Best Rides at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is an amazing, exciting place with lots to do! It is definitely geared towards teens and older, but there is definitely something for everyone. There are some incredible rides and attractions that will blow you away. There’s always something interesting and fun around every turn, so without further ado, here are the best rides at Universal Orlando! 

Best Rides at Universal Studios at Universal Orlando

At Universal Studios, you can explore Diagon Alley, shoot aliens, fight Transformers, and more! This park has so much to do and even has seasonal celebrations including Mardi Gras, Christmas, and of course, Halloween! 

1. Hollywood Ride Rip Rockit

This popular ride will greet you with screams as you walk into the park. On this coaster, you will be taken skyward at a 90 degree angle, but not after you pick your music! That’s right, as you roll into your ascent, you can pick a song from several music genres including country, pop, rap, electronica, and more! You may even want to look up how to access the secret song list for even more options. It has a height requirement of 51 inches. Have a rip rockin good time! 

2. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts 

This 3-D ride will get your heart pumping as you race through the dark caverns of the Gringotts bank. You’ll travel down hundreds of feet into the earth and get to see the huge vaults reserved for the wizarding community. You’ll encounter trolls, goblins, and even some familiar faces- both friend and foe alike. This ride has a height requirement of 42 inches. 

3. Revenge of the Mummy

With a height requirement of 48 inches, Revenge of the Mummy will plunge you into the darkness of the tomb of an ancient mummy named Imhotep. He is after your souls and you must escape before it’s too late and you’re trapped in his tomb forever. It is very intense and is not good for younger children. However my teenagers love it and it is one of their favorites! 

4. MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack is one of the best rides at Universal Orlando

Located at the back of the park, this attraction is slightly dated, but lots of fun for the whole family. In this competitive shooting game, you’ll be sent out for training in the MIB, but when aliens attack earth, you may find yourself dealing with more than you signed up for! This is a ride that our family does over and over, because there is nearly always room to improve. The height requirement for this ride is 42 inches. 

Best Rides at Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure

This park has something for everyone, whether you’re fighting alongside superheroes, living inside your favorite comics, or exploring Hogwarts. Welcome to Islands of Adventure!

1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster 

This Jurassic ride will have you gripping your hand bars the whole way through. Experience a close encounter with some of the most deadly creatures in Jurassic World- velociraptors. It features several inversions and two separate launches. This ride is phenomenal and is my sons’ favorite ride in both parks! The height requirement is 51 inches. 

2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a family favorite for Best Ride at Universal Orlando

A definite addition to the best rides at Universal Orlando, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a must do at Islands of Adventure. This storytelling coaster will take you on a wild trip around the grounds of Hogwarts, where you’ll encounter many different magical creatures. This is my husband’s favorite ride of all time and is definitely worth the long wait times. The height requirement is 48 inches. 

3. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Explore Hogwarts in this immersive experience as you are taken on a trip of a lifetime! You’ll follow Harry Potter on a dangerous trip around the magical castle and encounter lots of magical beings. This ride is very confined and strongly simulates flying motions. This one-of-a kind ride is definitely something you don’t want to miss! There is a height requirement of 48 inches. 

4. The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Another classic coaster, you’ll take off on an unforgettable ride with a blast of experimental gamma radiation. You’ll roll, flip, go under a bridge, and more on this adrenaline pumping, crazy coaster! It is one of the first things to do when you walk into the park, so maybe come back later in the day after everyone has done it. There is a height requirement of 54 inches. 

While not included in the best rides at Universal Orlando, it is important to note that there is the Hogwarts Express that travels to and from each of the two parks. It is a fun, family ride that is a nice alternative to walking to and from each park. However, you do need a ticket to both parks to ride the Hogwarts Express. 

Best Volcano Bay Rides List

Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s newest addition to their parks, and it has certainly made a splash! It has lots to do for the whole family, and has some rides that will take you on trips you’ll never forget! 

1. Honu of the Honu ika Moana

This iconic ride will send you up down a huge flume and up two huge walls. The wait is usually long, but well worth it! The height requirement is 48 inches. 

2. Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides

This Volcano Bay drop slide is definitely an experience for the brave of heart. Get ready to plunge down twin slides through a trap door before slashing into the beautiful waters below. The height requirement is 48 inches. 

3. Krakatau Aqua Coaster

This crowd favorite continues to amaze me. This amazing water ride will shoot you up slopes instead of down, just like a roller coaster! You’ll travel up and down throughout the volcano, before splashing to a stop at the end of a huge hill. The wait is usually quite long, but is definitely a must-do when you visit! 

4. TeAwa The Fearless River

In this not-so lazy lazy river, you’ll meet with rapids and churning waves. It has a height requirement of 42 inches for a reason! The water moves very fast and is pretty turbulent. There are lifeguards stationed all throughout this attraction. Make sure to grab your life vest, because this is an adventure you don’t want to miss! 

Best Rides at Universal Orlando has Something for Everyone

Don’t miss these rides on your next visit to the parks! There is so much more to do, but hopefully this has given you a great overview of the best rides at Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando is such an exciting place to visit, and I hope you have a great time! Make sure to check out the Universal Orlando website for more information, and have fun!

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