Scream for your life! There's a roller coaster war in Florida

It's at Sea World. Honest.

The park (http://www.seaworld.com) known more for Shamu shows and quiet marine exhibits made a different kind of splash this summer when it opened a new roller coaster, Kraken. It takes you 15 stories into the air before turning you upside-down seven times at speeds up to 65 mph. I have been on it several times and, believe me, it is a great ride.

Kraken is the latest volley in Central Florida's new coaster war. Orlando's theme parks are the most popular in the world, but until the past few years didn't have any top-rated thrill rides.

That has all changed, and there is no sign of it letting up. The fact that Sea World - of all places - has built a megacoaster shows how thrill-oriented Florida's park visitors have become.

Universal Orlando's Island of Adventures (http://www.universalstudios.com) opened last year with two megacoasters and Disney World (http://www.disneyworld.com) has opened the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at MGM Studios and Test Track at Epcot.

Sea World's parent company, Anheiser-Busch, actually started the trend in Florida at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (http://www.4adventure.com/buschgardens/b... Two big coasters, Kumba and Montu, have been credited with a big increase in attendance at Busch Gardens.

Now Sea World is in the battle of thrills, billing Kraken as the longest, fastest, tallest and wildest ride in Orlando.

Kraken's cars do not look or feel like traditional roller coaster vehicles. There is no barrier in front of your legs or a floor beneath your feet. In each of the ride's seven loops, the only thing above you is the ground. It's a scream.

The floorless design defines a new category of megacoasters. Although the track looks like a traditional coaster, the car design sets it apart.

The first drop on Kraken (pronounced CRACK-in) is 144 feet and the 4,177-foot ride lasts 3 minutes and 39 seconds. A part of the ride is over water and the coaster goes underground three times.

Kraken is the hottest new attraction in Orlando. Don't miss it on your next visit.

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