The 5 Fastest Roller Coasters In Florida – From Zero to Zoom

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Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the fastest roller coaster in Florida. Other roller coasters, like Mako at SeaWorld Orlando and VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure, also make the list, proving that there’s a diverse range of roller coasters in the state.

There’s a lot that goes into planning and researching for a vacation, so don’t waste your own time figuring out where you need to go to ride the fastest roller coasters in Florida!

As someone with over 25 years of experience researching, visiting, and working in theme parks, I know a thing or two about finding the fastest roller coasters.

I’m even an Annual Passholder for Universal Orlando Resort, meaning I get to ride some of these rides fairly frequently.

Let’s save you time figuring out where you need to go with this guide. I’ll even give you pro tips on what to expect from each of these thrill rides and how you can conquer them with less stress.

Fastest Roller Coasters in Florida Ranked by Top Speed

Florida’s Fastest Roller Coasters – Speed and Intensity Chart

Roller Coaster	Park	Top Speed	Intensity (1-5)	My Ranking
Iron Gwazi	Busch Gardens Tampa Bay	76 mph	5	Not ridden yet 😭
Mako	SeaWorld Orlando	73 mph	5	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jurassic World VelociCoaster	Universal Islands of Adventure	70 mph	5	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ShieKra	Busch Gardens Tampa Bay	70 mph	5	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Incredible Hulk	Universal Islands of Adventure	67 mph	5	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

1. Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – The Fastest Roller Coaster in Florida

Top Speed: 76 mph

Iron Gwazi holds the title of Florida’s fastest roller coaster as well as the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster.

It combines the classic, wooden structure of a traditional wooden coaster with the smooth, steel track of a modern one, offering a unique blend of thrills.

Brace yourself for 12 airtime hills, a 206-foot drop that towers over Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and inversions that will leave you wanting more. 

It’s already been extremely popular, winning Best New Roller Coaster 2022 and a top spot in Florida roller coaster rankings.

Heads Up: Iron Gwazi is known for its intense drops and airtime. One element of note – the “death roll”, which twists riders upside-down while heading down a drop. Yeah, really.

2. Mako at SeaWorld Orlando – The Fastest Roller Coaster in Orlando

Top Speed: 73 mph

Especially thrilling for shark enthusiasts, Mako at SeaWorld Orlando takes you on a thrilling journey mimicking the swift movements of its namesake, the Mako shark.

This “hypercoaster” (a roller coaster with a height or drop of 200-299 feet) is known for its smooth ride, even at its impressive height and speed.

You’ll experience exhilarating drops, inversions, and a feeling of weightlessness that will leave you breathless. However, it does not have any inversions or turn you upside-down.

In addition to being the tallest coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, Mako is also currently the fastest roller coaster in Orlando!

Personal Story: Mako is currently my favorite B&M hypercoaster. It’s so good, I can’t pick a favorite seat – they’re all exceptional. It’s a must-try for any coaster enthusiast, but be prepared for some serious airtime (floating out of your seat)!

3 (tie). Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure – The Fastest Ride at Universal Orlando Resort

Top Speed: 70 mph

Hold onto your butts, raptor fans!  This multi-launch coaster at Universal Islands of Adventure catapults you through two launches up to 70 mph in mere seconds, replicating the ferocious speed of the park’s namesake predators.

The ride features an impressive 155-foot “top hat”, where you’ll experience a moment of weightlessness at the peak before plunging down an 80-degree drop. It also flips riders upside-down a total of 3 times.

Not only is this one of Florida’s fastest roller coasters, it’s also the fastest roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort.

Pro Tip: This is currently my #1 or #2 favorite roller coaster in the world. With its great theming, intense G-forces, and weightlessness, it’s a roller coaster you won’t want to miss. Nighttime rides are especially exhilarating, so try to grab a ride during the day and at night if you can. Pay attention to the lighting changes both on the ride and throughout the queue!

3 (tie). SheiKra at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – A Dive Coaster With Inversions

Top Speed: 70 mph

SheiKra is a “dive coaster” where you’ll be diving down two massive vertical drops, facing the ground at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

This coaster features a heart-stopping 90-degree drop into a tunnel, followed by a series of loops and inversions.

Oh, and right as you crest that first vertical drop? You come to a stop and are held, looking down at the ground before dropping.

Fun Fact: The name “SheiKra” is derived from the name of an Asian-African hawk that dives down vertically to snatch its prey.

5. Incredible Hulk at Universal Islands of Adventure – An Iconic Launched Roller Coaster

Top Speed: 67 mph

Do not be afraid – embrace the Hulk.

This iconic Universal Orlando Resort coaster packs a serious punch with its seven inversions (the most in Florida), including a launch into a zero-gravity roll, a cobra roll, and two corkscrews.

Bystanders at Universal Islands of Adventure get quite a view too, as you hear the yell of the Incredible Hulk itself as the train is launched out of its tunnel.

Pro Tip: If you don’t mind riding with strangers, check out the single rider line on this one. There’s a good chance you’ll have a shorter wait, but just remember – you will be split up from your party to fill a row on the coaster.

Pro Tips for Conquering Florida’s Fastest Coasters

Now that you’re familiar with the fastest roller coasters in Florida, here are some essential tips to plan your thrilling adventure. Remember – these are often the biggest, fastest rides in the park, so use these tips to plan accordingly.

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Planning Your Visit

• Arrive early: This is especially important during peak season or on weekends. Beating the crowds allows you to experience the rides with shorter wait times.
• Avoid peak times: To minimize wait times, try to visit Florida theme parks during off-peak times of the year, such as after February or the beginning of May.
• Park Tickets and Skip-The-Line-Passes: These passes can be helpful during peak season or if you want to maximize your time riding coasters and minimize waiting times. Check out my guide to Express Passes at Universal Orlando Resort and where you can stay to get them for FREE!
• Do Your Research: Before your visit, take some time to research each coaster you’re interested in. Watch ride videos, read roller coaster reviews, and check out theme park maps to familiarize yourself with the layout and intensity level.
• Height Requirements: Each coaster has a minimum height requirement, so make sure you and your companions meet the specific height restrictions before getting in line.
• Thrill Level: Be honest with yourself about your comfort level. While these coasters are all thrilling, each one offers a different experience than the others. Consider your tolerance for drops, inversions, and speed before choosing your rides.

Preparing for the Ride

• Stay hydrated: Florida’s heat and humidity can be intense, so stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your roller coaster rides.
• Dress comfortably and securely: Avoid loose clothing or items that could fall off during the ride. Also, be mindful of dresses and skirts on these fast roller coasters – they’re likely to blow around.
• Rent a locker: If you’re carrying belongings, consider renting a locker at the park. Some parks, like those at Universal Orlando Resort, have rides that require items to be stowed in free lockers (both Universal coasters on this list do).
• Take breaks: Don’t try to conquer all the coasters in one day if it’s too much. Take breaks in between riding thrill rides in Florida to avoid feeling overwhelmed or nauseous.

During the Ride

• Follow safety guidelines: Listen to the instructions of ride operators and adhere to all safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Embrace the thrill – and have fun!: Let go of any fears or apprehensions and embrace the adrenaline rush of the ride, let loose, and enjoy the speed!
• Capture the moment: Don’t forget to capture the moment with on-ride photos or videos to relive the excitement later on.

The Fastest Roller Coasters In Florida Await!

Florida’s theme parks are a haven for thrill seekers, offering a diverse collection of roller coasters that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a first-time rider, the top contenders on this list are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.

If you’re looking for some essential items to pack for Disney World, Universal, theme parks, or travel in general, check out my blog post where I list some of my personal essentials! These items can definitely help make your vacation easier.

Ready to experience the fastest roller coasters in Florida? Reach out to me for personalized travel planning and to learn how to include the fastest roller coasters in Florida in your itinerary!