We have seen the opening of two incredible indoor coasters this year. Both TRON: Lightcycle / Run at Walt Disney World and Darkoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg opened earlier in 2023 as innovative and unique roller coasters.
We thought it best to look at some of the other indoor coasters that allow you to get in your thrills no matter the weather. Let’s look at five of the best indoor roller coasters.
1. Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain is a classic indoor roller coaster that can be found at several Disney parks around the world. However, the original Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World has our pick as the best of them. The coaster, which opened in 1975 and was manufactured by Arrow, takes riders on a journey through outer space and features several drops, turns, and space-themed projections and props all in almost complete darkness.
While the coaster only reaches speeds of 27 miles per hour, the darkness mixed with sudden drops and turns gives riders the illusion of going much faster. For a speed that rivals most kiddie coasters, this indoor classic holds its own as a premier thrill attraction at Walt Disney World.
Guests can board one of two nearly identical tracks, Alpha and Omega. They are mirror images of one another except that the Alpha track is 10 feet longer than the Omega. After turning out of the loading platform guests enter an intergalactic lighted tunnel that carries them up the first lift hill. Along the lift, guests can spot space-related décor including two astronauts standing upside down.
Once riders reach the top they are sent down through a series of sudden drops and twists. During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the coaster is run in complete darkness and it is an even crazier ride than usual. That darkness really makes the coaster feel that much faster and more intense. If you have the chance to ride it in this way, take it.
2. Revenge of the Mummy, Universal Studios Orlando
Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor roller coaster that takes visitors on a thrilling journey through an ancient tomb that is home to the evil mummy, Imhotep. The coaster opened in 2004 and features several special effects, including fire, water, animatronics, and projections. The theming of this attraction is exquisite.
Even the queue that winds you through the Museum of Antiquities is completely immersive. The ride also includes multiple launches, sudden drops, and turns in the dark, a part where the train is thrust backward, and well, you might not be as safe at the end as you think.
The Revenge of the Mummy coasters at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando were manufactured by Premier Rides, and the Orlando version is longer and faster. The coaster is housed within a 62,000-square-foot building that used to be the home of Kongfrontation. They actually had to excavate part of the foundation to accommodate one of the drops. That’s right, at one point you are below the ground level.
The coaster received an extensive refurbishment in 2022 that included updates and cosmetic upgrades. While it only reaches speeds of 45 miles per hour, the theming, effects, and dark elements of the coaster make it both unique and thrilling. It is truly a must-ride if you are visiting Universal Studios Orlando.
3. TMNT Shellraiser, Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream
TMNT is a coaster that opened in 2019 and is located within the indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe. Not to be confused with its Mall of America counterpart, this Nickelodeon Universe is located at American Dream in New Jersey. Nickelodeon Universe features a few indoor great coasters, but TMNT Shellraiser stands above the rest. This steel coaster manufactured by Gerstlauer is the steepest roller coaster in the world with its 121.5-degree drop.
This indoor coaster at what many would consider a “kids-themed” park really brings the thrills. It includes a slow-motion heart line roll after leaving the station and a launch that sends riders from 0-62 miles per hour in 2 seconds. If the launch and 138-foot beyond-vertical drop weren’t enough, the coaster also has seven inversions.
Not only that but before riders are sent plummeting down the steepest coaster drop in the world, they are held in place for a whopping fourteen seconds to contemplate the choices that brought them to that point. The coaster and the park are open year-round, rain or shine, so if you find yourself near Nickelodeon Universe, check out the record-breaking TMNT Shellraiser.
Continue reading for our last two recommended must-do indoor roller coasters…
4. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened at EPCOT in May of 2022 and was manufactured by Vekoma. However, the coaster wasn’t the only addition to the park. It is housed within its own pavilion, the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. The queue for the coaster, which is housed within the pavilion is one of the most immersive at Walt Disney World.
It features projections, 3D models, and of course, appearances from the Guardians themselves. Guests will learn all about the Nova Corp, Xandar, and how their planet relates to our own (which they call Terra). The preshow also features technology that almost feels like magic. It will make you feel like you have really been teleported to a Nova ship.
The innovative ride vehicles turn guests 360 degrees so that they can take in all the sights as riders travel with the Guardians through the galaxy via jump points following an exhilarating reverse launch. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind also has a six-song randomized soundtrack, incredible projection effects, and an amazingly smooth ride.
From personal experience, it is the smoothest coaster I have ever ridden. The coaster has quickly stood out as one of the best Disney parks attractions ever made. You may want to take some precautionary steps if you are prone to motion sickness though.
5. TIE: Flight of Fear/Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring: Aerosmith
These two (well, three) coasters are tied on our list because of how similar the ride experiences are. They both feature Linear Induction Motor (LIM) launches and a “spaghetti bowl” layout made up of a track that twists and turns into itself. Both coasters are ridden in near-complete darkness and include multiple inversions. Because of the similarities, it is difficult to decide which actually comes out on top. We will let you decide.
Flight of Fear is not one, but two identical coasters. One is located at Kings Island and the other is located at Kings Dominion. These coasters were the world’s first LIM launch coasters when they opened in 1996 and were manufactured by Premier Rides. Flight of Fear features speeds of 54 miles per hour and four inversions.
The coaster lasts about one minute and is themed around aliens and UFOs. The trains originally had over-the-shoulder restraints but they were redesigned to have only lap bars in 2001, and I am hoping for this change to come with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s massive refurbishment this year.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring: Aerosmith opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then MGM Studios) in 1999 and was manufactured by Vekoma. The coaster was actually Vekoma’s version of what Premier Rides had created with Flight of Fear. The coaster also featured a LIM launch system that sends riders from 0-57 miles per hour, but only three inversions. The real draw of this coaster comes from its theming and soundtrack, obviously set to the tunes of Aerosmith.
Although some guests are calling for more updated theming, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring: Aerosmith continues to draw thrill-seeking guests. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring: Aerosmith is currently closed due to an extended refurbishment and is not set to reopen until summer. You can check out our article on what could be next for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster here!
Indoor roller coasters offer a unique and thrilling experience that can be enjoyed no matter the weather. From the world’s steepest coaster to the first omni-coaster, these coasters are not only some of the best indoor coasters but among the best roller coasters in general. Which indoor coaster is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
