The 5 Biggest Roller Coasters in Orlando You Have to Ride

Kraken going through its vertical loop with Mako seen going through its hammerhead turn through it at SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando is home to some of the biggest thrills on the planet, including roller coasters. The biggest roller coasters in Orlando are found across multiple parks and each has their own style, thrill level, and following. As a theme park enthusiast with over 25 years visiting, researching, and working in theme parks, I want to take you through the five biggest roller coasters in Orlando, and help you plan unforgettable trips to experience them all!

The Biggest Roller Coasters in Orlando: Quick Overview

Roller CoasterParkHeightSpeedMax InversionsOpening Year
MakoSeaWorld Orlando200 feet73 mph02016
Hollywood Rip Ride RockitUniversal Studios Florida167 feet65 mph02009
VelociCoasterUniversal Islands of Adventure155 feet70 mph42021
KrakenSeaWorld Orlando149 feet65 mph72000
MantaSeaWorld Orlando140 feet56 mph42009
Stardust Racers (Hon. Mention)Universal Epic Universe133 feet62 mph12025

The Biggest Roller Coasters in Orlando – Details and Personal Reviews

1. Mako – SeaWorld Orlando – 200 feet tall

      In addition to being one of the biggest roller coasters in Orlando, it’s also one of the tallest coasters in Florida! Known for its huge drops, fast speeds, and airtime, Mako is my favorite hyper coaster made by Swiss designers Bolliger & Maillard (B&M). There truly isn’t a bad seat on this ride, and it’s hard for me to even say what my favorite is.

      2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Universal Studios Florida – 167 feet tall

      Though it’s closing in September 2025, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is currently the tallest roller coaster at the Universal Orlando Resort. Allowing users to pick their own music to jam to during the ride, this roller coaster features a vertical lift, a large non-inverting loop, and plenty of drops and turns. 

      3. VelociCoaster – Universal Islands of Adventure – 155 feet tall

      One of my favorite roller coasters ever, VelociCoaster has it all – big drops, high speeds over two launches, multiple inversions, lots of airtime, and great theming. Similar to its older sibling at Islands of Adventure, The Incredible Hulk, its an intense ride that draws in people from all over the world, so consider getting Express Pass to shorten wait times!

      4. Kraken – SeaWorld Orlando – 149 feet tall

      The first major roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, Kraken is still one of the biggest coasters in Orlando. A floorless coaster where your legs dangle over the track, this classic coaster flips you upside down more than any other ride on this list: seven times!

      5. Manta – SeaWorld Orlando – 140 feet tall

      Fly over the park and pools with stingrays on Manta. Lying face down on a roller coaster is a fun experience, with an intense pretzel loop and graceful turns making you feel like you’re flying through the air. Thrilling, and one of the tallest coasters in Orlando, but not as intense as others on this list.

      Honorable Mention: Stardust Racers – Universal Epic Universe – 133 feet tall

      Opening in 2025 with Universal Epic Universe, Stardust Racers has all the qualities of a great, thrilling coaster – height, speed, and airtime. The dueling aspect adds a unique thrill, as you’ll flip upside down and around each other numerous times on this multi-launch coaster.

      Tips for Riding the Biggest Coasters in Orlando

      • Arrive Early: Hit top rides like VelociCoaster and Mako right at opening.
      • Use Express Passes or Quick Queue: Shortening wait times is going to be important, as these are some of the most popular rides at their respective parks. Consider staying at a Universal hotel that includes Express Passes, especiallly if you’re traveling with a large group – it could actually save you some time and money!
      • Ride During Off-Peak Times: Avoid busy times whenever possible, like holidays or weekends.
      • Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Florida can get really hot, so make sure to not push yourself too hard trying to ride the tallest coasters in Orlando. They’re fun, but not worth your health.
      • Have fun!

      Don’t Miss Out – Book Your Dream Trip to Orlando With Me!

      With over 25 years around the theme park industry, I’ve visited a lot of theme parks and ridden over 200 roller coasters, so I know a thing or two about how to tackle big rides without feeling too worn out and stressed.

      Using my experience and expertise, I’ll help you create a trip that’s perfect for you:

      • Focus On Your Priorities: You can be interested in trying to ride the biggest roller coasters in Orlando, or you can be interested in just watching. Whichever it is, I’ll make sure to prioritize your must-dos.
      • Tailored Trip Planning: I’ll help you build a custom itinerary to make sure you get to do everything you want prioritized. We’ll even talk things like transportation options, hotel preferences, and what kind of rides you want to ride. If you’re unsure of a ride’s intensity, I can help you figure out if a ride is a good fit for you or point you towards milder options as well!
      • Size and Preference Doesn’t Matter: I can help you have a great trip, whether you’re traveling with a large group or family, traveling alone as a solo traveler, or traveling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community (of which I’m a proud member). I believe everyone should be able to experience theme parks with the same joy I do, and I’ll help you plan your trip to do so.
      • Stress-Free Booking: A client was recently surprised by how much I’m able to do for them. Yes, I can actually book most of your trip for you with your credit card! This can include things like park tickets, hotel reservations, dining reservations, Express Passes, VIP tours, photo packages, and transportation to/from the airport.
      • Ensure You’re Getting the Best Deal: If a new deal comes out from the park that’s going to bring the cost of your trip down, I’ll apply it to your trip to save you money! Then if you’re interested, we can look and see where those savings can be applied (a nicer hotel or skip-the-line add-ons, for example).

      Let’s get you out there to experience the biggest roller coasters in Florida and the amazing parks they call home. Request a free quote from me today to take the first step towards your stress-free, unforgettable adventure!

      Christian McIlwain

      Christian has loved theme parks since he was a child and grew up visiting Kennywood Park throughout his childhood. He has over 25 years of experience researching and working in the theme park industry, including his current role as a travel agent and advisor. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA, where he frequently visits Six Flags Over Georgia and Orlando-area theme parks.

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