Just like with my Disney post, there are numerous posts on Universal Orlando. I decided to write a post listing my favorite Universal Orlando rides since this a question I get asked a lot. Let’s get this straight before we start, there are two parks at Universal: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Islands of Adventure has more coasters and water rides, Universal Studios is, in my opinion, more for kids, although my favorite ride is located there! If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, go ahead and spend the money on the park to park ticket since there are two Harry Potter parks, one in each (smart move, Universal). Plus, you can ride the Hogwarts Express between parks so it’s worth it. Here are my favorite rides:
Islands of Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey:
This ride goes through the Hogwarts castle. There’s a long wait most times, but if you use the single rider lane you miss out on walking through a huge section of the castle. Walking through the castle is a part of the ride itself, so make sure you do this at least once! Also, look up at the ceiling before you get on the ride, candles are floating above you like in the movies!
Flight of the Hippogriff:
This is a short ‘mini coaster’, but it’s really fun! Just loops and drops, it doesn’t go upside down.
Dragon Challenge:
This ride has two side: left and right – they are different so go on both! It’s a fast coaster ride and you do go upside down. When you exit the ride you have the option to go back in line instead of exiting.
So basically, all of the Harry Potter rides in Hogsmeade are on my Favorites List!
Jurassic Park River Adventure:
A nice, relaxing ride on the water until you go up into a building and then down a tall waterfall at the end. Depending on where you sit, you may get a little wet or you may get drenched.
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls:
Water ride. So much fun. It’s slow on the way up, but when you reach the top you go down a huge fall at the end and walk off soaked.
Universal Studios
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem:
This is totally a kid’s ride, but I love it. The wait is usually long, so if I go I try to do this ride first. You sit in a simulator that makes you feel as if you’re moving while you watch the ride on a screen with 3D glasses. It’s just a really cute and funny ride. If you like the movies you don’t want to miss it!
Revenge of the Mummy:
This is my favorite ride! You go on a coaster that take you through a tour of the pyramid and there are two coaster sections. The coaster sections are dark so you can’t see the tracks and don’t know when you’re going to turn or loop.
Men in Black Alien Attack:
This is a ride where you get to shoot different targets and try to get the most points. Then you’ll ride it again and again as you try to beat your last scores (and your friend’s)!
Diagon Alley is my favorite place to go. It’s extremely immersive, you feel like you’re walking into the real place. The dragon breathes fire every ten minutes.
I listed water rides above, but please note that on most of these rides you will walk off drenching wet. Walking around the parks in wet clothes isn’t my idea of a good time, so if I decide I want to go on water rides I make a day of it!
My favorite time to go to Universal is during the Mardi Gras celebration. The celebration is in Universal Studios only. During this time there’s an amazing parade which is so much fun to attend and delicious food and on certain weekend nights there are concerts. Also, if you’re a horror fan, be sure to check out Halloween Horror Nights. You can ride the rides at Universal Studios and go through haunted houses while getting scared walking around the park!
