Our Favourite Rides In Orlando

 

When you think of Orlando, it’s impossible not to picture the loops, drops, and dizzying twists of world-class rides. Orlando is the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers, where rollercoasters roar across the sky and immersive rides drop you right into the middle of your favourite movies. This year, with a teenager in tow, we decided to make it our mission: ride as many as we possibly could – Disney, Universal, and everywhere in between. From the iconic classics to the newest scream-inducing headliners, we set out to experience it all.

 

What we discovered was more than just adrenaline rushes (though there were plenty of those!). It was about the anticipation in the queue, the laughter after a stomach-churning drop, and the pure magic of sharing those moments together. These are the rides that stood out—the ones we’d line up for again and again. And if you’re planning your own Orlando adventure, we’ve sprinkled in a few tips to help you make the most of your ride list.

 

 

Our Favourite Rides in Orlando

 

Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Studios and Epic Universe

 

1. VelociCoaster – The ride of all rides. Fast, smooth, terrifying, and incredible. George’s number one and the one we ran back to ride again.
   Tip: Ride it first thing in the morning or just before park close to avoid the longest queues.
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Pure joy. Part coaster, part story-driven adventure, it’s as magical as it is thrilling.
   Tip: The motorbike seat is more fun (and more intense) than the sidecar — if you can, ride it both ways.
3. Stardust Racers – Brand new and worth the hype. Racing side by side made it one of our most fun ride moments of the whole trip.

Tip: Queue times move quickly because of the twin-track design, but it’s still popular — aim for early or late in the day.

 

 

Walt Disney World

 

4. Tron Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom) – Feels like flying. Fast, futuristic, and unlike anything else we rode.
Tip: This ride still needs a paid Lightning Lane — don’t leave it to chance.

5. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot) – The soundtrack, the spins, the drops… it’s impossible not to laugh and sing your way through.

Tip: and each ride is different thanks to the rotating cars and changing songs – definitely worth riding more than once if you can.

6. Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios) – Family-friendly but still such a thrill. Proof that not everything has to be the biggest to be brilliant.

Tip: Queue at night if you can – the track lights up beautifully, and the wait is usually shorter.

 

 

SeaWorld & Busch Gardens

 

7. Mako (SeaWorld) – A soaring, swooping coaster that left us grinning. Smooth, fun, and just the right amount of scary.
Tip: Sit near the back for the most airtime.

8. Iron Gwazi (Busch Gardens) – Absolutely wild. The steepest, fastest, craziest ride the boys braved – one for the true thrill-seekers.

9. SheiKra (Busch Gardens) – That vertical drop… unforgettable. Your stomach gets left at the top!

Tip: Front row if you dare. You hang over the edge before the drop, which makes it even scarier and hold on tight. And maybe don’t eat lunch just before.

10. Pipeline (SeaWorld) – A standing “surfboard” coaster that’s unlike anything else. Fast, smooth, and with jumps that feel like catching a wave.
Tip: Ride early in the day before queues build.

 

 

Our Favourite Rides In Orlando

 

Final Thoughts

Between us we each had our favourites, but together we agreed: Orlando does rides like nowhere else. Whether you’re chasing speed, magic, or pure fun, there’s something for everyone. And yes – we’re already talking about which ones we’ll race back to next time.