"How to Survived Riding the World's Fastest Roller Coaster in Abu Dhabi"

Alright, if you're reading this, you're probably a thrill-seeker like me—or maybe you're just roller coaster-curious and wondering what it's like to ride Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, aka the fastest freakin' roller coaster on the planet.

Let me walk you through it. Step by step. No fluff. Just what it's like, how to prepare, and why you’ll probably scream like a little kid (I definitely did).

Step 1: Getting There (and Getting Hyped)

So first, you gotta make your way to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World is hard to miss—it’s this massive red, futuristic building shaped like a Ferrari logo from above. Honestly, it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. You can take a cab, drive, or hop on a shuttle if you're staying at a nearby hotel.

Pro tip: Get there early. Like right when it opens. Formula Rossa gets busy fast, and if you want to ride it more than once (trust me, you might), shorter lines are your best friend.

Step 2: The Walk-Up and That “What Am I Doing?” Feeling

As you approach the ride, you’ll see the track stretch out like a monster—just long straightaways and massive curves that look like they were designed to launch you into another dimension. You can hear it from far away. That roar of the launch? Yeah, it’s real.

The vibe in line is this perfect blend of excitement and pure panic. Some people are smiling. Some are silent and clearly reevaluating their life decisions. I was somewhere in the middle, trying to act chill but lowkey sweating.

Step 3: Safety Gear and Goggles—Yes, Seriously

Before you even board, they make you put on protective goggles. I laughed at first. I mean… goggles? But nope—once I rode it, I completely understood. When you’re going almost 240 km/h (149 mph), you don’t just want goggles—you need them. Your eyes will cry. Your skin will flap. It's wild.

You also have to empty your pockets and leave everything in a locker (they’re free for a short time), because if you bring your phone on that ride, it’s gonna become a missile.

Step 4: Buckle Up and Breathe

You get strapped in like you’re about to pilot a fighter jet. The seats feel snug, the restraints lock down over your chest, and suddenly it's just you, a track, and a lot of second-guessing.

You roll out slowly to the launch area, and then everything goes quiet. You’re just sitting there, staring down this endless stretch of track, waiting for the lights to count down.

3… 2… 1…

Step 5: Absolute Chaos (in the Best Way)

BOOM. You’re launched so fast you can’t even scream right away. It’s like getting punched in the chest by physics itself. You go from 0 to 240 km/h in under 5 seconds. Your brain basically goes, "Nope. We’re not processing this."

And then—just as your body catches up—you rocket up a steep hill and drop again like you’re free-falling from the sky. The turns, the dips, the speed—it all blurs together in the best kind of way. It’s smooth but aggressive. It doesn’t feel like any roller coaster you’ve ever been on. It feels like flying while being chased by your own adrenaline.

You’ll laugh. You’ll scream. You might involuntarily drool. All of that is normal. No judgment here.

Step 6: Rolling Back In, Shaky Legs, Huge Grin

The ride is only about 1.5 minutes long, but it feels like a whole event. When you roll back into the station, everyone’s either laughing uncontrollably or just sitting there in stunned silence. I did both.

I stepped off the ride with my legs wobbling and my heart pounding, but man—I felt alive.

What to Know Before You Go

Here’s a quick checklist if you’re thinking about riding Formula Rossa:

  • 🕐 Go early to avoid long lines. It’s one of the park’s most popular rides.

  • 👕 Wear tight-fitting clothes—wind and loose fabric do not mix.

  • 🧤 No loose items. Lockers are free for the first hour, so use them.

  • 🥽 Goggles are a must. They’re provided. Don’t skip them.

  • 🍔 Don’t eat right before. Trust me.

  • 🎢 Be ready to feel G-force like never before.

Final Thoughts

Formula Rossa is not just another roller coaster. It’s a full-on experience—part speed, part fear, all thrill. I’ve ridden a lot of coasters, but nothing comes close to the sheer force of this thing.

If you’re in Abu Dhabi and even remotely into adrenaline? Do it. Ride it once, then ride it again because your brain probably blacked out the first time.

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