Top 50 Rides in Florida

There has never been a more exciting time to be a theme park enthusiast in Florida. Star Wars Land opens @ Disney's Hollywood Studios this year, Toy Story Land just opened, and there will be a ton more opening up by Disney's 50th anniversary year of 2021. There have been new sections added at Sea World, Legoland, and several other theme parks. Heck, in a manner of hours, Busch Gardens adds Florida's tallest launch coaster in Tigris.

With all this excitement, it is the perfect time to rank the best rides in Florida. What are the best rides we have right now? Will the new rides be as good? Check out the list below and decide yourself.

Disclaimer: I have not been to Legoland Florida yet, I have also not riden the Fast and the Furious ride @ Universal Orlando.

Top 50 Rides in Florida

50. Popeye Bilge Rat Barges - Islands of Adventure

You get soaked on this ride and it is a great river rapids ride. That being said, there are many rides that are simply better.

49. Congo River Rapids - Busch Gardens Tampa

Another great river rapids ride, that in my opinion is better than Popeye. A little bit longer ride with a typically shorter wait. 

48. Flight of Passage - Disney's Animal Kingdom

A lot of people probably have this much higher, but Avatar knocks this down a few pegs in my opinion. Just not my cup of tea.

47. Dumbo - Magic Kingdom

Is this the most exciting ride? No

Is it one of the most iconic? Definitely

46. Freedom Flyer - Fun Spot Orlando

Freedom Flyer is a super smooth ride. It would be higher if it were a bit longer or more exciting.

45. Escape from Gringotts - Universal Orlando

Cool ride, again probably higher on most lists. Theming was awesome, especially outside the ride.

44. Scorpion - Busch Garden Tampa

Was the 2nd coaster I've ever riden and has sentimental value. It simply isn't as good as some other rides though.

43. Falcon's Fury - Busch Gardens Tampa

Very exciting ride, but just way too short. Also I'm the only one in my family that will ride this and riding alone just isn't as fun.

42. Kraken - Sea World Orlando

Would be higher, but ride is a bit jerky and gives me a headache after a few rides.

41. Race Through New York w/ Jimmy Fallon - Universal Orlando

Awesome ride, but my brother got sick on it, so that is the lasting image of it.

40. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Magic Kingdom

The most underrated ride at magic kingdom in my opinion. Some people hate that this replaced Mr. Toad, but our family loves Pooh!!!

39. Bumper Kars - Fun Spot Orlando

Come on! You know you love Bumper Kars! Imagine being able to ride over and over! You can do that with the lack of lines at fun spot.

38. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin - Magic Kingdom

Amazingly fun ride. Would be even higher if...the guns always worked.

37. Journey to Atlantis - Sea World Orlando

A really fun flume with some roller coaster elements

36. Pteranodon Flyers - Islands of Adventure

Super cool ride with a great view of the park.

35. Skull Island: Reign of Kong - Islands of Adventure

Really enjoyed this ride and its cool that little ones can go on.

34. Alien Swirling Saucers - Hollywood Studios

This is where it gets really good. All rides from here on out are just a joy. Love spinning on the swirling saucers.

33. Soarin' - Epcot

Super fun ride, but can't reach the other rides on this list. It is cool seeing the cool places around the world.

32. Storm Force Accelatron - Islands of Adventure

Like an amped up version of tea cups. This is super fun.

31. Mad Tea Party - Magic Kingdom

Nothing beats the original.

30. Men In Black Alien Attack - Universal Orlando

Similar to Buzz, but better accuracy and a longer ride.

29. Doctor Doom Fearfall - Islands of Adventure

A cool drop tower. So neat.

28. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem - Universal Orlando

One of the cooler rides at Universal Orlando. My favorite motion ride at the actual park.

27. Sheikra - Busch Gardens Tampa

One of the most exciting rides, but it is super short. The lack of length keeps it from being top 10.

26. Seven Dwarf Mine Train - Magic Kingdom

A sweet ride with an always long wait. Not as thrilling as it could be.

25. Slinky Dog Dash - Hollywood Studios

An awesome coaster that is kid friendly.

24. Skyride - Busch Gardens Tampa

Underrated ride with great views of the park and a sweet breeze. Great way to see rhinos and elephants.

23. Rock n' Roller Coaster - Hollywood Studios

Super fun ride and the most intense coaster at Disney. Would be ranked higher if the seats were more comfortable.

22. White Lightning - Fun Spot Orlando

Surprisingly fast wooden coaster at fun spot. Just a very unique and fun ride. With no wait, you can ride it over and over.

21. Mine Blower - Fun Spot Kissimmee

Wooden coaster that goes upside down!!

20. Space Mountain - Magic Kingdom

I don't ride this enough. One of the most iconic rides out there.

19. Manta - Sea World Orlando

You feel like you are flying on this ride. It's awesome until you are waiting at the end, then its not so awesome.

18. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Magic Kingdom

I have this lower than others in my family. Jr. loves this ride. I do too, but not as much as what is to come.

17. Test Track - Epcot

This is Jr.'s absolute favorite ride and its a blast. A sweet coaster.

16. Jurassic Park River Adventure - Islands of Adventure

One of the best water rides around and a sweet throwback to a classic movie.

15. Revenge of the Mummy - Universal Orlando

An absolute gem of a ride. Cool indoor coaster with some surprises.

14. Forbidden Journey - Islands of Adventure

Many say this ride is their favorite in Florida, but it slots in at #14 for me. Really fun ride either way.

13. Cobra's Curse - Busch Gardens Tampa

My favorite part of this ride is the giraffes you can see from the top of the ride.

12 - Rip Ride Rock It - Universal Orlando

The best ride at Universal Orlando. Super fun and cool to choose your song.

11. Kumba - Busch Gardens Tampa

A sweet coaster with lots of inversions. A classic that has stood the tests of time.

10. Expedition Everest - Animal Kingdom

Best coaster at Disney and the only that goes backwards.

9. Mako - Sea World Orlando

The best ride at Sea World. That 1st drop is amazing and terrifying.

8 - Incredible Hulk - Islands of Adventure

The best coaster at Universal Studios Resort. 

7. Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Islands of Adenture

The best ride at the resort. It also has great value being one that the whole family can enjoy and being a Spider-Man attraction.

6. Cheetah Hunt - Busch Gardens Tampa

Super fast and super amazing coaster.

5. Toy Story Mania - Hollywood Studios

Super fun and interactive ride. 

Side Note: I'm undefeated in this ride.

4. Montu - Busch Gardens Tampa

Best coaster in FL. This ride has 7 inversions

3. Tower of Terror - Hollywood Studios

Every time it's different and every time it is spectacular.

2. Splash Mountain - Magic Kingdom

9+ minutes of pure glory. Such a great ride.

1. Kilimanjaro Safaris - Animal Kingdom

The best ride in the United States. Now, it's not the ride that makes it great, its the animals, but where else can you see a hippo that close? Where else will a rhino go right past your jeep? Closest we will get in this state!

What do you think of this list? Do you have anything that you would change?

- Noland

Naples Zoo

This week, ZooZoo Review, gives you a look at one of the zoos at the southern end of our great state.
Naples Zoo

Naples, FL

Date of Visit: March 5, 2016

Highlights: So many highlights at this awesome zoo! The top one was certainly the honey badgers! The Naples Zoo was 1 of only 4 accredited zoos in the United States to have honey badgers and I had never seen them before this visit. Unfortunately, the pictures against the glass were not so great, but they were awesome. There were also awesome hyena, sweet cheetah, tiger, leopard, and lion exhibits and so much more. There was an incredible variety of exhibits and each exhibit was well planned out.

Disappointments: No big theme to the zoo, everything was just kind of there. Cool exhibits, but I kept feeling like I missed something because the overall park had no plan as far as organized areas. Also the lack of pictures of the honey badger.

Additional Tips: If you plan on going on the primate cruise, get there early. The line was too long and we ended up passing because we did not wish to wait for the cruise.

Pictures

Picture with an inflatable giraffe toy of NoNo

Lots of Alligators

Best friend and son with giraffe

Best friend and his mom @ zoo

Anteater!

Giraffe!

He loved that giraffe!

Giraffe toy and giraffe in background

My family + my best friend in front of the giraffe!

Bestie and son in front of giraffes

Jenna and the baby holding a stuffed honey badger!

Overall Rating: 
4.5 out of 5 elephants

The only thing keeping this from a 5 was the lack of theming at the zoo. The exhibits and variety of animals were excellent. Major bonus points for being one of only 4 zoos in the country with honey badgers. Those things were so cool! I was super glad we got to go here and we will be back at some point to go back to this tremendous zoo.

-Noland

Saint Augustine Alligator Farm

It is time for another Zoo Review!
Saint Augustine Alligator Farm

Saint Augustine, FL

Date of Visit: December 29, 2015

As we get ready to take Eli to our favorite zoo so far in Atlanta, I figured it was a good time to review the last new zoo attraction pre-Eli.

Highlights: The saltwater crocodile exhibit and getting to see that massive crocodile underwater. My 3 year old loved that! The komodo dragons are always a fun animal. Those guys are so cool. There is a reason the komodo dragon is my 2nd favorite animal and they are always cool to look at. Seeing every species of crocodile in the world was neat.

Disappointments: Same with our gatorland review, once you see one alligator, you have seen them all. Too many regular alligators, would have liked more variety. The nile crocodile was kind of small and that is typically our favorite.

Additional Tips: Try to catch a feeding or a show, they are neat.

Pictures
The coolest animal there was the komodo dragon, but for some reason, pictures all turned out rough. Here are some good pictures though.

 Baby Albino Alligators

Big Albino Alligator

Maximus the Saltwater Crocodile

Jr. with his aunt KJ

 The Big Salty next to the little Salty

Tortoise

Bull Alligator

Overall Rating:
3.5 out of 5 elephants
This was cooler than Gatorland simply because of the saltwater crocodile exhibit being cooler and the added komodo dragons. The park was very similar to that park though. I am sure all alligator farms are incredibly similar. This one did get bonus points for the dragons and the salty. Those were very cool. We will be back at some point, because Saint Augustine is an awesome town filled with history and this place was cool.

Stay tuned for reviews of the Naples Zoo, our return trip to Atlanta, our trip to the Georgia Aquarium and much, much, more.

-Noland

ZooWorld

Happy Friday the 13th everybody! Here is another Zoo Review for our Zoo Readers! 

ZooWorld

Panama City Beach, Florida

Website

Hours: 9:30-5

Admission: $16.95

Date of Visit: March 2015

Highlights: Large variety of animals. Species from all over the world. Get to see the animals up close. Prairie Dog exhibit was epic and one of the best I have seen.

Disappointments: Almost every enclosure looked to small and you felt bad for the animals. It was sad at several of the cages, especially the Jaguars and Giraffes.

Additional Tips: If you do end up going, purchase the feeding experiences. I am not sure those animals get fed outside of those experiences and they are cool. Jr. loved feeding the camels.
The walked a timberwolf around the zoo for kids to pet just like it was a dog. I decided to pass on letting my kid pet it, because at the end of the day its a friggen wolf. They said it was safe, but that was just one of the sketch things about this place.

Pictures

Entrance Sign

Awesome White Lion Cub

Fun Feeding Experience, Not A Lot of Space For The Giraffes

A cat this majestic needs a bigger habit. Still cool to look at, but felt bad.

Awesome Mandrill that was fat and happy

Peacock

Jr.'s favorite part, the prairie dog tunnel

Serval

Funky Snake

Another Snake

We had a good time just hanging around

Turkey

Tiger

Final Rating:
This zoo was the hardest to rate out of any we had seen so far. The variety of animals should lend itself to a 5 rating. However, the exhibits have to knock it down some. That being said, the Reston Zoo got a 4.5 from us early and they had charges of animal cruelty brought against them (we didn't know about at the time). The species of animal at this zoo were about as cool as can be. There have never been any charges against them, but I still feel bad for the animals. We are unsure if we are willing to give them a second chance and unsure of the rating. It just is what it is at this place. It will appeal to many, but disgust many as well. It is an interesting phenomenon. This zoo will remain unrated due to the complexities involved with it.

-Noland

Brevard Zoo

We are back with another zoo review for our zoo lovers. Sorry for the long hiatus, but we will try to post weekly again! This one is for the wonderful Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida. Brevard is one of our favorite zoos and one of the premier attractions in all of Florida.

Brevard Zoo

Melbourne, FL

Website

Hours: 9:30-5

Admission: $16.95

Date of Visit: Feb. 2015

Highlights: So many highlights, but most of them come from the zoos African section. The meerkat exhibit and the cheetah exhibit are as cool as they come. They have my favorite animal (the rhino). They have an awesome giraffe feeding experience and they even have an anteater. This zoo also had incredibly well done themes and animals from every continent except for Antarctica. There are a lot more highlights than this.

Disappointments: Not a lot of disappointments other than our kids being too little to do the extra experiences like kayaking past Rhinos! How cool must that be? I guess the Europe, Asia, Australia section could be a little bigger.

Additional Tips: Go and have fun at this zoo. This zoo has the best concession stand I have seen at a zoo, but everything is made to order there. Arrive at the stand by 11am and eat an early lunch. :)

Pictures!!!

Our team leader was excited to tell us animals to see first!

Anteater

Bald Eagle

Giraffe

Cheetah

Black Swan

Condor

Cool Bird I had never seen before called a Crested Caracara.

Emu Egg

Kangaroos and an Emu

Foxes

Cool Bird

Cool Feeding Experience that this zoo and Lowry Park do.

One of our favorite Rhino exhibits!

The highlight of this trip was this meerkat experience. They had an underground tunnel system for the kids to experience the exhibit. Those pictures didn't turn out well, but it was probably the coolest exhibit I have seen so far at a zoo. The meerkats could travel in tunnels right over the kids heads. So cool!

Final Rating: 

5/5 Elephants

This zoo is one of the best in the state and possibly the country. The meerkat exhibit and the cheetah exhibits are the best of their kind. This zoo would be even better with the special experience add-ons that we didn't get to do. It is so great that we took another track across state recently for a 2nd trip. This zoo comes highly recommended by the Robinsons.

-Noland

Central Florida Zoo

Hello again zoo lovers! We have a few more zoos to review this year and thought we would get started with the Central Florida Zoo.

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Sanford, FL

Website

Hours: 9 AM-5 PM

Admission: $16.50

Date of Visit: March 2015

Highlights: The Indian Rhino exhibit was awesome and even better than the one at Lowry Park. You were able to get closer and view them quite well. The black leopard exhibit was something I had never seen before which is always awesome. It was a special part of the zoo. Likewise, the crocodile monitor was something I had never seen before and really neat. I just wish we got a better picture of it for you, but it was difficult with the glass. They had a neat butterfly garden for the kids to look at and a cool playground for them as well.

Disappointments: Outside of the highlights and the cool animals in the pictures below, this zoo really lacked something. I was surprisingly underwhelmed. The zoo also didn't have the animals separated by continent like most zoos and just had a confusing layout in general.

Additional Tips: This zoo is actually about 45 minutes outside of Orlando. It is not actually in Orlando, do not be confused by Central Florida Zoo. It is in Sanford and not Orlando. 

Pictures

Gila Monster

Cool Iguana

Indian Rhino

Another Indian Rhino

Snake

Butterfly from the Butterfly Garden

Not the best quality because of the glass, but a cool caiman swimming towards us.

Really cool bird by the entrance

Camel

Porcupine

Crocodile Monitor

And the highlight of the visit, this beautiful black leopard. This zoo is also where we learned about why some leopards are black (similar to albino alligators) and that there is no such thing as a black panther.

Final Rating: 

3 out of 5 elephants

This zoo had it's highlights, but a confusing layout and a surprising lack of cool animals would have had this at a below average zoo. The Indian Rhino exhibit (which is the best of its kind) and the black leopard exhibit (which is incredibly rare) really saved this zoos rating. If you have never seen these animals, it is worth it just for them, but we will be spending our time at other zoos/attractions. There is so much to do in Florida, and you can do much better than this place. It disappointed me overall, but had some 1 of a kind cool stuff also.

Stay tuned for our next review on a much more pleasant zoo experience in a few weeks.

-Noland