Are you looking for the BEST rides and attractions that you MUST experience at Universal Orlando Resort?
There’s nothing like a trip to Universal Orlando Resort (UOR).
The sprawling theme park complex has two thrilling theme parks, almost a dozen hotels, a shopping and entertainment district, and a beautiful water park.
The best thing is, most of this is all within walking distance or a short bus ride away from each other!
After you’ve checked in to your hotel at Universal Orlando Resort it will be time to hit the two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
It honestly just wouldn’t be a trip to Universal without seeing a mummy or riding a bike to an alien planet.
Both of the parks have must-do attractions, and we’ve narrowed down the list to 10 rides that you cannot miss!
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10. E.T. Adventure
When fans of Universal Orlando Resort hear the word’s, E.T. Adventure, they automatically think of the iconic forest scent in the queue of this attraction and beg for the front row of the ride car so they can help bring E.T. home.
On this ride you’ll fly high over the city to bring E.T. back to his home planet that needs saving.
Near the end of the attraction you might even hear a personalized goodbye message.
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9. Men in Black: Alien Attack
There’s something about a ride and a game combo that we cannot get enough of, and we would ride Men in Black: Alien Attack over and over if time allowed.
On this ride you’re not only competing against everyone else in your ride vehicle, you’re competing against the vehicle across the track from you.
Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forge to push the red button near the end of the ride for a bit of a point boost, too!
8. Jurassic Park River Adventure
If you’re looking for the most-thrilling attractions at Universal then Islands of Adventure is the spot to be.
This boat ride starts out calm and smooth but shortly after departing from the dock things don’t go as planned.
A few of the more dangerous dinosaurs get out of their cage and the entire place is put on alert.
The attraction ends with a big splash down that will get everyone in the boat wet before getting back to the dock to likely get in line again.
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7. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
The beloved Marvel character, Spider-Man has his own attraction at Islands of Adventure.
In fact, this is one of the most popular rides in the park with lines that can stretch past the indoor queue on super busy days.
The part motion simulator, part track-based ride takes you on a journey with Spider-Man as he swings into action to save the city from some of his most famous enemies.
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6. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Coasters are one of the biggest draws to Universal Studios Florida, and right when guests walk into the park they will spot Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
This massive rollercoaster, towering at 167 feet, lets each rider pick a song to listen to from a curated list of music while they flip upside down over the streets of the park.
Be ready to twist and turn on this steel monster going 65 miles per hour (mph)!
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5. The Incredible HULK
Hop on this crazy roller coaster where you get to experience being in a top-secret research facility under the command of General Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross as a test subject.
But before you can even catch your breath, a burst of gamma radiation propels you at a whopping 67 miles per hour, just like the Hulk!
You’ll barrel through a series of twists and turns, defying gravity, and zooming through underground tunnels.
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4. Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
A big reason many people head to Universal Orlando Resort for vacation is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The land spans across both UOR parks, and has multiple attractions. One of rides not to miss is Escape From Gringotts.
This story-coaster takes guests wizzing through the wizard bank as they attempt to defeat Voldemort and his gang.
Making it one of the best rides at Universal Orlando Resort.
3. Revenge of the Mummy
Another fun rollercoaster not to be missed at Universal Studios Florida is Revenge of the Mummy.
Luckily for you, this is located just past Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, so you’ll be able to hop off one ride and go directly to the next!
This indoor coaster is a little scary, so if you have small kids you might want to consider a rider swap option.
Hipster Power Tip: The ride does not go upside down but does go backwards and has multiple fire elements and scary scenes that are sure to make you want to jump out of your seat.
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
The newest ride to open at Universal Orlando Resort is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
The fast-paced rollercoaster shows off some of the creatures that are shown in the Harry Potter films including unicorns. Making it one of the best rides at Universal Orlando Resort.
The best part of the ride is not the actual coaster (which is great!) but the super unique ride vehicles that look like a motorcycle with a sidecar.
Each seat gives riders a completely different experience so be sure to try out both so you can determine which one is better.
We’re team bike!
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1. VelociCoaster
Now it’s time for this game-changing ride, known as the fastest and tallest coaster in Florida!
It features 4,700 feet of track, close calls, and a barrel roll above the Islands of Adventure lagoon.
Plus, get ready for some high-speed action with launches reaching up to 70 miles per hour in just 2.4 seconds.
And guess what? It’s here you learn that Dr. Wu has cooked up a brand-new, cutting-edge coaster as the latest addition to the carnivore experience at Jurassic World.
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Honorable Mention: Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
On Villain-Con Minion Blast, you are invited to attend Villain-Con at its new home in Orlando, Florida.
You’ll get to hang out with the Minions and the rest of the Vicious 6 crew and see if you’ve got what it takes to join in the fun.
You’ll get your hands on E-Liminator X Blasters, hop on a moving walkway, and take aim at targets on the screen to score big.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that I totally think you MUST check out on your Universal Orlando vacation!
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Top Tips for Enjoying the Best Rides at Universal Orlando Resort
There are a few things that you need to know before going to Universal Orlando Resort to make your day a lot easier and a lot more fun!
1. Get the Express Pass!
No one likes waiting in lines, and Universal’s Express Pass will help you not have to wait in line all day for popular attractions like the ones we listed above.
This is an extra cost on a day ticket, but completely worth it.
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2. Get to the Parks Early
While many people love the idea of sleeping in while on vacation, the best bet to get as much done in one day as possible is to get to the parks early.
We suggest at least 45 minutes before the official opening of the parks since many theme parks will start letting guests in about 30 minutes before the announced park opening.
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Wrapping Up…
We hope this guide of the best rides at Universal Orlando Resort helps you on your upcoming trip.
As you can see, this theme park destination 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 Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
(Original Article Date: February 7, 2021/Updated by Editor on February 25, 2024)