I WAS once told that riding rollercoasters makes the brain release something called endorphins which create a "that was so cool" feeling. What follows is the desire to do it again . . . and again.

Well it has to be true, because having just been among the first aboard Manta-SeaWorld Orlando's new thrill ride-I went straight back into the queue.

It is, as the Americans would say, AWESOME!

After being strapped into a seat which then tilted forward leaving me face-down, the carriage beneath a huge "ray" climbed to a dizzy height of 140ft before soaring down the 1,000 metre track.

Swooping and gliding, spinning and twisting, my feet almost skimmed the lagoon below while speeding up to 60mph.

Manta is phenomenal and anyone who doesn't step up to the challenge at least once is a scaredy cat!

The extraordinary and technically brilliant coaster is based on the exquisite manta ray and was constructed by the company which created Air at Alton Towers-which explains the lying on your stomach to experience the sensation of flying.

Olympic and British diver Tom Daley celebrated his 15th birthday by riding Manta at the launch party in Florida on Thursday. He said: "It was a bit like diving, falling through the air and meeting water at the bottom. I loved it."

The holidaying Upton family from Windsor, Berks, were also delighted to be among the first riders.

Brad, 14, said: "It's unique. It feels like you're flying. We can go back home and tell our friends we were the first on it." Brother Cameron, 11, added: "The best bit is doing the loop upside down. I've been on twice but I'm going again." Dad Barry is also a fan: "It's fantastic and the more times you ride it the better experience you get."

Mum Jo said: "Coasters aren't normally my thing but you feel safe."

SeaWorld has ensured that non-riders can still enjoy Manta. Overhead and floor-to-ceiling aquariums get you close up to 300 rays and 2,500 tropical fish.

It's an exciting new attraction for SeaWorld, famous for its killer whale show Believe, and Kraken- Orlando's only floorless rollercoaster. It's the tallest too, but not for much longer.

Universal Studios is putting the finishing touches to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. And after getting a preview of the 167ft red beast, with a track shaped like a treble clef with LED lights, I can report that it promises to be mega.

It mixes motion and music. You choose the song you ride to from a playlist of 30 rock, rap, hip-hop, country, disco and pop tracks and are then filmed as you scream your way round for two minutes at 65mph. Step off and you can then buy a video of the experience. Executive producer Mike West said: "It is a world first and will become an icon.

"Each seat has its own stereo system and you will only hear the song you have chosen. So you could ride it 30 times and have a different experience."

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be a great backdrop for the new music plaza featuring a summer concert series, starting on June 13, with stars including Jordin Sparks, LL Cool J, Natasha Bedingfield and The O'Jays.

Universal are scoring by bringing something new to Orlando pretty much annually. Crowds have flocked to The Simpsons Ride since it opened last year and it's great fun. Despite the fact you're static, thanks to 80ft-tall movie screens, you think you are on a rollercoaster with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson. Shrek-4D remains one of my favourites-the honeymoon adventure of the green giant and his Princess Fiona proves romance is not dead!

Other thrills include shooting the aliens on Men In Black and chilling your spine on Revenge of the Mummy.

Universal's Islands of Adventure will get the boost it has been waiting for with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter due to open next year. And it already has The Incredible Hulk coaster, which will always be among the best. There can't be another on the planet that catapults you off at such speed.

The two Universal parks and SeaWorld are included, together with waterparks Aquatica and Wet 'n Wild, in the best-buy Orlando FlexTicket which gives you unlimited access. You have the option to add a sixth, Busch Gardens, in Tampa Bay.

And if you've still got any energy left, you get free entry to Universal CityWalk where you can eat, drink and be merry through the night. If you've always fancied being on the X Factor, do the next best thing and hit Rising Star Karaoke bar. For great food, try The Palm-soon to open in Belgravia, London-at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel, or Bice at the Loews Portofino Bay. Just don't go back after to ride Manta at night.

Even though my endorphins were screaming at me to give it another go, my stomach was telling me to have a lie down!

Getting there

COMPLETE Orlando has 14 nights room-only at the three-star Days Inn International Drive from £485pp in June, (2 adults and 2 kids sharing). Includes flights from Gatwick and car hire (www.completeorlando.co.uk , 0800 294 8844). For a 14-day FlexTicket costing £159 per adult and £149 per child see www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk .

For more info see worldsofdiscovery.co.uk , universalorlando.co.uk and visitorlando.com/uk too.

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