Millions of Britons head for holidays in Florida each year for a host of reasons. Most are attracted by all year round sunshine, some by the many sights and attractions of the State; but for many it is the nail-biting thrills offered by the many roller coasters of Florida’s theme parks.
Roller coaster fans acknowledge that there are many great rides throughout the USA, but it is their sheer concentrated number in the State, especially in Orlando and Tampa, that attracts them to Florida. All are there to compare the thrills that they get from so many different ‘coasters, and no doubt to ride their favourites over and over again. According to a recent online poll of recent riders here are the top three Florida rollercoasters:
1. Incredible Hulk Coaster:
The general consensus amongst rollercoaster buffs is that the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal Islands in Kissimmee is the number one ride in Florida. The launch is spectacular accelerating the rider from 0- 45 in less than two seconds and exposing them to the same g-force that pilots experience in an F-16 fighter. Top speed is 67 mph as the cars rattle their way round hollow tracks, roaring through several inversions on a ride that lasts 135 seconds.
2. Montu:
Next up is the Montu at Busch Gardens in Tampa, which is an inverted rollercoaster themed around an Egyptian excavation. Straight from the off riders are shot into four inverted elements that include a 50-foot vertical loop half-buried in a mock excavation. This three minute ride travels over 4,000 feet at speeds reaching an amazing 65 miles per hour.
3. The Kraken:
The Kraken was a fierce, mythical sea monster that used to terrorise sailors, but at SeaWorld, Orlando it is the name of the third most popular Florida rollercoaster. This is Florida’s only floorless roller coaster, which retracts once you get onto the ride. If the 144 foot sheer drop from the start isn’t exciting enough the Kraken then loops twice underground before zooming around the monster’s lair. This ride is most definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Other Florida roller-coasters worthy an honourable mention include the Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster at Disney MGM. This indoor ‘coaster accelerates up a 45% incline reaching 60mph in three seconds before going straight into a 360° vertical loop in the dark, then rattling its way through another two inversions before coming to the end of the relatively short ride. And one of the original indoor rollercoaster rides is also at Disney; old favourite Space Mountain can be found in the Magic Kingdom and still continues to draw gasps from riders.
However, even rollercoaster buffs don’t spend all day, every day riding their favourite ‘coasters; Florida holidays have much more to offer holidaymakers. Besides a 14-day holiday just riding roller-coasters would quite possibly be very damaging to the body!
From the tranquil Keys to the excitement of the theme parks there is plenty in America’s sunshine State to keep the entire family occupied.
Disclaimer:
The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only. |
