Plan the trip of a lifetime with these 21 best rides at Universal Orlando you need to try!
Of all the amusement parks I’ve visited over the years, I have to say that Universal Studios Orlando is one of my favorites.
The rides truly take you to another dimension, and there’s something so special about it.
It’s not just an escape from reality, but it’s an opportunity to get as close as possible to our favorite movies, tv shows, characters, and worlds.
Though I’ve been to this park a number of times, I’ve found that there’s always something new to discover.
Due to the fact that there’s so much to choose from, we’ve compiled this guide to the best rides at Universal Orland as well as some other Universal Studios Orlando tips.
I’ve definitely missed a few big ones on certain visits and kicked myself later, so cheers to the fact that you won’t have to!
Before we jump into the best rides at Universal Orlando though, let’s talk a little bit about planning your trip.
Related: 21 BEST Things to Do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando
Hotels Within Walking Distance to Universal Studios Orlando
When it comes to places to stay in Orlando, your best options are going to be the hotels within walking distance to Universal Studios Orlando.
Not only are you centrally located and easily able to walk to the park, but these will also be hotels near Universal CityWalk Orlando, too.
Universal CityWalk has tons of entertainment and restaurants to offer, which makes it a great nighttime activity when you’re not exploring the parks.
Out of all the hotels within walking distance to Universal Studios Orlando, we recommend this Hyatt Place, which is right across the street from Universal Orlando.
The Hyatt is one of the higher rated hotels within walking distance to Universal Studios Orlando, and it’s also one of the better Orlando hotels near Universal Studios with free breakfast.
Odds are, you’ll want to take advantage of that free breakfast considering how much running around you’ll be doing during the day and also the fact that eating at the parks for every single meal can get pretty expensive!
Other highly rated Orlando hotels near Universal Studios with free breakfast include this Holiday Inn Express & Suites, this Hampton Inn, and this Homewood Suites.
Best Universal Studios Resorts
How does early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter sound?
What about skipping all the lines at Universal Studios, without having to pay for an Unlimited Express Pass?
If these options intrigue you, you may want to consider staying at one of Universal Studios eight on-site resorts.
This is the only way to get some of these special perks!
Universal Studios resorts are divided into several different tiers, each with their own set of benefits.
The good news though is that all Universal Studios resorts include early admission into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay, transportation to all three parks and CityWalk, and more.
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience and want to take advantage of free Unlimited Express Passes for each guest, you’ll want to stay at one of Universal Orlando’s “Premier” resorts — Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Royal Pacific Resort.
Universal’s Sapphire Falls Resort is also a popular choice, but keep in mind it does NOT include complimentary Express Passes for guests like the above properties.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort is also a great value option with a fun, immersive 50s/60s theme and close proximity to Volcano Bay.
Check out the best deals going on right now for Orlando hotels below!
Booking.com
Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando & Universal Orlando Weather
Similar to Disney World, there’s no official “off season” for Universal Studios Orlando.
That being said, the least crowded months at Universal Studios tend to be during January, February, September, April, and early-mid May.
If you’re able to visit Universal Studios in September, this is an ideal time since most kids are just going back to school and families aren’t planning vacations right away.
April and May are also quieter months (excluding during Easter and Spring Break), since many families are preparing for their summer vacations during this time instead of focusing on springtime travel.
January and February are also great times to visit the park, since it’s right after the holidays and many people are just coming home and returning to work from their holiday travels.
If you can’t visit Universal Studios during one of these highlighted months, don’t worry though.
There’s really no “bad” time to visit the park, and there are still ways to make sure you get to all the attractions during your visit.
Related: 13 Unforgettable Things to Do in Fort Myers This Weekend
Universal Express Pass
Before we dive into the best rides Universal Orlando, it’s important to come up with a plan as to how you’re actually going to get to them.
For those of you who don’t know, it is possible to skip the lines by purchasing a Universal Express Pass.
From my personal experience, the Universal Express Pass can cut down hour plus wait times to as little as five minutes, depending on the ride.
The Universal Express Pass ranges from $69.99 to $99.99 per person.
The exact price depends on if you’re doing just one park, or if you want to buy a Universal Express Pass for both parks (Universal Orlando is technically comprised of two different parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure).
You can also differentiate between a one-time use Universal Express Pass (good for skipping the lines on every ride, one time), or the Unlimited Universal Express Pass (allows you to skip the lines for any ride an unlimited amount of times that day).
Overall, if you’re able to swing it, I think a Universal Express Pass is absolutely worth the extra money.
It’d be really challenging to get to every ride in the park without a pass, simply because the wait times can get to be so long.
Nobody wants to stand in line for hours, and this is the solution to that common amusement park qualm.
It does suck to see other people who didn’t purchase the Universal Express Pass waiting in line while you get to rush up to the front, but that’s just how it goes at Universal Orlando.
And if you’re wondering whether to purchase the Unlimited Express Pass or just the regular Express Pass?
We usually purchase the Unlimited passes, ambitiously thinking we’re going to go on all the rides multiple times.
To be honest though, it usually ends up being a waste of money.
There’s so much to do at Universal Orlando (especially if you’re doing both parks in one day like we do), you may not end up having time to take advantage of the Unlimited Express Pass as much as you’d think.
Universal Studios Orlando Map
Other than securing yourself a Universal Express Pass, the best way to make sure you make it to all the best rides at Universal Orlando is to grab a map.
I always download the Universal Studios app, because it has a handy digital map even equipped with updated wait times for rides.
This is great, because you can plan which rides you want to go to next without the hassle of getting there and finding out the wait is too long.
If you don’t want to download the app though, check out this Universal Studios Orlando Map and this Universal Islands of Adventure Map.
Related: How to Plan the Best Trip to Walt Disney World
The 21 BEST Rides at Universal Orlando You Need to Try
This article is a countdown to the best rides at Universal Orlando, so make sure you read through to the end of the post to find out the absolute best rides at Universal Orlando!
21. Caro-Seuss-El
Even as an adult, I love visiting Seuss Landing.
There’s something about this area of the park that is so whimsical, and overall it’s just really well done.
And if you’re exploring Universal with little ones?
Caro-Seuss-El is a must-ride.
It’s basically a merry-go-round, but all of the animals are from Dr. Seuss’s magical worlds.
It’s completely adorable and definitely not something you’ll want to miss!
20. Hogwart’s Express
If you have a Park-to-Park admission ticket (i.e. your ticket grants you admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), the Hogwart’s Express is hands down the best way to travel between the two parks.
You can ride the Hogwart’s Express from either King’s Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida to Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or the other way around.
Each direction is a different experience, so our recommendation is of course to try this ride both ways.
Getting to experience the Hogwart’s Express in real life is a unique and magical moment, securing this attraction’s spot as one of the best rides at Universal Orlando.
19. Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Skull Island: Reign of Kong is another one of the Universal Studios Orlando rides that is relatively new.
While it’s not exactly a thrilling coaster ride, this bus journey does take you into the world of King Kong.
It’s pretty darn realistic, and it’s absolutely worth it.
18. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
Again, if you’re traveling with kids you’ll definitely want to spend some time in Seuss Landing.
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride is one of the best rides in Seuss Landing, offering two different tracks for you to experience.
One of these tracks even rides through Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, where you can wave to everyone grabbing a bite to eat in the restaurant below.
Overall, this is a cute family ride that’s fun for both kids and adults alike.
17. The Cat in the Hat
Universal’s The Cat in the Hat ride is a classic ride you cannot miss.
So many of Universal’s rides are now 3-D and alternate reality based, so this is a refreshing change of pace.
16. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ is one of Universal Studios Orlando’s newer attractions.
This is another simulated ride, similar to Minion Mayhem.
You’ll experience things in your seat, without the huge drops and thrills of a real roller coaster.
However, it’s pretty cool having Jimmy Fallon as your guide on this ride, and it’s not even bad waiting in line, as you get to watch some of the best clips from The Tonight Show until it’s your turn!
15. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Everybody loves Minions, right?
In this 3-D ride, you’ll join Gru, his daughters, and of course the Minions and get launched into Gru’s lab for the ultimate experiment…turning YOU into a Minion!
This is a great ride for the kids, but don’t expect much action.
While this ride’s essentially a roller-coaster simulation, your cart doesn’t actually move too much.
This is definitely a cute and entertaining ride, but it’s not at the top of my list simply because I like more of a thrill.
These 3-D rides also have a tendency to make people motion sick, so watch out!
14. E.T. Adventure
E.T. Adventure is another classic style ride at Universal Studios, where you have the chance to board a flying bike and take a gentle ride through the sky.
It’s not a thrilling ride, but it’s well done and still one you won’t want to miss.
13. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barge
Though Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is number 13 on this list, don’t let that fool you.
This is actually one of my favorite Universal Studios Orlando rides!
This white water rafting experience is a great way to cool off in the Florida sun, and there’s usually not a very long line.
It’s definitely an underrated attraction, but it’s a lot of fun.
12. Flight of the Hippogriff
Finally, a ride from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Flight of the Hippogriff is a small roller coaster located in Hogsmeade.
While it might look like it’s more for the kids, it’s still pretty fun and gives you a great view of the village.
11. Transformers: The Ride 3-D
The Transformers ride at Universal Studios Orlando is a lot like the Spider-Man attraction you’ll likely hop on at the beginning of the park.
It’s 3-D, putting you face to face with your favorite characters from the movies.
It’s another one of those Universal Studios Orlando rides that immerse you in another world so seamlessly, you just can’t pass it up.
10. The Amazing Adventure of Spiderman
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a classic Universal Studios Orlando ride located close by the entrance of the park.
This 3-D adventure is thrilling, getting you up close and personal with your favorite Marvel superheroes (and villains!).
I love how this ride immerses you in the Marvel world.
9. Jurassic Park: The Ride
Who doesn’t love Jurassic Park?
This river cruise starts out innocent enough, but there’s no getting out of that 85 foot drop at the very end!
You’ll definitely want to make sure you hit up this ride right before entering Hogsmeade.
8. Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall
If you’re a fan of thrill rides, Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall may end up being one of the best rides at Universal Orlando for you.
After all, this ride will blast you 185 feet into the air, and then suddenly hurl you back down.
Think you can handle it?
7. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is another awesome water ride at Universal Studios Orlando.
It’s described as part roller coaster, and part water flume.
There’s a lot to look at on this ride, and it really tells a story of these classic cartoon characters.
And did I mention there’s a scream-worthy 75 foot drop at the very end?
Just make sure you’re prepared for the splash.
You’ll most likely be soaked.
There is a drying machine nearby that you can use, but you’ll have to pay for that or just let the warm sun do its work.
6. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Another popular thrill ride that can’t be missed is of course Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
As you strap in, you’ll pick the song you want to hear while riding, and then you’ll climb straight towards the sky at a 90-degree angle when the ride starts.
After the first drop, you’ll tear through the track at up to 65 mph!
If you love roller coasters, this is one of the best rides at Universal Orlando that you seriously cannot pass up.
5. Revenge of the Mummy
There’s lots of roller coasters to choose from when it comes to Universal Studios Orlando rides.
Revenge of the Mummy is extra special though, because it’s completely indoors.
Escaping the mummy is such a thrill, you’ll want to do it over and over again.
4. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Race up to 67 mph on The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
This is a thrilling roller coaster ride that is sure to become one of your personal favorites if you love that adrenaline rush.
3. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Hagrid’s Motorbike is one of the newest attractions to join Hogsmeade, and people are raving about it for good reason.
One of Universal Studios’ most highly themed, immersive roller coaster rides, Hagrid’s Motorbike takes you on a journey deep in to the Forbidden Forest.
You’ll experience Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class, while also launching up to 50 mph through the Forbidden Forest.
This is one of the best rides at Universal Orlando, given that it’s the perfect combination of a thrill ride and immersive experience into the world of Harry Potter.
2. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is without a doubt one of the best rides at Universal Orlando.
Even just waiting in line is entertainment in and of itself, as you walk through the castle experiencing the beloved talking portraits, Dumbledore’s office, and more.
When you finally get to the ride, it’s an exciting journey into the world of Harry Potter that you just can’t miss.
1. Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringott’s
When Universal Studios Orlando first opened up the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I didn’t think things could get much better.
I fell in love with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which quickly became my favorite ride at the park.
What I didn’t know at the time was that they were working on opening up Diagon Alley, where you can now join Harry on his escape from Gringotts Bank.
This ride is, in my opinion, the most realistic at the park, and it’s absolutely thrilling.
What do you think are the best rides at Universal Orlando?
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