What Are the Best Rides at Universal Orlando Resort?
Sometimes, we don’t have as much time as we’d like to spend at a theme park.
During such visits, we must pick and choose the best of the best. So, what are the best attractions at Universal Orlando Resort?
Here are my sure-to-be, not-at-all controversial choices.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Let’s start with a few caveats. First, I’m writing this guide more for Disney fans spending one day at Universal than for Universal fans.
The latter group doesn’t need me to tell them what the best rides are.
Also, I’m trying to be fair in listing a set of 11 attractions I believe you can ride in one visit, especially if you use a Universal Express Pass, which you should.
Casual fans may not know much about The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which is a bit depressing.
For a time, this attraction stood as the unquestioned Best Dark Ride in the world, according to theme park analysts.
Photo: Universal Orlando
When you ride this one, you’ll learn all about an ordinary day in the life of Peter Parker. Let’s just say his job is high-stress.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
During its earliest days, Despicable Me as a film franchise seemed an unlikely proposition.
The reason why it gained a cultural foothold is unquestionably its Minions. Still, I’ve always suspected a second reason is just as impactful.
Photo: Universal
Gru, ostensibly a terrifying villain, adopts three girls who change him into a more lovable character.
On this ride, the daughters and Gru try to surprise one another in celebration of their Adoption Anniversary.
Photo: Universal
You’ll go on a charming journey, encountering countless Minion shenanigans, but the story ends with warmth and heart.
E.T. Adventure
I don’t think any ride on the planet matters more to a theme park’s history than E.T. Adventure does to Universal Studios Florida.
During those shaky early years, this flying bike ride sustained an entire park.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Amusingly, much of what I said about E.T. Adventure during the park’s genesis now applies to the Hagrid roller coaster.
This attraction functions as the primary draw at Universal Orlando Resort.
You’ll wait the longest to ride it on most dates, but it’ll be worth the effort because it’s the ultimate Harry Potter theme park experience.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
A few years ago, I would have said the same thing about Escape from Gringotts.
When The Wizarding World of Harry Potter initially opened, crowds swarmed the park entrance to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Photo: Universal
While I still like that ride, especially its Dementor encounter, the reality is that the ensuing Harry Potter attractions have surpassed it.
Escape from Gringotts is particularly impressive as it combines dark ride and roller coaster elements into a singular, thrilling saga.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
Then, we have the newest ride at Universal Orlando Resort, and it’s a unique one.
Guests board a moving sidewalk and then use a blaster to score points by firing at moving targets.
This game is entirely digital, and it’s clever because you’ll find any number of familiar locations throughout the ride.
However, you’ll do very little walking because the sidewalk does most of the work for you.
Villain-Con Minion Blast
As a player, all you must do is identify what to blast and then aim true. It’s a ton of fun, and its playing style levels the playing field between adults and children.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Ah, the classics.
While I’m not one to dismiss the new hotness,I still favor some of Universal’s most established attractions.
I feel particularly strong about Jurassic Park River Adventure, which was probably Universal’s best themed ride for many years.
This ride experience perfectly encapsulates the story of Jurassic Park.
First, you appreciate the serene dinosaur paradise. Then, things take a turn, and you remember that dinosaurs view you as a food source.
From that moment on, you enter survival mode as your boat weaves its way through the carnage. It’s extraordinarily well done.
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
Minion Blast elevates the ride concept of MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, so I almost excluded this.
Leaving this one off the list felt wrong, though. For many years, it’s served as one of the most iconic rides at the park.
You embark on a mission to eradicate aliens hiding in plain sight in a metropolitan area.
As with Minion Blast, you keep score, which is a source of embarrassment for me since I never win. But I still have fun getting clocked by my wife.
Revenge of the Mummy
I’m a sucker for any roller coaster that goes in reverse, which makes this one a personal favorite.
Of course, I’m not alone in this opinion. Revenge of the Mummy won awards for being the Best Indoor Roller Coaster in the world for a decade straight.
Remarkably, the line is rarely as long as some of the park’s other roller coasters, which makes Revenge of the Mummy one of the best bang for the buck rides at Universal.
The Simpsons Ride
Yes, I’m a diehard fan of The Simpsons.
Still, this one deserves a spot on the list because it represents the pinnacle of one of Universal’s most popular ride types.
You’ll board a ride cart for a motion simulation that brings the world of Springfield to life.
Two other attractions I’ve listed, Spider-Man and Minion Mayhem, use the same tech, but it’s somehow better on The Simpsons Ride.
I suspect that’s because the story is better and thereby distracts from the motion simulation more seamlessly.
I notice the tech anytime I’m on, say, Transformers: The Ride – 3D, but I’m too captivated by the Pirates of the Caribbean jokes on The Simpsons Ride to notice.
The VelociCoaster
While the Hagrid roller coaster garners the lion’s share of the attention and Revenge of the Mummy is the classic, another roller coaster merits your time.
No, I’m not talking about The Incredible Hulk Coaster, which was one of the final cuts from this list.
Instead, I’m talking about what’s probably the best pure thrill ride at Universal Orlando Resort, The VelociCoaster.
Photo:attractions magazine
As with the Jurassic Park boat ride, Universally nailed the theming with this one, something you’ll realize as you stand in the line queue.
The audio-animatronics emphasize the terror of these dinosaurs, while a train track video underscores how quickly everything can fall apart.
This coaster will delight you with its intensity, but the pre-show is every bit as much fun.
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Main image: Universal
