A steady rise, an abrupt drop and echoing screams as you hurtle towards the surface of the water before pulling away at the last second. Orlando’s SeaWorld assures all its visitors of heart-stopping rides that will get through to you regardless of your age. Boasting a virtual reality coaster, a one-of-a-kind flying roller coaster and the traditional coaster said to reach some of the highest speeds in the world, SeaWorld’s rides aren’t for the faint of heart. Peering up from below, it’s easy to see the eager faces pressed against the glass walls of the Sky Tower’s crows’ nest, an icon of the park since it opened in 1974. Once a 400ft looming giant, it’s now a retro relic of the past.

As the rides are changed yearly, one aspect that has remained a SeaWorld staple is the number executed by SeaWorld’s stars: their dolphins and orcas. This isn’t tasteless or crass as one might expect of such animal shows. Tied together with its conservation efforts, SeaWorld’s show is a synchronized medley by the trainers and proud animal artists that comes with fancy costumes to boot. Musical numbers and pulse racing water rides; the SeaWorld is a trip for the family.