Lights, camera, roller coasters? Yep! That’s what you’ll get when enjoying some of the best rides at Universal Studios Florida.
As your trip approaches, you’ll be thinking about some of the top things that you can do at this Universal Orlando Resort theme park.
With a park known for its goal of immersing you deep into classic, box office phenoms, I thought it would be great to give you a list ranking the top five rides at Universal Studios.
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#5 Transformers the Ride 3D
If you’ve ever wanted to be in a Michael Bay movie, then here’s your chance!
This ride is not a roller coaster so you won’t be flipped around or go upside down, but what you will do is enjoy a thrilling adventure with the Transformers on a unique ride vehicle special to the Universal parks.
Believe it or not, this Orlando attraction officially made its debut in Universal Studios Singapore in 2011, then Universal Studios Hollywood in 2012, and finally Universal Studios Florida in the summer of 2013.
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What to Expect on Transformers the Ride 3D
As you approach the enormous show building at Universal Studios, you’ll notice a gigantic Optimus Prime stand picturesque in the Florida sun pointing in a peculiar direction.
You’ll then enter the queue that will make you feel as if you’ve discovered some top secret military base. A base also known as N*E*S*T* (Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty).
The storyline of Transformers the Ride 3D focuses on having you retrieve The AllSpark at its special location in order to keep it away from the Decepticons.
Why This is One of the Best Rides at Universal Studios Florida
You’ll experience this Universal Studios ride on a twelve-person vehicle with 60-foot screens complete with special effects such as blasts of air, simulated movement, fog, smoke and so much more!
Making it one of the best rides at Universal Studios.
Transformers: The Ride 3D lasts for about 5 minutes. There is a Single Rider Line available and it has a height requirement of 40″ (102cm).
#4 Men in Black: Alien Attack
This is an interactive point-and-shoot laser ride with attraction vehicles similar to the ones on the Cat in the Hat ride at Islands of Adventure.
Similar in style as Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin over at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, this fun attraction is based on the blockbuster Men in Black film franchise.
The game style element makes this one of the best rides at Universal Studios.
What to Expect on Men In Black Alien Attack
As you approach the 1964 New York World’s Fair façade, you’ll first have to place your bag inside the adjacent lockers.
These lockers are free for a certain a certain time period which is usually enough time for you to wait in the line and ride the attraction.
Once you enter into the exhibit displaying signs that states, The Universe & You – Are We Alone?, you’ll then know that you are officially entering a world unknown to everyday Earthlings.
You will now become an official “recruit” with an MiB agent taking you through one of the most creative queues that looks like you are actually entering the same building that Will Smith did in the films.
You’ll see classic 1960s propaganda film which is quite hilarious and you’ll also pass by the famous “Worms” who are taking a break as usual.
Once you get deeper into the queue, you’ll notice some odd looking aliens working diligently at their desks and empty MiB agent desks with little Easter Eggs hidden throughout.
Hipster Power Tip: Always check with a Universal Orlando Team Member before getting on the ride to see if you can do an Immigration Tour. It’s a special tour that allows you to see the aliens in the queue up-close and also learn some fun facts about the attraction while you’re there.
Why This is One of the Best Rides at Universal Studios Florida
Once you hop on this family-friendly thrill ride, you’ll be sent out into the training room to put your skills to the test.
You’ll first start out in a practice area where you’ll blast at cardboard aliens.
After your MiB training, you’ll get an official call from Zed letting you know that a group of aliens have just landed in New York City and now it’s time for you to take them out!
So, get your competitive spirit game face on and know that you’ll be competing to have the highest score in your ride vehicle and you’ll be competing to help blast away the vehicle in across from you.
Keep in mind that this large show building (about 70,000 square feet) houses 127 animatronics that acts as targets that you must blast in order to reach the highest score.
Here’s a little something to know about me…
… I truly suck at this ride. No, I don’t think you understand me!
I REALLY suck at this ride, but you can do much better than me if you follow these tips:
Men In Black Alien Attack Tips to Get the Highest Score
- The blasters are on auto-fire, which means if you hold the trigger down the entire time, then your score can go higher.
- To get the bonus 100,000 points, press the flashing light in front of you when you hear Rip Torn say the “b” in “Hit the red button.”
Please note that this ride does offer a Single Rider Line and the Height Requirement for Men in Black Alien attack is 42″ (106.7 cm)
#3 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
This high speed steel coaster is one that many Universal Orlando fans debate over regarding if it’s a good ride.
With the polling that I have done with other ThemeParkHipsters online, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has officially landed on this list of the best rides at Universal Studios.
What to Expect on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
As you approach this roller coaster towering at 167 feet, you’ll be able to choose the musical soundtrack for your twisted descent going 65 miles per hour.
One thing you should be aware of is that the boarding station has a continuous walkway similar to that of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World.
Once you board your vehicle, you’ll have about 30 seconds to get into your seat, get strapped in, and select your song of chose for your ride.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Song Selection
Currently there are five music categories with thirty songs (6 in each category) that can be played during your ride.
Classic Rock/Metal
- “Born to Be Wild,” Hinder
- “Bring Me to Life,” Evanescence
- “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” ZZ Top
- “Kickstart My Heart,” Motley Crue
- “Paralyzer,” Finger Eleven
- “Rollin’,” Limp Bizkit
Club/Electronica
- “Busy Child,” The Crystal Method
- “Harder Better Faster Stronger,” Daft Punk
- “Intergalactic,” Beastie Boys
- “Keep Hope Alive,” The Crystal Method
- “Le Disko,” Shiny Toy Guns
- “Pumps Up the Volume,” MARRS
Country
- “All Night Long,” Montgomery Gentry
- “Guitars, Cadillas,” Dwight Yoakam
- “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead” Jason Michael Carroll
- “Living in Fast Forward,” Kenny Chesney
- “Midnight Rider,” The Allman Brothers
- “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” The Charlie Daniels Band
Rap/Hip-Hop
- “Don’t Phunk With My Heart,” Black Eyed Peas
- “Insane in the Brain,” Cypress Hill
- “Pump It,” Black Eyed Peas
- “Rock Star,” N.E.R.D.
- “Sabotage,” Beastie Boys
- “Stronger,” Kanye West
Pop/Disco
- “Bad Girls,” Donna Summer
- “Glamorous,” Fergie
- “Hella Good,” No Doubt
- “I Will Survive,” Gloria Gaynor
- “That’s the Way (I Like It),” KC and the Sunshine Band
- “U Can’t Touch This” MC Hammer
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Hidden Song List: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Secret Menu
There is a bonus song list on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit that you can access if you know what to do. Luckily for you, I do!
How to Access the Secret Music List on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Instead of selecting the available songs, hold your finger on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit logo for about 10 seconds
- Remove your finger and a number keypad will be shown
- Enter one of the three digit numbers listed below
The One Hundreds
- 101 – The Temples of Syrinx by Rush
- 102 – Blues Before and After by The Smithereens
- 103 – Break on Through by The Doors
- 104 – Crocodile Rock by Elton John
- 105 – Do it Again by Steely Dan
- 106 – Don’t You by Candlebox
- 107 – Drivin’ Rain by Gov’t Mule
- 108 – 8 Miles High by The Byrds
- 109 – Fantasy by Aldo Nova
- 110 – Fool by Rollins Band
- 111 – For The Love Of God by Steve Vai
- 112 – Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- 113 – Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin
- 114 – Just Because by Jane’s Addiction
- 115 – Live by Lenny Kravitz
- 116 – Mexicola by Queens of The Stone Age
- 121 – Runnin Down a Dream by Tom Petty
- 122 – Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones
- 123 – Stockholm Syndrom by Muse
- 124 – Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin
- 125 – The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd
- 127 – Urgent by Foreigner
- 128 – Vertigo by U2
- 129 – Wheel in the Sky by Journey
- 130 – Won’t Get Fooled Again by The Who
- 131 – Klein Mandelbrot remix by The Blue Man Group
- 132 – Drumbone by Blue Man Group
The Three Hundreds
- 301 – Float On by Modest Mouse
- 302 – I Want You Back by The Jackson Five
- 303 – In My Pocket by The Cat Empire
- 304 – It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me by Billy Joel
- 305 – Brothers Gonna Work it Out by Public Enemy
- 306 – Lose Yourself by Eminem
- 307 – Ride Like The Wind by Christopher Cross
- 308 – Run to You by Bryan Adams
- 309 – Save Room by John Legend
- 310 – Vogue by Madonna
- 311 – You Make Loving Fun by Fleetwood Mac
- 312 – My Everything by Barry White
The Five Hundreds
- 504 – Smokin’ Gun by Robert Cray
- 506 – The Thrill is Gone by BB King
- 507 – Who Did You Think I Was by John Mayer Trio
- 508 – Pivot by Dry
The Seven Hundreds
- 701 – Cyanide by Metallica
- 702 – Endangered Species by Flaw
- 703 – For Whom The Bell Tolls by Metallica
- 704 – Forever Down by Black Label Society
- 705 – How Heavy This Axe by The Sword
- 706 – Just One Fix by Ministry
- 707 – Know your Enemy by Rage Against the Machine
- 708 – Let’s Go by Ministry
- 709 – Mouth for War by Pantera
- 710 – Painkiller by Judas Priest
- 711 – Paranoid by Black Sabbath
- 712 – Temptation’s Wings by Down
- 713 – The Wicker Man by Iron Maiden
- 714 – Unreal by Ill Nino
- 715 – Wake Up Dead by Megadeth
- 716 – We Call This Mutha Revenge by Suicidal Tendencies
- 718 – You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ by Judas Priest
- 780 – Zombie by Family Force 5
- 781 – Gods Not Dead by Newsboys
- 782 – Monster by Skillet
- 783 – Fine Fine Life by For King & Country
- 784 – Freq Dat by Group 1 Crew
- 785 – Song by Tenth Avenue North
- 786 – Showstopper by Tobymac
The Nine Hundreds
- 901 – Movin’ Right Along by Kermit The Frog and Fozzy Bear
- 902 – Rainbow Connection by The Muppets
- 903 – Your Attitude Towards Cuttlefish by Paper Moon
- 904 – Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky
There is a Single Rider Line on this roller coaster and the height requirement for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is at a Minimum Height of 51″ (129.5 cm).
#2 Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
If you’re ready to go on the same wizarding adventure as Harry, Ron, and Hermione did in the last Potter film, then grab your wand and enter into the lavishly designed Gringotts Bank.
What to Expect on Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
As you approached the slightly slanted building, you’ll notice a fire-breathing dragon perched atop of it ready to dive down for its prey.
Once you cautiously enter inside the bank, you’ll see goblin bankers deep into their work duties in one of the most elaborate set designs in any theme park.
You’ll then be met with a few familiar faces from the Harry Potter franchise as you make your way through the bank’s security process.
After you have deceived the goblin bankers who think you’re going to your own vault, you’ll board a spectacular story-coaster that will have you screaming and laughing as you twist your way through the inner depths of Gringotts. making it one of the best rides at Universal Studios.
Along the way, you’ll try to defeat Lord Voldermort and Belatrix as they discover your plan and try to destroy you!
Why This is One of the Best Rides at Universal Studios Florida
This indoor steel roller coaster was designed by Universal Creative, but built by Intamin which makes the partnership between the two companies quite magical.
They have also collaborated on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster.
There is a Single Rider Line for this ride with a Height Requirement for 42” (107 cm) and you will have to place your bag in the nearby lockers before entering the queue.
Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to listen to the famous goblin Bogrod while waiting in line and look for little details throughout the queue such as newspapers of the infamous Daily Prophet.
#1 Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
We have now made it to my number one ride at Universal Studios and a top ride for many fans of the park, Revenge of the Mummy which opened on May 21, 2004.
This indoor dark ride roller coaster is absolutely fantastic with a detailed queue to help with the storyline of the attraction along with many props displayed, making you feel as if you’re on the real set of the Mummy film.
Believe it or not, this roller coaster is also located at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Singapore.
What to Expect on Revenge of the Mummy
You’ll approach an outdoor façade with the title Museum of Antiquities written across the top of the building.
Once you place your things in the adjacent lockers, you’ll see film props and designs from the movie along with videos showing behind-the-scenes footage on how everything was created.
As the plot thickens, you learn about the mysterious accidents that have been occurring to the crew members of the movie.
The queue gets darker and creepier the deeper you descend which may make it a bit terrifying for little kids.
Besides the creep factor, it’s a pretty detailed queue with little gems hidden throughout it, such as nods to the former attraction that used to be there, KONGfrontation.
Hipster Power Tip: The queue for this attraction has wonderful interactive effects. If the wait time is low, then skip the Single Rider Line and go through the regular queue.
“The Curse is Real!”
Once you board the mine carts, you’ll encounter Imhotep’s tomb and the unlucky crew member, Reggie, warns you about coming there with the famous line:
“Are you insane?! Get out of here! The curse is real; this whole place is a trap! He’s after your souls!”
After that, get ready for a few surprises along the way (don’t want to ruin the ride for you) as you twist and turn going 45 miles per hour in the dark on one of the best rides at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
The wait time for my favorite ride is always pretty decent. It rarely goes beyond 40 minutes, unless it’s a super crowded day.
Revenge of the Mummy does offer a Single Rider Line and has a Height Requirement for 48″ (122 cm).
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Rides at Universal Studios
Now you know what the best things to do at Universal Studios Orlando are for your trip. This park has something to offer everyone with any type of vacation goal.
Whether you’re going solo, have a big family reunion, or enjoying a romantic day, you’ll never run out of things to discover.
What’s your favorite ride at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: July 7, 2021/Updated on February 17, 2024)