Where fantasy meets reality. The magic of Universal Studios Resort in Florida ignites your senses. With its captivating blend of thrilling rides, immersive lands, and iconic characters, Universal Studios Resort has become a beacon of enchantment and excitement for millions of visitors. The best rides at Universal Studios make for an unparalleled destination, from its immersive storytelling and cutting-edge attractions to its unrivaled entertainment and the opportunity to create lifelong memories.
The best part of Universal Studios is its…universal appeal. From the perfect family vacation, to the one of the best day-time dates you’ll ever go on, you’re bound to have a thrilling experience. The resort is an absolute blast for visitors of all ages. From the moment you step foot inside the park, you’re transported into a world of excitement and adventure. The park is filled with thrilling rides that cater to adrenaline junkies, such as the jaw-dropping roller coasters like the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. For movie buffs, the immersive attractions based on popular films like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Transformers are a dream come true. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is particularly enchanting, allowing you to wander through Diagon Alley and experience the magic of Hogwarts firsthand. The live shows and performances are top-notch, with stunning special effects and talented performers who bring beloved characters to life. And let’s not forget about the delicious food, shops, and entertaining street performances that add to the overall vibrant atmosphere.Â
Universal IS known for their thrill rides. While some are petrified to strap into a rollercoaster ride, others find them to be enjoyable and exciting. It’s quite possible the screams you hear on the way down are a mixture of emotions. In fact, a recent study finds most people can’t tell the difference between screams of joy and screams of terror. Hopefully, you aren’t the kind to shy away from amusement rides and can add a few to your bucket list after reading this list.
Regardless of what you’re interested in, Universal has something for everyone. StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites to put together this list of the best rides at Universal Studios in Florida. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Best Rides at Universal Studios, According to Thrill Seekers
1. Jurassic Park: VelociCoaster
A high-speed encounter with prehistoric predators on the Jurassic Park: VelociCoaster. Feel the rush of the hunt as you twist, turn, and launch through intense maneuvers alongside a pack of ravenous velociraptors.
“The Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the best ride at Universal Orlando Resort and quite possibly the best roller coaster in any Florida theme park. The attraction opened on June 10, 2021, and is located in the Jurassic Park section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. The ride is themed around the Jurassic World movie franchise. VelociCoaster is categorized as a steel rollercoaster (launched), has a height of 155 ft, a drop of 140 ft, and a length of 4,000 ft. Since its opening, the coaster has received lots of accolades, and for good reason,” says Magic Guides.
According to Travel + Leisure, “This newer addition to Islands of Adventure might just be the most thrilling ride in all of Orlando’s theme parks. The Jurassic World-themed roller coaster isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s tall, fast, and has multiple inversions — and that makes it all the more exciting for thrill-seekers visiting the park. For coaster lovers, this may even be the best ride at Universal Orlando.”
“This intense attraction is probably the scariest ride in Orlando, with two launches over 50 mph, a 100-foot-long zero-g-stall, and various drops, turns and loops. You’ll be dangled upside down over water, twisted through various rocks and trees while being chased by beloved velociraptors,” adds The Park Prodigy.
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Join Hagrid, the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper, on a thrilling motorbike ride through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Hold on tight as you navigate enchanted pathways, encounter magical creatures, and experience the whimsical wonders of the Wizarding World.
The Points Guy says “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is quite a mouthful, but it’s appropriate for a ride so full of thrills, immersive storytelling and magical creatures. Dubbed a ‘story coaster’ by Universal, this coaster takes riders deep into the Forbidden Forest aboard an enchanted motorbike. In addition to seven high-speed launches and a 70-degree vertical spike, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has a few surprises in store that are best kept spoiler-free.”
Its train is one-of-a-kind, “The ride vehicle is, of course, Hagrid’s motorbike with the sidecar included. You can ride on either, which gives you a different perspective on the journey. So you’ll probably want to go on it twice! This fun adventure takes you through the Forbidden Forest, where you will encounter a number of magical creatures like Cornish Pixies and Fluffy the Three-Headed Dog,” explains Brogan Abroad.
Insider simply says, “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure isn’t just the best ‘Potter’ ride, it’s one of the park’s best attractions.”
3. Revenge of the Mummy
Prepare to face ancient curses and supernatural forces on Revenge of the Mummy. Board a high-speed indoor roller coaster and journey deep into the heart of the tomb, where the undead seek to claim their revenge… just don’t forget the cup of coffee.
“You’ll hop on to a thrilling indoor rollercoaster in the dark featuring sudden stops, drops, audio-animatronics, and special effects. The attraction does not go upside down and is a fun, thrilling, rollercoaster at Universal. It’s worth nothing that the Mummy Ride at Universal Studios Orlando is superior to the Mummy Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood with a more impressive animatronic scene, use of real fire plus lightning and fog effects. One of the top rides at Universal Orlando,” adds Mickey Visit.
“The Ride reminds me of Space Mountain, only instead of space you’re flying through an underground tomb. The presentation is more complex than Disney’s classic—you’ll stop occasionally, as the mummy from the Brendan Fraser movies threatens you, or so you can feel the heat from the sheet of flame engulfing the roof above you,” raves Paste Magazine.
“The first time I rode this ride I loved it. I think I even said it was the best ride at Universal Studios… It is a great ride and you need to go on it for sure! It is a must-ride attraction at Universal Studios Orlando!” notes Planning Away.
4. The Hulk Coaster
The Hulk is a high-speed roller coaster. With an iconic launch sequence that turns into a thrilling ride filled with inversions, loops, and incredible speed. “This is by far the most terrifying roller coaster at the Universal Orlando Resort, but don’t be put off because this is the kind of coaster you’ll want to ride again and again! The Incredible Hulk Coaster features a total of 7 inversions and reaches speeds of 67mph, so if you’re a serious thrill seeker you’re going to love it. Make sure this is at the very top of your list!” says Attraction Tickets.
Brogan Abroad compliments the stats, “The ride starts with a launch that goes from 0 to 40 miles per hour in only 2 seconds, and spins you through a series of high speed twists and turns, steep drops and intense inversions.It also has a Zero-G roll, which will send you through a complete 360-degree roll feeling completely weightless. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!”
“This is one of Universal’s biggest rides featuring inversions, a zero-G roll, a cobra roll and several vertical loops,” explains the Park Prodigy, “Even if you aren’t a huge Marvel fan, the Hulk ride will still entice those who are looking for a pure rush. It also isn’t one of the newer Universal Orlando rides, so the wait time might not be as bad as others.”
5. Harry Potter: Escape From Gringotts Bank
On this thrilling 3D dark ride. Join Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley as you navigate through elaborate security measures, encounter magical creatures, and face off against the dark forces of Voldemort in a race for your freedom.
Paste Magazine sings its praises, “Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts, perhaps the most amazing experience I’ve ever had at a theme park. Earlier I referred to Disney-level world-building; Gringotts outclasses anything I’ve ever seen at a Disney park. From the animatronic banktellers to the animated newspaper headlines, you’ll always have something fascinating to look at while waiting in line. And once the ride starts, you’ll wonder if children today could ever possibly be impressed by the rides we grew up riding.”
Immersion is the name of the game with this ride, “This is easily the best ride queue at either Universal Park in Florida. When the ride queue is long, you have to wait outside, but when you are finally let indoors you’re welcomed into the Gringott’s bank with working goblins and real chandeliers. It’s gorgeous and so unexpectedly breathtaking that you’ll probably be convinced for a moment that you’re actually at the wizarding bank,” writes Insider.
“The Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride is a thrilling theme park attraction that simulates a high-speed chase through the underground vaults of Gringotts bank. Many of the thrills and challenges Harry and his friends face in the movie are experienced by riders, including an escape from a dragon. Its special effects and animatronics make it one of the best rides at Universal Orlando,” raves Magic Guides.
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Sources:
- Magic Guides
- Travel + Leisure
- The Park Prodigy
- The Points Guy
- Brogan Abroad
- Insider
- Mickey Visit
- Planning Away
- Paste Magazine
- Attraction Tickets
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.