Universal Studios Orlando theme park is lauded as one of the top theme parks in the globe that is welcomes over 22 million people annually. The enchanting theme park presents its visitors with an ideal opportunity to interact with their favorite characters, basking in the jolly atmosphere to have some good old family fun.
With a wide range of spinners, roller coasters, and flumes to choose from, one can easily get befuddled if they don’t have a solid plan to follow. In order to help you with your Universal endeavor, we offer you the ultimate guide to Universal Studios Orlando rides. In this guide, we will list down the best rides that are found in the park and also tell you about the order in which you can navigate them.
Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Rides – A Quick Glance
You scream, I Scream, We All Scream for, Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Even though we are big fans of the “other most magical place in the land” Universal Studios Orlando has a special place in our heart and once you visit it, you too will have a hard time not loving it. There are a ton of reasons why people from all around the world gather at the gates of Universal Studios Orlando every day.
The first and foremost reason is that its annual passes are quite affordable and are worth every penny especially if you are an avid visitor of the theme park. The other reason is its big, adrenaline-pumping, scream-inducing roller coasters that will pit against feelings of dread and joy as they battle with one another throughout the ride to claim victory. A little heads up, it’s going to be joy that will come out victorious and you will most probably sit on that roller coaster again, reviving dread and pitting it against joy.
Another reason why we love Universal Studios Orlando is its delicious food. After the bloody war of dread and joy, you are sure to feel some pangs of hunger radiate up your stomach. So, make your way to the delicious sips and sweets Universal Studios houses and satiate that grumbling monster. Let’s not forget the most important reason why Universal sits high on our and many others list of favourites: its Harry Potter of course.
Throughout our childhood, we watched the Harry Potter films with love, admiration, and a little bit of envy. Who wouldn’t want to live and study in a world filled with magic and potions? Well, seeing our green faces marked with envy, Universal Studios brought to our mundane, muggle world, the magical and enchaining universe of Harry Potter. Ride the steam train, wear your house robes, and stroll the cobblestone pathways of Diagon Alley when you visit the realm of Universal Studios Orlando.
Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Universal Studios Orlando rides feature an abundant treasure of fun-filled adventures that cater to the needs of all ages. From fast to slow to funny to scary and everything in between Universal Studios Orlando rides are fantastic and simply magical. Given below is the ultimate guide to these wonderful Universal Studios Orlando rides. If you follow this, you will have all the fun without getting confused and befuddled.
The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Minion Land Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
Among the Universal Studios Orlando rides, Villain-Con is the most unique one. The attraction opened in August of 2023 and its premise is the premier conference of henchmen, general baddies, and villains that has come to Universal. The infamous Vicious 6 are scouring the area to find a new member for their villainous ensemble.
Once you walk through a queue that is designed to look like the Villain-Con trade floor, you will grab an E-Liminator X as you board a moving walkway. As you stand on your assigned spot, you pass by several giant screens where a lot is going down. Your job is to shoot things, score points, and cause a whole lot of destruction. There is also an interactive app that allows you to unlock upgrades and new missions, compelling you to take this addictive ride again and again. During the ride beat your high score, find elusive collectibles, complete missions, and have tons of fun.
Height Requirements – There are no height requirements for this ride, however for children under 48”, a supervision companion is required. Hand-held infants are not allowed on the ride.
Thrill Scale – 2 out of 5
Villain-Con is Perfect For – Those who have a competitive spirit, are a tad bit evil and enjoy the extra gameplay offered in the app experience.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Ever wanted to become a Minion? Well paint yourself yellow and take this ride as your dream is about to come true. As you stand in the queen line, on the screens you will learn that Gru is looking to hire people to turn them into Minions. You will also be provided with Minion Quizzes that will test your Minion IQ.
As the wait to embark on this ride can be a long one, these Minion Quizzes will keep you entertained as you wait your turn. Minion Mayhem is one of those Universal Studios Orlando rides where you have to wait hours in line. On busy days, you might have to stand in line for about 2 to 4 hours. But, trust us, this ride is worth the wait.
Once you get on the ride, you get trained by Gru’s three adopted daughters on how to be a Minion. However, the training goes a bit astray when Agnes, the youngest of the three needs to save Gru’s anniversary present to celebrate their adoption day. The ride vehicles seat a total of 8 people, with 4 in the front and 4 in the back. The ride vehicles all face one screen and are simulators that rock from side to side, making one feel like they are moving forward and backward. Stationary seats are also available for those who wish to experience the ride without any movement.
Among the Universal Studios Orlando rides, this one is designed by keeping family fun in mind, allowing riders of all ages from adults to children, to have a bucket load of fun.
Height Requirement – 40”. Children between 10” to 48” must of accompanied by an adult.
Thrill Scale – 2 out of 5
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is Perfect for – Those who are fans of the Despicable Me movies, wish to laugh and cry at the same time, and those who enjoy medium-level thrill.
New York Universal Studios Orlando rides
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Among the Universal Studios Orlando rides, one of the tallest one is the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Standing at 167 feet tall, the ride towers over the park and is a major roller coaster of Universal that goes about 65 miles per hour. The most harrowing part of the ride is the beginning as it takes riders up toward the sky at a 90-degree angle and then drops them into a series of drops, twists, turns, and loops, pounding their hearts, and drying their throats.
You can add to the fun by choosing from a wide variety of music to listen to as you are dropped from heights and taken along twists and turns. Take this ride multiple times and each time select a different music for a unique experience.
Height Requirement – 51” to 70”
Thrill Scale – 5 out of 5
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is perfect for – Those who are fans of serious thrills
Transformers: The Ride 3D
Transformers: The Ride 3D offers an indoor experience and utilizes 3D screens to put riders right into the story. Riders ride with Evac as he tries to get the Allspark away from Megatron, and out of the city. This ride offers an immersive experience as the ride vehicle moves along a track, bumping, shaking, tilting, and turning. While the 3D imagery enhances the experiences making everything look more real and intense. Moreover, as the height limit is only 40”, your thrill-loving little ones can also join in on the experience and have fun.
Height Requirement – 40”
Thrill Scale – 3 out of 5
Transformers: The Ride 3D is Perfect for – Those who wish to be a transformer or those who have little ones who enjoy a medium-level thrill.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is a ride that uses 3D simulation to take you through the streets of New York as well as other unexpected places. During the ride, you race Jimmy Fallon on his Tonight Rider. Similar to Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, riders are seated in a large room with a big screen in front of them. And you look at the screen, the seats move, which makes the whole experience eerily real. Even though the ride is quite fun, the best part of the attraction is the queue.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon makes waiting fun by offering fun interactive games to play as well as showcasing hilarious clips from the Tonght Show that keep you entertained from the start till the end.
Height Requirement – 40”
Thrill Scale – 2 out of 5
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is Perfect for – Those who are a fan of simulation rides and the Tonight Show.
Revenge of the Mummy
Many Universal Studios Orlando rides are simulation style and 3D, which makes Revenge of the Mummy quite a nice treat as it is a true indoor roller coaster. As you get to the queue you find yourself on the set of the Mummy movie, where the news of a curse is circulating. Soon you find out that the curse is very real, and the spirit of Imhotep is here to take all of your souls.
The ride is a bit scary, and the spooky elements can be a tad bit intense for your little ones so proceed with caution. The Revenge of the Mummy ride goes backwards, and forwards, and also incorporates a launch as well as a false ending.
Height Requirement – 48”
Thrill Scale – 4 out of 5
Revenge of the Mummy is Perfect for – Those who like story-driven, high-speed, indoor coasters.
San Francisco Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Fast and Furious – Supercharged
Fast and Furious – Supercharged takes inspiration from the Fast and Furious movies, taking you on a ride of your life. You board the ride vehicle which is a party bus and has screens on both of its sides. This ride makes you feel like you are actually there with all of your favorite characters. As it is a Fast and Furious ride, it of course features cool cars and explosions.
Fast and Furious – Supercharged
Height Requirement – 40”
Thrill Scale – 3 out of 5
Fast and Furious – Supercharged is Perfect for – The fans of Fast and Furious movies, those who love rocking out on a party bus and enjoy a medium-level thrill.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station
The most nostalgia inducing ride among the Universal Studios Orlando rides is the Hogwarts Express. The ride is like a dream come true for the fans of Harry Potter. The train also offers an innovative way for guests to get from one park to another, taking a boring tram ride and turning it into an immersive Harry Potter experience. To ride the train and go to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you will need a park-to-park pass.
The Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Orlando looks exactly like the one from the movies and the books. As you ride the train, you can glimpse magical scenes out of your window. For a more immersive experience make sure to ride the Hogwarts Express both ways.
Height Requirements – No height requirements for this ride
Thrill Scale – 1 out of 5
Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station is Perfect for – The fans of Harry Potter
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a ride that is located in the heart of Diagon Alley. It is one of the newest and most exciting among the Universal Studios Orlando rides. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is an indoor roller coaster that provides an immersive Harry Potter experience by making several stops to treat riders to fantastic 3D scenes, making one feel like they are in the movie.
Height Requirement – 42”
Thrill Scale – 4 out of 5
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is Perfect for – Those who love roller coasters and/or are fans of Harry Potter.
World Expo Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Men in Black Alien Attack
Men in Black Alien Attack is another one of Universal Studios Orlando rides that is interactive and offers an immersive experience. In this ride, riders become new recruits in the Men in Black alien fighting agency. When the ride starts, your skills are tested, however, soon the test turns into a real alien emergency. The riders pile into a ride vehicle that harbors individual seats that are equipped with a laser blaster. As the ride starts you traverse through the city streets, blasting aliens at every turn. The ride also keeps track of the score of the riders allowing them to see who the best defender of the planet is.
Height Requirement – 42”
Thrill Scale – 2 out of 5
Men in Black Alien Attack is Perfect for – Those harboring a competitive spirit and those who like interactive rides.
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons Universal Studios Orlando Rides
The Simpsons Ride
If you are a diehard fan of The Simpsons, you will appreciate and love the Springfield area of the park. The area is themed to look just like the one in the show, making you feel like you are in the cartoon. When in Springfield, make your way to the Krusty the Clown head to ride The Simpsons Ride. During the ride, you will enter a simulator vehicle and follow along as Sideshow Bob forces Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa into riding an unfinished roller coaster. Don’t worry if you don’t spot Maggie among your favourite characters, she is just hanging out with Grandpa.
Height Requirement – 40”
Thrill Scale – 2 out of 5
The Simpsons Ride is Perfect for – Those who are a fan of the Simpsons show and want to be a part of it.
Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Despite the name, Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, the ride is pretty tame, making it an ideal option for your little ones. Lying in Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, the ride is run by aliens who might or might not try to make a meal out of you. Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is a pretty calm dumbo-style ride, during which you can control your spaceship up or down as you go round and round in a circle.
Height Requirement – No height requirement for this ride
Thrill Scale – 1 out of 5
Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is Perfect for – Those who prefer a calm tamed ride. This ride is also ideal for little munchkins.
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone Universal Studios Orlando Rides
As of January 2023, most of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone has been unfortunately permanently closed. This includes Curious George Goes to Town, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, DreamWorks Destination, Fievel’s Playland, as well as Shrek and Donkey’s Meet and Greet. However, in this area, you can still ride E.T. Adventure, eat at KidZone Pizza Company, shop in SpongeBob StorePants, and watch Animal Actors on Location.
E.T Adventure
E.T Adventure is the only currently operational ride at Universal Studios that was part of the Universal Studio Orlando rides collection, back in 1990, when the park opened. As you take this ride, you are surrounded by the dark and you pedal through the forest on your bike with E.T. trying to save it from government agents, and bringing it back to its home planet. This ride is a relaxed one and plays music from the movie.
The queue line is also a fun wait as you get to see behind-the-scenes clips and interviews with the cast and crew of the movies. To make the ride more immersive, a worker at the start asks your name and at the end when you save E.T., it says goodbye to you, calling by your name.
Height Requirement – 34”
Thrill Scale – 1 out of 5
E.T Adventure is Perfect for – Those who want to feel like they are back in the 80s era, or those who covet a gentler kind of ride.
Best Order to Ride Universal Studios Orlando Rides
Try to purchase the park hopper ticket so that you can enjoy both the parks on the same day and make sure to arrive bright in early to get on the rides without excessive waits in queues. If you are a hardcore fan and waiting isn’t really your style, you can purchase Express Passes as they allow you to jump to the front of the line once per ride.
Even though when we enter the park, the main agenda on our mind is to go directly to the big rides, however, if you plan on riding everything, this strategy is not going to work. As you enter the park you will first come across Despicable Me, so try to jump on it first before the queues get long. Afterward make your way to Villain-con, which even though is a new addition to the Universal Studios Orlando rides, has a faster moving line because of its continual loading. Once you are done riding both the rides in Minion Land, hit Rip Ride Rockit before you head deeper into Universal Studios Park.
Given below is the optimal order for hitting the rides, which you can of course change based on your needs and requirements:
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
- Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hogwarts Express (though best to hit this whenever you are switching parks if you have a park-to-park pass)
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Fast and Furious – Supercharged
- The Simpsons Ride
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- Men in Black Alien Attack!
- E.T. Adventure
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