Fun Spot America

Orlando, Florida, USA

“Affordable coaster fun in the world’s theme park capital”

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. This city is home to Universal Orlando Resort, the legendary Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, while Legoland and Busch Gardens can both be found within a short driving distance. But there’s more. Between all those huge entertainment destinations, Orlando also offers some small-sized amusement parks. One of those smaller parks is Fun Spot America, which can be found right across the street from Universal.

ROLLER COASTERS

Fun Spot features three credits. The smallest one is Sea Serpent, an O-shaped kiddie coaster built by E&F Miler Industries. I skipped this one, but I rode the other two credits with greatest pleasure. Freedom Flyer is a Suspended Family Coaster, similar to Kvasten at Gröna Lund. This is one of Vekoma’s best coaster types and Freedom Flyer has everything I expected: it’s smooth, it’s fun and it provides quite some g-forces in the final helix. The highlight at Fun Spot America, however, is White Lightning. Despite the fact that this is one of GCI’s smallest coasters, it turns out to be a great experience. I liked the ride’s surprising twists, it’s incredibly fast and it has just the right amount of roughness. White Lightning has a European nephew at Plopsaland De Panne and I truly hope that this Belgian ride offers the same experience.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Fun Spot is especially famous because of its karting opportunities. The park offers multiple race tracks and they all look quite fun. Besides, the park is also home to a whole bunch of simple flat rides. There are loads of kiddie rides and Fun Spot even features some old-fashioned attractions. The lineup includes a classic Scrambler, a Tilt-a-Whirl and an Enterprise. These aren’t my favourite rides, but it sure is a pleasure to watch them.

WORTH A VISIT?

Fun Spot America is obviously playing in a different league than the other Orlando theme parks. It’s a small park without theming, but this doesn’t mean that Fun Spot isn’t worth a visit. I really enjoyed the park’s atmosphere and as you might imagine, the park is quite affordable. Admission is free of charge and ride tickets aren’t overly expensive. I consider Fun Spot America as an ideal place to escape the crowds at Universal or Walt Disney World. And thanks to White Lightning, the park also provides a surprisingly nice coaster credit.

PHOTO GALLERY

Would you pay a visit to Fun Spot during a trip to Orlando? Or do you prefer staying at Universal Orlando Resort? Does Fun Spot deserve another roller coaster? Share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of this page.