. It is also a hybrid coaster, combining the classic, comfortable feel of a wooden structure with the smoothness and flexibility of a steel track as you reach speeds of 76 miles per hour. However, not only does Iron Gwzai fly the flag as the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world, but it also takes the honour of being North America’s tallest hybrid coaster at 206 feet. So, if you're looking for a ride that ticks all the boxes, Iron Gwazi is it.
World’s Tallest and Fastest Ride of its Kind - Serengeti Flyer, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Incredible panoramic views await aboard Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This swing ride will send you soaring into the sky and reach staggering heights of 135 feet. Better yet, you can opt for milder or wilder ride, plus you can observe giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more awe-inspiring wildlife freely roaming the Serengeti Plain.
World’s Tallest River Rapid Drop - Infinity Falls, SeaWorld Orlando
For those who prefer to be a little more grounded, you can still make a splash on Infinity Falls. Here, you can cruise along the roaring whitewater as you navigate a course winding through the lush rainforest. The best part? Along with the exhilaration of sliding down the world’s tallest river rapid ride, you'll have the opportunity to cool off amid 'refreshing' splashes of water. Just make sure you bring a change of clothes or the sunshine with you!
Florida’s Tallest Launch Coaster - Tigris, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Leap 150 feet into the air on Tigris at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida's tallest launch coaster. Mimicking the agility of a tiger, one second you’re catapulting forwards, the next you’re upside down, and then you’re falling backwards in a reverse launch at the speed of a big cat chase. One of the standout moments is the slow heartline roll at the top, creating a brief moment of weightlessness before racing back towards Earth.
North America’s Tallest Free-Standing Drop Tower - Falcon’s Fury, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Falcon’s Fury ascends over 300 feet above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and boasts the best views of the city. But don't get too comfortable. Brace yourself for a face-first drop unlike any traditional drop tower. The ride's one-of-a-kind design rotates you 90 degrees in mid-air and leaves you free-falling at a speed of 60 mph. And by then, you'll know why this attraction is called "Falcon's Fury."
Orlando’s Tallest, Fastest, and Longest Roller Coaster - Mako, SeaWorld Orlando
Inspired by the world’s fastest shark, Mako reaches 73 miles per hour. If you can keep your eyes open, you can also experience breathtaking views of the surrounding lake from the tallest roller coaster in Florida. Along the way, you will feel nine airtime moments that subject you to incredible G-forces. Loved by many, USA Today rated Mako as the Best Roller Coaster in 2023.
Honourable Mentions
SeaWorld Parks not only have some of the tallest, fastest, and steepest roller coasters and rides in Florida, but they also feature some one-of-a-kind rides found nowhere else in Florida or the world. Here are some of SeaWorld’s roller coaster pioneers:
World’s First Surf Coaster - Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, SeaWorld Orlando
Although Orlando’s nearest beach lies 60 miles away, you don't have to leave the city to experience the exhilarating rush of surfing. SeaWorld's latest attraction offers a unique surf coaster that allows you to ride massive waves of adrenaline. Prepare for an extraordinary adventure as you glide through the air, reaching heights of 110 feet while standing on a surfboard-shaped coaster. So, if you're looking for something a little bit different, the first of its kind, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, delivers.
Florida’s Only Flying Coaster - Manta, SeaWorld Orlando
Florida has an abundance of theme park rides, but there's only one Flying Coaster. This means you will start from a face-down position that is parallel to the track, simulating the feeling of effortlessly gliding. At the top of Manta's lift hill, you are treated to a customary stunning view of SeaWorld, but before the ride even takes off, you will have an up-close encounter with real life manta rays, ensuring a fully immersive experience.
Orlando’s Only Floorless Roller Coaster - Kraken, SeaWorld Orlando
Kraken first launched in 2000 and has remained one of the most popular attractions at SeaWorld ever since. Named after the legendary sea monster, this beast of a ride has no floor and seven inversions of all different kinds, including a spiralling camelback (an inversion that combines an upward spiral with a downward twisting dive). Once your feet finally touch the ground again, you will know you have experienced one of history's most iconic rollercoasters.
Are you ready for a SeaWorld adventure? Dive into our
SeaWorld Resort Holidays for 2024 & 2025.
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