The top 10 roller coasters in Orlando: Revenge of the Mummy (#7)

Riders plunge into total darkness as they face fireballs,
scarab beetles, and an army of warrior mummies on this
psychological thrill ride. © Orlando CVB

#7: Revenge of the Mummy

Where: Universal Studios Florida
Launched: May 21, 2004
Design: Enclosed
Top speed: 45 mph
Inversions: none
Duration: 2:57
Height restriction: 48 inches

Source: Roller Coaster DataBase

Ever wondered what it's like to ride a roller coaster in the dark? Revenge of The Mummy is for you.

Located in a New York City-themed area with its facade designed to resemble one of the city's many museums, visitors enter the queue line in a near-dark building, its interior containing props and artifacts inspired by the "Mummy" films. The walls spell out real words and warnings in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The queue video features a mockumentary of a fictional "Mummy" sequel, starring Brendan Fraser. In the video, members of the cast and crew believe the set of this fictional sequel is cursed, while Fraser dismisses these beliefs. As guests advance further through the queue, they uncover a set inspired by an archaeological dig inside an Egyptian tomb.

From there, passengers take a flight of stairs to the upper level where they will board one of the ride's 16-passenger mine carts (four rows, four riders to a row) and face the Mummy, who appears on the wall in the first scene to give passengers an ultimatum, either join him in riches or refuse with the consequence of "a more bitter treasure". Guards then surround both sides of the coaster as flames shoot out from the altar. The vehicle just barely makes it out of the chamber, only to hit a dead end and trigger the release of scarab beetles, distracting passengers as the coaster moves backwards into the next scene. The coaster carefully moves its way up the track, beginning its descent with the Mummy's cry of "Your souls are MINE!" Aggressive drops and moments of weightlessness throughout the ride are only further impacted by the illusions of evil spirits flying towards the vehicle.

The coaster's top speed is 45 miles per hour, considered tame compared to what's offered next door at Universal's Islands of Adventure, but the dark setting, flashing lights, pyrotechnics and loud noises could be a sensory overload for some riders. Regardless, many visitors consider the Revenge of the Mummy ride one of the best attractions at Universal Studios. Amusement Today named Revenge of the Mummy Best Indoor Coaster in its 2008 Golden Ticket Awards. Visitors of Theme Park Insider recently named Revenge of the Mummy 2009's Best Ride in America.

There is a coaster of the same name and theme at Universal Studios Hollywood, but the queue line and coaster track are different. You can read an overview of these differences here.

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