Universal Orlando Resort is home to some of the most exciting theme park attractions in the world, and if you’re searching for the best rides Universal Orlando has to offer, this guide is your ultimate starting point. From the adrenaline-pumping drops of VelociCoaster and Revenge of the Mummy to the magical journeys through Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure and Escape from Gringotts, we’ve rounded up the top rides at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family with young kids, or a die-hard Harry Potter fan, there’s something here you absolutely can’t miss!

Best Rides at Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure features some of the most thrilling and immersive attractions at Universal Orlando. The park has some of the most intense roller coasters, while also offering plenty of family-friendly attractions and immersive rides across the themed lands. Here are the rides that you can’t miss!

Jurassic World VelociCoaster: Best Thrill Ride

Height Requirement: Must be at least 51” (130cm)

VelociCoaster is the newest (and most thrilling) roller coaster at Islands of Adventure. Reaching speeds of 70 mph, this Jurassic-themed ride features a 155-foot “top hat” drop and a barrel roll directly over the lagoon, among other twists and turns.

What makes this ride particularly intense is the combination of four inversions and a mid-ride launch that accelerates riders from 0 to 50 mph in just three seconds. Plus, the queue itself is worth experiencing, with lifelike raptor animatronics and detailed theming throughout your entire wait.

If you’re after an even more thrilling experience, ask to sit in the front for an unobstructed view as you ride or the back for more intense airtime.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster: Best For Teens

Height Requirement: Must be at least 54″ (138cm)

The Incredible Hulk Coaster kicks off with a launch from 0 to 40 mph in two seconds through a misty hulk-inspired tunnel that catapults you into a series of seven inversions, including a zero-G roll and cobra loop. And, the whole ride is set to original Hulk-themed music that blares in the in-seat speakers. So, basically, it’s got all the essentials for teens who are after high-intensity thrills!

Lines for this coaster can get long, though. So, consider using Universal’s single rider line during peak hours to minimize wait times while still experiencing one of the park’s most iconic attractions.

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!: Best For Kids

Height Requirement: Must be at least 36″ (92cm). Children between 36″–48″ (92cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

This overhead trolley ride is one of the best rides for young kids in Islands of Adventure. Winding through Seuss Landing, the attraction offers views of the whimsical-themed land below.

The ride features two slightly different tracks, each telling different stories from Dr. Seuss’s beloved tales. With a height requirement of just 36 inches, it’s accessible for most children while still providing entertainment for adults.

Wait times for this ride are typically shorter than other attractions, making it a great option when the park gets crowded. The covered queue area keeps you cool, and the four-minute journey gives parents a chance to rest while kids enjoy the scenery.

Pteranodon Flyers: Best For Families

Height Requirement: Please note that Pteranodon Flyers™is designed for children 36″–56″ (92cm-143cm) tall. A child meeting this requirement must accompany guests over 56″ (143cm) tall. Children between 36″– 48″ (92cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

Pteranodon Flyers is specifically made for kids, with the ride requiring that adults be accompanied by children and not the other way around! The suspended coaster is fun for kids but not overly intense as you go for a gengle glide high above Camp Jurassic. The slow-paced nature makes it ideal for families with children who aren’t ready for more intense attractions.

Wait times often exceed 30 minutes due to the low capacity of the ride vehicles, so plan to visit early in the day.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: Best Motion Simulator

Height Requirement: Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

This immersive dark ride combines 3D technology with moving ride vehicles and scenes to bring you right into the middle of your favorite superhero comics. The storyline puts you in the role of a reporter covering Spider-Man’s battle against the Sinister Syndicate. As you make your way through the “city,” you’ll encounter all kinds of special effects like heat, water, and even a simulated free-fall that make the action feel incredibly realistic.

Spider-Man consistently ranks among Universal’s most popular attractions for good reason—it is both thrilling and highly immersive, making you feel like you’ve truly entered a different world when you ride.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: Best Roller Coaster

Height Requirement: Must be at least 48” (122cm)

If you love Harry Potter and love roller coasters, then Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure is sure to be one of your favorites in Islands of Adventure! The ride features seven launches, making it the most launch-heavy coaster in the world. Plus, a vertical drop track section adds an unexpected element as the track suddenly drops 17 feet while moving forward. And, you get to experience it all on either a motorbike or sidecar seat.

You’ll even encounter some characters from the books and films along the way, including Fluffy the three-headed dog and Blast-Ended Skrewts. Despite reaching speeds of 50 mph, the ride is still smooth enough for many first-time coaster riders.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Best For Harry Potter Fans

Height Requirement: Must be at least 48″ (122cm)

Located inside Hogwarts Castle, this signature attraction is unlike any other and combines a robotic arm ride system with immersive sets and projection technology to bring you on an unforgettable Harry Potter journey. The queue itself is a major attraction, taking you through iconic locations from the books and movies like Dumbledore’s office and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

During the ride, you’ll soar alongside Harry Potter through scenes including a Quidditch match and an encounter with Dementors. The seamless transitions between physical sets and screen-based elements create a convincing “wizarding” experience.

Some riders report mild motion sickness due to the movement system, so ride with caution if you are prone to motion sickness. Additionally, consider using the provided lockers for loose items, as the ride’s movements are quite intense, and personal items aren’t permitted on board.

Jurassic Park River Adventure: Best Water Ride

Height Requirement: Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

This classic water attraction takes you through the iconic gates of Jurassic Park on a leisurely raft journey…until it’s not. The peaceful tour quickly goes sideways when dinosaurs escape their paddocks, leading you to a massive drop that almost guarantees you’ll get wet.

Best Rides at Universal Studios

Unlike Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios features more shows and fewer rides. But, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty to keep you busy during the day! Here are the best rides at Universal Orlando’s Universal Studios.

Revenge of the Mummy: Best Thrill Ride

Height Requirement: Must be at least 48″ (122cm)

Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor roller coaster that combines high-speed thrills with impressive special effects that transport you into the world of “The Mummy” franchise. The ride begins deceptively as a tour through an Egyptian tomb set before transforming into a fast-paced adventure.

You’ll race through darkness at speeds up to 45 mph, encountering fire effects, scarab beetles, and mummy warriors along the way. The ride’s initial launch is a surprising jolt as you’re propelled forward into the main coaster section.

This ride consistently ranks as a fan favorite for the way it appeals to coaster enthusiasts without being too intense for average guests.

Trolls Trollercoaster: Best For Kids

Height Requirement: Must be at least 36″ (92cm). Children under 48” (122 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

This family-friendly coaster in Universal Studios is a great way to introduce thrill rides to kids. Based on the colorful world of DreamWorks’ Trolls, the attraction features eye-catching scenes and gentle drops that aren’t too intense for children.

The ride goes at a moderate speed with fun twists and turns rather than the more extreme aspects of other rides found in Universal Orlando. And, the smooth track minimizes jarring movements, ensuring a comfortable ride even for first-time coaster riders.

The queue and loading areas are also filled with interactive elements that keep little ones entertained, so you won’t even have to listen to complaining while you wait!

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast: Best For Families

Height Requirement: Supervising Companion required for children under 48” (122cm) in height. No hand-held infants.

If you have Despicable Me on repeat in your house or just want to have some fun with your family, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is a must-do! This attraction combines gaming elements with interactive scenes in a unique “blaster” experience. Unlike traditional dark rides, you remain standing as you move through scenes featuring characters you’ll recognize from the movies.

As you go through the attraction, you’ll use your blaster to hit targets and rack up as many points as you can. But be sure to really look at the show scenes because you’ll find lots of Easter eggs and humor from the movies!

What sets this experience apart is how it balances being accessible to all ages while still offering enough challenge for gaming enthusiasts.

For a similar experience but different theming (or just more family-friendly competition), head to MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack!

TRANSFORMERS The Ride-3D: Best Motion Simulator

Height Requirement: Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

TRANSFORMERS The Ride-3D is very similar to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man in Islands of Adventure, but instead of entering the world of Marvel, you find yourself in the middle of a battle between Autobots and Decepticons!

The combination of 3D elements and the ride simulator makes you feel like you’re truly in the middle of the action with plenty of drops, spins, and near-misses. The 3D visuals are among the most impressive in any theme park, with characters appearing to extend beyond the screens.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: Best For Harry Potter Fans

Height Requirement: Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

This attraction in Diagon Alley is basically required for fans of Harry Potter. The ride is far more than a roller coaster, with 3D effects and moving ride vehicles that immerse you in scenes from the final Harry Potter movies. As you go, you’ll feel like you’re banking, dropping, and spinning through the cavernous vault system. And, of course, you’ll encounter familiar characters, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Voldemort, through a combination of projection and special effects.

Even the queue is noteworthy for this ride, as you’ll walk through the marble lobby of Gringotts bank and be taken on a unique elevator ride down to the underground vaults.

Best Rides at Epic Universe

Universal’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, is packed with some of the most cutting-edge attractions across its five highly-immersive lands. From high-speed coasters to interactive rides with your favorite video game characters, there’s something here for thrill-seekers, families, and movie fans alike. Here are the rides we think deserve a spot on your “must-do” list!

Stardust Racers: Best Thrill Ride

Height Requirement: Must be at least 48″ (122cm)

If you’re chasing the biggest adrenaline rush in Epic Universe, look no further than Stardust Racers! This dual-launch racing coaster in Celestial Park pits two trains against each other in a high-speed race across the stars.

With speeds topping out over 60 mph, multiple inversions, and moments where the tracks crisscross and you aren’t sure if you’ll collide, this is the ride that roller coaster fans can’t stop talking about. For anyone who loves that stomach-dropping, wind-in-your-face thrill, Stardust Racers is a can’t-miss. In fact, many Universal Orlando fans even put this one above Velocicoaster – it’s THAT good!

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: Best Dark Ride

Height Requirement: Minimum Height 48” (122 cm)

We probably should say that this one also earns SCARIEST ride in Universal Orlando and…well…maybe anywhere else.

From the second you step into the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment line, you’re transported to the world where Universal’s classic monsters loiter (and scare). This trackless dark ride combines giant sets, state-of-the-art effects, and terrifyingly lifelike monsters (a.k.a. animatronics) for an experience that’s equal parts eerie and thrilling.

While the ride itself is sure to impress, it’s the atmosphere, story, and jump scares that really make this one memorable.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: Best Family Roller Coaster

Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 40”-48” (102cm-122cm) in height.

The How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk land is one of the most family-friendly areas of the theme park, and it’s also home to the best family roller coaster – Hiccup’s Wing Gliders! Think of it as a mix between Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

On this roller coaster, you’ll take flight with the dragons and twist, dive, and turn, giving you a thrill the whole way through. And, the best part is that none of it is too intense for younger riders. It’s scenic, fun, and the perfect introduction to roller coasters for kids ready to graduate beyond the tame rides.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Best For Kids

Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 40”-48” (102cm-122cm) in height.

If your kids (or you!) are Mario fans, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the ride you should race to first. When you hop on, you’ll put on augmented reality headsets and become part of the Mario Kart game! As you ride through the interactive scenes, you’ll toss shells, collect coins, and team up to take down Bowser. It’s everything you’d expect from a real-life Mario Kart – colorful, interactive, and a little chaotic!

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: Best For Harry Potter Fans

Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 40”-48” (102cm-122cm) in height.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has expanded to Epic Universe, bringing to life the Ministry of Magic! And, if you’re Harry Potter fan, you cannot afford to miss Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. In fact, this ride might be worth a trip to Epic Universe all on its own.

The all-new dark ride takes you into the Ministry of Magic as you join Harry, Hermoine, and Ron in a fight against Death Eaters. The ride blends traditional sets, massive projection effects, and a motion simulator and is one of the most immersive rides Universal has ever built.

Fyre Drill: Most Interactive Ride

Height Requirement: Supervising Companion required for children under 48” (122cm) in height. Hand-held infants are not permitted.

For something completely different, head to Fyre Drill in the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk land. This competitive water ride arms you and your family with water cannons to battle alongside (and against) other riders to put out fires as you float along the river. It’s fast-paced, hilarious, and guaranteed to leave you soaked.

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