Orlando news: SeaWorld’s top seven roller coasters

SeaWorld is a fantastic theme park - and it also ranks as one of the world’s largest marine animal rescue organisations.

Home to world-class attractions, thrilling shows, and interactive animal experiences, SeaWorld is a must-visit for those holidaying in the world’s theme park capital.

Opening its doors on December 15 1973, SeaWorld has developed into one of Florida’s leading theme parks; voted the number one theme park in Florida by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years between 2021 and 2023. 

Here, Florida News Blitz writer Joseph Hannen ranks the seven best roller coasters to ride while visiting, from seventh to first.

Penguin Trek

Coming in at seventh is Penguin Trek, SeaWorld’s latest roller coaster addition, opening in July 2024.

This family launch coaster features an outdoor and indoor section, with two separate launches and speeds up to 45mph.

What starts as a dark ride, riders are launched from a polar exploration station and soar through icy caves before twisting and turning around the park's Antarctica section.

A perfect ride for the whole family for kids who have grown out of children’s rides.

Icebreaker

SeaWorld’s sixth roller coaster, opening in 2022, provides a unique experience with four airtime-filled launches, both forward and backward.

Icebreaker also features a 93-foot-tall spike and a 100-degree drop, making it the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida.

Letting this ride down is the comfort. From personal experience, the ride was rough and uncomfortable, taking away the thrills it has to offer.

However, the comfort collars used initially were replaced with a seat belt and lap bar system. I’d expect Icebreaker to rise up my rankings after my next ride.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Orlando news: Animal Kingdom’s top seven attractions and roller coasters

Journey to Atlantis

Yes, this water ride is also a roller coaster. This log flume/roller coaster hybrid takes riders on a mythical journey through the sunken city with surprise thrills along the way.

Opening in 1998, the main sell is, of course, the 60-foot drop; however, unlike most flume rides, Journey to Atlantis doesn’t stop there.

Riders then face a minimal drop that packs a punch, usually soaking riders more than the significant drop itself.

After the second lift hill, riders enjoy a high-speed coaster section, dashing through the undersea world of Atlantis.

Queues tend to be low too, giving you no reason to miss out on what I’d rank as Orlando’s best flume ride.

Pipeline

Pipeline boasts the title of Orlando’s only stand-up coaster, opening in May 2023, with riders mincing the waves of sea surfers.

Locked in by popped-up seats and an overhead restraint, riders experience a 60mph launch, 100-foot heights and an inversion.

I certainly enjoyed my rides on Pipeline; however, similar but not as bad as Icebreaker, the comfort was a slight issue.

Pipeline’s re-rideability can’t compete with the top three for me, but it is still a coaster all thrillseekers should make time for, as queues tend to stay high.

Kraken

Beginning the top three is Kraken, SeaWorld’s floorless steel coaster turning 25 years old in June.

Despite not being an favourite attraction for some visitors, I find Kraken to be very enjoyable to the point of re-riding multiple times a day.

Featuring a Greek village-themed queue, a peak height of 144 ft, seven inversions, and two subterranean drops, Kraken has many standout elements that keep it third in the list over all of SeaWorld’s latest additions.

Kraken went through a VR phase in 2017, which was quickly phased out due to guest complaints and operational  issues.

I’m thankful that Kraken reverted, as I find it a flawless experience that never needed change in the first place.

MORE FROM JOSEPH HANNEN: Florida news: what to expect from Epic Universe - Universal’s most ambition project

Manta

Similar to Pipeline, this flying steel coaster is the only one of its kind in Florida, opening in 2009.

In this one-of-a-kind ride, guests are tilted to a prone/flying position to mimic the movements of giant manta rays; only after marvelling through a queue line filled with sea creatures to look out for.

Manta has four inversions, one being a 98-foot pretzel loop, which is probably the most intense feeling on any roller coaster in the state.

The scenery and surrounding waters add to the epic experience; it’s no surprise Manta has received numerous awards since its opening.

I’d advise visitors to keep track of the queue time here, as it frequently shifts, and the ride goes down occasionally.

Riders should prioritize the back row. From experience, rows 1-7 hardly differ; however the back row gives you extra intensity and thrills.

Mako

For me, there was no contest at the number one spot. Mako is a mammoth coaster and is undoubtedly one of the top two coasters in Orlando.

Standing at 200 ft tall with speeds up to 73 mph, Mako is Orlando’s tallest and fastest coaster; only Busch Gardens’ Iron Gwazi can beat Mako’s top speed in all of Florida.

The audio track played as you climb the lift hill brilliantly builds the excitement, before riders experience nine moments of zero gravity.

Mako only uses a lap bar to increase enjoyment; the lack of restraint makes the ride even more enjoyable.

Make sure to ride on the front row too; you simply can't beat the enjoyment anywhere else in Orlando’s theme parks.

READ NEXT: Historical and geographical insight and facts about Florida: Gators, golf and more