Gimme 5: Florida rollercoastersGimme 5: Florida rollercoasters

By Paul Oswell

There are thrills and spills aplenty in Florida's theme parks, but with so many theme rides on offer… which one do you try first?

For adrenaline addicts - SheiKra, Busch Gardens® Tampa BayFor adrenaline addicts - SheiKra, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay

SheiKra

Who can do it? Budding explorers with a nose for adventure and a head for heights

Let's go! The name SheiKra evokes the power and speed of an African hawk as it twists and plunges. And you'll certainly feel like you're flying. This is a vertical drop rollercoaster with a twist - no floor! So as you hang 200ft up, ready to go, there's nothing below you but sky. This looping, dipping, wild ride hits 70mph and even has a second vertical dive into an underground tunnel.

Top Tip: Be ready to get wet - there's also a water splash!

For younger kids - Goofy's Barnstormer, Walt Disney World® Magic KingdomFor younger kids - Goofy's Barnstormer, Walt Disney World® Magic Kingdom

Who can do it? Younger Disney fans looking for their first rollercoaster thrills.

Let's go! A crazy crop-dusting plane is your vehicle of choice, and with Goofy at the controls, anything can happen. The zippy spin around Wiseacre Farm hits speeds of around 25mph and the biggest drop is around 20 feet.

Top tips: Adults can ride with younger kids if they like. Children must be at least three years old. A good gauge to see if children might like bigger, faster rides.

For 
  movie fans - The Incredible Hulk, Universal Orlando® ResortFor movie fans - The Incredible Hulk, Universal Orlando® Resort

Universal Orlando

Who can do it? Superhero fans ready to take on the untamed energy of the Hulk.

Let's go! Prepare to hit speeds of 40mph within two seconds as you're launched from Dr Banner's gamma-ray accelerator. This ride is fast and furious, with speeds of 67mph and heights of 150 feet. The Hulk himself is, of course, there to roar you along your way.

Top tips: Make sure you're happy with being upside down as there are seven inversions within two minutes.

For 
  making a splash - Kraken, SeaWorld® OrlandoFor making a splash - Kraken, SeaWorld® Orlando

Kraken

Who can do it? Rollercoaster fans with aquatic leanings

Let's go! One of the tallest and fastest rides in the world, the Kraken is almost a new genre of rollercoaster. With seven high-speed loops and three daring dives into the lagoon as plumes of water spray up, your experience is enhanced by the 'barrierless' design of the cars. There's even three seconds of weightlessness thanks to a zero-gravity roll.

Top tips: Resign yourself to heights as the tracks rise to the equivalent of a 15-storey building.

For wannabe rock stars - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Walt Disney World® ResortFor wannabe rock stars - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Walt Disney World® Resort

Who can do it? Anyone wanting to live a slice of LA rock 'n' roll lifestyle in Florida.

Let's go! You become a band member as you're whisked from the recording studios in your 'stretch limo'. You're then launched at speeds of 57mph within two seconds, and lurch around various LA highways including three inversions all to the sounds of a rocking Aerosmith soundtrack across 400 speakers.

Top tips: Steady yourself for a G-force of up to five after the first inversion (space shuttle astronauts typically experience G-force three at lift off).

If the ups and downs of Florida's rollercoasters sound like the perfect holiday for you and your family , check out the latest VHOT DEALS to Florida.

Paul Oswell is a freelance travel journalist who regularly writes for The Daily Mail, Travelmail.co.uk and Luxury Travel Magazine

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