There are many brilliant roller-coasters in Orlando, but which ones are worth queuing for? The following are my top favourites.
Kumba at Busch Gardens
On the edge of Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens offers a wide variety of exciting thrill rides combined with an open spaced zoo. Situated in the region of Conga at Busch Gardens, is the brilliant roller-coaster of Kumba.
Before you even enter the Congo area you can see the unmistakable giant turquoise structure of kumba towering high over the whole area.
First of all, Kumba is one of the largest roller -coasters in the south-east of the United States and after reaching speeds of 60mph, it is also one of the fastest. Kumba features three unique features, a 110ft diving loop, a 108ft vertical loop and a 360-degreee spiral that includes a feeling of weightlessness for three seconds. As well as this there is an initial drop of 135ft. Overall, a great, exciting and unusual roller-coaster that is well worth a ride on.
Dueling Dragons at Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is the newest park in the Orlando area and is the ultimate thrill-seeking park. It features three water rides and two giant roller-coasters. One of these coasters is Duelling dragons, which is two roller-coasters rolled in to one.
As you arrive at the boarding platform you choose which track you want to take, Fire or Ice. Both are suspended coasters and both tracks differ slightly. Whichever path you take the ride is fantastic and unlike no other. The coasters include a 100ft initial drop, multiple loops, twists and three near-miss encounters. On one occasion the two coasters are heading straight for each other at nearly 60mph before looping away from each other.
Overall both Fire and Ice on their own would be great roller-coasters but combine them together you have something really special. To fully experience the near misses queue for the front row. The wait is really worth it. An amazing coaster and one you must go on, if you dare.
Montu at Busch Gardens
Our second roller-coaster from Busch Gardens is another gem. Montu is one of the tallest and longest inverted coasters in the world, covering nearly 4,000ft of track, speeds exceeding 60mph and reaching a G-force of 3.85. Like Kumba, it looks terrifying, but is a fantastic ride with seven inversions, a huge drop of 128 feet and is three minutes of exhilarating fun.
In general, a terrifying coaster that should be visited at all costs.
The Incredible Hulk coaster at Islands of Adventure.
Roller-coasters just don’t come any more dramatic than this remarkable giant green coaster. What makes this coaster so unusual is its beginning. Hidden in a dark tunnel the coaster gradually moves its way up the track before suddenly bursting into speed reaching 40mph in just 2 seconds. After exiting the tunnel you do your first inversion, over 100ft in the air. After this there are another 6 inversions as you soar over the lagoon at speeds reaching 67mph.
Overall, an incredible coaster, which like duelling dragons is highly unusual and is for sure worth riding. Just make sure you get there early, as the Hulk is extremely popular and queues can exceed 2 hours at some points.
Kraken at Seaworld.
Seaworld Adventure park is renowned for its many lagoons and water life and of course the world famous Shamu. However there is more to this park and Kraken is an example of this. Built in the year 2000 Kraken is the highest, longest and fastest coaster in central Florida. It plunges guests an initial 144ft drop over the lagoon before diving into seven inversions, including a 119ft vertical loop, a 101ft diving loop, a zero-gravity roll and many more before riders escape. It also goes underground three times all at speeds of 65mph.
From the ground this coaster looks daunting and fearful and the ride does not disappoint. This is why Kraken is my number one roller-coaster in the Orlando area.