The top 10 roller coasters in Orlando: Dueling Dragons Ice (#6)

One of the near-collision points between the Ice and
Fire coasters on Dueling Dragons at Universal's Islands
of Adventure. Photo by Brian Marshall

#6: Dueling Dragons Ice

Where: Universal's Islands Of Adventure
Launched: May 28, 1999
Design: Inverted
Top speed: 55 mph
Inversions: 5
Duration: 2:25
Height restriction: 54 inches

Source: Roller Coaster DataBase

Tour the Lost Continent at Universal's Islands of Adventure and you will find the only dueling inverted roller coaster in the world.

Dueling Dragons is the name for not one, but two inverted roller coasters similar in theme, measure and number of inversions but slightly different based on their peak speeds, drops and layouts. These differences make it so that the two coasters can meet, or "duel", at three near-collision points. It's best to try each coaster at least once to experience the distinctions of the two.

At the intersection of the queue line, guests come to a decision on which of the Dueling Dragons they wish to ride. The queue for Fire is on the left side, while Ice is on the right. Either way, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat as you brave the treacherous battle with your legs dangling from below.

Those who prefer a smoother ride than Fire will enjoy Dueling Dragons Ice, but don't expect a tame ride either. Its top speed is 55 miles per hour and its furthest drop is 95 feet, which might not be as strong as what Fire offers but is still an aggressive coaster. Further proof of that lies in the near-collision points with the Fire coaster and even the wall of the castle, as well as its cobra roll techniques.

Even though Fire is faster and has a further drop, Theme Park Insider columnist Joe Lane ranked Ice ahead of Fire on his list of Central Florida's best roller coasters, believing Ice utilizes different techniques that enhance the "duel" draw of the attraction. "The first near miss occurs with Fire cresting over Ice, but it is at this point that Ice enters into a Zero-G Roll, so that the riders' feet pass a scant few inches past each other," Lane said. "The second highlight comes immediately afterwards as Ice barrels towards the castle wall and pulls up and away at the last second. It's an element that Fire doesn't offer."

To get the best experience out of the Ice coaster, it is suggested you ride in the front row. Passengers up front are the closest to experiencing Ice's highlights.

At the moment, getting into Dueling Dragons is a little tricky because parts of the queue are closed off due to construction of the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction. According to Tony Nefer, a source close to Universal Orlando and the husband of Orlando Theme Parks Examiner Barb Nefer, the park is using the ride's old exit path with a temporary entrance near Jurassic Park: The Ride, using the old reride stairs to reach the castle entrance. He also mentioned that a rumor is going around that Dueling Dragons will be shut down and rethemed this fall. Though this cannot yet be determined true, if you must experience this coaster I suggest you do it while you can.

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