Sea creatures and aquariums might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to the holiday season, but SeaWorld Orlando is looking to change that. Since the weather stays warmer in Florida there is still plenty of fun to be had this month, and there’s no better roller coaster ride to experience during the holidays than Manta.

The people over at SeaWorld think that the Manta coaster does a great job of simulating what it’s like to sail through the water like a ray, but we’re thinking that this coaster does a great job of scaring the bejesus out of you. The coaster is shaped liked a creature from the deep and once strapped in, you’ll be swooping and soaring at speeds of close to 60mph. It’s not all up and down either, as this coaster goes through four inversions while you try to hold onto your seat as you navigate around 3,500 feet of track. ]]> kjb 2010-12-21T09:09:39-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/12/14/9211/1876

While plenty of spots across the country are already getting hammered by winter weather, Southern California has remained mostly nice and sunny. The folks at Knott’s Berry Farm have done their best to create a warm version of a winter wonderland at the park, and there’s no need to brave the cold to take in their holiday decorations during Knott’s Merry Farm.

Even though it’s difficult to hang wreaths, lights, and garland from steel beams, you’ll still feel merry during a ride aboard the park’s Xcelerator roller coaster. Sitting within the park’s Boardwalk section, this ride brings back the 1950s with flame-kissed, fin-tailed hot rod cars right on the track. However, even a leather jacket with a popped collar can’t save you from the hydraulic launch—you’ll hit over 80 mph is just 2.3 seconds. ]]> kjb 2010-12-14T10:47:25-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/12/7/9436/50515

The weather in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee does get a little chilly for the holidays, but that doesn’t mean that Dollywood is shutting things down for the season. Most of the rides and attractions are open through the end of 2010—somewhat weather permitting—and those that brave the cold are rewarded with millions of Christmas lights and other holiday decorations.

In the middle of all the holiday hoopla sits the Tennessee Tornado. One of the best roller coasters at the park, it simulates what it’s like to make your way through an old mining company. Three loops will disorientate even the most hardcore coaster enthusiast, especially when the park’s holiday lights, displays, and decorations go whizzing past you at speeds of up to 70mph. ]]> kjb 2010-12-07T10:43:55-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/12/2/85042/7332

Even though Florida is hardly known for its winter weather, it hasn’t stopped theme parks like Universal Studios Orlando from getting into the holiday spirit. In addition to their lineup of rides and attractions, there’s plenty of trees, lights, as well as red and green versions of everything. While it’s a little difficult to string lights from a booming steel roller coaster, the surroundings still make one of its coasters one of the best this holiday season.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster sits around the corner from Harry Potter and his friends at the Islands of Adventure Park, and there’s really no way to miss it as it’s got to be one of the largest structures present within the park. In line for the coaster you think that all is going well, except that once you pass through an unattended science experiment, things get a little crazy—Santa needs to remember not to bring this kid a chemistry set next year. Buckle in and the coaster accelerates up to 40mph in just two seconds—while going up hill—and that’s when you’re turned into the Hulk. ]]> kjb 2010-12-02T09:07:36-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/10/19/862/61741

Vampires may be the cool kids now when it comes to the scary stuff, but that doesn’t mean that we’ve totally forgot about creatures like werewolves or mummies. Universal Studios in Orlando is an equal opps provider when it comes to giving attention to all kinds of creatures from beyond, but their main focus is their indoor coaster dedicated to The Mummy movie series.

The Revenge of the Mummy has been freaking out tourists for several years now, but its unique ride technology still puts it at the top of our list when it comes to scary coasters around the world. There’s quick turns, sudden stops, and of course plenty of creatures from the afterlife lurking around each turn and twist—not to mention plenty of beetles ready to attack! ]]> kjb 2010-10-19T12:32:57-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/10/12/84620/527

Last year’s winter was quite a wake up call for residents of the UK, as it was filled with record lows and record snows. In case a similar scene is on its way for this year, it might be a good idea to visit Alton Towers for a little summer fun one more time before beginning that indoor hibernation. The park has plenty of intense coasters, but only one ride had park officials consider a warning for would-be riders.

Thirteen—or TH13TEEN as they call—is new to the park this year, but even after a summer filled with terror, things look to take a turn for the worse during the park’s Scarefest. The ride is themed around the discovery of a long forgotten burial site within the Dark Forest. Good luck navigating the steel track as you are twisted, turned, and dropped through the park’s ancient crypt. ]]> kjb 2010-10-12T09:45:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/10/4/213948/143

The fall season isn’t exactly the same in Southern California as it is across much of the country, but that doesn’t mean that theme parks in the area don’t get in on the Halloween fun. Knott’s Berry Farm is all about celebrating the season, and although it might not be as scary as some of its steel cousins, Ghostrider is the perfect coaster for this spooky season.

Ghostrider is an older wooden coaster, so expect the creeks and squeaks to send shivers down your spine. You’ll hope that all the wood has maintained its strength through the years of tourist abuse especially when you descend down the ride’s 100-foot initial drop. There’s no upside-down effects here to get you disorientated—they’re not necessary—as there are plenty of drops, turns, and hills along the almost 5,000-foot long track. Just hold on as you reach speeds of close to 60 miles per hour. ]]> kjb 2010-10-05T09:17:23-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/