There are plenty of rides to choose from at Universal Studios Orlando Resort. Many of them stand as some of the greatest theme park attractions in the world.
From scream-your-head-off roller coasters, to slow rides for the little ones.
Here, we’ll give you a rundown of each ride at Universal Studios Park and Islands Of Adventure.
We’ll tell you all you need to know – height requirements, which ones offer Express Pass, which ones are better for certain age groups, which rides you should avoid, and more.
List of Rides at Universal Studios Park:
- Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
- Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem
- Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
- Hogwarts Express
- Revenge Of The Mummy
- Men In Black – Alien Attack
- E.T. Adventure
- Fast And Furious Supercharged
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Kang & Todos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- The Simpsons Ride
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Transformers – The Ride: 3D
List of Rides at Islands Of Adventure:
- Jurassic World Velocicoaster
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey
- Hogwarts Express
- Caro-Seuss-el
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Flight Of The Hippogriff
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Pteranodon Flyers
- Skull Island: Reign Of Kong
- Storm Force Acceleration
- The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man
- The Cat In The Hat
- The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
- The Incredible Hulk
Here are a few things you might want to know about before I give you the rundown of the rides:
Universal Express Pass
This is like Disney’s Fastpass/Lightning Lane where you get a pass to skip most of the line. The difference is that you have to pay a steep price for the Express Pass.
To be fair though, it can be worth the price, as you get to skip the line at least once (depending on which one you get) on nearly every single ride at Universal at any point in the day.
There are two kinds of Express Passes – the regular and the unlimited.
The regular lets you ride most rides one time each per day.
The unlimited costs more, but you get to skip the line on each of the select attractions as many times as you want. So say you really love one particular ride, you ride it over and over again with only a short wait!
Child Swap at Universal Studios Florida
If a child isn’t tall enough for a ride, or just doesn’t want to go on it, parents can use Child Swap.
Both parents and the child wait in the entire line, then right at the end, ask the employee if they can use Child Swap.
One parent goes on the ride, while the other stays in the waiting area close by.
Then, when the parent on the ride is done, they come back to the room and supervise their child, while the other parent gets to ride the attraction without having to wait in line.
Virtual Line
Select rides offer Virtual Lines on certain days.
To join the Virtual Line, all you do is download the Universal App and select the virtual line you want to join.
You’ll get a time to come back.
Once that time comes around, you show the employee at the front of the attraction that it’s your turn to ride.
You may still have to wait a little while, but basically, the point of the Virtual Line is you don’t have to spend a huge length of time standing up in a line.
We haven’t seen the Virtual Line in operation for some time at Universal though and it is unclear if it will be brought back.
Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Here is what you can expect from all the rides at Universal Studios Orlando:
Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
Gringotts is the star attraction of The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. It puts you in the action-packed opening of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2, where Harry and his friends break into Gringotts Bank.
You’ll get to wander around Gringotts Bank, encounter a fire-breathing dragon, speed through the deepest caverns below Gringotts, and even come face-to-face with the Dark Lord himself.
Escape From Gringotts is a roller coaster combined with a motion simulator. It is much like Transformers – The Ride: 3D, in that it combines 3D and practical effects, creating a fully immersive experience.
This is one of the best attractions at Universal, and it would be a shame to miss it. Try and get here early in the morning, as wait times can skyrocket!
Related: Guide to All the Rides in Islands of Adventure
How Scary Is Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts?
Some young kids might find the 3D effects scary, namely the part where Voldemort’s pet snake snaps at the riders.
As for the roller coaster parts of the ride, they are very short. There is one steep drop, but it’s not very long. And no, it doesn’t go upside-down.
Height Requirement: 42 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Single Rider Available
Child Swap Available
Type of Ride: Roller Coaster/3D Motion Simulator
Best For: Tweens, Teens, and Adults
Hogwarts Express
This is an immersive experience where you take a trip to Hogwarts Castle on the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movies.
The window has a screen that shows views of the scenery zooming by as you travel to Hogwarts.
You’ll see many characters and creatures along the way, including Hagrid, the Weasley Twins, Death Eaters, and even Dementors.
This ride is unique in that it serves as both a ride and a transport between Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure. Going from Universal, the Hogwarts Express will take you to the other Harry Potter land in Islands Of Adventure, Hogsmeade.
Each way you go, whether that’s to or from Diagon Alley, you’ll get a different experience, so if you can, try and ride both!
Keep in mind, you do need a Park-To-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express, as it does take you to the other park.
Hogwarts Express is another highlight of Universal and certainly a must-do for Harry Potter fans.
How Scary Is Hogwarts Express?
Small kids might get scared by the spiders and Dementors, but they’re only there for a short time. It’s a gentle family-friendly train ride.
Height Requirement: No height requirement (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Train ride
Best For: All Ages
Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem
A hilarious adventure with Gru and his loyal Minions. On this ride, you train to become one of Gru’s Minions.
Of course, things turn south quickly, and you end up in the deadly restricted area where there seems to be no escape.
It’s a motion simulation very similar to Star Tours and The Simpsons Ride.
It’s a family-friendly ride that’s centered mostly on children.
I’ll say, Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem is one of my least favorites. The simulator is very bumpy and can get uncomfortable, especially for those with back or neck problems.
Also, it’s not particularly groundbreaking and the effects are honestly a bit cheesy. All you’re doing is just moving around a bit in front of a screen.
At least with other motion simulators, the screen surrounds you, so it does feel like you’re really there. This one doesn’t.
Small kids will like it, but some older audiences might put it towards the bottom of their list…
Height Requirement: 40 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Motion Simulator
Best For: Small Children
WARNING: This ride is bumpy, so those with back or neck problems may want to ride something else.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
This Despicable Me-inspired ride is the latest attraction to open at Universal Studios Florida.
Step onto a moving walkway and use your E-Liminator X guns to defeat Vicious 6, the supervillain group who are featured in the movie “Minions: Rise of Gru.”
Essentially this is a high-tech shooting gallery, a bit like Men In Black Alien Attack, but with upgraded technology. And no ride vehicles.
The ride is definitely big on visual overload, but a bit short on actual appeal. I really wanted to like it, and I know others do, but for me, it was underwhelming.
Even though I have now experienced this ride many times, I am still not exactly sure what I am aiming at.
Be aware that the E-Liminator X guns are large. And heavy. Too heavy for a young child. There are mini versions available, but they do not actually work.
In fact neither did my teenage son’s E-Liminator X. Rather irritating to travel all the way around the attraction and get a zero score.
I came to this with high expectations, which unfortunately were definitely not fulfilled.
Although the Villain-Con Minion Blast is a great way to get out of the Florida sun into a very nicely air-conditioned space, it really just doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Height Requirement: None
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Shooting Gallery
Best For: Young Children
Revenge Of The Mummy at Universal Studios Orlando
This is one of my personal favorites!
Based on Brendan Fraiser’s The Mummy movies, this is a high-speed, thrilling roller coaster through a cursed Egyptian temple.
It’s dark, there are mummies around every corner, flames everywhere, scarabs covering the walls, and of course, there’s no way out.
The effects and sets are outstanding. They’re so realistic, that it makes you feel like you’ve been dropped in a movie.
Revenge Of The Mummy throws new surprises at you every second. You never know what terror is coming next.
And my goodness, the roller coaster is amazing! It has lots of air-time moments, a launch section, and even a – well, I won’t spoil it.
This is Universal at its best, and thrill-seekers will love it.
How Scary Is Revenge Of The Mummy?
The roller coaster does not include any inversions. However, it is in the dark and there are some steep drops. It’s nowhere near as intense as Velocicoaster, but it’s far from a kiddy-coaster.
As you can imagine, small children might find the mummies, scarabs, etc. frightening. There are also moments in pitch-black darkness.
Height Requirement: 48 in.
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Roller Coaster
Best For: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Transformers – The Ride: 3D
This ride is based on Michael Bay’s Transformers movies and it puts you right in the middle of an epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons.
You ride a car that has a motion base and that can spin in any direction.
It uses practical and 3D effects to fully immerse you in the action. It gets to a point where you can’t tell what’s real and what’s 3D.
It’s very similar to The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man in Islands Of Adventure. While I think Spider-Man is better, this ride is very impressive and is sure to “wow” guests.
How Scary Is Transformers – The Ride: 3D?
Small children might find the 3D effects and the Decepticons a little scary. But, most kids will love it.
This isn’t a roller coaster. The motion base throws you around a lot, but it’s not that intense.
There are no drops and it doesn’t go upside down.
Height Requirement: 40 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Virtual Line Available On Select Days
Child Swap Available
Type of Ride: Spinning 3D motion simulator
Best For: All ages
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
A scream-your-head-off thrill ride that’s one of the scariest roller coasters at Universal Studios.
It has a vertical lift hill where you’re on your back, a number of near-vertical drops, and a massive twisting loop (which doesn’t actually turn you upside down).
A unique aspect to this roller coaster is you can pick a song to listen to while you ride. At the start of the ride, you can pick from a choice of 30 songs on a screen built into your lap bar.
A few examples of the songs you can listen to are Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, and Sabotage by The Beastie Boys.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. It’s a wild coaster that’s not for the faint of heart.
My only issue is that it is a bumpy roller coaster and at points, namely the vertical lift-hill, it can get uncomfortable. I prefer the other roller coasters at Universal, like the Incredible Hulk.
Still, many will really love this one.
The Secret Song List on Rip Ride Rocket
Fun fact: there is actually a secret song list on Rip Ride Rocket
Once you’re strapped in, press and hold the logo on the screen for 10 seconds. A keypad will appear, and you can punch in a 3-digit code to access a “hidden song.”
I won’t list all of them here, but here are my favorites:
- 104 – Crocodile Rock by Elton John
- 112 – Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- 113 – Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin
- 311 – You Make Loving Fun by Fleetwood Mac
- 901 – Movin’ Right Along by The Muppets (yes, they do really have this)
How Scary Is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
Just by looking at it, you can tell if it’s not your cup of tea.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit does not go upside-down. However, the vertical lift is uncomfortable, it has lots of big drops, and it goes up very high.
Height Requirement: 51 inches
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Roller coaster
Best For: Teens, Adults
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Soar through New York City with comedian Jimmy Fallon on a wacky adventure. This is another 3D motion simulator.
This ride has a unique queue system, where it’s more like a restaurant where you sit and wait for your time to ride.
While you wait, you can chill in the lounge where they have shows and games to entertain you.
The ride itself is kind of fun. I do like flying over New York. However, this ride doesn’t particularly stand out from the rest, besides its ingenious queue system.
Your enjoyment of the ride also depends on your feelings about Jimmy Fallon. If you’re not a fan, this ride might not be for you. I can imagine superfans will love this ride though.
Height Requirement: 40 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Virtual Line Available On Select Days
Type of Ride: 3D Motion Simulator
Best For: All ages
Men In Black – Alien Attack
Train to be an MIB agent and fight off the alien invasion of Manhattan.
This a fast-paced shooter ride where you gain points for each alien you zap. In the end, you compare scores to friends and family, and see who won!
In the queue, you’ll see MIB HQ, which is recreated from the film. My favorite detail is J’s tiny gun from the first movie.
The ride does spin, so those who don’t do well on the Teacups, be warned!
This is a great time for the whole family. I love the competitive nature of it. It’s basically a massive arcade game.
How Scary Is Men in Black-Alien Attack?
Parents might be concerned that the aliens might frighten their kids. The aliens look very fake though and aren’t likely to scare kids.
Height Requirement: 42 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Spinning ride
Best For: All ages
E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios
Live out the iconic moments from E.T. and save his planet from dying.
E.T. Adventure is similar to classic Fantasyland dark rides like Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
You board a slow-moving flying bike (you don’t have to pedal) and you travel through the story.
This is a great gentle ride for kids and fans of E.T. It’s the only opening-day attraction that’s still open in Universal Studios, so this ride is a part of the park’s history!
Height Requirement: 34 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Slow-moving ride
Best For: Children
Fast And Furious Supercharged
A pedal-to-the-medal action-packed car chase with characters from Fast And Furious.
This Universal Studios is pretty much a motion simulator, where the screens surround the vehicle and immerse you into the story.
If you have been to Universal Studio Hollywood’s Tram Tour, you have pretty much already experienced this ride.
Besides a couple of additional scenes (which aren’t really noteworthy), a different ride vehicle (a party bus), and a themed queue, it’s the same thing.
The queue is pretty decent. There are cars and props from the Fast & Furious movies on display, so fans of the franchise will get a kick out of that. Also, live actors host the preshow, which is a nice touch.
However, the rest of the experience isn’t great… The dialogue is really cheesy, the CGI in the car chase looks cheap, and the ride feels very short.
This ride has some of the worst reviews a Universal Studios attraction has received in years. It’s regarded as the worst ride at Universal Orlando by many fans.
My issue is that it’s too similar to the other simulators in the park and there just isn’t anything noteworthy about it.
If you have extra time, I’d check it out just in case you like it. But personally, I think the other attractions are far better.
Height Requirement: 40 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Virtual Line Available On Select Days
Type of Ride: 3D Motion Simulator
Best For: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Kang & Todos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Help the aliens Kang and Todos from The Simpsons invade Springfield in this hilarious adventure. This is much like Dumbo’s Flying Elephants, except it’s themed around The Simpsons.
This is a perfect ride for the little ones. In addition, fans of The Simpsons will appreciate the humor of the attraction.
Height Requirement: No height requirement (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Spinning ride
Best For: Children
The Simpsons Ride
A wild ride through the wacky world of The Simpsons. The story goes that Krusty has opened a new attraction at Krustyland and you along with the Simpsons are the first to try it out.
However, Sideshow Bob hatches a plan to kill the Simpsons by taking over the entire park, making Krustyland a theme park of doom and perils.
You’ll fly through many of the iconic locations in the show, including the Simpsons’ house, making this a perfect ride for fans of the show.
This is another motion simulator (I’m catching a theme here), but it’s not in 3D. The CGI is pretty old and the motion simulator is very bumpy.
But, as you’d imagine, the best part of this ride is the humor. This has made me laugh more times than any other theme park ride.
If you’re a fan of The Simpsons, this is a must-do. Just keep in mind, it is dated and very rough.
Height Requirement: 40 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Slow-moving ride
Best For: All Ages
Islands Of Adventure Rides
Now let’s take a look at our list of Islands of Adventure Rides in more detail.
Jurassic World Velocicoaster
Velocicoaster has been named by many to be the best roller coaster in Orlando. It’s non-stop thrills from beginning to end. It doesn’t even give you a second to catch your breath.
This coaster is based on Owen Grady’s trained Raptors in Jurassic World movies.
The most exhilarating parts of the attraction are the two launch sections.
The first one launches you from 0 to 50 MPH in 2 seconds.
The second launches you from 40 to 70 MPH in 2.4 seconds, and pushes you into a 155-foot tophat, which then leads to a near-vertical drop.
This is just a taste of the thrills on this coaster.
Keep in mind, you’ll have to walk through metal detectors and store any loose items (including anything in your pockets) in a locker near the ride (which is free of charge).
It’s a perfect roller coaster. It has lots of air-time, crushing G’s, catapult launches, 4 inversions, and massive drops. So, it’s not for the faint of heart!
Related Article: Complete Guide to Jurassic World Velocicoaster
How Scary Is Jurassic World Velocicoaster?
The answer is: very scary!
This is the most intense roller coaster in the park.
It has steep drops, a top hat that’s 155 feet in the air, and 4 inversions.
Just by looking at it, you can tell if it’s for you.
Or not.
Height Requirement: 51 in.
Type of Ride: Roller coaster
Best For: Teens, Adults
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Based on the original Jurassic Park movies, this ride takes you on a tour of Jurassic Park on a river boat. You’ll see all kinds of giant dinosaurs tower over your boat.
It’s actually very peaceful – that is, until the dinosaurs escape, again…
The first half of the ride is a slow-boat ride, while the rest is a tense, frightening journey through the carnivore exhibit.
You have no idea when the next dinosaur is going to snap at you with its razor-sharp teeth.
This all leads to a massive, steep 85-foot drop that ends in a splash.
So be warned – YOU MAY GET SOAKED.
If you want to avoid it though, try going in the back – although you might still get sprayed by water jets.
Some of the dinosaurs look a little tacky, but overall, it’s a fun ride.
It truly feels like you’ve been dropped in the middle of a Jurassic Park movie. And genuinely, it can be pretty scary!
How Scary Is Jurassic Park River Adventure?
Again, the dinosaurs can look pretty tacky. However, they do jump out at you and catch you by surprise. They can also feel close at times, particularly in the grand finale.
The big drop is in the dark and very steep.
Most kids can handle it, but if they are jumpy, maybe don’t do this one.
Height Requirement: 42 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Water thrill ride
Best For: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Pteranodon Flyers
On this ride, little ones can glide on a Pteranodon over the play area, Camp Jurassic.
This ride is specifically made for kids.
The height requirement is 36 in., but the max height is 56 in. However, if you are over 56 in. and are accompanying someone who meets the height criteria, you can ride it.
It’s a great ride for little kids. They’ll love soaring over the playground on a dinosaur.
How Scary Is Pteranodon Flyers?
If you’re afraid of heights, you might want to skip this one. Your feet dangle as you glide over the trees.
Height Requirement: 36 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Max Height: 56 in. (can ride with someone between 36 in. and 56 in.)
Virtual Line Available On Some Days
Type of Ride: Glider
Best For: Small children, tweens.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
A Harry Potter roller coaster where you fly on Hagrid’s motorbike in the Forbidden Forest. You’ll see lots of magical creatures, like unicorns, Fluffy the Three-Headed Dog, as well as many other kinds of creatures.
Some name this the best ride in Universal Studios Orlando Resort. It has everything: a good story, dazzling special effects, and lots of thrills.
This roller coaster has a record-breaking 7 launches, a backward drop, and a freefall drop. It has pretty much everything!
Make sure you head to this ride early, as the wait times can get insane!
Also, try and ride it at night, as this is the best time to ride (although the wait time will probably be long).
How Scary Is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure?
It’s classified as a family roller coaster, but it can be pretty intense. It has a couple of steep drops as well as a freefall drop. It is small, but it can catch you by surprise.
This ride does not go upside-down.
Height Requirement: 48 in.
Express Pass Available
Virtual Line Available On Select Days
Type of Ride: Roller coaster
Best For: Tweens, teens, adults
Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey
An amazing flying journey through Hogwarts, where you’ll live out the best moments from the Harry Potter movies. You’ll go to a Quidditch game, enter the Forbidden Forest, see the Chamber Of Secrets, and more.
This ride uses a Kuka arm to simulate the feeling of flying. It has practical effects as well as screens to tell the story.
Perhaps the best part of this attraction is actually the queue. It takes you through Hogwarts and all its iconic locations from the movies.
The queue looks like it was taken straight from the movies! It’s so much fun seeing all the different easter eggs scattered throughout the queue.
It’s one of the few queues that are actually fun to wait in.
I love this ride, but my only issue is that it can get pretty uncomfortable. It doesn’t move fast, but it does tip you on your back and on your side.
Still, this ride is an absolute masterpiece.
The effects really make it feel like you’re in the world of Harry Potter, and even though it’s over 10 years old, few theme park rides have lived up to it.
How Scary Is Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey?
It’s probably the scariest ride at Universal Studios Orlando. The thing is, everything feels very close to your face. Of course, you can’t actually touch the props, but they still feel close.
The two scenes that are particularly intense are the one with the giant spiders and the one with the dementors. It all feels very real and the monsters get close.
Forbidden Journey does not go upside down. It’s slow, but again, it can get uncomfortable when you’re put on your side and back.
Height Requirement: 48 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Child Swap Available
Type of Ride: Kuka arm motion simulator
Best For: tweens, teens, adults
Hogwarts Express
This is to remind you that there is a station in Islands Of Adventure, located in Hogsmeade – The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter.
You can use this to get back and forth between Islands Of Adventure and Universal Studios Park, but you will need a ticket for each park.
Flight Of The Hippogriff
A small kiddy-coaster based on the scene in Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban where Harry flies on a Hippogriff.
This is a great first coaster for toddlers. And while it’s no Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, many older audiences will enjoy it too, as it can get pretty fast.
Try and ride it at night so you can get a great view of Hogwarts Castle with the lights on.
Height Requirement: 36 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Child Swap Available
Type of Ride: Kiddy Coaster
Best For: Small children
The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man
Help Spider-Man save New York City from iconic villains in the Spideyverse in this action-packed adventure that blends 3D and practical effects.
It’s the same kind of ride as Transformers – The Ride: 3D (this is what inspired that ride).
It spins around on a track and uses a motion base to simulate what’s going on in the story.
However, in my opinion, this is way better than Transformers.
It is really hard to tell what’s real and what’s a 3D effect. It’s one of the few rides where you really feel like you’re there. Transformers relies too much on screens and doesn’t use as many practical effects.
It’s the ultimate Spider-Man experience. You’ll see lots of your favorite villains, like Electro, Venom, and Doctor Octopus.
This is a personal favorite of mine, and an absolute must-do if you’re in Islands Of Adventure.
How Scary Is The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man?
Some of the villains and the 3D effects might scare little kids. Particularly when Venom gets up in your face in 3D.
This ride has no drops, and besides the parts where it spins, it’s fairly tame.
Height Requirement: 40 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Spinning 3D motion simulator
Best For: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Storm Force Acceleratron
A spinning teacup ride themed around the X-Men comics. Even though it’s not anything unique, it is actually a lot of fun because it spins really fast.
Plus, the best thing about it is that it almost always has a short wait.
Height Requirement: No height requirement (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Spinning teacups
Best For: All ages
The Incredible Hulk at Islands of Adventure
Another heart-pounding, adrenaline-filled roller coaster that’s great for thrill junkies. It has a launch section as well as seven inversions.
It’s themed around the Hulk from the Marvel comics and the story is that you’re getting the chance to be transformed into the Hulk.
Keep in mind, that you’ll have to walk through metal detectors and store any loose items (including anything in your pockets) in a locker near the ride (which is free of charge).
This roller coaster has won many Golden Ticket awards and still stands as one of the best roller coasters in Orlando.
How Scary Is The Incredible Hulk?
Just by looking at it, you can tell if it’s for you. Pretty much every 10 seconds you’re being turned upside down. This is the most intense roller coaster at Universal Orlando, besides Velocicoaster.
Height Requirement: 54 in.
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Roller coaster
Best For: Teens, Adults
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Based on Doctor Doom from the Fantastic Four comics, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall is your classic drop-tower ride. It launches you nearly 200 feet in the air and then pulls you faster than the speed of gravity.
It’s an exhilarating experience that’ll scare even the bravest.
However, given that you can get a similar experience to this at lots of other theme parks, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you were staying at Universal for a while.
Height Requirement: 52 in.
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Drop tower
Best For: Teens, Adults
Caro-Seuss-el
This is a classic carousel themed after Dr. Seuss characters. This one is great for the little ones. And adults who grew up with Dr. Seuss books can appreciate the references to his books.
Height Requirement: No height requirement (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Merry-go-round
Best For: Small children
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
This is another Dumbo-style ride where you fly on a fish. The twist on this one is there are water jets that spray you. Fair warning: riders often get soaked on this ride!
Height Requirement: No height requirement (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Dumbo-style ride
Best For: Small children
The Cat In The Hat
A Fantasyland style ride where you experience Dr. Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat firsthand.
It takes you through the entire story, from beginning to end.
The ride moves slowly and spins you in the direction of the action. Don’t worry – the ride barely spins around fast like the Teacups.
I love how they took the art style from the book and used it for the ride. It’s like you dropped straight into a Dr. Seuss book.
This is a great ride for families. Plus, it’s usually a short wait, which is a huge bonus!
Height Requirement: 36 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Slow dark ride
Best For: Small children
The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
A slow train ride over Seuss Landing that retells the story of the Sneetches. You’ll get great views over Seuss Landing and the rest of the park.
It’s a cute train ride that’s great if you want to take a minute and relax.
Height Requirement: 36 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Train
Best For: Small children
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
A log flume ride based on the cartoon character Dudley Do-Right. You’ll help him save the damsel in distress, Nell, from the evil villain, Snidley.
This all ends in a climactic 75-foot drop-down ripsaw falls.
That’s not the only drop though – there’s actually a total of four drops, one of which is in the dark.
I don’t know who any of the characters are and overall the ride is tacky. However, it is a great thrill ride and it’s a good way to cool off from the hot Florida sun.
Keep in mind, you’ll probably get soaked!
How Scary Is Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls?
The drops are big and very steep, one of which is in the darkness. It’s definitely a step up from Splash Mountain.
Height Requirement: 44 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Water thrill ride
Best For: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
A whitewater raft ride based on the cartoon character Popeye. The fun of this attraction is you never know who’s going to get wet next.
You’ll think that someone else is going to be rotated around towards the big wave, then suddenly a water jet sprays at you from out of nowhere.
It’s a good time for family and friends. The thing is, it’s not really that thrilling and the drop is underwhelming. I’m fine with getting soaked on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, because it’s fun, but not on this with. It just doesn’t feel worth it.
How Scary Is Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges?
It’s bumpy and fast, but the drop is pretty slow and not very steep. Most people can ride this one without getting scared.
Height Requirement: 42 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Child Swap Available
Type of Ride: Water thrill ride
Best For: All Ages
Skull Island: Reign Of Kong
Get caught in the middle of an epic showdown between King Kong and two T-Rexes. They’ll climb on top of your truck, push it around, and even send it down into a ravine.
You’ll also have to dodge many other perils in Skull Island…
This is like Fast & Furious Supercharged, in that it took the King Kong section of the tram tour from Universal Studios Hollywood and expanded it.
It has the same surrounding 3D IMAX screen effect as well as an almost identical film.
In addition, there’s a themed queue, a King Kong animatronic, and some extra scenes.
You board a massive truck and go up to massive 3D screens and the motion base corresponds to what’s happening on screen.
In other words, it’s yet another 3D motion simulator.
The best part of the attraction is the massive King Kong animatronic – it is gigantic! Also, the entrance is spectacular.
It’s themed around a massive temple and it really beckons you to come closer and check the ride out.
However, it’s not that different from the other simulator rides. It’s short and it doesn’t revolutionize the simulator ride.
But, I seem to be in the minority when it comes to disliking this attraction. Most people love it, so it’s worth checking out.
How Scary Is Skull Island: Reign Of Kong?
The queue is very eerie. On some days, they have scare actors jump out at you and scare you. There are also skulls and skeletons everywhere, so I wouldn’t be surprised if a little kid got scared.
The ride itself is just a motion-simulator. There are a few scary dinosaurs and monsters that come toward you in 3D.
Height Requirement: 36 in. (under 48 in. needs a supervising companion)
Express Pass Available
Type of Ride: Motion simulator
Best For: Tweens, teens, adults
Want to Know More About Universal Orlando?
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One Day at Universal Studios Florida
Concierge at Universal Portofino Bay – Is It Worth the Cost?
Universal Orlando Florida Thrill Rides – Which are the Best?
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.