CENTRAL FLORIDA HAS NO SHORTAGE OF THRILL RIDES. ROLLER COASTERS ARE NO EXCEPTION. We have more than 50 roller coasters here, ranging from the kiddie variety to modern marvels like Epic Universe’s Cosmic Racers and Islands of Adventure’s VelociCoaster. Whether you’re a coaster fanatic or you’re just praying to get through it (like me), you’ll want to bookmark this list for future reference. So here it is, our guide to coasters in Orlando by decade.

Space Mountain opened in 1975 at Walt Disney World and is Orlando’s oldest roller coaster. ©2025 Disney, all rights reserved.

Space Mountain

Location: Magic Kingdom
Year Opened: 1975
Ride Length: Under 3 minutes

The original Space Mountain coaster opened in 1975 at Walt Disney World and recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary. It is the longest-operating coaster in Florida. Walt Disney pitched this ride as the “Matterhorn in Outer Space.” Eight years later, it would open inside Magic Kingdom. There are two tracks within this attraction, Alpha and Omega, which passengers can choose from. At 183 feet tall, Space Mountain is one foot shorter than the NASA Space Shuttle. And did we mention it’s a dark ride? That’s right. You’re riding this one in the dark (though we’ve experienced some special illuminated versions of this ride for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party). The ride is relatively smooth, and at just under three minutes, is pretty enjoyable even for non-roller coaster fans. You must be 44” to ride Space Mountain; a rite of passage for kids for nearly 50 years and counting.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Location: Magic Kingdom
Year Opened: 1980
Ride Length: 3 minutes 25 seconds

Located in Frontierland inside Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is Disney’s wildest ride in the wilderness. Designed to resemble a runaway mine train through a haunted gold rush canyon, this family-friendly coaster is known for its quick turns and mild drops. It doesn’t go upside down or reach extreme speeds, making it a perfect step-up ride for younger thrill-seekers. Despite its relatively tame thrills, the combination of detailed theming, sharp turns and bursts of speed makes it a classic that’s still beloved decades later. Riders must be at least 40”.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster ©Universal Orlando Resort

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Location: Islands of Adventure
Year Opened: 1999 (Refurbished in 2016)
Ride Length: 2 minutes 15 seconds

Debuting with the grand opening of Islands of Adventure on May 28, 1999, The Incredible Hulk Coaster quickly became an iconic fixture in Orlando’s theme park scene. Designed by renowned Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, this launched steel coaster immerses riders in a high-intensity experience that mirrors the transformation of Bruce Banner into the Hulk. The adventure begins as guests are propelled from 0 to 40 mph in just two seconds through a 150-foot-long launch tunnel, simulating a gamma-ray experiment gone awry. This sudden acceleration leads into a series of seven inversions, including a zero-G roll, a cobra roll, two vertical loops and two corkscrews, all while reaching a top speed of 67 mph and exerting up to 4 Gs of force on riders. The coaster’s 3,700-foot track weaves over water and through mist-filled trenches, enhancing the sensory thrill. Riders must be at least 54”.

Expedition Everest (opened in 2006). ©2025 Disney, all rights reserved.

Expedition Everest

Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Year Opened: 2006
Ride Length: 3 minutes

Towering at nearly 200 feet, Expedition Everest is Disney’s tallest coaster. This high-speed train ride takes guests through the Himalayas in search of the mythical Yeti. Expect sudden reversals, dark tunnels and a jaw-dropping backward descent as the track “collapses.” The ride builds suspense through storytelling and atmosphere, making it a thrilling adventure that’s as much about what you don’t see as what you do. Intensity-wise, it’s moderate—not for toddlers, but accessible to most adults and adventurous tweens. Riders must be at least 44”.

SeaWorld with Manta in the background (opened in 2009). ©Seaworld Orlando.

Manta

Location: SeaWorld Orlando
Year Opened: 2009
Ride Length: 3 minutes

Approaching SeaWorld Orlando’s Manta coaster, you may think to yourself, “that’s not so scary.” I mean, after all, how scary is a manta ray? But manta rays can reach a wingspan of 30 feet and can weigh more than 6,000 pounds. They’re also incredibly smooth, as is this coaster, if you can get past the dizziness of the loops and the head-first, inverted nosedive that’ll scare the living bejesus out of you. This must be what it feels like to whip and shoot through the ocean.

Bottomless coasters are among our favorites, and this one definitely terrifies. At three minutes, it’s one of the more generous lengths on our list, and the Quick Queue will get you to the front of the line stat. Do you dare ride in the front row? Hardened thrill seekers, absolutely! Riders must be at least 54”.

White Lightning

Location: Fun Spot America
Year Opened: 2013
Ride Length: 1 minute 15 seconds

White Lightning is Orlando’s only wooden coaster and it rides like a throwback with a modern twist. Built by Great Coasters International, it features a top speed of 44 mph and delivers strong airtime over its many hills. At just over a minute long, it’s a quick and exhilarating ride that proves you don’t need steel to be smooth—or scary. It’s perfect for coaster fans who love classic thrills and the sound of wheels roaring over wood. Riders must be at least 46”.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Location: Islands of Adventure
Year Opened: 2019
Ride Length: 3 minutes

One of the most technologically advanced coasters in the world, Hagrid’s is a story-driven coaster that replaces the old Dueling Dragons. Riders can choose between sitting on Hagrid’s motorbike or in the sidecar. It features seven launches—more than any other coaster on Earth when it opened—and hits a top speed of 50 mph. The ride also features a free-fall vertical drop and multiple show scenes featuring animatronics and forest creatures. While it’s thrilling, the smooth motion and immersive experience make it feel more magical than menacing. It’s a must-do for Harry Potter fans. Riders must be at least 48”.

VelociCoaster (opened in 2021). ©Universal Orlando Resort

VelociCoaster

Location: Islands of Adventure
Year Opened: 2021
Ride Length: 2 minutes

Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the fastest and tallest launch coaster in Florida. At the very start of the ride, you’ll launch 70 mph in just 2.4 seconds before soaring through two incredible inversions above the park’s central lagoon. The 155-foot top hat and 100-foot-long zero-G stall are guaranteed scream-makers. While it’s not for the faint of heart, fans hail it as one of the smoothest, most exhilarating coasters ever built. Riders must be at least 51”.

Pipeline: The Surf Coaster

Location: SeaWorld Orlando
Year Opened: 2023
Ride Length: 1 minute 50 seconds

This is the world’s first surf coaster, meaning you ride standing up on a flexible platform that simulates the feeling of carving ocean waves. Riders are launched at 60 mph and soar through a series of smooth maneuvers and banked turns. The unique motion of the seats bouncing up and down delivers a one-of-a-kind thrill. Pipeline feels like a cross between an aquatic dance and a steel scream-fest, perfect for surfers and coaster lovers alike. Riders must be at least 54”.

Stardust Racers at Epic Universe opened in May 2025. ©KILBY_PHOTO_LLC

Stardust Racers

Location: Epic Universe
Year Opened: 2025
Ride Length: 2 minutes 20 seconds

The centerpiece of Epic Universe’s Celestial Park, Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster with two tracks that twist and dive around each other. Built by Mack Rides, it reaches speeds over 60 mph and features a unique inline twist maneuver called the “Celestial Roll.” Designed to be fun and intense without going upside down, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Its glowing trains and synchronized launches give it that extra bit of interstellar magic. Riders must be at least 48”.