The Universal Studios Orlando rides list is long. It’s way too difficult to try and hit all 50+ of Universal Orlando Resort’s amazing rides and attractions during your stay. It can be overwhelming to spend a day at the amusement park without knowing exactly what rides you want to try. A frustrating day in the park isn’t a fun one. That’s why I’m sharing the best Universal Studios Orlando Rides List for each category.
Our Universal Studios Orlando Rides List is broken down into 5 sections:
At any point in this article, hit ‘Ctrl’ + ‘f’ to sort the article by themed lands, height requirement, or thrill level.
Top Thrill Rides at Universal Studios Florida
Roller coaster enthusiasts, look no further. If thrill rides are at the top of your list, you’ve come to the right place! Universal Studios Orlando rides list offers several exhilarating options from your favorite movies, such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Marvel.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Location: Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 51”
Thrill Level: Intense
Virtual Line Reservations
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is my personal favorite. With several amazing thrill rides, delicious dining options, and unique details, you really can’t go wrong. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is one of the new rides in the park and it does not disappoint.
Hop onto the motorbike or sidecar to join Hagrid in the wilds of the Forbidden Forest. Experience the wizarding world’s rarest creatures on Universal’s highly themed, most immersive coaster.
Hagrid’s motorbike adventure has racked up quite a few statistics. For one, it includes the most launches of any roller coaster in the world. It’s also the first coaster in the U.S. to feature a free-fall vertical drop, and man is that drop unexpected! Additionally, at nearly a mile in length, it’s the longest roller coaster in Florida.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Location: Islands of Adventure, Jurassic World
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 51″
Thrill Level: Intense
The apex predator of rollercoasters is now open and ready for you to feel the rush of the hunt. Fly through the jungle on a high-speed dash through the raptor paddock. You’ll truly feel like you’re part of the pack as you ride one of the most surprising coasters ever made.
As one of Universal’s new attractions, the VelociCoaster was under construction during my last visit to the parks and even then it looked amazing. Universal Studios “ride the movies” motto has been brought to the next level on this one. They left no detail out when designing this amazing thrill ride.
With each new coaster, Universal is breaking more records. VelociCoaster is Floridas fastest and tallest launch roller coaster and the most thrilling of Universal’s five theme parks worldwide.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Location: Universal Studios, Hollywood
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 51”
Thrill Level: Intense
What’s your favorite genre of music? You better know before you board this coaster… as you strap in you’ll pick the song you want to hear throughout the ride. With the music bumpin’ and adrenaline pumping, you’ll travel at a 90-degree angle to the first drop.
My step-mom and I had a blast on the Rip Ride Rocket! The hardest part was choosing what we wanted to listen to. So you can better prepare, choose from Classic Rock/Metal, Rap/Hip Hop, Club/Electronica, Pop/Disco, or Country now. The best part? You won’t hear anyone else music during your ride.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Location: Universal Studios, Diagon Alley
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 42”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Virtual Line Reservations
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts combines so many amazing ride types into one. This ride combines a coaster, motion simulation, and a 3-D/4-D experience into one phenomenal adventure.
Make your way through Gringotts Bank to journey deep underground. Navigate the subterranean vaults and evade the wrath of Voldemort, Bellatrix, and the trolls to return safely to Diagon Alley.
Stick around to watch the fire-breathing dragon perched atop Gringotts expel a 3,580-degree flame. Use this guide to learn the secrets and experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in full during your stay.
Revenge of the Mummy
Location: Universal Studios Florida, New York
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 48”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Virtual Line Reservations
Flee from Imhotep, the evil mummy, on this dark ride. The ride is completely pitch black except for the flames you experience along the way. The coaster itself isn’t that intimidating, but not being able to see the track really adds an element of thrill. With impressive animatronics and special effects, this coaster ranks high on the best universal studios Orlando rides list.
This one scared my, then 9-year-old, brother a bit. I think the intense heat of the fire got to him; he asked us if the ride was broken (lol). He was hesitant to ride it again, so we went without him for a second go-round.
Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall
Location: Islands of Adventure, Marvel Super Hero Island
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 52”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Will you let Doctor Doom suck the fear out of you and use it for evil? Well gosh, I hope not!
When the count down reaches 0, you will launch 185 feet into the air with your feet dangling and your heart racing. You’ll feel weightless as your bottom rises out of your seat before you slowly make your way back down to the loading platform.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Location: Islands of Adventure, Marvel Super Hero Island
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 54”
Thrill Level: Intense
In case you didn’t know, you volunteered to take part in Dr. Bruce Banner’s science experiment when you entered the park. Sit back, relax, and hold on tight as a blast of gamma radiation changes everything. Launch out of the tunnel at 67mph and hulk smash through the sky!
When I first rode this coaster back in the early 2000’s I was PETRIFIED. At about 10 or 11 years old, I genuinely thought the ride was malfunctioning and we needed to exit. Once I realized it was a launch coaster and all was well, I had the best ride! It was one of my favorite roller coasters for years.
3D and 4D Universal Studios Orlando Rides
What are Universal Rides known for? Their amazing 3D and 4D technology. While most thrill rides take on the form of a traditional roller coaster, these 3D and 4D attractions will have you questioning everything you ever thought to be true about special effects and immersive experiences. You can’t have a Best Universal Studios Orlando Rides List without 3D and 4D rides!
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Location: Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 48”
Thrill Level: Intense
Virtual Line Reservations
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a scenic dark ride that uses serious technology to give you an incredible experience. Join Harry and his friends on a thrilling adventure as you soar above the castle grounds. Find yourself nearly scorched by a dragon, experience a bit of quidditch, have a few close encounters with dementors before landing safely back in your corridor.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, walking through the Hogwarts corridors might bring you to tears. I was truly close! The beauty is in the details and you won’t miss a single one. This ride is truly unlike any I’ve ever experienced!
Transformers: The Ride-3D
Location: Universal Studios, Production Central
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 40”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Get ready for the greatest battle you’ll ever ride. Once you board your N*E*S*T* vehicle you’ll join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in an ultra-immersive thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Fight to keep the AllSpark out of Megatron’s hands in an explosive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons.
We loved this ride. It was so well done and felt so real! The movement of the ride is subtle, but the scenes are loud and realistic. This is important to keep in mind for small children. IF you think you can handle it, remember that the Autobots are counting on you, roll out.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Location: Universal Studios, New York
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 40”
Thrill Level: Traditional
Virtual Line Reservations
Am I in New York? Enter through 30 rock and instantly become immersed in the world of “The Tonight Show”. You will quite literally race Jimmy Fallon (and friends) through, below, and above New York City. Who will cross the finish line first?
This was a fun one! Certainly good for riders of all thrill levels. The ‘boarding’ system for his one is really neat as well. You get a ticket for the show when you walk in. When your ticket color is called, you’ll enter the theater and take a seat. While you wait, you’ll be mingling with everyone else who’s waiting for the show, dancing with the panda, and maybe even playing a game. It’s such a unique way to get on a ride.
Skull Island, Reign of Kong
Location: Islands of Adventure, Skull Island
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 36”
Thrill Level: Intense
Virtual Line Reservations
Venture onto a mysterious island when you’ll need to brave the dangers of prehistoric predators. Board your jeep for a treacherous jungle expedition. When you think it’s all over, will Kong be the one to save you?
This ride was actually terrifying. It’s only a motion-simulated, 3-D/4-D dark ride, but its mature scenes are not for children. Not only are the caverns you walk through realistic and scary, but the ride itself was pretty intense.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man
Location: Islands of Adventure, Marvel Super Hero Island
Height Requirements: Minimum Height
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Join the world’s most famous web-slinger on a high-flying adventure to retried the stolen statue of liberty. Swing through the streets of New York, scale skyscrapers, and battle your favorite Marvel bad guys on this exciting
The first time I ever went on this ride was in the first year or two of its opening (1999). It was so good that I rode it a second time without the glasses because my 10ish-year-old self couldn’t figure out how we fell 400 feet without being strapped in like a rollercoaster.
The Simpsons Ride
Location: Universal Studios, Springfield
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 40”
Thrill Level: Intense
Join the Simpson on a family trip to Krusyland. In typical Simpson fashion, you’ll wind up careening through the park on an over-the-top exhilarating adventure. The preshow and queue areas are all really well done and realistic as well. The Simpson animation used was created specifically for the ride!
I’m going to be honest here and say this one made me nauseous. I liked the concept a whole lot and thought the ride was well done – but it wasn’t for me. If, like me, you become nauseous after The Simpson Ride, head into Cletus’ Chicken Shack for a variety of cafeteria-style options. The Chicken and Waffles made me feel better in an instant!
Univeral’s Best Attractions for Small Children
Check out these kid-friendly attractions for your little ones! Whether they don’t meet the minimum height requirements or simply don’t love the thrill, these rides are bound to put a smile on any child’s face. These are arguably, the most important attractions on the best Universal Studios Orlando rides list!
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Location: Universal Studios, Production Central
Height Requirements: Minimum Height 40”
Thrill Level: Traditional
Virtual Line Reservations
This ride is everything you would expect from Gru and his daughters! Take an unforgettable trip through Gru’s super-villain laboratory as a minion. You will feel all of the feels on this heartwarming and humorous trip.
This was the very first ride of our trip and it was perfect to start out with. It was everything you expect a minions ride to be and more! My step-mom and I actually cried at the end, that’s how much they develop the story of the ride in just a few minutes.
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Location: Universal Studios, Springfield
Height Requirement: Supervising Companion Required Under 48”
Thrill Level: Traditional
Join the drooling aliens from the Simpson for a spin. Pilot your flying saucer through space, spinning up and down as you try to zap Springfield residents with your laser beams.
Hogwarts Express
Location: Universal Studios, Diagon Alley and Island’s of Adventure, Hogsmeade
Height Requirements: Supervising Companion Required Under 48”
Thrill Level: Tame
Travel between Kings Cross Station at platform 9 ¾ in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. This isn’t your everyday train ride! Enjoy a different Harry Potter experience in each direction.
It is important to note that a park-to-park ticket is required to ride the Hogwarts Express. It’s an awesome way to jump from one back end of the park to another. Walking to the front entrance and around can be time-consuming and significantly less fun than riding the Hogwarts express!
Men in Black Alien Attack
Location: Universal Studios, World Expo
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 42”
Thrill Level: Traditional
A great ride for the competitive family (like us!). Compete with the riders in your car to see who can zap the most aliens. There are over 120 different kinds of aliens on this ride, so you’re bound to hit a few!
We had fun as a family of 4 on this ride! Especially because we are an ultra-competitive family of four. My father, the retired police officer, was the winner by a long shot. I was indefinitely second.
Caro-Seuss-el
Location: Island’s of Adventure, Seuss Landing
Height Requirements: Supervising Companion Required Under 48”
Thrill Level: Tame
Climb aboard a creative cast of Dr. Seuss’s characters! Make their ears wiggle, eyes blink, and head turn by pulling on the reigns or pushing the lever on their necks. This was the first carousel to feature creatures you could control!
This is a fun one for any Dr. Seuss fans and anyone who considers themselves a child at heart! I loved running around Seuss Landing and even managed to snag a photo with my favorite character, the Lorax!
The Cat in the Hat
Location: Island’s of Adventure, Seuss Landing
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 36”
Thrill Level: Traditional
Climb aboard your couch car and ride through the Dr. Seuss classic. Live each scene of the book through colorful characters, vivid sets, and crazy motion Twist and shout from room to room as you try to clean up before Mother gets home!
E.T. Adventure
Location: Universal Studios, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 34”
Thrill Level: Tame
Help E.T. save his dying planet! Fly through the night sky on your bicycle to E.T.’s home planet to experience otherworldly creatures. This adventurous, but gentle, ride is perfect for the whole family.
This was my little brother’s favorite ride. If he has it his way, this would be ranked number one on our best Universal Studios Orlando rides list. Folks, this ride is older than me (I was born in 1992) and it was his favorite ride in the whole park. It is a classic adventure!
Storm Force Accelatron
Location: Islands of Adventure, Marvel Super Hero Island
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 42”
Thrill Level: Traditional
The faster you spin, the more of Storm’s power you summon. This rides if not for the queasy! Once your board professor Xavier’s power generator you’ll be spinning as fast as you can to stop the evil Magneto from taking over the world.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Location: Island’s of Adventure, Seuss Landing
Height Requirements: Supervising Companion Required Under 48”
Thrill Level: Tame
Climb inside a flying fish! Maneuver your fish up, up, up and down, down, down as you gently circle the Seuss fountains. Pay attention to the song or you’re going to get wet!
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
Location: Universal Studios, World Expo
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 36”
Thrill Level: Tame
Get a bird’s eye view of Seuss Landing! While you wait to board your trolley, you’ll listen to a retelling of the Star Belly Sneeches. There are two tracks. One will continue with the story of the Sneeches while the other will go through the ABCs of your favorite Seuss stories.
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
Location: Universal Studios, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 36”
Thrill Level: Thrilling (Kid Friendly)
Let the wacky Woody Woodpecker ease your little ones onto the track for the first time. The kid-friendly coaster swoops and turns through silly puns and corny jokes in Woody’s nut factory. All of the rollercoaster fun without any of the daredevil drops!
Water Rides and Water Slides at Universal Orlando
Volcano Bay is known for its epic water slide action and clean facility. Universal’s Islands of Adventure might not be a water park, but it is home to a few fan-favorite water rides as well! All too often, water rides and slides are left off the best Universal Studios Orlando rides list, but they’re some of the best in the country.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Location: Islands of Adventure, Jurassic World
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 42”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
What begins as a leisurely float through Jurrasic Park turns into an exhilarating escape from prehistoric predators. This unexpected 85-foot drop is sure to make you scream in terror.
My little brother (10 at the time) loved this ride. He went on to ride it three more times while my Dad and I dried off. I can’t say that I blame him. The animatronics are sweet and the drop leaves you with butterflies.
Honu of the Honu ika Moana
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 48”
Thrill Level: Intense
A five-passenger tube slide sends you speeding through an open flume before soaring up along two massive walls.
Ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 42”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
The slightly less intense slide of the Honu ika Moana sisters. This multi-person tube slide will take you on a twisting, turning, flowing ride.
Dudley Do-right’s Ripsaw Falls
Location: Islands of Adventure, Toon Lagoon
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 44”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Don’t let this lazy-looking log flume fool you. What begins as a lighthearted adventure with Dudley Do-Right, turns into a 75-foot drop that will leave you soaked.
This ride was a blast for our family and I think our on-ride photo says it all. We were wearing ponchos because it was raining out, however, they did a decent job of keeping our upper half dry. The bottom of the boat will be wet so be prepared for soggy pants.
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 48”
Thrill Level: Extreme
Wait patiently for twin trap doors to release you and your racing partner. You’ll end up plunging down intertwining tubes before splashing into the turquoise waters below.
Ko’okiri Body Plunge
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 48”
Thrill Level: Extreme
Take a 175-foot white knuckle plunge through a trap door. At a 70 degree angle, you’re bound to fly towards to ground at speeds much faster than I would personally prefer (lol).
Krakatau Aqua Coaster
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 42”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Climb aboard your 4-person canoe and climb up and away, twisting and turning through the mists before plunging through a shimmering waterfall.
Kopiko Wai Winding River
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: N/A
Thrill Level: Tame
Take a slow ride through the tropical landscape of Universal’s Volcano Bay. Gentle surprises await as you explore the perimeter of the park.
Maku and Puihi Round Raft Rides
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 42″
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Two separate multi-person tube rides. Maku slides through tunnels at high speeds before spinning around bowl-like formations and sucking you into a watery vortex. Puihi will take you through twists and turns in a dark cavern before dropping you into an immense funnel.
Ohno & Ohyah Drop Slides
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 48”
Thrill Level: Intense
Twist and turn through serpentine tubes before plunging 6 feet into the awaiting pool.
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Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Location: Islands of Adventure, Toon Town
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 42”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Brave your way through raging rapids to say Popeye’s best girl! You’ll be soaked after this adventure, so be prepared!
Tonga and Raki of Taniwha Tubes
Location: Volcano Bay
Height Requirement: Minimum Height 42”
Thrill Level: Thrilling
Taniwha Tubes boasts 4 total single or double tube slides. The Tonga slides are green and slightly more gentle. If you’re looking for a bit more speed, try the blue slides of Raki. Either set of slides will have you winding your way to the pool at the bottom, but beware of mischievous tikis squirting you with water!
Time Saving Tips for Universal Orlando
If you want to experience all of these amazing rides, you’ll have to make the most of your time. Here are 11 Universal Orlando Tips for First-Timers.
Early Park Admission
Universal Orlando’s hotel guests receive early access to the parks. Volcano Bay early entry is 30 minutes and Island’s of Adventure and Universal Studios early entry is 1 hour. Avoid long waits by entering the park early and riding popular attractions first thing in the morning.
Single Rider Line
Utilize the single rider line! This is a good option if you’re the only one in your party who wants to ride. It’s also great for individuals looking to hop on for a second time!
The single rider line will cut your wait time n half. It’s a great way to ride an attraction more than once without wasting precious time in the parks.
Child Swap
This is another great way to snag multiple rides with one wait time. If you’re in a group and have a child who doesn’t want to or can’t ride the attraction, utilize the Child Swap option. Have one adult wait with the child while the others ride. Afterward, have a different adult wait while the others ride a second time.
It would be unfair to make the solo adult ride by themselves, so take a family member with you! Alternate throughout the day to make the most of Child Swap and riding epic attractions.
Go see the entire list of First Timer Universal Orlando tips to make the most of your upcoming trip
