15 Best Rides at Islands of Adventure (Including My Top 5 Favorites)
Do you want to plan a trip to Universal Orlando? Looking for the best rides at Universal Islands of Adventure? There are so many amazing Islands of Adventure rides!
If you are headed to Universal Orlando in Florida, one thing to note is that there are two parks. Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. (Three parks if you include the water park Volcano Bay.)
We are going to focus on Islands of Adventure and particularly the best rides at Islands of Adventure. I will give you an Islands of Adventure rides list with an overview of the rides in each section.
I will also include which rides at Islands of Adventure I think are the best.
I will only mention the best rides at Islands of Adventure in each area (Not shows or interactive experiences only ride attractions at Islands of Adventure)
Universal Orlando is one of the best amusement parks in the USA! We love the Islands of Adventure roller coasters! I’m excited to share with you my Islands of Adventure best rides list!
Let’s explore the best rides at Islands of Adventure!
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Get Ready for the Best Rides at Islands of Adventure
How Many Rides are There at Islands of Adventure?
18
The newest ride at Islands of Adventure is the VelociCoaster (opened June 2021) Hagrids Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure is also a new ride at Islands of Adventure. (opened in June 2019)
Which Universal Park has the Best Rides?
I love all the parks but the rides at Islands of Adventure are my favorite! Harry Potter has my heart! Nothing can beat Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure!
Don’t get me wrong the rides at Universal Studios are great! I love the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The rides at Volcano Bay are amazing I just don’t think you can compare water rides to amusement park rides.
The Islands of Adventure attractions are Amazing!
What Island of Adventure Ride Should I Ride First?
Having a plan of attack is always a good thing. As you arrive at the park, make sure you jump on the app and get a virtual queue for Hagrid (if needed).
The lines that get the busiest during the day are Hulk, VelociCoaster, The Forbidden Journey, and Kong. If you arrive early you can go straight to the ride you want to ride the most.
If you have a multi-day ticket you can easily ride all the rides at Universal Islands of Adventure Orlando and not have to feel stressed out.
Hot Tip for the Island of Adventure Orlando Rides
A lot of people say go early but honestly, we have had great luck with staying late.
In the last hour of the park, you can pretty much walk on any Island of Adventure ride. We even went during Easter/Spring Break time. It was packed! But at night, it was awesome!
Islands of Adventure Ride List
This is a list of all rides at Islands of Adventure Orlando. I organized them by which section of the park they are in.
Let’s check out this list of Islands of Adventure rides!
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hagrid Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Hogwarts Express
- Flight of the Hippogriff
Jurassic Park Islands of Adventure Ride List
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- VelociCoaster
- Pteranodon Flyers
Suess Landing Islands of Adventure Ride List
- Cat in the Hat
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
- One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
- Caro-Suessal
Toon Lagoon Islands of Adventure Ride List
- Popeye’s and Bluto’s Bilge Rat-Barges
- Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls
Marvel Super Hero Island Islands of Adventure Ride List
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Skull Island Islands of Adventure Ride List
- Skull Island Reign of Kong
Best Islands of Adventure Rides
Islands of Adventure is laid out so that you enter different sections of the park that are themed such as Harry Potter World, Jurassic World, Seuss Landing, Marvel Superhero Island, Skull Island, and Toon Lagoon.
We are going to list the best rides at Islands of Adventure in each section of the park.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Islands of Adventure Side
I highly recommend planning a trip to Harry Potter World. It is my favorite section at the Island of Adventures.
We will start with the Harry Potter rides. There are four rides in this area, three of which make the cut of being some of the best rides at Islands of Adventure! Let’s look at the Universal Islands of Adventure rides for Harry Potter World!
1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Height Requirement: 48″
Ride Time: 4 minutes
The Forbidden Journey ride is what started the Harry Potter magic at Universal, and it is amazing!! This is my favorite Island of Adventure ride.
Located in Hogwarts Castle (more on that later), the ride is a four-minute adventure through the world of Harry Potter. As you fly on a broomstick you will go on the quidditch field, through the forbidden forest, and face a dragon.
Is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey a Roller Coaster?
The Forbidden Journey ride is not an Islands of Adventure roller coaster. It is a motion-based dark ride that takes you through all of the best parts of Hogwarts. There are no loops and you do not go upside down. There is a lot of jerking so you will be harnessed with an over-the-shoulder restraint.
The Lockers
There are lockers once you enter the castle. You can not take anything extra on this ride. The lockers are free and secure.
Make sure to put your stuff in before you head on the ride, and take note of what locker you use. If you have any issues with finding or opening your locker when you are done, the workers are very helpful.
Walk Through the Line at Least Once
The first time we went to Islands of Adventure, we purchased front-of-the-line passes. They were awesome except on this ride. Do not skip the line!
There is so much detail in every section of your wait. It really feels like you are at Hogwarts Castle! There is an interactive part of the line where Harry, Ron, and Hermione talk to you as well.
Guess What!! Even if you do not want to ride the ride you can still walk through the line.
Rider Switch
Rider Switch is an amazing option on the Forbidden Journey ride. If you have younger kids that are not tall enough to ride or you have a child that may be scared you can easily switch off riders and wait in a special room designed for little kids.
Motion Sickness
This ride can cause motion sickness for some. That didn’t happen for me and I wanted to ride this ride over and over and over again. I never got tired of it.
Hands down, I rank this ride the best of the best rides at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios! This ride is the reason I love Universal Islands of Adventure!
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Height Requirement: 48″
Ride Time: 3 minutes
Next, let’s talk about the new ride at Islands of Adventure and most recent addition to the World of Harry Potter: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
This is a themed roller coaster at Islands of Adventure. There are times when you go slow and experience a story and other times you are flying along the track just like a normal roller coaster.
I don’t think I have ever experienced anything like this.
How to Ride
Really important! You can not just go to the ride and get on. You have to make a reservation on your app. There is a QR code that you have to scan before you can enter the line.
When we went we got on our app at 9:00 am when the park opened and secured a time without a problem. Later in the day, we reserved two more times to ride.
On busy days it may be a problem. Another time we went (during Spring Break) I was on at the suggested times and couldn’t get a time slot! I sat on my phone for 30 minutes just pressing the refresh button and I finally was able to get a time. (We waited in line for 90 minutes!)
The Lockers
There are lockers right before you get on the ride. You can not take anything extra on this ride. The lockers are free and secure. Make sure to put your stuff in before you head on the ride.
The Line
The line does have Hagrid’s house and garden. It is not as themed as the Forbidden Journey ride but it is still fun to experience.
The Ride
There are two options and experiences for this ride at Islands of Adventure. You can ride on the motorcycle or you can ride in the passenger seat.
We had the opportunity to do both and it was interesting that I being short (5’1) enjoyed being in the passenger seat more than the motorcycle and my husband (6′) preferred the motorcycle. Maybe height has something to do with preference?
This is one of the best rides at Islands of Adventure. It is fun! I will not give away more of the magic that you will experience on this ride, but expect the unexpected!
Is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Adventure Scary?
I didn’t think so. I thought it was amazingly themed. If you are afraid of the dark, you might find this ride scary. This is one of the best Islands of Adventure rides.
3. Hogwarts Express
Height Requirement: none
Ride Time: 5 minutes
The Hogwarts Express takes you between the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. It is basically transportation from one park to the other.
You actually feel like you are on the Hogwarts Express with your favorite characters. Depending on which way you are traveling the ride is different.
The Line
The line for this attraction can be very long! Unfortunately, front-of-the-line passes do not include the Hogwarts Express. Plan to wait!
Double Park Pass Required
The sad part about this ride is that a double park pass is required to ride. So if you only have a one-day-one park ticket you are out of luck.
Is it Worth It?
Yes, if it is your first time visiting Harry Potter World. You need to experience it. However, what we found is that there was so much to do in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure that we only had time to do one park in a day.
So yes we bought the double park pass to ride the Hogwarts Express, but we didn’t get to experience both parks and yet paid a lot more for that ticket.
4. Flight of the Hippogriff
Height Requirement: 36″
The other ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Flight of the Hippogriff. This ride is a junior coaster. I think it is great to have an option for younger guests but it is just that; if you don’t have young ones with you, skip this ride.
Your young Harry Potter fans will think this is the best Islands of Adventure ride.
There is a lot more to do and see in the Harry Potter Worlds. You will want some Harry Potter World souvenirs.
Jurassic Park
The Jurassic Park section of Universal Islands of Adventure is located between Harry Potter World and Skull Island. There are three rides in the Jurassic Park section.
A new Island of Adventure roller coaster called the VelociCoaster just opened and has expanded the Jurassic Park area of the park.
5. Jurassic Park River Adventure
Height Requirement: 42″
This Island of Adventure ride is low-key-themed. There is one drop at the end that is pretty fun. This ride could be scary for little kids. So even though they are tall enough to ride, consider if they would be scared if a dinosaur pops up and spits water on them.
Also, at the end, there is a giant T-Rex that you have to pass by, (the ride makes it seem that you are headed straight for it.)
Do you Get Wet on Jurassic Park River Adventure?
You may get a little wet but you will not need a poncho to keep you dry. My son loved this ride! He went on it like 5 times or more!
6. VelociCoaster
Minimum Height Requirement 51″
VelociCoaster is the newest rollercoaster at Islands of Adventure. It is a legit ride. This high-speed thrill ride takes you through the raptor’s paddock.
This is one of the best islands of adventure rides!
7. Pteranodon Flyers
Maximum Height Requirement: 56″
This Island of Adventure Florida ride looks like so much fun! It is designed for children and unless you accompany your little one you can not ride on the ride.
This ride makes you feel like you are flying over Jurassic World. There is also a playground for kids near the ride.
This is one of the best rides at Islands of Adventure for little kids!
Suess Landing
Seuss Landing, located at the front of the park, was designed with the kids in mind. There is plenty to entertain the little kids. Four rides are located in this section two of which are worth mentioning.
It offers some of the best rides at Islands of Adventure for little kids.
8. Cat in the Hat
Height Requirement: 36″
This Islands of Adventure ride is a themed ride that takes you through the story of Cat in the Hat. It is great for little kids.
The Line
There is a lot of detail in the line and it will take you a while to walk to the actual entrance to the ride. I actually really like this Universal Islands of Adventure ride. I thought it was super cute!
9. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
Height Requirement: 36″
This is a fun train ride in the sky; literally. The ride takes you above Seuss Land. You can watch it pass over you as you are on the ground. As you are on the ride you will have a great view of the land.
There are also two small rides in the area Caro-suessal and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. These rides at Islands of Adventure are great for your little ones.
Toon Lagoon
Ready for a blast from the past? Head on over to Toon Lagoon, located on the other side of Skull Island.
The theme in this area pays tribute to Popeye, Betty Boop, and Dudley-Do-right. There are two water rides in this area. You are sure to get soaked, so bring your ponchos!
These are actually pretty fun rides at Islands of Adventure to go on, especially if it is hot outside.
10. Popeye’s and Bluto’s Bilge Rat-Barges
Height Requirement: 42″
This ride is a rapid river ride. Each raft can hold about 10 people. The boats are huge! You can put your valuables in the center under plastic protection to keep them dry.
Unless you bring a plastic covering, you won’t be so lucky. This ride will soak you to the bone. It is perfect for a hot day. But even on a hot day, I recommend wearing a poncho unless you are wearing a swimsuit! It really gets you that wet. It is one of the best Islands of Adventure rides!
11. Dudley-Do-Right Ripsaw Falls
Height Requirement: 44″
Ride Time: 6 minutes
This is a themed log ride. Unfortunately, not very many people even know who Dudley-do-right is. But you don’t need to know to enjoy the ride! It has a few great drops and gives you a good splash.
The ride is pretty long so it is worth the wait! On hot days this becomes one of the best rides at Islands of Adventure because it will cool you off.
Marvel Super Hero Island
If you are a traditional roller coaster or theme park junkie, Marvel Superhero Island is the place for you.
Located near the entrance, you have a selection of Islands of Adventure thrill rides. Some of the more heart-stopping and intense rides at Universal are in this section.
12. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Height Requirement: 54″
The Hulk is one of the most popular and best rides at Islands of Adventure. This is a roller coaster you are going to want to ride over and over again.
However, the line can be long. If your priority is to ride the best roller coaster at Islands of Adventure, my suggestion is to get to the park early and make this your first ride of the day.
13. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
Height Requirement: 40″
If you need to tone down the thrills, but not the fun, head on over to The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman.
This is a great family ride, especially, if you have Marvel enthusiasts in your party that are either young too short, or too scared to ride the more intense coasters. I thought this ride was really fun.
The Line
This is another really detailed line. It is fun to wait in because you are entertained along the way.
14. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
This is a straight elevator ride up to the top with a few jerky stops along the way.
As you hit the top you will free-fall down. I hate drop rides, so this doesn’t make the list of best Islands of Adventure rides for me. But it might for you!
Skull Island
Okay. So I have taken a bit of liberty in naming the “sections” of Islands of Adventure. I honestly don’t know if Skull Island is an official name. But however you want to call it, and if you are a King Kong fan, or otherwise want to try out another thrill ride, head on over to this section to experience its one ride; Reign of Kong.
15. Skull Island Reign of Kong
Height Requirement: 36″
Ride Time: 6 minutes
The ride is indoors with minimal lighting. Although the height requirement is low, there are some intense movies shown as the story unfolds of Kong Island. It can be pretty scary for little ones. The ride lasts about 6 minutes.
I thought this ride at Universal Islands of Adventure was really fun.
Best Rides at Islands of Adventure
Now that I have given you the rundown of each ride at Islands of Adventure; let’s talk about my favorite five.
I already told you my all-time fave, but here is the full Islands of Adventure rides list.
Best Rides at Islands of Adventure:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- The Hulk
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Kong Skull Island
- Jurassic World River Adventure
The Spiderman ride just misses the list at number six. I haven’t been on the VelociCoaser yet. I will update if it makes the top 5.
The rides at Islands of Adventure are really fun and they are the biggest part of why Islands of Adventure is considered one of the best theme parks in the world. Keep in mind that there are great experiences beyond the rides.
I hope this overview has given you an idea of which rides at Islands of Adventure you want to go on.
There are so many things to do in Orlando with Universal being one of the best! You will also want to check out all the great restaurants at City Walk after you leave the park!
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Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey…hands down, my favorite! If you’ve never seen the movies, though, watch them before you go. The detail will astound you!
Truly, Huge fan and it is so fun!
Ok… so we were at Islands of Adventure, but NEVER LEFT HARRY POTTER!!! Hagrid’s motorbike ride is my all time favourite ride ever! It was definitely worth the wait! We utilized the child swap so we didn’t need to check our bags. I only wish we had gone on the ride both days.
The first time we went I wish we would have stayed at Harry Potter the whole time too!
Islands of Adventure is so fun! Especially love everything about Harry Potter and the Hulk coaster especially.
I love Harry Potter World too!
me too! It is so fun!
All of the tides look fun! I can’t wait to visit Harry Potter World though! I’m such a fan.
You will love it!
Great list and advice! Yes! It is more than just great rides! Great point!
There are a lot of fun things!
All the rides look great. We have been to Orlando more times than I can count but never leave Disney. LOL
Your boys would love this park!
The Hogwarts castle is my favorite as well! I really want to go on Hagrids ride, but last time I went, the line was wayyy too long
I love the castle ride!
I have never been here and WOW it sounds like it would be so much fun for the whole family!
It is so much fun!
When I took my boys to Orlando, Islands of Adventure was their favorite park. That was before the Harry Potter days, but I’m sure they would have loved those rides.
They would love it now, it has grown so much!
Visiting Harry Potter world is sooo on my bucketlist! It looks amazing!
It is worth it! It is amazing!
Wow! Islands of Adventure has changed quite a bit since the last time I was there. I can’t wait to check it out without grandkids!
It is fun, I would wait until they get older. It isn’t a little kid park.
My kids would’ve loved this growing up. They might still! Lol
Probably, when we went the park was mostly full of adults!
I so want to go to both Harry Potter World and Jurassic World!
I can’t wait till the new Jurassic World ride opens!
I’ve never been to Islands of Adventure, but it looks so much fun! All the Harry Potter rides would make me so happy.
They make me so happy too!
I haven’t been on a roller coaster in a few years & I miss them! But also, Harry Potter World looks so good. Something you’ll definitely appreciate, I’m working on a new show and one of the actors is from Harry Potter!!! Can’t say who until it’s out but I’ll be secretly fan girling & keeping it inside while working haha.
How awesome is that! I’m jealous! I love Harry Potter!
I have not been to Universal in many, many years. This is very comprehensive and the photos make me want to return when it is safe.
We went last summer and I was so impressed with how safe it was. They have it down to a science. Mask and social distancing.
I’ve never visited Islands of Adventure before but it looks like great fun! I especially like your simple summaries of each ride along with your very helpful suggestions.
Thanks! We love it!
We are planning to go in September and I am so excited!!
You will love it. It is amazing.
I am so not a roller coaster person but I might be able to handle the Seuss area. That looks like a super fun area. This looks like a fun area if you into the rides.
Dr. Seuss is cute. There are other fun shows and character meet and greets at Universal!
I love Islands of Adventures, especially Hogmeades. Do you still have to do virtual queue? When I was there in fall of 2019, I just waited in line. Hagrids was by far my favorite ride at Islands of Adventures
When we went last summer you reserved a time to go on the ride and arrived and went on. We did it three times.
I have not been on most of these rides at Universal, but I do love Hulk!
There are some fun ones!
Our favorite ride was Escape from Gringott’s in Harry Potter. The Hulk coaster was my son’s first “big kid” ride – so happy I went on with him.
We are excited to take our kids in a few months!
Hagrid’s ride is amazing! We were lucky enough to get our own compartment on the Hogwarts express on one trip. Fun place.
That is so awesome! Hagrids is so fun!
We have never been here! This seems like a fascinating place for the whole family.
Thorough walk through! I so want to go here. I am excited for my kids to get a bit older for these big parks! (and post-covid too). 🙂
For sure, This park is great for older kids and teens.
This looks amazing! Universal has always done a great job with their rides.
They really do a great job!
Great list. My top would be Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. But I’m a huge Potter fan!
Me too! I love Harry Potter!
If I do nothing else at Islands of Adventure, I MUST ride the Incredible Hulk coaster! This is now going on my bucket list!
I am excited to go on it too!
These are amazing! I hope to one day visit the Harry potter world for sure! These all look like such fun!
It is a fun park, I can’t wait to go back!
Harry Potter world wasn’t finished yet when I was there years ago. I keep telling my husband we should go someday. The hulk was also a great ride!
Harry Potter world is incredible if you are a Harry Fan. The detail is unreal!
I love this guide to Islands Of Adventure. Hagrid’s Ride would be at the top of my list. Thanks for the great tips on how to best experience this theme park!
You would love it! It is so fun!
Man this looks so fun! I have only been to Universal in CA. With Florida being more “open” now, this might be an option for us in the near future! Your pictures are great and it definitely makes me want to visit.
Florida has a lot more rides than California too. It is worth a visit!
Island of Adventures at Universal Studios is one of my favorite theme parks! Love all the rides especially related to Harry Potter.
I haven’t been to an amusement park for a long time! Islands of Adventure sounds like a blast!
You would love it!
It is amazing!
Great list! Such a fun place to visit.
I agree! It is so fun!
Oh I need to visit Harry Potter! So jealous of all the pics!
I just love Harry Potter too!