Were fortunate here in Central Florida to have some of the best rides and attractions in the world, and USA Today 10Best Awards have named the 10 Best Non-Roller Coaster Rides in the nation, with many here in Central Florida.

As everyone knows, theme park thrills and chills don't always come in the form of a roller coaster. Sometimes the most memorable and immersive ride experiences take the form of dark rides, 3D simulators, log flumes or drop towers, and the latest USA Today 10Best Awards have just named seven Central Florida non-roller coaster rides in the top 10!

Sadly, first place has went to Tidal Surge at SeaWorld San Antonio, but let's check out the seven winners from here in Central Florida.

BEST NON-ROLLER COASTER RIDE 2023

No. 1: Tidal Surge - SeaWorld San Antonio

No. 2: Smoky Mountain River Rampage - Dollywood

No. 3: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - Disneyland & Disney's Hollywood Studios

This thrill ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios invites parkgoers to join the epic battle against the First Order. The massive attraction combines elements of a trackless dark ride, motion simulator, walk-through attraction and drop ride system, and the exciting experience lasts 18 minutes.

No. 4: Avatar Flight of Passage - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom takes guests on a high-flying journey through the magical landscapes of Pandora atop a winged mountain banshee. The 3D experience has quickly become one of the top-rated attractions in Walt Disney World since its debut in 2017.

No. 5: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Based on the eponymous Rod Serling TV series of the 1960s, this attraction recalls an episode where famed Hollywood stars disappear at the Hollywood Tower Hotel in 1939. Modern-day guests tour the creepy hotel and ride the service elevator into the “fifth dimension” and total darkness. The fright factor mounts on the way to the 13th floor, where a free fall and an unexpected change of direction ensue and terrify.

No. 6: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts - Universal's Islands of Adventure

Gringotts Bank lies beneath the massive fire-breathing dragon in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Mere mortals can at last visit this fantasy landmark and take a thrilling 3D ride through its cavernous passageways and dangerous vaults. The conveyance is a roller coaster, but the special effects make it a hybrid thrill ride with highly detailed sets, motion-based cars and evil villains.

No. 7: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - Universal Studios Hollywood & Islands of Adventure

The enchanting world of wizards and magic introduced by "Harry Potter" books and films comes to life as guests pass through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry before soaring on enchanted benches with Harry and friends above the school grounds. The dark, motion-based ride visits all of the iconic venues at the Hogwarts campus while facing mythical and magical creatures that spit, swat and spook.

No. 8: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Universal's Islands of Adventure

Riders on this classic adventure at Universal's Islands of Adventure meet “Spidey” firsthand and in 3D on a simulator ride that encompasses 1.5 acres and climaxes in a 400-foot free fall. High-definition animation, high-tech 3D glasses and state-of-the-art audio and lighting effects mean vivid, crystal clear graphics and sensory overload. Participants feel as though they are actually slinging webs, careening above streets, scaling skyscrapers and plummeting down, down, down alongside Spider-Man.

No. 9: Timber Mountain Log Ride - Knott's Berry Farm

No. 10: Soarin' Around the World - EPCOT

A virtual adventure extravaganza, this attraction allows visitors to enjoy a hang gliding simulation. It takes guests high above iconic sights around the world, including the Swiss Alps, Sydney Harbour, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower and more. The 80-foot IMAX projection dome is the closest sensory experience – including the sense of smell – there is to the reality of gliding 40 feet in the air.

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