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Five Epic Roller Coasters That Will Make You Scream This Summer

Put these coasters on your bucket list!

By Kara Murphy May 18, 2022

There's nothing like the heart-pounding ride of a great roller coaster. 

But where are the best coasters?

USA Today asked its readers for their favorite coasters, and Amusement Today ranked the top new roller coasters in 2021. Here are 5 of their picks, along with how you can score great deals on the amusement parks where you can find these epic coasters!


Mako
SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Florida

SeaWorld claims Mako is Orlando's tallest and fastest roller coaster. The hyper coaster, which surges through a ship wreck reef, is known for high speeds, deep dives, and thrills around every turn. Named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks, this roller coaster speeds up to 73 mph and up to 200 feet high. Mako was ranked No. 1 by USA Today readers.

Up to 50% Off SeaWorld, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa or Adventure Island! 
HURRY! SALE ENDS JUNE 5TH!

View deal on CertifiKID

Montu
Busch Gardens Tampa in Tampa, Florida

Coming in at No. 7 on the USA Today list is this classic coaster, a favorite of coaster enthusiasts for its speeds and seven intense inversions. Climb high into the air and hold on for a twisting drop, a 60-foot vertical loop, an Immelmann loop, and a weightless roll – and that's only the beginning on this inverted roller coaster. Montu was the first coaster in the world to incorporate an Immelmann loop (a simultaneous loop and roll), named for a German fighter pilot. 

Up to 50% Off SeaWorld, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa or Adventure Island! 
HURRY! SALE ENDS JUNE 5TH!

View deal on CertifiKID

Fury 325
Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina

Feel The Sting on the tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America – Fury 325! Riders begin their adventure on one of three 32-passenger, open-air trains to the peak height of 325 feet – following a dramatic 81-degree drop. Then, like an angry hornet chasing its target, riders race into a massive 190-foot tall barrel turn and a high-speed S-curve reaching speeds of up to 95 mph. Fury 325 is North America's longest steel coaster, is over 1.25 miles long, and was rated No. 4 by USA Today readers. The average ride time is 3.25 minutes, and the ride crosses both North and South Carolina state lines. 

Carowinds Amusement Park - Save Up to 45% 

View deal on CertifiKID

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida

Now’s the time to join Hagrid as you fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle, on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures! This magical ride was ranked No. 10 by USA Today readers.

Universal Orlando Resort™ - Buy 3 Days Get 2 Days Free 
or Save up to $65 Off Gate Prices

View deal on CertifiKID

Candymonium
Hershey Park in Hershey, Pa.

Candymonium is the tallest, fastest, longest, and sweetest coaster in Hersheypark. Savor a heart-pounding, 210-foot ascent up this one-of-a-kind Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster. Then dip into thrilling drops including 7 camelback hills that serve up the ultimate feeling of freedom with the most airtime in Hersheypark. This out-and-back-style coaster features a 4,636-foot milk chocolate track, reaches speeds of 76 mph and spans 7 acres in the all-new Hershey's Chocolatetown region. Candymonium was named one of the five best new rollercoasters in 2021 by Amusement Today.

Hersheypark - Save Up to 20% 

View deal on CertifiKID