Best Universal Orlando Rides
Discover the Top 10 Rides at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort is one of Florida’s top theme park destinations, featuring an impressive list of rides at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. While many of these attractions cater to older kids, teens, and adults seeking high-adrenaline experiences, there are still plenty of options available for visitors of all ages. What sets Universal apart is its focus on immersive, cutting-edge attractions that blend storytelling with state-of-the-art technology.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together this guide highlighting the best Universal Orlando rides for 2025. We’ve ranked our top choices, focusing on some of the best offerings across both parks. From thrilling roller coasters to groundbreaking dark rides, here are the top ten experiences that should be at the top of your list for your next Universal vacation.
1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the best ride at Universal Orlando Resort and, in our opinion, one of the best roller coasters 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. It is themed around the Jurassic World movie franchise.
VelociCoaster is in the steel rollercoaster (launched) category and 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 many accolades, and for good reason.
The Ride
Guests proceed through the queue and enter an examination room. There, you will encounter two caged animatronic Velociraptors.
Take a seat on the four-train coaster and buckle up. The 1st launch goes from 0 to 50 in 2 seconds, and the 2nd launch goes from 40 to 70 mph in 2.4 seconds. The coaster features airtime, laterals, near misses, and four inversions, and the max vertical angle is 80°. It’s one of the most exhilarating rides we’ve ever been on.
This ride has fantastic theming, cool animatronics, and a great layout. It’s sure to excite Jurassic Park fans and roller coaster enthusiasts alike.
The VelociCoaster only lasts 2 minutes…but what a 2 minutes it is!
Category: Steel roller coaster, launched
Theme: Jurassic Park
Location: Islands of Adventure; Jurassic Park
Opening Date: June 10, 2021
Height Requirement: 51″ (130 cm)
Duration: 2:00
2. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ranks #2 on our Best Universal Orlando rides list.
The attraction is categorized as a motion-based dark ride within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter area of the Island of Adventure theme park. It utilizes innovative technology to transform the theme park experience like never before.
Forbidden Journey is a fascinating, in-depth exploration of the world of Harry Potter.
It uses locations and scenes in and around Hogwarts Castle as the backdrop. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter series, some of this will look familiar.
The Ride
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-themed area is a highlight of any Universal Orlando Resort vacation.
It’s rich in detail, and the experience really immerses you in a lifelike experience that mimics the books and films.
To us, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the star of the show (land), if there was one.
This attraction is a wild ride that features a getaway through Hogwarts Castle, a harrowing encounter with Death Eaters, a high-flying Quidditch match, and other heart-racing moments with Harry.
The attraction also showcases a real theme park innovation with its robotic ride vehicles.
The Forbidden Journey is not to be missed, even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan (for whatever reason)!
Category: Dark Ride
Theme: Harry Potter
Location: Islands of Adventure; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Opening Date: April 7, 2016
Height Requirement: 48″ (122 cm)
Duration: 4:06
3. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is categorized as a multiple-launch motorbike steel roller coaster. It’s located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade area of Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park.
Since its opening in 2019, Hagrid’s has become one of the most popular rides at Universal Orlando Resort. It is the most expensive roller coaster ever built ($300 million) and also one of the most immersive.
Universal describes the rides as “a highly-themed roller coaster that will take us into a different corner of the wizarding world, where guests will encounter some of their favorite characters and creatures.”
The Ride
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure combines compelling storytelling with thrilling elements.
It features a maximum height of 65 feet, a maximum drop of 17 feet, a maximum vertical angle of 70 degrees, and a total length of 5,053 feet. Hagrid’s top speed reaches 50 MPH, and while there are no inversions, the ride does include a reverse section, a drop track, and seven launches.
The launches are as follows:
- 0 to 20 mph in 1.2 seconds
- 22 mph to 30 mph in 1.5 seconds
- 0 to 32 mph in 3.5 seconds
- 27 mph to 35 mph in 2.3 seconds
- 21 mph to 41 mph in 2.5 seconds
- 37 mph to 44 mph in 1.7 seconds
- 0 to 50 mph in 4 seconds
This ride at Islands of Adventure features excellent animatronics and immersive theming. Overall, Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure stands out as one of the best-themed coasters you will find in any park, especially for Harry Potter fans!
Category: Roller Coaster
Theme: Forbidden Forest
Location: Islands of Adventure; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Opening Date: June 13, 2019
Height Requirement: 48″ (122 cm)
Duration: 2:55
4. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts comes in at #4 on our Best Universal Orlando rides list.
The ride is themed around the Gringotts Wizarding Bank and is the flagship attraction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter section. In our opinion, it is an instant classic!
The Ride
As the highlight of Diagon Alley, “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts” is inspired by J.K. Rowling’s enchanting novels and the movie franchise. During one of the most intense scenes, guests are taken on a thrilling adventure alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Visitors board a roller coaster train and descend deep into the vaults of Gringotts Bank, where they will encounter Voldemort, dragons, and other magical creatures. This indoor steel roller coaster resembles a dark ride, employing special effects within a controlled environment.
Using motion-based 3D projections, live-action, and animated sequences, the ride immerses guests in an unforgettable experience. It’s truly one of the most exciting attractions in the park!
Category: Roller Coaster
Theme: Gringotts Bank
Location: Universal Studios; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Opening Date: July 8, 2014
Height Requirement: 42″ (107 cm)
Duration: 5:00
5. Revenge of the Mummy
“Revenge of the Mummy” ranks #5 on our list of the best rides at Universal Resorts and is the top attraction at Universal Studios Florida. This thrilling ride offers a unique blend of an enclosed dark ride featuring impressive special effects and animatronics, along with a launched roller coaster experience. It effectively combines some of the best elements of a theme park attraction into one unforgettable ride.
If you enjoy scary rides, this one is perfect for you!
The Ride
“Revenge of the Mummy” features treasures and warrior mummies that replicate the film props used in “The Mummy” film series, with some props being the actual items from the movies.
The ride utilizes linear induction motors (LIMs) to launch your mine car from a standstill to speeds of up to 45 mph in just a few seconds.
You begin your journey by entering a dark tomb illuminated by fluorescent lights. Suddenly, a mummy springs out and hisses at riders.
From that point on, expect the unexpected as mummies emerge from all directions. The ride takes you through a series of dark rooms before speeding into a dark abyss.
The surround sound and effects elevate this ride to a whole new level of entertainment and excitement.
Category: Steel Launched Coaster / Enclosed Dark Ride
Theme: The Mummy
Location: Universal Studios; New York City
Opening Date: May 21, 2004
Height Requirement: 48″ (122 cm)
Duration: 3:00
6. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
The Incredible Hulk Coaster ranks #6 on our list of the Best Rides at Universal Orlando. This attraction shares similarities with the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, as both are fast-paced coasters featuring a variety of thrilling twists and turns. However, they also have notable differences, including their themes, locations, and course layouts.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster is located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park and is themed after the iconic Marvel Comics superhero, the Hulk.
The Ride
The coaster underwent a major refurbishment from 2015 to 2016, introducing a new storyline and a redesigned queue experience.
At the entrance, guests can see a statue of the Hulk lifting a vehicle over his head. Visitors enter General Thaddeus Ross’s whimsical scientific lab, where televisions display CGI animations of test subjects exposed to gamma radiation, transforming them into Hulk-like creatures.
Once on the ride, you are securely strapped in before launching off on one of the most exhilarating experiences at Universal Orlando Resort. Riders experience seven inversions, with a 0-40 mph acceleration in just two seconds, reaching a top speed of 67 MPH (compared to 65 MPH in Rip Ride Rockit). The ride features several upside-down loops along the course, guaranteed to get your heart racing.
Category: Launched Steel Coaster; Trill Ride
Location: Universal’s Islands of Adventure; Marvel Super Hero Island
Opening Date: May 28, 1999 (as Animation) August 4, 2016 (as Action)
Height Requirement: 54″ (137 cm)
Duration: 1:15
Speed/Vertical: 67 MPH/115 feet drop
7. Jurassic Park River Adventure
Jurassic Park River Adventure is ranked #7 on our list of the top rides at Universal Studios Orlando. This water-based attraction is inspired by Michael Crichton’s novel and Steven Spielberg’s film Jurassic Park. The ride is designed to resemble Isla Nublar, the fictional Central American island featured in the story.
The Ride
Guests board a floating water vehicle and embark on a journey through a prehistoric landscape where dinosaurs roam freely.
Recent updates to the attraction include new dinosaur species, lush scenery, enhanced storytelling, and advanced technology.
At one point during the ride, Dilophosauruses leap out and spray what appears to be toxic venom at you (but it’s actually just water).
Towards the end of the experience, you’ll ascend a steep hill followed by two exhilarating drops, culminating in an 85-foot plunge into a tropical lagoon situated outside the Environmental Systems Building.
If you want to stay dry, it’s best to avoid this ride at Universal Studios!
Category: Shoot the Chute
Theme: Jurassic Park
Location: Islands of Adventure; Jurassic Park
Opening Date: May 28, 1999
Height Requirement: 42″ (107 cm)
Duration: 7:19
8. MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
Men in Black: Alien Attack comes in at #8 on our Best Rides at Universal list.
This shooting interactive dark ride, based on the 1997 film Men in Black, is located at Universal Studios Florida.
When it opened in 2000, Men in Black was the largest dark ride ever built at a Universal park. It featured more than 125 animatronic aliens and spanned 70,000 square feet.
The Ride
Guests enter the MIB training facility, which is disguised as a pavilion from the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and make their way through an MIB-themed queue and pre-show.
Riders then board a spinning ride system, dispatch into the darkness, and use laser guns to shoot aliens along the way, accumulating points during the ride.
Despite its age, Men in Black: Alien Attack remains one of our favorite interactive rides at Universal Studios. It’s a lot of fun!
Category: Shooting, Interactive Dark Ride
Theme: Men in Black
Location: Universal Studios; World Expo
Opening Date: April 14, 2000
Height Requirement: 42″ (107 cm)
Ride Duration: 4 minutes
9. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man comes in at #9 on our Best Universal Orlando Rides list.
Debuting in 1999, this attraction is a hybrid of a classic dark ride fused with film-style 3-D projected scenes, high-definition 4-D movie aspects, simulations, and other high-tech gadgetry.
The result is an exciting and realistic experience that immerses the rider in the stylized comic book adventures of Spider-Man.
The Ride
After boarding a Daily Bugle van, guests, who are news reporters, will enter the world of Marvel Comics’ legendary character, Spider-Man. The villains of the Sinister Syndicate have captured the Statue of Liberty using an anti-gravity gun, leading to an intense battle.
Will you be able to assist Spider-Man in this classic adventure of good versus evil?
Category: Motion-Based 3D Dark Ride
Theme: Spider-Man
Location: Islands Of Adventure; Marvel Super Hero Island
Opening Date: May 28, 1999
Height Requirement: 40″ (102 cm)
Ride Duration: 5 minutes
10. E.T. Adventure
If you have fond memories of the ’80s, you’ll enjoy the E.T. Adventure at Universal Orlando. Ranked as the #10 attraction on our list of the Best Universal Orlando Rides, it debuted in 1990 and is sure to evoke nostalgia for fans of Steven Spielberg’s film “E.T.”
Even if you’re not familiar with the movie, the ride is still enjoyable. E.T. Adventure offers a relaxing journey where you can fly over the city, glide past police officers, and venture into outer space. However, if you prefer high-speed thrills, consider other rides in the park. For my wife and me, this ride always brings a smile.
The Ride
Guests sit in a “bicycle,” with E.T. in the front row. The vehicle speeds past NASA while being chased by police. Just as you’re about to be caught, the bicycle ascends into the sky, soaring over the city and into outer space.
As you climb higher, you enjoy a stunning view of the cityscape. Suddenly, you pass through a portal filled with flashing lights and arrive at the Green Planet. Here, guests meet Botanicus, who asks for help rescuing E.T.’s friends.
E.T. uses his healing powers to revive his friends, leading to a joyful celebration! While the ride starts dark and a bit scary, the final scenes are bright and cheerful, making it an excellent choice for children and the young at heart.
Category: Suspended Dark Ride
Theme: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Location: Universal Studios Florida; Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone
Opening Date: June 7, 1990
Height Requirement: 34″ (86 cm)
Duration: 4.5 minutes
Best Stage Show at Universal
While there are several amazing live shows at Universal Orlando, we rank the Bourne Stuntacular Show as the best live stage show at the resort. It features a cutting-edge mix of film and stagecraft to create the ultimate stunt show.,
Go along for the ride as Jason Bourne tries to outrun a series of sinister characters. Watch as he jumps across rooftops in Tangier, dangles from the edge of a helicopter in Dubai, and is speeds through Virginia by motorcycle. There are shootouts, fistfights, and a sense of ever-present danger.
If you like action, then this live stunt show is not to be missed!
Universal Orlando Resort – Two Theme Parks, Plenty of Exciting Rides
Universal Orlando Resort – Two Theme Parks, Plenty of Exciting Rides
Universal Orlando Resort – commonly referred to as Universal Studios Orlando – shares many similarities to Disney World. The resorts are often confused because they are just 20 minutes apart and both have multiple theme parks, thrilling rides, entertainment, on-site hotels, free in-park transportation, and a similar ticketing system. But that’s about where the similarities end.
Universal Orlando is not part of Disney World. They are, in fact, direct competitors. They also have a completely different set of rides and experiences. This is a big advantage to anyone planning a trip to Orlando because it’s easy to visit both Disney World and Universal Orlando on the same trip… and we recommend that you do just that!
See our Best Travel Agencies for Universal to find out how a U-Preferred Agency can help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation. Or, contact The Vacationeer for a free, no-obligation quote.
Universal Orlando Theme Parks, Water Park, and Entertainment District
Universal Orlando is divided into 4 distinct sections: 2 theme parks, 1 water park, and a dining and entertainment district. In our Best Universal Orlando Rides article, we will just focus on the rides at the two theme parks. However, here is a breakdown of each Universal Orlando area to give you a sense of the layout of the entire resort.
(note: see our Universal Orlando Map page to view expandable, printable PDF maps of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk.)
Universal Studios Florida – Theme Park
Universal Studios Florida opened on June 7, 1990, as the resort’s original theme park.
The themed areas and attractions are inspired by popular film, television, and music productions. Guests are made to feel as though they are on a movie set.
The eight themed areas are Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Springfield, Minion Land (formerly Production Central), World Expo, DreamWorks Land (opened in June 2024 / formerly Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone), and Diagon Alley/London.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Theme Park
Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened on May 28, 1999, as the resort’s second theme park.
This park has seven “islands” that are themed around a particular form of adventure.
Guests start at the Port of Entry and then proceed through the various islands in the following order: Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing.
Of the seven islands, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the only one to be added (2010) since the park first opened. It is, of course, based on the Harry Potter book/film franchise.
It should be noted that Universal’s Islands of Adventure has been selected as TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice’s #1 Amusement Park in the World for 2015–2018, so they are certainly doing something right!
Volcano Bay – Water Park
Volcano Bay is a 27-acre water park at Universal Orlando Resort. It opened on May 25, 2017, and replaced the former Wet ‘n Wild water park (which first opened in 1977 but was acquired by Universal Parks & Resorts in 1998).
Volcano Bay is themed around a 200-foot-tall artificial volcano named “Krakatau.” The volcano is home to Ko’okiri Body Plunge, the tallest body slide in the country, three drop capsule slides, the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, and more!
COMING in 2025: Epic Universe
The 2025 opening of Universal’s third full theme park, Epic Universe, promises to bring with it an entire new portfolio of rides to the resort. Check out our complete guide to Universal Epic Universe to learn more about what to expect.
Universal CityWalk Orlando – Dining and Entertainment District
The resort further expanded with the opening of Universal CityWalk Orlando on May 28, 1999.
This new dining and entertainment district replaced the former parking lot and main entrance. Now guests would arrive at one of the multi-story parking structures and then hop on the moving sidewalks and proceed into CityWalk.
From there, guests can enter Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure theme parks.
But if you explore Universal CityWalk, then you will find Universal Store (merchandise from both parks) and other shopping locations, plenty of casual and upscale restaurants, nightclubs and live music venues, the Blue Man Group show, and an AMC Movie Theater.
The atmosphere here is electric and you will never run out of things to do!
Enjoy your trip to Universal Orlando Resort!
If you need help planning and booking your Universal Orlando or Disney World vacation, then please contact our friends at The Vacationeer.
They’ll arrange your hotel room, restaurant reservations, and park tickets, plus provide great personalized advice to help you make the most of your money.
Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge — your trip won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself (and it might cost less!)
We hope our Best Universal Orlando Rides page helps you prioritize your list of theme park attractions.
If you’re looking for more useful Universal Orlando and Disney World information, then please review some of our other pages on MagicGuides. We have a Complete Universal Vacation Planning Guide, Universal Crowd Calendar, Best Time to Go to Universal, How Much Does It Cost to Go to Universal, Universal Orlando Map, Universal Orlando Statistics, Universal Orlando vs Disney World, and Cost of Wands at Universal. They may be just what you’re looking for!
Thanks for reading and we hope you enjoy Universal Orlando Resort!
