Amazing Rollercoasters of Florida > Family Coasters
As more and more families make the trip to Florida, family coasters are popping up everywhere. This breed of coaster is perfect for enjoying with several generations. Kids can ride with adults to experience the thrills together. Even grandparents are known to be seen giggling through the whole experience on a family coaster. Possibly the three best family coasters in Florida are Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom, Primeval Whirl at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the Flying Unicorn at Island's of Adventure.
Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom
Disney undoubtedly knows how to please families, beginning with Big Thunder Mountain. This ride is heavily themed, meaning the scenery and the coaster train itself gives rise to an intricate story which enhances the ride experience. Big Thunder Mountain is the story of a run away train which goes barreling down the mountain. This ride does not go upside down, or do any amazing acrobatics. It is simply gravity at its best. The train themed coaster car goes in, out, through, and around the mountain. Riders will go through the desert, a lost mine, and an ole’ west town while coasting up and down hills and valleys. Through this whole journey, the run away train stays under 40 miles an hour, making it perfect for even children to enjoy the thrill of a coaster.
Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom
Primeval Whirl, at Animal Kingdom, is another excellent example of Disney catering to families. Disney’s Animal Kingdom adds Disney magic to the concept of a zoo. Adding to the magic is Primeval Whirl, a spinning coaster which takes riders on a voyage back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the world. As you go up the lift hill, you are lead to believe you are traveling back in time. As your coaster cars goes up, another era is left behind you. Once at the top, your ride through prehistoric times begins with hair pin turns. Just as you get used to the thrill of being pulled from side to side through the turns, the car unlocks and centrifugal force causes the car to spin along the twisted track. Through each turn you are greeted with scenes from prehistoric times. As you spin through your journey, your car suddenly plunges down and back up several little hills just large enough to "catch the tummy" of both children and adults alike. As you take your final turn toward the break run, you are transported back to the current time happy to escape a dismal fate with the dinosaurs of the prehistoric era.
Flying Unicorn at Islands of Adventure
Flying Unicorn at Universal's Islands of Adventure
The Flying Unicorn at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is a true don't miss for families. Nestled in the wooded area of "The Lost Continent," this ride will cast a spell on all riders and make you believe in the flight of the unicorn. Ideal for ages 3 – 93, the Flying Unicorn allows the whole family to experience the magic together. Boarding cars of two to a seat, your mystical journey begins as you head up the lift hill where the sounds a mythical spell being cast can be heard. Once you crest the hill, the gallop of the unicorn twists and turns riders through the naturally wooded terrain. As you coast to a stop back in the station after your mythical journey, you’ll hear two sounds – the sounds of the unicorn flying away to amaze yet other riders and the sounds of children and adults asking to ride again.
Honorable Mention:
- Goofy's Barnstormer - Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster - Universal Studios
- Space Mountain - Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
- Shamu Express - SeaWorld
- Cheetah Chase - Busch Garden's Africa
Photographs - © Mark Burleson
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