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Top Orlando Thrill Rides to Make You Rethink Breakfast

by Tad on April 14, 2016 1 Orlando   Video

Sometimes it can seem overwhelming trying to figure out everything you want to do and see when you had to the parks, but this isn't a bad problem to have. We think you should plan on trying everything at least once—you're bound to have fun ;) Luckily, Orlando's theme parks offer a variety of rides and attractions. If thrills are at the top of your list (like they are on mine), have no fear—this post has you covered!

For you adventure seekers, we've put together this list of our top Orlando thrill rides (not in any particular order). Yes, roller coasters are definitely a large portion of the thrill-ride category, but I've also pointed out some attractions that could give you the punch you're looking for — without the high speeds, twists and turns, and stomach-churning drops.

Our Top Orlando Thrill Rides

Orlando Thrill Rides - Kraken

1. Kraken® (SeaWorld® Orlando)

This roller coaster is floorless, fast and tall! With high speeds of 65 mph and a whomping height of 15-stories, you're guaranteed to be left breathless after experiencing Kraken®. Experience a little thrill with our video. The ride has a minimum height requirement of 54 inches. 

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror via Disney Parks Blog

2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Disney's Hollywood Studios®)

You'll experience haunts, drops and surprises on this thrill-packed ride. The story includes the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel with you getting sucked into the Twilight Zone on an old maintenance elevator that drops at complete random! It's definitely an energy booster; going at night is even more of a thrill because of the views! Check out our video of the ride. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.

Top Orlando Thrill Rides - Sheikra

3. SheiKra (Busch Gardens Tampa)

This coaster climbs you up 200 feet then drops you at 90 degrees. Did we mention it's floorless? SheiKra reaches speeds up to 70 mph with an underground tunnel and even adds water into the mix with a splash at the end. Watch the thrills for yourself! This roller coaster has a minimum height requirement of 54 inches.

Orlando Thrill Rides - Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

4. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Universal Studios)

An adventure like no other is what you'll experience on this ride! You'll venture inside the goblin-run bank to witness the iconic scene of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Griphook breaking into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault for the Hufflepuff Cup Horcrux. The ride incorporates 3-D effects and motion simulation, so you truly experience the magic and thrill. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ has a minimum height requirement of 42 inches. 

Top Orlando Thrill Rides - The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

5. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (Islands of Adventure)

Much like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™, this ride uses elements of 3-D and a motion simulator to create a realistic experience. You'll fly with Spider-Man, drop 400-feet (a sensory drop) and battle villains that threaten you with fireballs and floods. Check out the video. This motion simulator ride has a minimum height requirement of 42 inches. 

Top Orlando Thrill Rides - Splash Mountain

6. Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom® Park)

With a five-story plunge, Splash Mountain is not only a Disney classic, but offers up some moderate thrills, as well! The log-flume ride takes guests up 5-stories only to plunge them back down a steep hill. The rest of the ride is pretty easygoing, gentle and heartwarming, as you watch critters of Chick-a-pin Hill sing and celebrate. Sing along with our video. The minimum height requirement is 40 inches.

Orlando Thrill Rides - Test Track

7. Test Track® Presented by Chevrolet (Epcot®)

This is a perfect ride for those who have the need-for-speed without the classic stomach-churning drops roller coasters offer.  You get to design your own virtual custom-concept car, then take it on a test drive! The whole family usually loves this one because it goes fast, but doesn't have crazy loops or drops. Plus, it's a pretty cool concept. Experience the ride with this video! You have to be at least 40 inches tall to experience Test Track!

Top Orlando Thrill Rides - Doctor Doom's Fearfall

8. Doctor Doom's Fearfall (Islands of Adventure)

If you want to experience weightlessness, Doctor Doom's Fearfall is the ride for you! The 200-foot tall tower shoots you up into the air, giving you some awesome views of Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure and surrounding areas. See for yourself! The minimum height requirement is 52 inches.

Top Orlando Thrill Rides - Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

9. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey  (Islands of Adventure)

You're on a robotic arm that moves freely on a track through darkness with your favorite wizards - does that not sound thrilling enough?! Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you on a flying adventure through the Forbidden Forest, the quidditch pit and other iconic areas of Hogwarts' grounds. It's easily one of the best thrill rides at Universal Orlando! You must be at least 48 inches tall to fly.

Orlando Thrill Rides - Space Mountain

10. Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom® Park)

Another Disney classic, Space Mountain offers plenty of moderate thrills. The roller coaster consists of traveling through deep space with spectacular visual and audio effects! It's a pretty tame roller coaster compared to others, but the complete darkness element adds that thrill punch. Even Lily loves it! Take your own space adventure with our video. The minimum height requirement of Space Mountain is 44 inches.

11. Revenge of the Mummy® (Universal Studios)

This is one of my absolute favorites! It's an indoor roller coaster that has a thrilling plot line from "The Mummy" that includes venturing straight inside the Mummy's tomb and facing his curse. The ride incorporates high speeds, complete darkness and even a room with the ceiling on fire! If you're prone to motion-sickness, this one might make you a bit queasy. It also has minimum height requirement of 48 inches.

12. Dragon Challenge (Islands of Adventure)

You choose your dragon on this roller coaster - will it be the Hungarian Horntail or the Chinese Fireball? It's made up of two roller coasters and both are equipped with plenty of drops, loops and twists. Whichever side you choose, you have some close encounters with the other "dragon", adding even more thrill to this  adventurous ride. Ride it twice to experience both roller coasters. You have to be at least 54 inches tall to ride Dragon Challenge.

13. Expedition Everest® (Disney's Animal Kingdom®)

On this Disney roller coaster, you travel through Mount Everest, face the Yeti and zoom backwards. Your train also encounters a broken track that leads to completely falling off the mountain. Of course, you zoom backwards at that time instead of falling off, but it's still thrilling to say the least! Check out the video. The minimum height requirement is 44 inches.

14. Manta (SeaWorld® Orlando)

This thrill ride has you lying face-down and parallel to the track! Manta reaches top speeds of 56 mph and has a 98-foot-tall pretzel loop. You really feel as if you are flying through the sea on this unique roller coaster! Watch the video. To experience Manta, you must be at least 54 inches tall.

Top Orlando Thrill Rides - Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

15. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios)

Last, but certainly not least, is the towering Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit! Reaching high speeds of 65 mph, this steel roller coaster also allows you to make your own music video while riding. You choose a song at the beginning of the ride to play while a camera records you during the ride. It's always fun to watch the music video afterwards, plus having your favorite song play while experiencing the roller coaster is pretty thrilling! The roller coaster has a minimum height requirement of 51 inches.

I hope this list of the top Orlando thrill rides has helped you out  — or at least got you fired up to visit! Let us know your favorite Orlando thrill rides and what you like most about them in comments below. If you're planning a trip to Orlando, don't forget to check out our Planning Guide and Touring Plans for the parks!

Related: Top Orlando Thrill Rides for the Little Ones

Stay cool! 

Keep hopping, Tad!
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Apr 16, 2016 at 3:16 p.m. Elsa Stephesns Says...

I've been on all of these thrill rides except Escape from Gringotts, which I hope to experience this summer. I loved them all.

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