15 Best Rides At Universal Studios Orlando (Inlcuding My Top 5 Favorite Rides)
Do you want to explore some of the best rides at Universal Studios? Awesome! I am excited to share with you some of my top choices for the best attractions at Universal Studios Orlando!
You are going to have a blast. The Universal Studio attractions are the best!
Universal Orlando has three theme parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. (Epic Universe Coming Soon)
Today we will give you a list of all of the rides in Universal Studios Orlando, however, our main focus will be on the best rides at Universal Studios.
First, I will give some helpful tips for all the rides in Universal Studios. Then I will tell you all about our experience with Universal Studios Florida rides. Lastly, we will give a Universal rides list to help you plan.
Obviously, picking the “best” is a matter of opinion but hopefully, we can break it down so that you can decide what rides you would like to go on. (I include my top 5 favorite Universal studio rides at the bottom of this post.)
Let’s explore the best rides at Universal Studios Orlando!
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Best Rides at Universal Studios Orlando
Let’s start with some basic tips that will help you plan a trip to Universal Studios. As you plan, you can explore ticket options and express passes, and see which option is best for you.
How Many Days Do I Need at Universal Studios Orlando?
If you want to ride all the rides at Universal Studios I would plan a full day. You will still want to get a multi-day ticket so you can enjoy all the best rides at Islands of Adventure as well. One day is not enough time to ride all the attractions at Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure.
Should I Get a Park to Park Ticket?
If you want to plan a trip to Harry Potter World and ride the Hogwarts Express you will need a park-to-park ticket. It is worth riding if you are a Harry Potter fan. With that said, if you have been on the Hogwarts Express before. A one-park-per-day ticket works well.
Our Experience
On our first trip to Universal, we got a park-to-park ticket because we wanted to ride the Hogwarts Express. It was awesome and we were so glad we did. However, we did not have time to enjoy all the rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day.
Another time we got a 4-day pass – one park per day and loved it. We were able to devote our entire day to one park and ride all the Universal Studio rides we wanted. This is true of the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Should I Get an Express Pass to Ride All the Universal Studio Rides?
Some Universal hotels come with Express Passes and early park admission to all the parks. This is great because it is included in your hotel price.
If you are considering an Express Pass buy it when you purchase your tickets in advance. The longer you wait the higher the price gets.
I would look at a crowd calendar to see how busy the park will be.
When to Buy an Express Pass
One example of when it makes sense to buy an Express Pass is if you only have one day at the park. This will allow you to save time so you can ride the best rides at Universal Studios.
If you are visiting Universal during a holiday, the pass is worth it.
Our Experience
The first time we went we bought the Express Pass and the Park to Park ticket and still didn’t have enough time to enjoy all of the attractions at Universal Studios Orlando in one day. Looking back I still would buy the pass because it did save us a lot of time.
When we went a different time during Spring Break most of the lines were over 60 minutes. We really wished we would have purchased the passes. On our most recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, we did have the passes and loved them!
When Not to Purchase the Express Pass
If you are visiting the park for at least 4 days I don’t think you need an express pass because you can plan your rides for each day and will have enough time to ride them all multiple times.
Rider Switch
If you have young children who are not tall enough to ride the rides at Universal Studios, a rider switch is available. You simply go through the line with your child. One parent can wait with the child and the other parent can ride and then you will switch off. If you have additional older children they get to go on the ride twice.
Hot Tip For Universal Studios Rides Orlando
One thing I really like at Universal Studios is that younger children can go on almost all the rides. (with the exception of Mummy and Rip Ride Rockit) If you are traveling with younger kids it is nice that they don’t feel left out.
How Many Rides are in Universal Studios Orlando?
I have listed 15 different rides at Universal Studios Orlando. This list of Universal rides are the best ones to check out.
1. Revenge of the Mummy
Height Requirement: 48″
How To Ride
The Mummy Ride is on a reservation system. You will need to download the app to schedule a time to ride. On busy days time slots do fill up. The earlier you choose your time the better.
There is a possibility that time slots will open up throughout the day usually at 11:00 2:00 and 4:00pm
Lockers
You must put everything in a locker.
The Ride
The first time I rode this ride I loved it. I think I even said it was the best ride at Universal Studios. After, going on it a few times I wish it was longer. It felt really short!
It is a great ride and you need to go on it for sure! It is a must-ride attraction at Universal Studios Orlando!
2. Jimmy Fallon - Race Through New York
Height Requirement: 40″
How to Ride
This is also another ride at Universal Studios that requires a reservation. You will need to select a time to ride on the app.
When it is your time to ride, you will be given a specific color card. This indicates which group you are in. You will be able to wait in the lobby (watching Jimmy of course) until your color is displayed.
The Ride
This is a 3D ride through New York and even up to the Moon. It is pretty fun. We really liked it. According to our five your old it was the best ride at Universal Studios!
3. Men In Black Alien Attack
Height Requirement: 42″
The Line
The line is pretty neat. There are interactive parts with animatronics. We liked watching while we waited.
The Ride
This ride is fun! It is a shooting alien game. My boys absolutely loved this ride at Universal Studios. It was a ride we wanted to ride over and over again.
Sitting in the back seemed to get me more points! It is one of the best rides at Universal Studios Orlando!
4. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Height Requirement: 40″
The Ride
Despicable Me is a 3D virtual ride. It is a cute ride and if you are a minion fan you should make time to ride. This attraction at Universal Studios Orlando allows you to sit and watch a film. It is very interactive!
This is one of the best rides at Universal Studios Orlando for little kids! It is not too scary and is entertaining and should be added to your list of Universal Studios rides.
5. Transformation The Ride 3D
Height Requirement: 40″
The Ride
I actually really like this virtual ride. It is a little jerky and pretty intense. It was too much for my five-year-old. He thought it was pretty scary but I think it is great for older kids and teens.
I like the storyline of the ride. There are so many special effects and motion simulation! You feel like you are on an adventure the entire time. Of the rides in Universal, it is a fantastic choice.
This ride at Universal Studios is a favorite! Many people would say it is the best ride at Universal Studios. It is one of my favorites.
6. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Height Requirement: 51″
The Ride
If you love roller coasters you will love this one. It is extreme and the most thrilling ride at Universal Studios! This high-speed roller coaster is fast coming in at a top speed of 65 mph, and I think I’m too old to ride it ever again! It jerked me a little bit too much. My girls on the other hand loved it.
I have to be honest it was not my favorite ride at Universal Studios! I would not include Rip Ride Rocket in my best rides at Universal Studios list but thrill-seekers would!
7. Shrek 4D
Height Requirement: none
A Show
Shrek 4D is a show using all the senses. One thing to note is that it is at the front of the park. This makes it one attraction at Universal Studios Orlando that everyone goes to first. During the busy season, it fills up fast.
It can be an hour wait within an hour of the park opening. This is one of the most popular Universal rides or in this case attraction.
8. The Bourne Spectacular
Height Requirement: none
Show
The Bourne Spectacular is a show. It opened in June 2020. For some reason I don’t think it was open the last time we went so I haven’t had a chance to check it out.
This is show that follows the story line of Jason Bourne aka spy. It is stunt show with live performers. It is a 26 minute show that runs every hour.
9. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Height Requirement: 42″
This ride is located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Lockers
There are lockers available to store your stuff. They are located on the right side not in Diagon Alley.
The Line
The line is really cool! You will walk through the wizarding bank. The detail is amazing, the goblins look so real.
You can really imagine that you are with Harry, Ron, and Hermione underneath the invisibility cloak, sneaking in and starting the adventure of finding the Horcrux. The detail that was put into Harry Potter World is unbelievable.
The Ride
The ride is fun! It sticks to the scene in the movie and actually feels like you are there. One of the most amazing features of the ride is that there is actually a gigantic fire-breathing dragon on top of the building!
Unlike the Hogwarts castle ride this one does not cause motion sickness!
It is the best ride at Universal Studios for Harry Potter fans!
10. Hogwarts Express
Height Requirement: None
The Hogwarts Express is a ride that is different depending on which way you are going. If you are headed to Islands of Adventure the story is different compared to going the opposite direction to Universal Studios.
I highly recommend starting your ride at King Cross Station at Universal Studios because it will be as if you are headed to Hogwarts. It is a fun experience and one of the best Universal Studios Orlando rides.
The Line
Be prepared for long lines! It takes a minute to get on the train!
11. Fast and the Furious Supercharged
Height Requirement: 40″
The Line
If you love cool cars you will love standing in line. There are some really neat cars to look at while you wait.
The Ride
This ride at Universal Studios Orlando is a 3D ride. It sticks to the storyline of the Fast and the Furious movie. It is pretty action-packed! Of all the rides of Universal Studios in Orlando, it make the top of the list!
12. The Simpson Ride
Height Requirement: 40″
The Ride
The Simpsons ride is a virtual 3D ride. It is fun even if you aren’t fans of the Simpsons. This ride takes you on a silly adventure through Springfield.
Sometimes the wait can be long! I felt like you get to a certain point and you just don’t move!
Honestly, I don’t think it is my favorite ride at Universal Studios Orlando.
13. Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster
Height Requirement: 36″
The Ride
Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse coaster is a kid coaster in the Kid Play Zone. This is one of the best rides at Universal Studios for little kids.
It is nice to have rides at Universal Studios Orlando for kids.
14. Kang n Kodos Twirl N Whirl
Height Requirements: None
The Ride
This carnival-type ride spins with levers that go up and down. It is another great ride at Universal Studios for little kids but probably wouldn’t make my list of rides at Universal Studios Orlando to go on.
15. Villian Con Minnion Blast
Height Requirement: None
The Ride
This is the newest ride at Universal Orlando Resort. I would describe this ride as a mix of laser tag and the Toy Story Mania ride at Disney.
You are given a blaster where you will become a villain. There are 7 rooms where you will enter via a moving walkway. You are standing the entire time.
This is a great ride for the whole family including younger children to go on.
I haven’t had a chance to ride this fun ride so it will not be included in my top 5 Universal ride list until I get a chance to ride it.
Are you Ready to Ride the Best Rides at Universal Studios?
What is your top pick for the best rides at Universal Studio? Let us know in the comments.
If you haven’t been here, here is a list of my top 5 favorite rides at Universal Studios Orlando!
- The Mummy
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Jimmy Fallon Race Through New York
- Men in Black
- Transformers
These are the most exciting rides in my opinion!
Honorable Mentions
Hopefully, this complete guide helps you know what the best rides at Universal Studios in Orlando are!
We love visiting Universal and enjoy all it has to offer! Let us know what you think the best Universal Studio rides and most popular attractions are in the comments!
Read More About Universal
As you plan a trip to Universal Studios Orlando be sure to check out my other posts! The best rides at Island of Adventure and the best rides at Volcano Bay are sure to help you plan your Orlando vacation!
If you love Harry Potter plan a trip to Harry Potter World is a must read as well as my Harry Potter World Park Comparison: Which park is better for Harry Potter. as well as planning out all your Harry Potter souvenirs. Plus, check out my favorite restaurants at City Walk!
Facebook Community
Do you have any more questions about Universal Orlando? Join my Travel Community on Facebook. This is a great group that can help answer any travel question you might have. I also try to add any deals that companies send me as well.
I love Universal… but for the most part, stay off their rides. The whole motion sickness sets in pretty quick with all the 4D rides. Great guide!
I like those 4D rides better than the high speed coasters but I totally get it!
I need to get there and check out these best rides at Universal Orlando. It’s been way too long.
They have some great new rides too!
Super helpful tips here! I’ve never been to Universal Studios but would love to go.
You would love it!
It looks like Universal Studios Orlando has so many different rides than the one in Cali. This looks like a must go place.
Yes, The rides are different and Orlando is a little bigger!
This is such a fantastic guide to the best rides at Universal Orlando. I love the descriptions of each ride!
Thanks, hopefully it helps know you know exactly which ones to ride.
My favorite ride at Universal Studios in Orlando was Transformers. We did the Harry Potter, the train, Gringotts Bank, and the castle rides, too.
Universal is awesome. There are so many great ride options!