Archive for July, 2009

Kraken Roller Coaster Review

SeaWorld, Orlando

Located in Seaworld Orlando Kraken is a steel floorless rollercoaster based on a legendary sea monster. Exceptional, smooth and exhilarating reaching top speed of 65mph and producing G-forces of 3.9.

Built by Bolliger + Mabillard, Kraken will satisfy even experienced roller coaster enthusiasts.

Once securely fastened in pedestal style seats (sit on your shoes if they are not tied on your feet) the floor disappears and Kraken rises 149ft up the first lift hill and then plunges 144ft, awesome.

7 Inversions, zero-gravity roll, cobra roll, 119ft vertical loop and diving loops, riding the Kraken roller coaster is an unforgettable experience. I was anxious whilst waiting to board Kraken for the first time but it was so addictive I had to go straight back on it again. I liked the speed, the swooping into subterranean tunnels and the smoothness of this dynamic rollercoaster. The floorless element also added to the feeling of being out of control whilst rationally you know you are safe.

One of my favorite rides in Orlando, 3 minutes 39 seconds of incredible thrills, not to be missed.

If you have been on this roller coaster please rate it here:

(13 votes, average: 4.92 out of 5)
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Revenge Of The Mummy The Ride Review

Universal Studios, Orlando

Feel as if you are in the  movies on Revenge Of The Mummy The Ride located in Universal Studios, Orlando. This multi- sensory psychological thrill ride plunges riders into darkness to face fire,  mummies and scarab beetles.

Indoor steel roller coaster reaching speeds of 45mph due to a Linear Induction Launch system. The mine cars hurtles riders forwards backwards and upwards,  high speed twists and turns, fun in the dark as you don’t know what to expect next.

Worth a couple of rides on this fun coaster for the special effects.

If you have been on this roller coaster please rate it here:

(11 votes, average: 4.36 out of 5)
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Manta Roller Coaster Review

SeaWorld, Orlando

Perhaps the closest experience of flying we will ever have, Manta is unlike any other roller coaster ride. Manta is a steel flying coaster swooping and diving over the lagoon below.

Built by Bolliger + Mabillard for SeaWorld Orlando Manta was launched Spring 2009.  Designed to simulate the underwater flight of a Manta ray the wings of this unique coaster skim the waves of the lagoon.

The roller coaster cars are suspended below the track and riders are treated to a smooth fantastical journey in a horizontal position. Once riders are securely harnessed in to their seats the coaster car maneuvers them into a superhero position.  Riders face down head first as the coaster climbs the first lift hill and then takes ’flight’ gliding 113ft on the first drop. Diving close to the lagoon below, a spray of water is triggered as the coaster passes, narrowly missing waterfalls and surrounding scenery the Manta experience is unforgettable and intense.

Manta is 140ft high and 3359ft length of track.

4 Inversions, pretzel loop, in-line roll, 2 corkscrews Manta reaches speeds of 60mph. Choose a seat at the back to feel the strongest G-forces. The pretzel loop on the back seat is extremely intense, I did not want to experience the back row more than once! Definitely the strongest G-forces I have felt on a roller coaster. I would recommend front row for your first ride on Manta if you prefer a more comfortable graceful ride and dislike the view of other riders feet.

As you would expect with a world-class attraction in Orlando’s SeaWorld the pre-ride waiting area is worth a look even if you do not want to ride the Manta Roller Coaster. Floor to ceiling aquariums filled with leopard rays, shark rays, sea dragons and Octopus. Over 3000 animals and fish in themed underwater habitats.

Exhilarating 2 minutes 30 seconds breath-taking ride, not to be missed if you like extreme rides.

If you have been on this roller coaster please rate it here:

(11 votes, average: 4.82 out of 5)
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Rock ‘n’ Roller Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith Review

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando

The Rock ‘n’ Roller roller coaster starring Aerosmith in Disney’s Hollywood studios is an enclosed steel roller coaster and a must if you like high speed thrills.

Great atmosphere whilst queuing in the Aerosmith memorabilia area with their soundtrack pumping out specially recorded tracks. Go through the Aerosmith recording studio and finally into the dimly lit boarding area. First time riders anxiously watch riders board their stretch limo cars before take off. Keep your head back in the head rest and enjoy Aerosmith through the on-board audio system.The countdown 3-2-1 and then the cars are blasted from 0-100kmph in 2.8 seconds.

The feeling of speed is incredible, instinctively I forced my feet into the base of the car, subconsciously looking for the breaks. The LSM launch system which uses electro magnets to propel the coaster is very effective. Riders feel G-forces of 4.5 as they enter the first inversion, more than an astronaut feels on a shuttle launch.

The intense high speed launch leading into the first 360 degree loop is my favorite part of this roller coaster.

3 Inversions 2 roll-overs, corkscrew, this is a high energy ride in a neon-lit smoke filled atmosphere. Enough light from the lighting rig to see some of the track ahead and the soundtrack co-ordinates to different segments of the ride.

The  Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster is 80ft high and after launch zooms smoothly at 57mph.

Awesome 1 minute 22 second adrenalin fueled ride, you will want to jump straight back on to experience it again.

If you have been on this roller coaster please rate it here:

(14 votes, average: 4.86 out of 5)
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The Hulk Roller Coaster Review

Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando

Located near the entrance in Orlando’s Islands of Adventure The Hulk Roller Coaster is definitely worth waiting 40 minutes to experience an adrenaline packed 2 minutes 15 seconds of terrifying fun. The intense roar of the parks flagship coaster and the screams of the riders add to the anticipation whilst waiting in the boarding area.

My favourite part of  The Hulk is the launch which propels riders from 0-40 mph in 2 seconds.

The Hulk was manufactured by Bolliger + Mabillard and the launch lift hill was especially commissioned. The launch requires as much thrust as a US Air-Force F16 jet, awesome and intense.

This green steel coaster feels fast at 67mph, not the tallest at 110ft but I loved the launch and the dips into the fog filled  subterranean tunnels.

Intense G-forces, 7 inversions, cobra roll over the water, vertical loop, corkscrew, definitely in my top 5 favorite coasters.

If you have been on this roller coaster please rate it here:

(18 votes, average: 4.44 out of 5)
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Dueling Dragons (Fire) Roller Coaster Review

Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando

Even this HD video cannot prepare you for this incredible steel roller coaster. Dual tracked suspended dueling coaster the fire ride is 3200 ft long and the drop is 115 ft. I am scared of heights but after this exhilarating ride I am addicted to the combination of  speed and excitement.  Definitely worth waiting an extra  20 minutes to get front row seats.

The Fire and Ice dragon coasters dual each other 5 times, feels incredibly close at times (18″). Have ridden both coasters many times but hard to pick a favorite. One enthusiast managed to ride Dueling Dragons 64 times in one day, presuming he had an Express Pass!

In awe at the level of detail Universal lavished on the dragons castle. I went in October when the queues where minimal and confined to the final boarding area. Can imagine the wait in the peak times stretching back through the claustrophobic creepy corridors to the castle entrance, however this is one amazing ride which should not be missed.

If you have been on this roller coaster please rate it here:

(16 votes, average: 4.31 out of 5)
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Dueling Dragons (Ice) roller coaster review

Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando

Awesome dueling roller coaster located in Islands of Adventure, Orlando. Choose between Fire and Ice, this dual tracked coaster passes each other (within 18″) 5 times. Exhilarating coaster (sit on your flip flops or lose them) which reaches 55mph is one of my favourite rides in Orlando.

Five inversions, corkscrew, vertical loops, worth getting there early and avoid the queues to get front row seats.  125ft high, 2 minutes 25 seconds pure adrenalin rush, one ride will not satisfy if you are into big thrill rides.

If you have been on this roller coaster please rate it here:

(12 votes, average: 4.83 out of 5)
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