North America Top/Famous Amusement Park Rides

Men in Black: Alien Attack

 Location: Universal Studios, Orlando Florida

 Type: Shooter ride (while riding a car on a track), indoor interactive dark ride
 Height requirement: 42 inches
 Ride duration: 5 mins

The goal of the ride is to score higher than the opponent car by shooting as many aliens as possible.
Each car & rider has their own laser gun for shooting aliens.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/men-in-black-alien-
attack/index.html

https://www.tripsavvy.com/men-in-black-alien-attack-3224599

https://orlandoinformer.com/universal/men-in-black-alien-attack/
Revenge of the Mummy

 Location: Universal Studios, Orlando Florida

 Type: Indoor & dark rollercoaster
 Height requirement: 48 inches
 Speed: 45 kph
 Duration: 3 mins

Take a plunge into this thrilling indoor, dark rollercoaster as you flee from the curse of the evil mummy,
Imhotep. This ride utilizes special effects such as, fire and animatronics.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/revenge-of-the-mummy-ride-review-3226695

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/revenge-of-the-
mummy/index.html
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

 Location: Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida

 Type: Indoor & dark ride, Motion simulation, 3-D/4-D experience, vehicles are mounted on
robotic arms
 Minimum height: 48 inches

As you wait in line, you go thru a few of Hogwarts known areas, the Greenhouses, Dumbledore’s office,
the Great Hall etc. The moving paintings as seen in the movies can also be seen as you enter the castle.
Journey through Hogwarts as the they welcome muggles to tour in the school premises where you
encounter the Whomping Willow, Dementors and more magical creatures along with famed Hogwarts
students.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/harry-potter-and-the-forbidden-journey-3225705

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/harry-potter-and-the-
forbidden-journey/index.html
Jurassic Park: the Ride

 Location: Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida

 Type: Water cruise (w/ drop)
 Height Requirement: 42 inches

 Drop: 80 feet or 25 meters

Tour around Jurassic Park until your raft makes a wrong turn to a restricted area. Utilizes animatronic
dinosaurs with a 50 foot T-rex waiting for you before the 80 feet drop.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/jurassic-park-river-
adventure/index.html
Kingda Ka

 Location: Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey

 Type: Hydraulic Launch Rollercoaster
 Top speed: 208 km/h
 90-degree climb/drop
 Max Height: 137 m
 Duration: 50.6 secs
 Length of track: 0.95 km

Hailed as the tallest Rollercoaster in America & in the world where speeds can go from 0-206 km/h in
matter of 3.5 secs.

https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/kingda-ka

https://www.intaminworldwide.com/project/kingda-ka/

https://www.tripsavvy.com/tallest-roller-coasters-in-the-world-3226411

https://www.tripsavvy.com/kingda-ka-six-flags-great-adventure-3226523
Manta

 Location: SeaWorld, Orlando, Florida

 Type: Rollercoaster
 Height requirement: 54 inches
 Height: 43 m with a 34 m drop
 Speed: 90kph

Fly like a giant manta ray across the park in this inverted rollercoaster.

https://seaworld.com/orlando/roller-coasters/manta/

http://www.orlando.com/attractions/the-manta-rollercoaster-seaworld.htm#
Millennium Force

 Location: Cedar Point, Ohio

 Type: Giga Coaster
 Height requirement: 54 inches
 Height: total height – 94 m, drop – 90 m
 Speed: 150 kph
 Duration: 2 mins

One of the first “gigacoaster”, titled as one of the Best Steel Coasters as well as holding a total number
of seven world records.

https://www.cedarpoint.com/play/rides/millennium-force

https://www.intaminworldwide.com/project/millennium-force/
Master Blaster: Uphill Water Coaster

 Location: Schilitterbahn Waterpark & Resort, New Braunfels, Texas

 Type: Uphill Water Coaster
 Height Requirement: 42 inches

Combines the thrill of a water slide and a rollercoaster as the rider is propelled by jets of water. Riders
go on inflatable boats and are sent down a three-story drop, then back up into a twisting tunnel. The
ride continues to another series of twists and turns until the riders are dropped at a splash pool.

https://www.schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels/rides/master-blaster-uphill-water-coaster
Transformers: The Ride-3D

 Location: Universal Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

 Type: 3D / 4D experience
 Minimum height: 48 inches
 Children 40 – 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult

A fusion of 3D media and flight simulation technology, fight along with the Autobots to protect the
Allspark against the Decepticons. A similar ride can be found in Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida and
Universal Studios, Singapore.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/transformers-the-ride-3d-3226706

https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/things-to-do/rides-and-attractions/transformers-the-ride-
3d/
El Toro

 Location: Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey

 Type: Wooden Rollercoaster
 Top speed: 113 kph
 First Drop: 54 meters & 76 degrees
 Track Length: 1.34km
 Duration: 2 mins & 5 seconds

One of the fastest and tallest wooden coasters in the world. Ride up to 54 meters and drop at a 76
degree angle while at a speed of 113 kph which is then followed by hills of different heights. Like its
namesake, the ride will feel like a being on a bull whilst its trying to shake you off. This rollercoaster was
voted as the no. 1 wooden coaster in 2011 and recently, 2017.

https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/el-toro

https://www.tripsavvy.com/el-toro-six-flags-great-adventure-3225670
Montu

 Location: Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida

 Type: Inverted Rollercoaster
 Minimum height: 54 inches
 Track length: 1.21 km
 Max Height: 150 ft
 Max drop: 128 ft
 Speed: 96 kph
 Duration: 3 mins

One of the first inverted rollercoasters, prepare yourself for a total of seven inversions while going at a
speed of 96 kph.

https://rcdb.com/87.htm

https://buschgardens.com/tampa/roller-coasters/montu/

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/apr/27/top-10-florida-rollercoasters-theme-parks
Dudley Do-Rights's Ripsaw Falls

 Location: Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida

 Type: Water Ride
 Minimum height: 44 inches

Ride on a flume log as it goes through the twist and turns while surrounded by classic cartoon characters
such as Snidely Whiplash, Nell Fenwick and the star of the ride, Dudley Do-Right. By the end of the ride,
prepare to be splashed as you go down a 75-foot drop.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/dudley-do-rights-ripsaw-
falls/index.html

https://orlandoinformer.com/universal/dudley-do-rights-ripsaw-falls/
Frozen Ever After

 Location: Epcot World Showcase, Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida

 Type: Indoor Water Ride
 Any height
 All ages

A ride for all ages, sail to the kingdom of Arendelle aboard an ancient Norwegian vessel where you meet
the people of Arendelle and of course, Anna, Elsa, Olaf and many more.

http://www.disneytouristblog.com/frozen-ever-review-tips/

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/frozen-ever-after/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoKTWjnjYO0
Thunderhead

 Location: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

 Type: Wooden Rollercoaster
 Height & Drop: 30 m
 Length of track: 985 m
 Speed: 89 kph

Makes use of the terrain of the woods to make the ride more thrilling featuring 22 turns in total.

https://rcdb.com/2451.htm

https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Rides/Thunderhead
Apollo's Chariot

 Location: Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia

 Type: Hypercoaster
 Height: 52 m
 Drop: 64 m
 Speed: 117 kph
 Duration: 2 mins & 15 secs

Although this rollercoaster has no inversions, experience a 26-second weightlessness as this

rollercoaster speeds through the tract at 117 kph.

https://rcdb.com/531.htm

https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/roller-coasters/apollos-chariot/
Goliath

 Location: Six Flags Over Georgia, Cobb County, Georgia

 Length: 1365 m
 Speed: 113 kph
 Max Height: 90 m
 Ride Type: Hyper Coaster

Another holder of the Best Steel Coaster title.

https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/attractions/goliath
The Simpsons Ride

 Location: Universal Studios, Hollywood, LA

 Type: Motion Simulation / 3D CGI
 Height Req: 40 inches
 Duration: 6 mins

Journey through the Krustyland on a virtual reality rollercoaster ride without the actual twists and turns.
If you’re a fan of The Simpsons then you’ll surely enjoy this ride full of the humor and characters The
Simpsons is known for. A similar ride can be found in Universal Studios, Orlando.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/the-simpsons-ride-3226705

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/the-simpsons-
ride/index.html
New Texas Giant

 Location: Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas

 Type: Steel-Wood Rollercoaster
 Speed: 105 kph
 Height: 47 m
 Track Length: 1500 m
 Duration: 3 mins & 25 seconds
 Minimum height req: 48 inches

A rollercoaster that combines wooden architecture and steel engineering. With this rollercoaster you’ll
feel as though you’re flying off your seat especially with the 79-degree drop.

https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas/attractions/new-texas-giant
Nitro

 Location: Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey

 Type: Steel Rollercoaster / Hypercoaster
 Height Requirement: 54 inches
 Height/Elevation: 70 m
 Speed: 129 kph
 Track Length: 1609 m
 Duration: 3 mins

With the minimal seating restriction, you’ll feel as though you’re flying through the air at 129 kph. As
you reach the top of the first hill you’ll get a view of New Jersey but not for long since you’ll immediately
drop from a height 66 meters.

https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/nitro
Phantom’s Revenge

 Location: Kennywood, West Mifflin, Philadelphia

 Type: Steel Rollercoaster
 Tallest Vertical Height: 49 m
 Max drop: 70 m
 Speed: 137 kph
 Track length: 1026 m
 Duration: 1 min & 45 secs

Although the ride was almost closed down to be replaced, this decision met mixed reactions from the
park-goers. Instead, management elected to renovate the rollercoaster to catch up with the more
modern coasters of other parks.

https://www.kennywood.com/phantoms-revenge
Wildebeest

 Location: Holiday World & Splashin Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana

 Type: HydroMagnetic Rocket water coaster
 Height: 20 m
 Length: 521 m
 Highest drop: 12 m with a 45-degree angle
 Speed: 11 meters per second
 Duration: 2 mins & 30 secs

Ride the second longest water coaster as you go through the Wildebeest’s drops, twists and turns
eventually soaking you in the process.

https://www.holidayworld.com/rides/wildebeest/
Top Thrill Dragster

 Location: Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

 Type: Hydraulic Launch Rocket Coaster
 Height: 128 m
 Speed: 193 kph

One of the world’s top ten tallest rollercoasters, the Top Thrill Dragster has a 128 m top hat tower with a
90-degree drop paired with its speed of 193 kph.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ride-review-of-top-thrill-dragster-3225687

https://www.cedarpoint.com/play/rides/top-thrill-dragster

The Voyage

 Location: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana

 Type: Wooden & Steel Rollercoaster
 Height: 53 m
 Speed: 108 kph
 Track Length: 1964 m
 Duration: 2 mins & 25 secs
 Minimum height req: 48 inches

Named as one of the top wooden coasters in the US it is also one of the fastest wooden rollercoasters as
well as the longest. The Voyage will make any rider feel weightless for about 24 seconds.
https://www.holidayworld.com/rides/the-voyage/

https://www.tripsavvy.com/the-voyage-holiday-world-3225689

Gatekeeper

 Location: Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

 Type: Winged Rollercoaster
 Height: 52 m
 Speed: 108 kph
 Track Length: 1269 m
 Duration: 2 mins

One of the world’s Winged Coasters, the Gatekeeper also has one of the tallest upside down drop
measuring to 50 m. The Gatekeeper is also known for its number of inversions holding the record for the
most number of inversions for a winged rollercoaster.

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/05/10_things_to_know_about_cedar.html

https://www.cedarpoint.com/play/rides/gatekeeper

https://web.archive.org/web/20130622030249/https://www.cedarpoint.com/images/news/GKFactShe
et.pdf
https://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2013-04/wing-and-scare

Sources:

http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/06/greatest-amusement-park-rides-in-america/men-in-
black-alien-attack

https://localpov.com/best-of/30-best-theme-park-rides-america/