The 5 Biggest Roller Coasters in Florida

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Many would say Florida is the theme park capital of the world. With places like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, there are plenty of options for families and thrill-seekers a lot to find fun in the Sunshine State.

We’ve covered the fastest roller coasters in Florida, but what if you’re looking for the biggest roller coasters in Florida? Read on to see where you need to go if you’re looking to conquer the tallest roller coaster thrills on your next Florida vacation!

The Top Florida Giants: Get Ready for Dizzying Heights

Florida’s theme parks boast a mind-boggling collection of coasters, each offering unique experiences. Using the ultimate source for roller coaster stats, Roller Coster DataBase, let’s take a look at the top 5 biggest roller coasters in Florida. Just remember – bigger doesn’t always mean better, and there are many other great roller coasters in Florida that are not on this list!

1. Iron Gwazi (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

Height: 206 feet

Iron Gwazi holds the title of Florida’s biggest roller coaster as well as its fastest. It also happens to be 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. This hypercoaster is not for the faint of heart.

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. As if being one of the biggest roller coasters in Florida wasn’t enough.

2. (tie) Sheikra (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

Height: 200 feet

SheiKra is a “dive coaster” where you’ll be diving down two massive vertical drops, facing the ground at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The first hill is a staggering 200 feet tall, and it holds you right over its crest for a few moments before plummeting straight down to the ground at 90 degrees. Inversions and another vertical drop follow, along with a fun splashdown element which gives onlookers (but not riders) a chance to get soaked. Oh, and your legs dangle over the track with no floor beneath them.

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

2. (tie) Mako (SeaWorld Orlando)

Height: 200 feet

Mako is a hypercoaster created by the famous Bolliger & Maillard roller coaster designers, meaning it has lots of large drops, floating airtime, and high speeds as it navigates its smooth track. The ride provides a beautiful view of SeaWorld Orlando and even finishes with a turn on water. Named after the Mako shark, it fits in well with the sea life theme of SeaWorld while still providing the thrills that park has been installing over the last decade or so, earning its spot as one of the biggest roller coasters in Florida.

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. Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit (Universal Studios Florida)

Height: 167 feet

Many may be surprised to see this roller coaster on the list of biggest roller coasters in Florida, but Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is one of the tallest roller coasters in Florida, as well as the tallest at the Universal Orlando Resort. Though some think it’s a bit too bumpy, the impressive height of this ride cannot be denied. You climb the hill vertically too, which adds an extra level of thrills as you face the sky and climb higher and higher. The rest of the ride doesn’t feature any inversions, but does include a really fun non-inverting loop and airtime.

Fun Fact: Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit used to have many songs for you to pick and listen to during your ride, but there are now only 5. I highly recommend, “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain. Hearing, “Let’s go, girls” as you climb the vertical lift is a religious experience. I don’t recommend “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance, as you will disappointingly only hear the slow portion of this song during the ride.

4. VelociCoaster (Universal Islands of Adventure)

Height: 155 feet

It’s one of the best roller coasters in the world and one of the biggest roller coasters in Florida. What’s fun about VelociCoaster (aside from the entire ride, of course) is that its tallest point occurs halfway through it, as you’re launched a second time up and over this ride’s 155 foot top hat. Then it’s back down to earth for more inversions, airtime, and fun. This is a must-do for any roller coaster fan or thrill-seeker.

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!

Pro Tips for Conquering the Biggest Roller Coasters in Florida

Now that you’re familiar with the biggest 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.

If you’re looking to have the best vacation, work with me as a travel advisor! With the help of my host agency, Wishdrawals Travel, I can help you enjoy your next trip and make it one to remember. Whether you’re a family planning the ultimate friends trip, an LGBT couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a solo explorer ready to conquer the world, I’m here to craft the perfect itinerary just for you.

Planning Your Visit

• Arrive early: This is especially important during peak season or on weekends. Beating the crowds allows you to experience the biggest roller coasters in Florida 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 the biggest roller coasters in Florida and minimize waiting times. Check with your travel agent for the best options!
• 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. You don’t want to promise someone a chance to ride one of the biggest roller coasters in Florida and then have them be too short to ride.
• 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. Worried about getting motion sick? Try some non-drowsy Dramamine or SeaBands just be extra safe!

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 in lockers or in zipper pockets.
• Rent a locker: If you’re carrying belongings that you don’t want to take on the biggest roller coasters in Florida, 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). There are usually different sized lockers in case you have a travel backpack with you in the park.
• Take breaks: Don’t try to conquer all the roller coasters in one day if it’s too much. Take breaks in between riding the biggest roller coasters in Florida to avoid feeling overwhelmed or nauseous.

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.

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 biggest roller coasters in Florida!
• Capture the moment: Don’t forget to capture the moment with on-ride photos or videos to relive the excitement later on. It’s fun to brag to your friends and family about riding one of the biggest roller coasters in Florida, but imagine being able to show them!

The Biggest Roller Coasters In Florida Await!

Think you have what it takes to conquer the biggest roller coasters in Florida? Hopefully this guide let you know where you need to visit and how to prepare to take on these massive roller coasters. As I said before, remember that if height isn’t for you, there are many other roller coasters in Florida that while not as tall can be just as thrilling!

Which of these is your favorite giant roller coaster to ride in Florida?