jeromyk.com: Unmask the Legend

Best Florida Roller Coaster

My last trip to Florida gave me the opportunity to ride three of the newest coasters built at Universal, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens.

Universal: Hollywood Rip Ride Rock It

This coaster gives each rider the ability to choose a song that will play for the users ride.
The speakers are located on either side of the headrests (see photo below) and the selection panel is located on the lapbar.

Unfortunately this ride experienced a lot of issue during my visit and I only got the chance to ride it once.

Here is a virtual tour of the ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR8cbXaMOfg

SeaWorld: Manta

WOW. The barrell roll in this ride is amazing. Not only was the ride thrilling and offered features that hadn’t been seen (or felt) before, but this also had the most appealing rider queue line. It was simply beatiful. A cavern filled with views into aquariums full of sting rays, fish, and tons of other underwater creatures.

(Sorry about the quality, I took it with my camera phone,… which doesn’t include a flash.)

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8kfo39hmJI (I apologize for the annoying guy!)

This was by far my favorite coaster! I lost track of how many times I rode this in a row, I think it was somewhere near 7 or 8.

Busch Gardens: Sheikra

This coaster, which is by far the scariest, offers a 200ft vertical drop. As you can see from the video below, you dangle at the edge of this drop for at least three seconds before you are finally released.
Definitely a very cool ride.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdBddNH_5tQ

If I were to rate these in regards to speed and thrill it would have to be in the following:

1. SeaWorld Manta
2. Busch Gardens Sheikra
3. Universal Hollywood Rip Tide Rock It

If you have riden these before, please leave a comment and include your vote and your indivual ride experience.

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