Orlando’s Best New Theme Park Rides Ranked

Central Florida’s plethora of theme parks and record-setting tourism (100 million strong), lends itself to the newest ride technology, often paired with the best theming from top-tier creative teams pushing the limits in every conceivable way. Within the last 18 months, Orlando has seen no less than six new rides debut across its many parks. Let’s take a look at some of the best new rides out there, as experienced by the Orlando magazine team.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. Courtesy of Walt Disney Parks

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Park: EPCOT

This ride is intense; if you are prone to motion sickness, we do not recommend this ride. 

Embark on a cosmic thrill-ride with the Guardians of the Galaxy! This heart-pounding attraction boasts Disney’s first reverse-launch coaster, ranking as one of the world’s largest indoor roller coasters. Crafted by the ingenious minds at Walt Disney Imagineering, this coaster offers a 360-degree rotating experience, ensuring you’re always in the midst of the excitement. Although the journey lasts just three minutes, it’s packed with adventure, feeling like an eternity of fun.

Your escapade begins in the Galaxarium, a planetarium-esque exhibit that compares the cosmic wonders of Xandar and Earth. Here, you’ll delve into the fascinating aspects of Xandarian culture and their advanced technology. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, things take a wild turn, and you’re suddenly enlisted to assist the Guardians of the Galaxy in a critical mission.

Gear up with Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord for a high-stakes, interstellar chase. This ride isn’t just a simple spin around the stars—it’s a full-on rewind, rotate and race towards the action at breathtaking speeds of 60 MPH. Not for the faint-hearted, this mission demands bravery and gusto. Are you ready to zoom across the universe in a daring dash to save the galaxy? The fate of the cosmos rests in your hands!

TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom. Courtesy of Walt Disney Parks

TRON Lightcycle / Run

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Park: Magic Kingdom

Step into a digital dreamscape and unite with Team Blue on an electrifying quest through the Grid – the endless, neon-lit digital universe from TRON. In this realm, the thrills are as boundless as the horizon.

Strap into your personal Lightcycle, a beacon of speed and light, and dive into a pulse-pounding chase. Race through the Grid, outsmarting and outpacing the realm’s most formidable Programs. Your mission: navigate through 8 Energy Gates, outmaneuvering opponents at every turn to clinch a triumphant win for your team.

TRON Lightcycle / Run isn’t just a roller coaster; it’s a high-velocity journey, standing among the fastest rides in Disney’s global theme park empire. But this thrill ride has roots in cinematic history. Rewind to 1982: Disney revolutionized movie-making with TRON,
a pioneering film blending live-action, groundbreaking computer graphics, and stunning backlit animation. This trailblazing movie not only captivated audiences but also spurred a legacy of video games, comics, an animated series, the dazzling 2010 sequel TRON: Legacy, and now, this spectacular theme park attraction. Embrace the legacy and accelerate into adventure with TRON Lightcycle / Run – where the digital and real worlds spectacularly collide!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT. Courtesy of Walt Disney Parks.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana 

★★★☆☆

Park: EPCOT

This isn’t as much of a ride as it is an experience. Wander through a self-guided exploration path, where the magic of water unfolds from the heavens to the deep blue seas and circles back. This is where you’ll playfully engage with water, just as the brave Moana did during her legendary oceanic quest.

As you meander along this captivating trail, interact with water in ways you’ve never imagined. You’ll delve into the wonders of the global water cycle, a miraculous journey that whirls water across our planet. This expedition isn’t just about fun; it’s also an enlightening path to understanding how vital it is to safeguard this essential resource and how you can contribute to a healthier world.

The choice is yours: embrace the splash and get soaked or opt for a dry adventure as you navigate this delightful, water-filled wonderland. Either way, prepare for an experience that weaves education, excitement and environmental awareness into a tapestry of aquatic delight!

Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Courtesy of Seaworld Orlando.

Pipeline: The Surf Coaster

★★★☆☆

Park: SeaWorld Orlando

Dive into the exhilarating essence of the sea on Pipeline, a groundbreaking surf coaster that’s a first in its class. Imagine rocketing up 110 feet at a breathtaking speed of 60 mph, where each twist and turn mirrors the thrilling sensation of conquering real ocean waves. Thanks to cutting-edge dynamic seats, you’re granted an unprecedented range of motion, making your ride feel authentically like surfing the high seas.

Prepare to be swept away by this latest addition to Orlando’s Coaster Capital, marking its seventh high-octane thrill ride. Pipeline isn’t just a coaster; it’s an adrenaline-packed surf adventure, offering you the ultimate thrill as you ride the crest of innovation and excitement. So, are you ready to surf the sky?

Minion Land To Officially Open At Universal Orlando Resort On August 11 2023. Top: Courtesy Of Universal Studios Orlando.

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast

★★★☆☆

Park: Universal Studios Orlando

At Universal Orlando Resort, get ready for a minion-sized takeover! The lovable yellow characters from Illumination have claimed their own playful territory in Universal Studios. Here, you’re invited to join the world of Illumination’s Minions, along with Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed, and the notorious Vicious 6 at Villain-Con. Prepare to step into the shoes of a would-be supervillain as you navigate your way through a zany, interactive adventure.

Arm yourself with the E-Liminator X blaster and put your aiming skills to the test in this engaging and lively attraction. It’s a brand-new whirlwind of fun, now ready to explore at Universal Orlando. To amp up your villainous venture, download The Universal Orlando Resort app for an even more immersive experience. This app unlocks enhanced gameplay at Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and throughout the whimsical Minion Land on Illumination Avenue. Get ready for an escapade filled with mischief and mayhem, Minion style!

Courtesy of Legoland Florida

Pirate River Quest 

★★☆☆☆

Park: LEGOLAND Florida 

If you’re looking for a Jungle Cruise experience without the wait, LEGOLAND has the next best thing. Embark on a voyage with a band of LEGO® pirates, under the captain’s command, to navigate mysterious waters and reclaim a treasure spirited away by a cheeky bunch of monkeys.

This 20-minute escapade takes you through the historic waters of Cypress Gardens, unveiling the mysteries and legends that guard its channels. Be a part of an unfolding tale, where each LEGO® brick adds to an engaging, family-friendly quest for lost riches.

Set your sights on excitement and exploration at LEGOLAND® with the Pirate River Quest – where adventure and imagination set sail!