Universal Orlando boasts some of the most unique and technologically sophisticated coasters in the world. These aren’t just about high speeds; they also feature immersive theming that transports you into another world. Today, we’re zooming in on what rollercoasters do best – speed! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of zipping around the track, the wind whipping through your hair, heart racing, all leading up to that hilarious ride photo at the end.

We’ll take you through all seven coasters between Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Buckle up, and let’s go!

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Speed: 25 mph

The seventh fastest coaster in the parks is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Clocking at a top speed of 25mph, do not let this number fool you. Located in Universal Studios Florida’s Diagon Alley and a fan-favorite ride in The Wizarding World, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a unique indoor steel rollercoaster that follows Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger (also known as The Golden Trio) on a thrilling break out from Gringotts Bank.

Hot on their heels are Voldemort and his evil cohort, Bellatrix Lestrange. Along the way, you’ll also see some familiar faces, such as Bill Weasley. And let’s not forget the Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon perched atop the bank itself. It’s there for a reason! It might not be the fastest ride on the list, but Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts will take you on an unrivaled adventure that you won’t soon forget. 

Flight of the Hippogriff

Speed: 29 mph

Coming in at number six is the beloved family roller coaster Flight of the Hippogriff, located in Islands of Adventure. With a top speed of 29 mph, this coaster is ideal for younger guests or those new to thrill rides. It offers a fun experience on its own and a gentle introduction to more daring coasters.

Set just on the edge of the Forbidden Forest near Hagrid’s Hut, you’ll get to meet a majestic, golden-eyed Hippogriff, a creature that is half horse, half eagle. When you start on your ride, remember to make eye contact with the lovely animal and also be sure to bow to them as a sign of respect. The coaster itself features a gentle hill and some fantastic views of the snow-capped Hogsmeade Village, as well as the magical Hogwarts Castle itself. 

Revenge of the Mummy

Speed: 40 mph

Coaster number five takes us away from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (for now) and to a cursed movie set. The dark ride Revenge of the Mummy, located in Universal Studios Florida, transports you behind the scenes of the fictional sequel to Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy.

This indoor, dark roller coaster seems innocent enough as you meander through the Museum of Antiquities queue, but once you board the ride and get through the Pharaoh’s Room (eagle-eyed viewers will spot a King Kong reference here), you’ll know that this coaster is not for the faint of heart. As they say, “The curse, it’s real!” and Imhotep has no intentions of letting you out alive. Revenge of the Mummy is incredibly dynamic, featuring stops, literal turnarounds, smoke effects, accelerations, drops, and even Brendan Fraser at the end wishing he’d gotten a cup of coffee. Few rides boast such a unique mix of elements!

With top speeds reaching 40 mph, this dark coaster is one you’ll want to ride again and again. But make sure you have your Medjai symbol close by…just in case. [ghostly swoosh!]

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Speed: 50 mph

Now get a Portkey, or a handful of floo powder because it’s back to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter we go! Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is number four on our list and The Wizarding World’s newest contribution to the coaster realm.

Located in Islands of Adventure, this coaster is equal parts ride, story-telling, and choose-your-own-adventure all at once. The queue takes you through the ruins on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where Hagrid will invite you to take part in a Magical Creatures class. Before you get to your lesson, you’ll meet some beloved characters: Mr. Weasley, Hagrid, and his sweet dog, Fang. When you reach the ride cars, you’ll choose your adventure. You can either ride the motorbike itself or take the sidecar, and each option offers a unique and thrilling experience.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure takes you through seven launches, topping out at 50 mph! It also has the distinction of being one of the longest coasters in Florida at 5,053 feet in length.

But what’s a ride with Hagrid without some magical encounters? Get ready to meet blast-ended skrewts, mischievous Cornish pixies, everyone’s favorite three-headed dog, Fluffy (shouldn’t have told ya that!), and a majestic centaur, among other surprises. And true to Hagrid’s style, expect a few mishaps along the way – there’s never a dull moment when you’re in his company!

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Speed: 65 mph

Rockin’ in at number three on our list is none other than Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit! The first coaster to greet you as you walk into Universal Studios Florida is unlike any other. You have the chance to pick your own song to jam out to as you race along the track, adding a personalized touch to an exhilarating ride. Some of the artists you can choose from are ABBA, Kendrick Lamar, and My Chemical Romance. (Don’t forget to look up the secret playlist too!) 

Once you get over the impressive 167-foot top hat, you’ll zoom around through the New York section of Universal Studios at speeds reaching 65 mph! Rip Ride Rockit features plenty of twists and turns, but fun fact – it never goes completely upside down. For an extra dose of excitement, hop on when the sun goes down. You’ll be treated to a spectacular light show to go with your music as you ride! Hasta! 

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Speed: 67 mph

Get ready to hulk out with the second fastest coaster on the list – The Incredible Hulk Coaster. One of the most recognizable structures in the Universal Orlando Resort skyline, this imposing attraction will certainly be a highlight for any rollercoaster fan! From the tunnel launch to the zero g’s of this ride, it’s certainly one of the most thrilling rides in the parks.

Refurbished in 2016, the Hulk is better than ever. After getting blasted with gamma rays in the launch tunnel, you’ll roar up and out and hit speeds of 67 mph! The Hulk will take you on no less than seven inversions, a zero-gravity roll, and two subterranean trenches. As you speed around the course, a fantastic soundtrack composed by Fall Out Boy’s lead singer, Patrick Stump, will be blasting through the in-seat speakers, enhancing the adventure.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster 

Speed: 70 mph

Last but not least, we have the newest and the fastest coaster at Universal Orlando – Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Before you join Claire Dearing and Owen Grady, you’ll come face-to-face with two raptors, Delta and Echo, in the raptor stable. As you progress through the queue, Claire provides a safety briefing while Owen issues a warning – he’s a bit apprehensive about this training run! When you reach the platform, you’ll see why: Blue and Delta are on your left, and Charlie and Echo are on your right. You’re about to race all four raptors on the fastest coaster at Universal Orlando.

After strapping in, you’ll accelerate to 70 mph in 2.4 seconds, zooming through twists and turns as you chase velociraptors through the rock formations and lush foliage of the park. You’ll experience a second burst of speed that propels you up a 155-foot top hat, followed by a spine-tingling 80-degree drop. The 4,700-foot track will take you through four inversions, a wave turn, and a breathtaking barrel roll over the lagoon. With stunning views from the top hat and superb theming, this coaster is a must-ride both during the daytime and at night.

If you’re a coaster fan, you really can’t get any better than Universal Orlando Resort’s offerings. Besides being some of the most exhilarating rides around, the detailed theming and engaging stories ensure that you won’t just have ridden a rollercoaster; you will have had a truly thrilling adventure! The only question is – which one will you ride first? 

Discuss it all with 170,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook and snag your discounted theme park admission here. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, creators of coasters like SheiKra and Kumba, Phoenix Rising offers an exciting, family-friendly adventure. Embark on a mythical journey aboard the legendary Phoenix, soaring above the Pantopia section of the park. Experience the exhilaration of gliding at speeds up to 44 miles per hour along 1,831 feet of twisting track, with the highest point reaching 80 feet above the ground.

Phoenix Rising isn’t just about speed and height – it also places an emphasis on an immersive experience from the moment you enter the queue. As you make your way to the ride, you’ll encounter one of four unique phoenixes, setting the stage for what’s to come. Each train, accommodating 20 passengers in 10 rows, is equipped with onboard audio to enrich your journey. Original audio, distinct to each phoenix, syncs with your twists and turns, elevating the adventure and making every moment on Phoenix Rising truly unforgettable.

Check out this on-board POV of Phoenix Rising, paired with a look at some of the show scenes within the loading station:

Before you strap in for a ride on the new Phoenix Rising coaster this spring, there are a few key details to keep in mind. Riders must meet the height requirement, with a minimum of 42 inches and a maximum of 77 inches. Additionally, you can enjoy this exciting experience at a reduced cost thanks to discounted admission available through Orlando Informer. Prepare for an unforgettable ride without breaking the bank! 

Prepare to take flight later this spring on Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Phoenix Rising!

Discuss this latest addition with others on our SeaWorld Community on Facebook, and purchase discounted tickets here. Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Overview

With the recent announcement of Pipeline: The Surf Coaster opening on May 27, we wanted to share our ranking of SeaWorld Orlando’s current coaster lineup in anticipation of the new ride’s opening. Experience these iconic coasters yourself by purchasing discounted SeaWorld Orlando tickets here.

Jump to

• Ice Breaker
• Kraken
• Mako
• Manta
• Pipeline: The Surf Coaster

SeaWorld Orlando is known as a family-friendly amusement park that strives to entertain and create conservation awareness among its guests. While this is true, SeaWorld is also home to some of the industry’s award-winning, record-setting, and thrilling roller coasters –one of which is even this writer’s favorite in the state. Over the years, they’ve embraced the prospects of providing more thrills to their guests with four fantastic coasters currently on their ride roster and more soon to come with Pipeline: The Surf Coaster’s opening on May 27!

SeaWorld truly deserves more credit for the exceptional experience it provides as a world-class theme park in Orlando. Each of its attractions are intricately based on specific kinds of sea life and are sure to provide an exciting experience. With this in mind, allow us to clue you in on what SeaWorld Orlando offers in that respect and how its roller coasters rank against each other. This includes going over each track’s length and peak, the ride’s speed, and, of course, how well they executed the theme and their thrill factor.

Now then, let’s dive in!

4. Ice Breaker

Peak: 93 feet
Track Length: 1,900 feet
Max Speed: 54 miles per hour

After a delayed opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ice Breaker broke out in February 2022. It was created by Premiere Rides, who are also responsible for The Revenge of the Mummy rides at the Universal theme parks in Orlando, Singapore, and Hollywood, as well as Tigris in Busch Gardens Tampa and Full Throttle in Six Flags Magic Mountain. SeaWorld’s latest addition to its family of coasters is certainly not one to dismiss as Ice Breaker features Florida’s steepest beyond-vertical drop at a 100-degree angle from its 93-foot peak.

That said, the thrill factor is the least for this one when put up against the other mammoth rollercoasters SeaWorld Orlando has to offer. Objectively, it’s the shortest coaster in the park in both height and length and doesn’t hold the speed of the other attractions. While that sounds harsh, it shouldn’t be seen negatively. What it lacks in that department, it makes up for as an excellent experience for someone who may not be an adrenaline junkie or is just dipping their toes into the coaster fandom. The ride launches its cars back and forth four times, as if preparing you for propelling into the track’s steep turns and near-top-hat maneuver. This provides a ride that’s riveting enough to keep you entertained while not overdoing it.

3. Kraken

Peak: 153 feet
Length: 4,177 feet
Max Speed: 65 miles per hour

SeaWorld Orlando’s Kraken roller coaster was inspired by the legendary sea monster and isn’t for the faint of heart. Guests enter a queue themed as a Greek village that an adventure capitalist repurposed into an offshore sea base. Its goal being to create eco-tourism in the area and to learn more about the mythological Kraken. From its debut in 2000, Kraken held the title of Florida’s longest, tallest roller coaster until 2005.

This beast of a coaster moves like its monstrous namesake. Kraken begins with a climb to its 144-foot peak, ending with an almost equivalent dive into its record-setting track at intense speeds that top off at sixty-five miles per hour. Its vict- er, riders take on seven kinds of inversions, including a zero-gravity roll, a 128-foot loop, and two subterranean dives – all surely leaving guests thankful for the Kraken’s mercy in the end.

2. Mako

Peak: 200 feet
Length: 4,760 feet
Max Speed: 74 miles per hour

Keeping in line with SeaWorld’s mission statement, Mako is part awareness exhibit and part amusement ride. Its queue is tied together with its surroundings in the park as a shark-inhabited shipwreck (or a “shark wreck” if you will.) which leads you to take on the perspective of a Mako Shark. Its track and car design were specifically chosen to resemble the sea predator’s movements as closely as possible, allowing it to deliver several hills, banks, and a helix along its 4,760-foot track. In addition to its record-breaking stats, Mako is the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions. It can also be consistently found among coaster rankings in a high placement.

On a personal level, Mako just narrowly missed being at the top of our ranking of SeaWorld’s roller coasters. Orlando’s only hypercoaster is certainly deserving of being a fan-favorite as it has a great, well-thought theme, and it features nine points of zero gravity at smooth, high-velocity speeds, making out at 74 miles per hour. This matches, if not tops, those of its competitors and comes after its own introductory climb up its two-hundred-foot peak right next door to Kraken, the former holder of that same record! Add this to its stats and you have every reason to experience Mako for yourself.

1. Manta

Peak: 140 feet
Length: 3,359 feet
Max Speed: 56 miles per hour

Pulling from its namesake, Manta mimics the movements and design of a giant manta ray and is the only roller coaster of its design in Florida. Riders experience the attraction from a “flying” position (those who may be unfamiliar with the term, can think “Superman” here) and begin the ride with an inverted nosedive from the top of its 140-foot peak. From there, riders soar above passing guests and nearly skim across Manta’s surrounding waters, setting off a row of fountains underneath them. Since its 2009 debut, Manta has won awards and can be found numerous times in coaster rankings.

If readers spot this writer at SeaWorld Orlando, it’s a good bet that Manta is on his top priorities. It’s unique take on flying coasters allows me to live my dreams of being a superhero, soaring above the City Beautiful and the queue is a captivating attraction on its own. Guests enter its cove theme and wrap around an aquarium of ten tanks containing an artificial reef and over three-hundred sorts of sea creatures, including several kinds of rays, sea horses, and other tropical sea life. Even if you aren’t a roller coaster or are traveling with smaller family members, this doubles as a great walk-through experience with its own entrance and viewing area.

Honorable Mention: Pipeline: The Surf Coaster

Peak: 110 feet
Length: 2,950 feet
Max Speed: 60 miles per hour

SeaWorld’s first-of-its-kind roller coaster is sure to set a bar within the industry. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is designed to mimic surfing on the wakes and curls of an endless ocean. Riders will strap into surfboard-themed trains that launch at 60 miles an hour into its almost 3,000-foot-long track that includes several curves, two helixes, a corkscrew, and a “wave curl” inversion. What’s most exciting is that guests will experience this all from a near-standing position as their restraints dynamically shift as if they were surfing the waves of the Californian and Australian seas.

Objectively, Pipeline is a unique roller coaster with some impressive stats. It’s just short of Manta’s track in height and length and only five miles under Kraken’s speed. Given this, it will be perfect for anyone wanting a tubular thrill without the need of a wetsuit. Try Pipeline: The Surf Coaster out for yourself after it opens on May 27 to see where it ranks for you!

What is your favorite roller coaster? You can discuss with the rest of our SeaWorld Community on Facebook and get your discounted admission tickets to SeaWorld at Orlando Informer.

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This is definitely true at Universal Orlando, which offers a class of roller coaster to pair perfectly with each of its unique guests. And given the soon-to-arrive Jurassic World VelociCoaster, we at Orlando Informer found ourselves inspired to take stock and get to better know the resort’s roster of amazing coaster experiences.

The following is our accounting of each ride. Although we could – and probably would – speak endlessly on this subject, we’ve simplified the descriptions to fast-facts first and a quick excerpt afterwards, which will help provide additional details and information. And for anyone unfamiliar or looking to take that next step in his or her roller-coaster endeavors, we’ve also categorized the list by intensity, to show which attractions you can consider “entry level” to – well, you get the picture.

Entry-level roller coasters at Universal Orlando

Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster

• Location: Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, Universal Studios Florida
• Height requirement: 36 inches (supervising companion for those under 48)
• Max speed: 21.7 mph
• Approximate duration: 1:00

Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster holds the double honors of being Universal Orlando’s very first roller coaster as well as the attraction that helped officially launch Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone back in 1999. It is, of course, designed for families and has the interest of the younger crowd in mind. This ride favors very vibrant decor and an easy-to-follow story of a wild and entertaining train ride around a literal nut factory with Woody as your “host.”

Despite its wacky name and what you may expect from the titular woodpecker, Nuthouse Coaster’s pace isn’t very fast, and the track stays mostly low to the ground, with just enough tight turns and twists to entertain you. As long as no one in your family is easily scared or squeamish, this would prove to be a fun way to start or end your day.

Flight of the Hippogriff

• Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, Islands of Adventure
• Height requirement: 36 inches (supervising companion for those under 42)
• Max speed: 28.5 mph
• Approximate duration: 1:36

After originally starting off life as Flight of the Unicorn, this kiddie coaster got swept up in the Harry Potter makeover and was reborn as Flight of the Hippogriff in 2010. The attraction’s new concept revolves around a lesson in riding Buckbeak the hippogriff by Professor Hagrid, who utilizes wicker replicas (aka your ride vehicles). After boarding them and getting settled under the lap bar, guests are encouraged to bow to an animatronic hippogriff, as is customary with these magical creatures.

The overall experience is fun and family friendly, as the ride doesn’t go very fast or feature any inversions. Still, although Flight of the Hippogriff isn’t scary by any means, some guest feedback suggests that the little ones may find it just a wee intense at first, due to how high it climbs and how quickly it reaches its top speed. With that said, however, Hippogriff does offer a great mid-ride look at Hogwarts Castle and at Hagrid’s hut (which can be seen in even greater detail in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure), which makes it worth a try.

Easy roller coasters at Universal Orlando

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

• Location: Production Central, Universal Studios Florida
• Height requirement: 51 inches
• Max speed: 65 mph
• Approximate duration: 1:23

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit boasts a fun, music-centric theme and a great soundtrack for guests to choose from that features an accessible “secret list.” If you get good enough at the selection process, this could allow you to set a different tone for each time you ride.

While this is one of the faster coasters on Universal Orlando Resort property, I always suggest Rockit as anyone’s “first big roller coaster.” Yes, that initial 167-foot vertical lift seems very daunting, but it’s easily the scariest part of this attraction; once you’re over that steep hill, you’re in for a fun, smooth ride. Sure, its top speed is just short of The Incredible Hulk Coaster‘s maximum pace, but you’d never guess it, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit doesn’t actually ever go upside-down. This allows for a happy medium of achieving easy thrills while testing the waters of the more intense coaster experiences in the parks.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

• Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, Islands of Adventure
• Height requirement: 48 inches
• Max speed: 50 mph
• Approximate duration: 3:25

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure not only challenges you to say its name three times fast, but it also serves as Universal’s first official half-giant step into the realm of “story coasters,” roller coasters which endeavor to tell a narrative during the ride itself (and not just in the queue). Rubeus Hagrid takes center stage as your host, leading you on a field trip deep within the Forbidden Forest to learn more about the Wizarding World’s magical creatures. Guests board cars that are designed after Hagrid’s motorbike, complete with a main seat and sidecar, both of which have lap-bar restraints to keep you safe. True to everything Harry Potter, the queue is highly detailed, and the ride portion boasts some great animatronics that include many fantastic beasts, as well as one of the professor himself.

If Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit looks too intimidating, this would be an excellent alternative as an introductory coaster – not only won’t you find any inversions, but it also isn’t terribly fast or intense. With that said – and without spoiling anything – readers will want to make note of a backwards portion (in which the motorbike “breaks down in mid-air,” as it’s want to do) and a very sudden drop straight down.

Moderate roller coasters at Universal Orlando

Revenge of the Mummy

• Location: New York, Universal Studios Florida
• Height requirement: 48 inches
• Max speed: 40 mph
• Approximate duration: 2:57

We at Orlando Informer hold no secrets about our love for this attraction, as we’ve covered it extensively.

Put simply, Revenge of the Mummy takes place behind the scenes of a fictitious sequel to The Mummy, starring a coffee-deprived Brendan Fraser – a production which eventually goes horribly wrong. As you traverse the queue, you’ll notice the scenery blend from a movie shoot to a 1940s Egyptian-tomb excavation, which culminates in a boarding area with lap bar-equipped vehicles that have been designed as mine carts to fit the theme.

It’s certainly not Universal’s fastest coaster, but what it lacks in speed, it makes up for in thrills. If pressured, it’s hard to pinpoint the most intense part of the ride experience, as there are so many; instead, it’s better to say that the only reason Revenge of the Mummy is categorized as “moderate” is due to the ride never going upside-down. If you do choose to venture onto this attraction, there’s a ton of fun and humor you’ll be rewarded with.

Intense roller coasters at Universal Orlando

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

• Location: Marvel Super Hero Island, Islands of Adventure
• Height requirement: 48 inches
• Max speed: 67 mph
• Approximate duration: 2:15

The Incredible Hulk Coaster is traditionally a must-do for anyone visiting Universal Orlando. In its current iteration, which debuted in 2016, guests take the role of “experimental test subjects” for General Thaddeus Ross – his latest attempt to take down the menace that is the Hulk. After winding through the military lab, riders board the roller coaster’s sleek, green vehicles, which come equipped with shoulder restraints and seat belts.

After being brought into what’s meant to be the center of a gamma core, passengers are launched into the actual ride experience, accompanied by the Hulk’s roar and the musical stylings of Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump. The track involves an exciting flurry of twists and loops, which you smash through nonstop at top speed, making it an immensely thrilling ride and easily the resort’s most intense coaster.

Which is your favorite of Universal’s roller coasters, and which do you think delivers the best overall experience? Share your thoughts with 125,000+ other Universal Orlando Resort fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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