6. Mako
SeaWorld Orlando has experienced some controversy in recent years. Maybe you’ve heard. In order to move past all the negative headlines, the park has prioritized roller coasters in recent years. Mako is the most recent one, debuting in 2016. It instantly became the fastest coaster in Orlando, with a top speed of 73 miles per hour. It’s also the tallest and longest coaster in the area, at 200-feet tall and 4,760 feet of track.
The Mako is considered one of the apex predators of the ocean, a dreaded shark that’s also the fastest of its species. The ride shows deference to this behavior, emphasizing sustained velocity from start to finish. As far as adrenaline junkie attractions go, it’s probably the best one in Florida today.
My only criticism is that it’s just not special or distinguished in any way. People who want a pure thrill will have a great time on Mako. I’m just not sure they’ll remember much about it afterward. The top five entries on this list are all unforgettable ride experiences. Mako is more about the numbers than a cohesive themed attraction.
5. Kumba
Almost 4,000 square feet of track. A top speed of 60 miles per hour. Three full minutes of ride time. 3.8 Gs of force. Seven inversions. A 114-foot vertical loop. More than a quarter century of status as a landmark achievement in roller coaster design. All of these statements are true of Kumba, the best and most enduring roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
When built in 1992, this attraction held every major record possible in Florida. It was the tallest, fastest, longest coaster in the state. It also held a world record for the world’s tallest vertical loop for several years. Busch Gardens swung for the fences with Kumba, and they connected. It’s a grand slam of coaster design, one whose impact has fundamentally changed the industry. Ride elements like dive loops and corkscrews are standard today, but their origin dates back to Kumba. Only one other roller coaster listed here is as iconic as Kumba, and that’s why it holds such a lofty ranking. This attraction has earned its revered status due to its inventiveness and timelessness.
4. Space Mountain
Quick! Name the slowest coaster on this list! Yes, diehard fans know the secret of Space Mountain. It has a maximum velocity of less than 35 miles per hour. In fact, Disney ordinarily runs the machines at 28 miles per hour. Just think about that for a moment. When you’re annoyed in city traffic that you have no choice but to drive at the speed limit of 35 miles per hour, you’re going faster than Space Mountain!
Why does this iconic attraction feel so much faster? Disney uses the sensory deprivation of darkness to separate riders from their bodies for a time. In the empty void of space, you have no idea where you are or how fast you’re going. Space Mountain simulates that sensation in sublime fashion, which is why it has stood the test of time as arguably the greatest roller coaster design ever. And as Disney fans know, it was also one of the final projects Walt Disney discussed, even though it didn’t open until roughly a decade after his death.
Comments
Wow. I have never disagreed with a list on this site more than this one.
How can you even have Test Track on this list? It is not by any definition a roller coaster. It's not even in the roller coaster database. Then you arbitrarily discount rides with "velocity limitations" but then you include space mountain which actually has a slower top speed than the two examples you listed as being excluded. Then the most egregious error. Leaving the Hulk and Montu off of the list? Wow just wow. They are two of the best rides in Florida let alone coasters. And they are oftentimes ranked decently high in several "best of" coasters in the country. That's nothing to say about leaving off dragon challenge, Cheetah Run, or Manta off the list You state you crossed the Hulk off of the list because it didn't qualify due to lack of themeing but you include the Kumba which has absolutely zero themeing and is on my personal list for worst coaster in Florida because it rides about as smooth as chunky peanut butter. The thrill of Kumba may last for a couple minutes but the headache it gives you will stay with you for the rest of the day.
My personal Top 10 FL Coasters (I have not been on Mako yet)
1. Montu
2. Dragon Challenge
3. The Hulk
4. Kraken
5. Thunder Mountain
6. Rockin' Roller Coaster
7. Space Mountain
8. Expedition Everest
9. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
10. Manta
But I get it. It's your article and your list and you absolutely love Test Track, I do too! (even though it is not a roller coaster) and I love your other articles and this website so we'll just have to agree to disagree :)