Leaving the world of “happily ever after” and into the world of movie making magic, Universal Orlando has an edge when it comes to thrilling roller coasters compared to Disney. From a 185ft free-fall ride to a 40 miles per hour roller coaster, the action-packed theme park comes with many scary and intense rides that leave guests breaking a cold sweat before and after the ride.
Have your adrenaline rushing and blood pumping when you jump on these rides at Universal Orlando!
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is the first theme park to be built on the grounds of the Orlando Resort and has a decent spread of rides and entertainment for all.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
This outdoor roller coaster accelerates up a 90-degree track to the top before garnering speed to plunge the 167-foot drop and burst through the initial twists and turns of the ride at 65 mph.
A series of small drops comes in one after the other to maintain the adrenaline rush till the end. Hollywood Rip Ride comes in first on our list for the best rides in Universal Studios, Florida.
Thrill meter: 4/5
Where to find it: Production Central in Universal Studios Florida
Revenge of the Mummy
Inspired by the 1999 film The Mummy, this enclosed steel roller coaster that travels up to 45 mph is one of the park’s most popular rides. Coupled with smoke effects as well as a few creepy surprises, you’ll find yourself twisting and turning in the dark, always anticipating the next surprise that awaits you around the corner. The ride offers a generous dose of thrill with action packed adventure.
Thrill meter: 4/5
Where to find it: New York in Universal Studios Florida
Transformers: The Ride 3D
Created from the popularity of the Transformers film franchise, Transformers: The Ride 3D simulates a fast speed adventure with animatronics and digital imaging. The ride combines thematic sets with 3D screens that offer an exciting experience suitable for the entire family. Beyond the 3D visuals, the ride incorporates heat, wind and water to create a truly immersive 4D experience.
Thrill meter: 3/5
Where to find it: Production Central in Universal Studios Florida
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Sneak into the marvellous Gringotts bank under the watchful eyes of the goblins. The ride is a hybrid of a roller coaster and a 3D dark ride, consisting of magical scenes and a 30-foot drop during the ride. Non-coaster fans love this ride for its immersive journey that takes them through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at a comfortable pace without the heart-dropping coaster moments.
Thrill meter: 3/5
Where to find it: Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida
Woody Wood Pecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
The first roller coaster built in the theme park, Nuthouse Coaster has a short track distance that lasts for only over 40 seconds at its top speed of 21.7 mph. Adults and thrill-seekers should probably give this a pass. Although it may not be the fastest or longest ride, it does have many bends around corners for the little ones to enjoy.
Thrill meter: 2/5
Where to find it: Woody Wood Pecker’s Kidzone in Universal Studios Florida
Islands of Adventure
In recent years, the popularity of the Islands of Adventure has soared. With more rides and higher levels of thrill factors, guests tend to prefer Islands of Adventure if they had to choose between this park and the main Universal Studios park. Visit this park if you are up for a hair-raising good time!
The Incredible Hulk
The fastest ride in the whole of Universal Orlando and the best thrill ride on our list, the Incredible Hulk is a green superspeed coaster that will launch you at a speed of 40 mph and reaches an optimal of 67mph during the ride. Just like the superhero it was named after, this coaster is sure to pack a punch.
Riders bolt through two vertical loops, two corkscrews and seven inversions in a minute, this coaster is worthy of inclusion on any list of the top theme park thrill rides.
Thrill meter: 5/5
Where to find it: Marvel Super Hero Island in Islands of Adventure
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Fans of free-fall attractions will enjoy the whooping 185-foot drop at Doctor Doom’s Fearfall. Right after you get strapped in, prepare to be launched into the air within seconds and at a speed of 40 mph, the tremendous G-force will take your breath away. And what goes up, must come down…
Thrill meter: 4.5/5
Where to find it: Marvel Super Hero Island in Islands of Adventure
Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure
One of the longest roller coasters rides in Universal is Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure that takes you through the Forbidden Forest on a steel motorbike roller coaster. The one-mile long ride features cool movie elements and animatronics that keep you magically entertained. Although it travels at a speed of 50 mph, it isn’t a scary ride and has no big drops, making it suitable even for those who are scared of coasters.
Thrill meter: 4/5
Where to find it: Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure
Jurassic Park River Adventure
A classic must-ride attraction in the Islands of Adventure is the Jurassic Park River Adventure. Travel on a raft to the iconic dinosaur-filled jungle and reach the top of an 85-foot drop that sends you plunging down a 60-degree angle at top speed. Prepare to get a little wet, or even soaked, once you step into this ride.
Thrill meter: 3.5/5
Where to find it: Jurassic Park in Islands of Adventure
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
The water roller coaster is a spin off of the Dudley Do-Right cartoon and features prominent attractions throughout the 5-minute ride that teases you with sprinkles of water for the big drop. As far as log flume rides go, Ripsaw Falls is pretty darn good. There are several medium-size drops during the 5-minute ride, and a heart-stopping 75-foot one near the end. The last drop of 75 feet is down a 90-degree slide that like the Jurassic Park ride, will leave you dripping from head to toe! Be prepared and bring a poncho!
Thrill meter: 3.5/5
Where to find it: Toon Lagoon in Islands of Adventure
Which Park to Visit?
For best thrills: Islands of Adventure
For a variety of easy to moderate rides: Universal Studios
Overall, both parks are great destinations to visit for a day of thrills. The fine line that differentiates Universal Studios from Islands of Adventure is probably the themes and characters at the parks: the former focuses on popular movies, tv shows and music productions, while the latter adopts a more adventure and fantasy theme in its park’s design.
Tips:
As expected, these coasters often have long, snaking queues, with waiting times that can go beyond an hour. If you don’t mind splitting up with your travel mates, hop into the single-rider queue for much shorter queues. Alternatively, if you’re willing to splurge, purchase an express ticket, which will have you skipping most of the queues and onto the coasters that much quicker.
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