Stay in Kissimmee and you’re minutes away from the world-famous theme parks. Get your kicks on classics like Walt Disney’s Space Mountain, new arrivals such as Fun Spot’s Mine Blower or Universal Orlando’s Harry Potter And The Hidden Journey that uses state-of-the-art technology. But Kissimmee’s not just about roller coasters. It’s also a state of diverse outdoor adventures, from slow and easy to thrilling, as well as electric dining and shopping options.
In no particular order, here are the top eight white knuckle attractions you mustn’t miss during your stay in the Sunshine State.
1
Mine Blower, Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America is a family fun amusement park situated on Highway 192 in Kissimmee. Launching this summer is the much-anticipated Mine Blower – Florida’s only wooden roller coaster with an inversion. It will have a full 360 degree barrel roll and will be over 24 metres high.
2
SkyCoaster, Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America
The one’s the ultimate for thrill-seekers. Ride in groups of up to three people as you take flight on the World’s Tallest SkyCoaster standing at a staggering 91 metres. Combining the thrill of skydiving and hang-gliding, it’s the closest thing to jumping out of a plane.
3
Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom
Blast off on a rip-roaring rocket through the darkest reaches of outer space on this rollercoaster-style ride in the dark. Behold streaking orbs of light, wayward comets and migrant meteors. Feel the push and pull of gravity as you soar into a swirling wormhole for re-entry – an unforgettable first flight in space successfully completed.
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4
Revenge of the Mummy, Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando
Revenge of the Mummy is a not-to-be-missed high-speed, indoor roller coaster similar to Disney’s Rock ‘n Rollercoaster (except you don’t go upside down). The attraction does a fantastic job of bringing The Mummy story to life with plenty of thrills, going from a complete standstill to a top speed of between 40 and 45 mph in a matter of seconds
5
Expedition Everest, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disneys Animal Kingdom
Climb a steep incline and navigate through a ceremonial stone tunnel before reaching the summit, then hold on tight as you pick up speed and race inside the dreaded mountain. Without warning, your train screeches to a halt. A broken and twisted track appears in front of you. Brace yourself as your train unpredictably begins to race backward into the darkened mountain, furiously swooping up into a double-looping turn. Inside the windswept passage, the shadowy figure of a growling creature can be seen on a cavern wall. It is the Yeti – the legend is real!
6
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando
Enter through the towering castle gates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, visiting Dumbledore’s office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor common room, the Room of Requirement, and more. Then soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on a thrilling adventure, coming face-to-face with magical creatures. This amazing attraction uses ground-breaking, state-of-the-art technology (and a little magic) to create a one-of-a-kind ride.
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7
Mission: SPACE, Epcot
Epcot
Fulfil your fantasy of being an astronaut as you dodge meteors, navigate nebulae and slingshot around the moon. Board your vessel, lower your harness and brace yourself for the incredible force of lift-off. Get goosebumps as you arc around the moon and then hold on tight as you attempt a precarious precision landing on the Red Planet’s alien surface.
8
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disneys Hollywood Studios
Hurtle up and down aboard a haunted, elevator-themed ride. You’re about to enter… The Twilight Zone! Tour the infamous Hollywood Tower Hotel, the onetime haunt of Tinseltown’s rich and famous. In the rickety, elevator-style lift, light bulbs spookily flicker on and off above you. It will have you shrieking in terror as you suddenly hurl down the abandoned shaft.
British Airways’ KIssimmee holiday villas offer all the convenience and comfort of home, with the freedom to come and go as you please. Combine your villa holiday with car hire from Orlando airport and explore at your own pace. To find out more about Kissimmee, visit wemakeholidays.co.uk.