When it comes to the best theme parks, especially in Central Florida, places like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida and even Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay often take top billing for their attractions over the less-talked-about-but-still-awesome SeaWorld Orlando rides. After all, it’s gotta be all about Shamu, right? Wrong! Believe it or not, SeaWorld Orlando isn’t just a haven for animal lovers, but attraction aficionados of all ages, too, boasting 18 different rides, including eight roller coasters, all in one park.

So, what kinds of fun can you get into in between learning about the denizens of the deep at the Shark Encounter exhibit, exploring cooler climates at Wild Arctic or feeding a sea lion at Pacific Point Preserve? Keep reading as we dive into all of the rides at SeaWorld Orlando, from high-thrill attractions like roller coasters to the mellower rides of Sesame Street Land.

Beyond Dolphins and Killer Whales: All the Rides at SeaWorld Orlando

With a name like SeaWorld, you might think that rides would take a backseat to wildlife-focused attractions like animal exhibits or live shows starring dolphins or orcas. However, while you certainly could go to SeaWorld Orlando just to learn more about the amazing aquatic animals that call our planet home, you would wind up missing out on a huge part of what makes SeaWorld’s Florida outpost such an incredible place to visit. Its rides—almost 20 of them, to be precise!

Of the three Orlando parks that belong to SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld Orlando lays claim to what we would consider the perfect mix of excitement and education, offering 18 attractions (many of them thrill rides) alongside fascinating animal exhibits, experiences and shows like Stingray Lagoon, Orca Encounter and Dolphin Adventures. Alternatively, those who are looking for more thrills and chills can make their way to the nearby Aquatica Orlando water park, while folks wanting a balanced blend of education and relaxation might want to check out Discovery Cove, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s all-inclusive day resort, which is also located right next door.

Aquatica is big on thrills, even more than SeaWorld Orlando, with wave pools and high-speed water slides that may occasionally incorporate views of sea animals. In contrast, when it comes to things to see and do, Discovery Cove is all about relaxing and immersive animal experiences. For example, you can hand-feed exotic birds in a lush aviary, don a snorkel and take a swim through a coral reef alongside tropical fish, and even swim with dolphins. Needless to say, if it’s peaceful tranquility and next-level animal encounters you’re looking for, Discovery Cove is the place to be.

So, what about SeaWorld Orlando? Well, for starters, it just so happens to boast some of the biggest, baddest thrill rides in the entire Orlando area. Not only does it tout the city’s tallest and fastest roller coasters, but also its only floorless roller coaster and the coaster with the steepest beyond-vertical drop in the entire state. In other words, we think it’s safe to say that it has definitely earned the title of the “Coaster Capital of Orlando.” And we haven’t even talked about Sesame Street Land yet! With that, let’s take a deep dive into all of the rides at SeaWorld Orlando.

Roller Coasters and Other Thrill Rides

Are you a thrill seeker looking for your next roller coaster rush? Or maybe you love the heart-pounding thrills and clothes-soaking chills of a water ride splashdown. Whatever kind of adrenaline rush you’re into, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at SeaWorld Orlando. In fact, SeaWorld is home to eight different roller coasters, the most of any theme park in Orlando. (Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando both boast nine roller coasters each. However, they’re split between the resorts’ four and two individual theme parks, respectively, rather than being centrally located all in one.) Needless to say, if you’re an adrenaline junkie searching for your next fix and you only have time to visit one park, then SeaWorld Orlando is the place to be.

Ice Breaker

When most people think about an “ice breaker,” they probably think about those awkward questions that you usually have to answer in a group setting that everyone hates. However, we guarantee that will change after going on the Ice Breaker roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando for the very first time. After all, nothing breaks the ice quite like screaming your way through four launches, both forward and backward, before plummeting down a 93-foot, 100-degree spike, the steepest beyond-vertical drop in the Sunshine State. Add in an 80-foot-tall, near-vertical tophat, a max speed of 52 miles per hour and plenty of airtime, and you’ll be happy to break the ice with this SeaWorld Orlando roller coaster again and again. You even get to learn a thing or two throughout the experience, as the queue line winds through interactive exhibits about Sea World’s arctic rescue efforts in partnership with the Alaska Sealife Center.

Height Requirement: At least 48″

Thrill Level: High

Infinity Falls

Need to cool off for a while on a hot Florida summer day? Then Infinity Falls is for you. Exclusive to SeaWorld Orlando, this thrilling and chilling whitewater raft ride takes intrepid travelers past jetting fountains, rushing waterfalls and surprise geysers on a turbulent trip through verdant tropical ruins. After that, it’s time to hold on tight as you careen down chutes and through soaking-wet turns before ending your journey with one of the tallest drops of its kind, plunging into rough whitewater that is sure to leave you drenched.

Height Requirement: At least 42″ but less than 77″

Thrill Level: High

Journey to Atlantis

Roller coaster or water ride: Which one is your favorite? Fortunately, you don’t have to choose on Journey to Atlantis. This iconic flume ride-meets-water coaster at SeaWorld Orlando explores the dark secrets of the legendary lost city, winding through forgotten waterways before diving down into the waters that await below. This classic SeaWorld ride is sure to be a hit with thrill seekers young and old..

Height Requirement: At least 42″

Thrill Level: Medium

Kraken

Taking its name from the mythic sea creature that struck terror in the hearts of sailors for generations, Kraken is a SeaWorld Orlando roller coaster of equally epic proportions. The only floorless roller coaster in Orlando, this monster of a thrill ride sees adrenalin junkies swoop, soar and scream through the air just like the titular beast twisting and turning beneath the waves. A top speed of up to 65 miles per hour, a max height of almost 150 feet, a heart-pounding 144-foot drop and no less than seven inversions keep the thrills coming from start to finish.

Height Requirement: At least 54″

Thrill Level: High

Mako

Experience the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Orlando with a ride on Mako, a steel hyper coaster at SeaWorld Orlando that sends riders hurtling around Ship Wreck Reef. A fitting tribute to the shark of the same name, which is one of the ocean’s fastest, Mako tops out at speeds up to 73 miles per hour, all while cruising as much as 200 feet above the ground and mimicking the creature’s movements. Although it doesn’t offer any inversions, seven hills and tons of airtime make this one of SeaWorld Orlando’s most extreme roller coasters.

Height Requirement: At least 54″

Thrill Level: High

Manta

Glide through the air with the greatest of ease, just like a giant ray swims through the ocean, on Manta. The only one like it in Florida, this flying roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando sees riders twist and turn gracefully along one of the smoothest steel tracks in the world, face-down and head-first. However, just because it’s a silky-smooth ride doesn’t mean that it’s without thrills, as four inversions, including a 98-foot-tall pretzel loop, a 113-foot nosedive and a top speed of 56 miles per keep riders’ hearts racing. Finally, the whole thing concludes with a wing dip—directly over a pool of fish and rays.

Height Requirement: At least 48″

Thrill Level: High

Penguin Trek (Coming 2024!)

Set to be unveiled in 2024, Penguin Trek will be the newest addition to SeaWorld Orlando’s impressive lineup of roller coasters. Made with families in mind, this cool launch coaster, which will max out at a relatively easygoing high speed of 43 miles per hour, will take riders on an exciting snowmobile ride across Antarctica. Traversing both indoors and outdoors, including through an ice cavern, the coaster promises to be the most immersive thrill ride at SeaWorld Orlando. The finishing touch? A penguin exhibit as the grand finale.

Height Requirement: At least 42″

Thrill Level: Family

Pipeline: The Surf Coaster

Get ready to hang ten on Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Easily the most innovative of all the roller coasters in the park, Pipeline is the first surf coaster in the world, opening in May 2023. Thanks to its dynamic stand-up seats that move to replicate the feeling of surfing, riders feel as if they are actually riding ocean waves as they bank and curve along the steel track on a surfboard-inspired ride vehicle. A high-speed launch up 110 feet at 60 miles per hour, as well as an inversion, leaves adrenaline junkies wanting more.

Height Requirement: At least 54″ but less than 78″

Thrill Level: High

Sesame Street Land Attractions and Family Rides

As much as we love screaming our heads off on a thrill ride, pulse-racing water attractions and roller coasters aren’t for everyone. Luckily, as SeaWorld parks are created with families in mind, you’ll find something for everyone at SeaWorld Orlando. In addition to leisurely, added-cost rides like the Flamingo Paddle Boats and Sky Tower (that’s right—not all rides at SeaWorld Orlando come free with your park ticket), families with younger children can also experience a whole land full of kid-friendly attractions.

Sesame Street Land lets families explore one of television’s most famous (and friendly!) neighborhoods. Home to beloved Muppets like Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird, Sesame Street Land brings this animated avenue to life with its hands-on interactive play areas, a Sesame Street Party Parade, Hoopers Store and even the iconic 123 Stoop. What’s more, it also plays host to a bunch of family-friendly rides and play areas starring your favorite furry friends. Looking for even more Sesame Street fun? Then you’re definitely going to want to plan a trip to Sesame Place, a Sesame Street-inspired theme park with locations in San Diego and outside Philadelphia.)

Abby’s Flower Tower

Hop in a colorful flower pot powered by a sprinkle of pixie dust from fairy-in-training Abby Cadabby’s magic wand for a bird’s-eye view of SeaWorld Orlando. Located in Sesame Street Land, this high-flying attraction is a great way to get a lay of the land.

Height Requirement: At least 42″

Thrill Level: Low

Cookie Drop!

Don’t be surprised if you get the giggles on this family-friendly drop-tower ride in Sesame Street Land. Inspired by Cookie Monster and his favorite treat, Cookie Drop! bounces riders up and down alongside a cascade of chocolate chip cookies.

Height Requirement: At least 42″

Thrill Level: Low

Elmo’s Choo Choo Train

All aboard! Located in Sesame Street Land, Elmo’s Choo Choo Train lets pint-sized guests and their parents play I-Spy with the Twiddlebugs and other little creatures as they chug-a-chug along. If you’re lucky enough to be up front, you can even play engineer and ring the bell or honk the horn.

Height Requirement: At least 36″

Thrill Level: Low

Flamingo Paddle Boats

Ready for some old-fashioned fun with Sunshine State style? Then get out on the water with one of the flamingo-themed paddle boats, a decidedly low-tech departure from the many SeaWorld Orlando roller coasters. Keep in mind that access to the paddle boats isn’t included with park tickets and a separate fee of $6 per person for a 20-minute ride is required.

Height Requirement: None

Thrill Level: Low

Rosita’s Harmony Hills

Need some time to decompress from all the excitement for a while? Then be sure to stroll over to Rosita’s Harmony Hills in Sesame Street Land. This hands-on play area is a ton of fun for little guests, as they can get up close and make groovy tunes with some of her favorite music makers.

Height Requirement: None

Thrill Level: Low

Rubber Duckie Water Works

Few things are hotter than a Central Florida summer. That’s where Rubber Duckie Water Works in Sesame Street Land comes in. Inspired by Ernie’s trusty bathtub sidekick, this aquatic play area offers plenty of jets and fountains to cool off in.

Height Requirement: None

Thrill Level: Low

Sky Tower

The Sky Tower has been a Sea World mainstay ever since it opened in 1974, less than a year after the park itself. Soaring 400 feet above the ground, this retro ride is Florida’s tallest observation deck, allowing visitors to see for miles from its double-decker viewing platforms. Unlike most of the other rides around the park, a nominal fee of no more than a few dollars is required to go on the Sky Tower. However, admission is free for those with an annual pass.

Height Requirement: At least 48″

Thrill Level: Low

Slimey’s Slider

Climb aboard a boat alongside Oscar the Grouch’s pet worm, Slimey, and set sail for fun through his beloved compost collection. With its exhilarating twists and turns, this topsy-turvy attraction in Sesame Street Land is a great way for them to test the thrill-ride waters.

Height Requirement: At least 42″

Thrill Level: Low

Super Grover’s Box Car Derby

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Super Grover! Join everyone’s favorite furry superhero for a rip-roaring, family-friendly roller coaster ride through Sesame Street Land. The most mild-mannered of all the roller coasters in the park by far, with mini-dives and bunny hills, it’s a fun introductory coaster for little Sea World guests.

Height Requirement: At least 38″

Thrill Level: Low

Sunny Day Carousel

There’s nothing more nostalgic than a merry-go-round. Cartoon horses gallop around this carnival classic in Sesame Street Land, making for a ride that will definitely sweep the clouds away.

Height Requirement: None, but riders under 42″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion

Thrill Level: Low

So, what ride at SeaWorld Orlando is your favorite? Is it one of the roller coasters or something over in Sesame Street Land? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can save on your next visit with our discount SeaWorld tickets. Heading to one of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s other three parks in Orlando? You can buy tickets at a discount for Discovery Cove and Aquatica, too!

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