Have you never been to Universal Orlando or just want a refresher on what the theme park offers?
This list is for you.
There are several rides between Universal Orlando’s two parks, from Harry Potter to Jurassic World and everything in between.
Let’s take a look at all the rides and what they have to offer.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios is full of fun rides based on your favorite movies. This park has a few different sections, including Production Central, New York, San Francisco, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, World Expo, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, and Springfield USA. Each section has its own unique theming with rides you won’t want to miss.
Production Central
Production Central is the front of the park. Here you can find a variety of rides along with a large gift shop. This section holds some of the most well-known rides of Universal Studios and will likely be your first stop at the park.
Transformers 4D: The Ride
Transformers is a motion simulator ride that takes you on a journey to save the planet from Megatron. With the help of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, you will be immersed in the Transformers world with some 3D glasses. During the ride, you’ll interact with various Transformers characters and see several easter eggs from the movies.
Height Requirement: The minimum height is 40”. Anyone 48” and under will need a companion riding with them.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a motion simulator ride that takes you into Gru’s laboratory for classic minion fun. As you pass a series of tests, you will be transformed into a minion and experience minion life in the lab. This ride features a fun pre-show and great theming.
Height Requirement: The minimum height is 40”. Anyone 48” and under will need a companion riding with them.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a fun coaster that mixes thrill with music. It reaches 17 stories high, but luckily your song choice will cover the sounds of your screams on the way down. There’s a long list of songs to choose from pop to classic rock. This ride reaches speeds of 65mph and takes you through multiple twists, turns, and loops.
Height Requirements: The minimum height is 51”, and the maximum height is 79”.
New York
Right next to Production Central is New York. You’ll be able to tell right away from the skyscrapers in the distance. This section features a classic New York neighborhood where performers like the Blues Brothers showcase their talent.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
This motion-simulated ride takes you on a race through New york against Jimmy Fallon. It features Hashtag the Panda and the Ragtime Gals as you’re immersed in New york scenery. It features some of Jimmy Fallon’s classic jokes and antics and is family-friendly so anyone can enjoy it. While immersed in this ride, you may forget you’re in Florida altogether.
Height Requirements: The minimum height is 40”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
Revenge of the Mummy
Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor coaster that takes you on a journey trying to escape the curse. This ride is a great choice if you are a thrill seeker but don’t want something too crazy. The queue features hieroglyphic warnings, spooky decor, and artifacts from the movie. Get ready to scream from the excitement as you’re whipped around, avoiding the curse of the Mummy.
Height requirements: The minimum height is 48”.
San Francisco
If you keep going past New York, you’ll find San Francisco. It won’t look like the San Francisco you know today but the 1950s version from the past. Here you can find a great Jaws photo op along with the Fast and Furious ride.
Fast and Furious
This ride is based on the classic movie series fast and furious. This is a motion-simulated ride that takes you on a journey in a party bus. You’ll experience explosions, car chases, and danger throughout the ride. There are a lot of props, from classic cars to easter eggs from the movies.
Height requirement: The minimum height is 40”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
Hollywood
Hollywood features all things classic film. Here you can find the Bourne Spectacular Show and the cult favorite E.T. Adventure. There are plenty of photo ops along with entertainment to keep you busy throughout the day.
Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse Coaster
This kiddie coaster is placed in the Woody Woodpeckers kid zone and is perfect for the little ones to enjoy. It’s a great first-time coaster and takes you through Woody’s nut factory. There are no drops, jumps, or crazy turns, so it’s a fun time for all ages. If you can’t do motion simulated rides, this ride is the perfect break from the 3d glasses.
Height requirements: minimum height is 36”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
E.T. Adventure
This ride is based on the Steven Spielberg classic E.T. It takes you on a bike ride through the sky to E.T’s home planet. You’ll see E.T. and his friends as you journey through his home planet and get E.T home safely. This gentle ride doesn’t involve sudden drops or inversions, so people of all ages can enjoy it.
Height Requirements: minimum height is 34”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
Springfield U.S.A
Have you ever wanted to feel like you were in an episode of the Simpsons? Springfield U.S.A will do just that. Here you can experience the Simpsons world and enjoy shops with themed treats, restaurants, and classic boardwalk games.
The Simpson’s Ride
The Simpson’s Ride is a motion-simulated virtual reality coaster. You’re taken on a journey through Krustyland, but the ride is bumpier than you may expect. You’ll get to join the Simpsons as they ride the Krustyland roller coaster, an experience of a lifetime. You are immersed in the action of the virtual reality coaster, so if you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to sit this one out.
Height requirements: The minimum height is 40”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
Kang & Kudos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Kang & Kudos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl takes you on a spaceship journey. You’ll twirl around with the giant alien, all while shooting lasers at the people of Springfield. It can go a little fast, so the goal is not to hurl as you twirl away. This is a kid-friendly ride, but all ages can join in on the fun.
Height Requirements: No height requirement exists, but people under 48” will need a companion.
World Expo
World Expo is at the back of the park. There isn’t much to do here, but you can find a family fun ride, Men in Black Alien Attack. This section also features a Coca-Cola stop with numerous drink fountains if you need to refill your reusable cup.
Men in Black Alien Attack
Men in Black alien attack is a fun shooter game that allows you to become one of the agents as you protect the planet against aliens. This dark ride features twists and turns, which make shooting the aliens a fun challenge. You’ll be able to see your score and compete against the other people in your car for some friendly competition.
Height Requirement: the minimum height is 42”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley is perfect if you want to get immersed in the world of Harry Potter. This section has several easter eggs from the movies along with magic spots for you to practice your wizarding skills.
Escape from Gringotts in Diagon alley
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you may recognize this bank. This 4D dark roller coaster takes you on a journey to escape from Gringotts. You’ll see your favorite characters, including Hagrid and Ron, as you journey through the bank with their help. This ride has restraints, so if you’re unsure about the fit, there’s a test seat at the entrance.
Height Requirement: The minimum height is 40”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
Hogwarts Express
If you have a park-to-park ticket, then you won’t want to miss riding the Hogwarts express. This train is an immersive experience that takes you from one park to another. There is a different storyline going one way versus the other as you explore both train stations and what they offer. This is a family-friendly experience and feels just like a regular train ride with a harry potter themed twist.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Universal Islands of Adventure features everything from superheroes to dinosaurs and more. You can experience Hogsmeade Village, where you can sip some butter bear, and then walk over to Seuss Landing, where the people of Whoville come to life. There are multiple areas to this park as well known as Hogsmeade Village, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island, and Toon Lagoon.
Hogsmeade Village
Hogsmeade village is also where Hogwarts castle is located. If you’re looking for great photo ops in your harry potter robe, this is a great spot to do so. This section features 3 different rides along with a restaurant. You can also view the nighttime lights projected onto the castle.
Flight of the Hippogriff
The flight of the hippogriff is a kid-friendly roller coaster located in Hogsmeade village. This coaster takes you on the back of the hippogriff as you soar through the forbidden forest. On this ride, you get some great views of Hagrid’s hut and the landscape. It’s a great coaster all ages can enjoy.
Height requirements: the minimum height is 36”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
This ride is a fan favorite in Hogsmeade village. This is a highspeed coaster that takes you on a magical journey. At top speeds, you’ll travel through Hagrid’s hut and the forest around it. You’ll get a glimpse at all kinds of magical creators, all while experiencing the twists and turns of the forest. You can ride in the sidecar or on the motorcycle, but you’ll have a blast either way.
Height Requirement: the minimum height is 48”.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to fly? This ride gives you just that and a journey through Hogwarts castle. In this ride, you can join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they take you around the castle and the grounds the way they do, by flying. It features motion simulation and high-tech ride vehicles to give you a journey you won’t forget.
Height requirements: the minimum height is 48”.
Hogwarts Express
As mentioned above, the Hogwarts Express takes you from one park to the other. If you get on in Hogsmeade village, you’ll travel to Universal Studios Diagon Alley. The scenery you experience will be different from what you experienced coming from Diagon alley, so if you have the opportunity be sure to go both ways.
Skull Island
Skull Island isn’t very expansive as it only features the ride Reign of Kong. It’s a great stop to make on the way to Jurassic Park.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Many people know of the classic King Kong movie, but this ride brings that movie to life. You’ll board a safari vehicle and travel to skull island with your guide. This 3-d motion simulated ride brings the jungle to life all around you. You may get a glimpse of King Kong himself, but the main goal is to make it back off the island alive.
Height Requirement: the minimum height is 36”, but anyone under 48” must have a companion.
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park is the movie that comes to life. Here you can experience some great rides and explore some hidden caves. There’s a restaurant and a variety of easter eggs from the movies.
Pteranodon Flyers
This ride allows you to fly high above the park as if you were a prehistoric reptile. You’ll journey on a suspension wire over Jurassic Park, getting the best views. This ride is made for kids as anyone over 56” has to have a child riding with them.
Height Requirement: the minimum height is 36”.
Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride
Every park needs a classic boat ride, and for Islands of Adventure, this is it. Once you board, you are taken on a journey through Jurassic Park, viewing all the dinosaurs and the science lab. While this journey may seem relaxing and calm at first, there’s a twist at the end that’s sure to shock and soak you.
Height Requirement: the minimum height is 36”, but anyone under 48” must have a companion.
Jurassic World Velicicoaster
If there’s any ride that’s a must-do for thrill seekers, this is it. Velocicoaster is a rollercoaster that takes you as high as 155 feet into the air, with inversions, barrel rolls, and a myriad of twists and turns. You are racing against the velociraptor to escape their enclosure safe and sound. This coaster reaches speeds up to 70 mph and will leave you with adrenaline for days.
Height requirement: the minimum height is 51”.
Seuss Landing
Going into Seuss Landing, you will feel like you just entered a Dr.Seuss book. This spot is full of color and whimsical fun. There are some spots to eat along with a few rides perfect for kids. You may even run into some of the people of Whoville along the way.
Cat in the Hat Ride
The cat in the hat ride is exactly what it sounds like. This Omni-mover ride takes you through one of Dr.Seuss’s stories. You’ll journey through each page in the book as a narrator explains the story. You’ll see well-known characters like things one and two and even the cat in the hat himself. This is a great ride for small kids or families.
Height requirement: the minimum height is 36”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train
If you’re looking for a great park view, this ride has it. This is a trolley train ride in the sky that takes you around Seuss landing, narrating Dr. Seuss’s stories along the way. You can sit back and relax as you travel through tunnels and across the sky, viewing all the park offers. This is great for kids and adults alike, but it may not be the best option if you’re afraid of heights.
Height requirement: the minimum height is 36”, but anyone under 48” will need a companion.
Caro-Seuss-El
This isn’t your traditional carousel, as this ride features a Dr.Seuss twist. Take your pick from all the nonsensical Seussical creatures and circle around to some wacky music. This is a great photo opportunity for kids and fun for everyone in the family. This ride recently got a fresh coat of paint, so all the creatures are in their best shape.
Height requirement: there is no minimum height, but anyone 48” and under must have a companion.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
If you’ve ever played Simon says, this ride will put your skills to the test. You can pick your favorite fish as you go up and down to the instructions played. The music and instructions are timed to the water, so you may get a little wet if you mess up. This is great for kids and will make for some unforgettable memories.
Height Requirements: There is no minimum height, but anyone 48” and under must have a companion.
Marvel Super Hero Island
This is where Marvel comics come to life. Several rides, along with an epic arcade, will make you feel like your favorite superhero. Any comic fan will love this section and all it has to offer.
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall is your classic drop ride. You are shot 185 feet into the air and only one way down. This is a great thrill ride and will definitely pump you up for the other thrill-rides Universal offers. You must add this to your list if you’re brave enough to tackle these heights. This ride does have safety restraints, but there is a tester seat at the entrance for you to try.
Height Requirement: the minimum height is 52”.
Incredible Hulk Coaster
This ride is perfect for you if you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a Marvel movie. This rollercoaster takes you through multiple inversions and turns as you listen to a soundtrack fit for a superhero. You can get great views of the park, but it may be hard to catch them between the flips. This is one of the most popular rides at Islands of Adventure and definitely one you won’t want to miss.
Height Requirement: the minimum height is 54”.
Amazing Adventures of Spider-man
This 3-d virtual reality ride takes you on an adventure with Spider-man through NYC. You and spiderman go all throughout the city chasing villains high above the city. This is a great ride for classic Marvel fans as the cue showcases scenes from the comics. If you get easily motion sick, this may not be a great option for you, but otherwise, it’s definitely worth the wait.
Height Requirement: The minimum height is 40”, but anyone under 48” must have a companion.
Storm Force Accelatron
This ride is not for anyone with a weak stomach. Storm Force accelatron whips you around as you channel thunder and lightning to help Storm fight the evil Magneto. This ride is similar to a classic teacup ride but with a superhero spin. This is a great ride for kids and adults alike and allows you to spin as fast as 10mph.
Height requirement: the minimum height is 48”, and anyone under 48” has to have a companion.
Toon Lagoon
Toon Lagoon features the best water rides Islands of Adventure has to offer. After the rides, you can enjoy the landscape that takes you back to some classic cartoons.
Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-rat Barges
If the heat is too much to handle, you can hop on this wet ride, and it’s sure to cool you off. This water rafting ride spins you around as you traverse through the river with Popeye. Multiple waterfalls and obstacles along the way are sure to soak you down to your socks. If you plan to hop on, be sure to stow away your valuables to ensure nothing important gets wet.
Height requirement; the minimum height is 42”, but anyone under 48” has to have a companion.
Dudley Do-right Ripsaw Falls
If you’re looking for a waterfall with a little bit more thrill, ripsaw falls is right for you. This ride takes you in a log flume around various twists and turns leading up to the grand finale, a 75-foot drop. While you may have stayed dry for most of the trip, the final drop will soak you.
Height requirement: The minimum height is 44”, but anyone under 48” must have a companion.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it! Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando have a slew of thrill-seeking rides that will have you pumped to hit the park every day of your vacation. So rewatch a few of your favorite films and head to the park to experience them a whole new way!
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
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