If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of roller coasters sends shivers of excitement down your spine. As a seasoned theme park enthusiast, I’m here to guide you through the heart-racing world of the fastest roller coasters in Florida. With its myriad of theme parks boasting some intense roller coasters, the Sunshine State offers an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other.
I’m here to share the ultimate guide for thrill seekers and the thrill-curious. This guide will unveil the top 5 contenders for the title of “Florida’s Fastest Roller Coaster” and equip you with some insider tips to plan your own adrenaline-fueled adventure. Whether you’re a daring thrill-seeker or just looking to add some excitement to your vacation, these coasters are sure to leave you breathless.
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The Top Florida Speed Demons: Buckle Up for a Wild Ride
Florida’s theme parks boast a mind-boggling collection of coasters, each offering unique experiences. But for those seeking pure, unadulterated speed, here are the top 5 contenders according to what I consider to be the ultimate source for roller coaster stats, Roller Coster DataBase:
1. Iron Gwazi (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)
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.
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 (SeaWorld Orlando)
Top Speed: 73 mph
Especially thrilling for shark enthusiasts, Mako 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.
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!
3. Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Universal Islands of Adventure)
Top Speed: 70 mph
Hold onto your butts, raptor fans! This “launched 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” inversion, where you’ll experience a moment of weightlessness at the peak before plunging down an 80-degree drop. 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. Night time 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!
4. SheiKra (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)
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 (Universal Islands of Adventure)
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, 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:
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. You can always check Undercover Tourist’s crowd calendar to get an idea of busy times.
- Park Tickets and Skip-The-Line-Passes: Factor in the cost of park admission and any skip-the-line passes you might consider. These passes can be helpful during peak season or if you want to maximize your time riding coasters and minimize waiting times.
- 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. This will help you plan your day and choose rides that match your preferences.
- 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: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you can move around in easily. 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. Secure any loose belongings like hats or glasses.
- Rent a locker: If you’re carrying belongings that you don’t want to take on the rides, consider renting a locker at the park. Some parks, like those at Universal Orlando Resort, have rides that require items to be stowed in 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.
With a little preparation and the right mindset, you’re sure to have an unforgettable day filled with screams, laughter, and pure adrenaline-fueled fun. So, plan your adventure, strap in, and get ready to experience the heart-pounding speed and thrilling drops of the fastest roller coasters in Florida!
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