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In light of the upcoming theme park opening in 2025, Universal Epic Universe, we're here to showcase the current best rides at Universal Orlando! At Universal Orlando Resort, you'll find a bunch of exciting rides that everyone can enjoy. Universal is comprised of three parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Among the highlights are the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, thrilling roller coasters like Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Incredible Hulk Coaster, along with fun water park rides for families such as Punga Racers and Kopiko Wai Winding River. It's really an adventure coaster enthusiasts, Harry Potter lovers, and any family looking to have an epic day should check out. Plus, when it gets too hot in Florida - which happens a lot - there are water rides where you can cool down.
What are the Best Rides at Universal Orlando?
We're here to break this question down between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Though, what it mainly comes down to is the level of thrill you prefer. For this reason, we'll dive into the scariest rides at Universal, and the not-so-scary.Let's get you a great deal on a great vacation!
To experience all of the best rides at Universal, adding Universal Express access to your theme park admission is a solid recommendation. You get to skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions! This additional perk can get pricey for a family, so to balance out the costs we offer Universal Orlando vacation packages to keep your costs low, and the fun on repeat.
Universal Studios
Rides and Attractions
Shows
Dining
Universal Studios Florida stands as a pinnacle of entertainment, where thrill-seekers and dreamers alike converge to experience the ultimate cinematic magic. At Universal Studios, attractions are spread across many distinct areas. Hollywood greets visitors with a classic Hollywood Boulevard ambiance, lined with shops, dining spots, and entertainment. New York recreates the iconic streets and landmarks of New York City.
One of the most popular areas of Universal Studios Orlando is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™ where magic thrives and Hogwarts Castle looms majestically on the horizon. Here you'll find Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™, King's Cross Station, and Hogwarts™ Express. In Minion Land you'll find Gru and his daughters at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ and Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. The land of San Francisco boasts Fast And Furious - Supercharged while World Expo is home to MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™. Other fantastic rides include E.T. Adventure, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, Trolls Trollercoaster, Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl, and The Simpsons Ride™.
Universal Studios | The Best Rides
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™ - Pick the song you'll want to hear above your own screams! Then, ascend towards the sky at a 90-degree angle before the plummeting drop. From there, the adrenaline continues as speeds climb to 65 mph.
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon - Fans of NBC's "The Tonight Show" will meet all their favorite characters in a competitive race through, below and above New York City. Buckle up, this is a super fun and entertaining experience for all.
- Revenge of the Mummy - A movie made real. Known as one of the scariest rides at Universal, riders rip through the darkness at high speeds into the heart of an ancient Egyptian tomb with a goal to eventually see the light again.
Islands of Adventure
Rides and Attractions
Shows
Dining
Islands of Adventure stands as a beacon of unparalleled adventure and imagination, inviting visitors to embark on an unforgettable journey through seven mesmerizing themed islands. Imagine soaring alongside Harry Potter on a broomstick in a daring quest against dragons, or braving the jungle depths of Skull Island amidst the mighty roar of King Kong. Beyond its thrilling attractions, Universal's Islands of Adventure offers a world-class dining scene, vibrant live entertainment, and opportunities to meet iconic characters. Whether you're a fan of superheroes, wizards, or dinosaurs, or simply seeking adventure with family and friends, Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort promises an immersive and unforgettable escape into the realms of fantasy and adventure.
Marvel Super Hero Island® is stacked with rides like Doctor Doom's Fearfall®, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, The Incredible Hulk Coaster®, and Storm Force Accelatron®. Seuss Landing™ has classic, kid-friendly favorites like The Cat in the Hat™, The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™, and Caro-Seuss-el™. Other fantastic rides and attractions include Jurassic Park River Adventure, Pteranodon Flyers, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls®, Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges®, Flight of the Hippogriff™, and Hogwarts™ Express.
Islands of Adventure | The Best Rides
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster - Deemed one of the best rides for roller coaster fans, you'll board your vehicle for a high-speed dash through the raptor paddock, twisting and soaring above land and water.
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™ - Join everyone's favorite giant and fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest. This immersive coaster experience is well worth the wait.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ - Enter through the towering castle gates and soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter™ and friends on an adventure. This is a one-of-a-kind dark ride and an original within Hogsmeade™.
Volcano Bay
Rides and Attractions
Shows
Dining
Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort isn't just a water park - it's a tropical oasis of adventure and exquisite relaxation, where every moment is infused with the spirit of the South Pacific. Nestled within the shadow of the mighty Krakatau volcano, this immersive water theme park offers a blend of exhilarating water slides, tranquil lazy rivers, and thrilling attractions that cater to guests of all ages. Imagine plunging down the heart-pounding Ko'okiri Body Plunge, where the floor drops beneath you, or floating along the gentle currents of the Kopiko Wai Winding River, surrounded by lush landscapes and breathtaking views.
The park centerpiece, Krakatau volcano, is home to Ko’okiri Body Plunge, where the floor drops beneath you. In Rainforest Village, you won't want to miss the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides, Punga Racers, Tonga of Taniwha Tubes, and Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides. River Village features the epic Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Honu of Honu ika Moana, ika Moana of Honu ika Moana, as well as Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef for young children.
Volcano Bay | The Best Rides
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster - This four-person canoe slide twists and turns within the volcano before ending with a splash through a shimmering waterfall.
- Honu of the Honu ika Moana - Take a wild ride in the footsteps of the ancient Waturi people. Honu will plunge you towards massive walls in a twisting, turning, group adventure.
- TeAwa The Fearless River - Grab a life vest and race along churning rapids and chopping waves. Keep an eye on the family as youngsters may move through the waters rather quickly!
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Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation Today!
Wrapping things up, Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park resort for both thrill-seekers and families who adore fun-filled adventure, together. If you're a coaster fan, Islands of Adventure should become your priority. If it's more shows and entertainment with less rides that you're opting for, Universal Studios is where it's at. And, for a fully aquatic experience, Volcano Bay cannot be missed. Universal Orlando guarantees an adventure that's difficult to forget. Aside from this complete guide, make sure to plan your trip to this magical place where movies and TV shows come alive and book one of the best Universal vacation packages today!
Frequently Asked Questions
At Universal Orlando, there's one ride that's a must-do: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s like stepping right into the stories for anyone who loves the books and movies. With less intense rides such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you're taken straight into Harry Potter’s universe. These immersive attractions are essential for everyone visiting Universal Orlando, offering a magical journey among wizards and magical creatures.
If you're heading to Universal Orlando and don't want to spend ages waiting for the best rides, think about getting an Express Pass. It lets you bypass the usual lines, cutting down on your wait significantly. Also, by going during less busy times and using single rider lines when you can, you'll find that even the most popular attractions have much shorter waits.
If you're thinking about heading to Universal Orlando, the smartest plan is to go on weekdays when school's not out and big holidays aren't happening. This is a great way to dodge the huge crowds. Also, if you visit during times that aren’t super busy and make use of getting into the park early, it can really cut down on how long you spend waiting in line. At Westgate Resorts, any time is a great time to visit with these Universal Studios packages with hotel and tickets.
Going to Universal Orlando and trying to hit all the big rides in one day can seem tough, but it's doable if you plan smart. By getting there early, using single rider lines, and maybe buying an Express Pass, you can make the most of your time and get on more rides during your trip. Then, you can celebrate the day by dining at the best restaurants Universal Orlando CityWalk has to offer.
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