Attractions

Best Thrill Rides at Universal Orlando Resort

January 4, 2019
The Incredible Hulk Coaster

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog was originally published in January of 2019 and then underwent extensive updates and editing in the fall of 2020 to remain current and relevant.

Ok, thrill-seekers, it’s time to seize the day on your next Universal Orlando Resort vacation. These are our favorite pulse-pounding, hair-raising, heart-pumping thrill rides that you absolutely cannot miss on your next visit to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

 

LOCATION: Universal Islands of Adventure

Let’s start this list with a Hulk Smash! The Incredible Hulk Coaster in Marvel Super Hero Island has an intense launch shooting you upward of 150 feet as well as seven exhilarating inversions. This is a thrill seeker’s dream roller coaster.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

VelociCoaster

LOCATION: Universal Islands of Adventure

Nothing in the world is quite as thrilling as entering the Raptor’s paddock! This newest Universal Orlando Resort attraction is a whole new species of roller coaster and delivers on the thrills with four inversions, two exhilarating launches, a one-of-a-kind 360-degree barrel roll right above the lagoon, an inverted zero-gravity stall that will send riders upside down across 100 feet of track, and a 155-foot tall “top hat” with a 140-foot drop at eighty degrees.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure



LOCATION:
Universal Islands of Adventure

Whether you choose to ride the bike or the sidecar, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry PotterHogsmeade will not disappoint. With a 17-foot free-fall vertical drop and seven (yes, I said SEVEN) high-speed launches, you’ll fly through the Forbidden Forest and cross paths with some of the rare magical creatures that inhabit it.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster

Krakatau Aqua Coaster


LOCATION:
Universal Volcano Bay

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Universal Orlando’s water theme park, Volcano Bay, is an incredible technological achievement. This four-person canoe slide navigates tropical mists on a wet and wild journey through Krakatau, the mighty fire and water volcano and awe-inspiring centerpiece of the entire park.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

LOCATION: Universal Studios Florida

It starts with a white-knuckle 90-degree climb before rocketing you through twists and turns at upward of 65 mph. And the best part is on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit you can choose your favorite song to ride to from an impressive list of popular music.

Jurassic Park River Adventure

LOCATION: Universal Islands of Adventure 

“Hold onto your butts” as you float through Jurassic Park River Adventure, trying to evade ravenous Raptors before taking the final plunge down an 85-foot evacuation drop to narrowly escape the razor-sharp-teeth of a giant T. rex.

Ko’okiri Body Plunge

Ko’okiri Body Plunge


LOCATION:
Universal Volcano Bay

Have you ever dropped straight down 125 feet from atop a water-spewing volcano? Well, this is your chance. The Ko’okiri Body Plunge features a 70-degree angle water slide descent via a trap door that is sure to test your courage.

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

Dr. Doom's Fear Fall


LOCATION:
Universal Islands of Adventure 

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall in Marvel Super Hero Island is a towering sight to see. Not only is it a blast to ride (pun intended) but the view from the top — 185-feet-high, to be exact — is enough to get this ride on the top of any thrill seeker’s must-do list.

Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Body Drop Slides

Oh No Body Slide


LOCATION:
Universal Volcano Bay

This drop slide at Volcano Bay can be found at the foot of the giant Krakatau water volcano. I recommend riding Ohno (purple) which is a higher drop than Ohyah (green), although true adrenaline junkies will surely try both.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts


LOCATION:
Universal Studios Florida

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is the ultimate themed thrill ride. As if the life-size, fire-breathing Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon atop the attraction exterior wasn’t enough, this ride takes you deep into the vaults of Gringotts bank where you’ll come face-to-face with malicious villains and the bank’s magical security measures.

Honu of the Honu Ika Moana

Honu of the Honu Ika Moana


LOCATION:
Universal Volcano Bay

Honu means Sea Turtle (blue slide) but don’t let that fool you — this slide at Volcano Bay is anything but slow. This is a multi-person raft ride, so get a few of your friends and get terrified together.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey


LOCATION:
Universal Islands of Adventure

There’s nothing more thrilling than taking your first steps into the hallowed halls of Hogwarts castle in Hogsmeade. Nothing, that is, except when those steps lead to one of the most immersive adventure rides in all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Revenge of the Mummy

LOCATION: Universal Studios Florida

Revenge of the Mummy is an award-winning indoor roller coaster and is a fan-favorite for a reason. You’ll fly through low-light and pitch-black spaces encountering evil mummies, beetles, treacherous flames, and an ancient curse (which, of course, is real).

Tai Nui of Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides

Tai Nui of Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides


LOCATION:
Universal Volcano Bay

This body slide is the definition of a rush. The drop slide seats atop of the volcano send you down fast and furious before reaching the bottom for a splendid splash. Just remember, Tai Nui (green) is my recommendation for anyone seeking extra excitement. The anticipation before the drop is what thrills are made of.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls


LOCATION:
Universal Islands of Adventure 

I know what you’re thinking, how can a ride called Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls possibly be thrilling? Well, for one: “danger, dynamite.” Two: you WILL wet your pants.

So now it’s time for you to live your most thrilling life at Universal Orlando Resort. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments.

Wait, are you still reading? What are you waiting for? Let’s ride!

Epic in your Inbox

Never miss a thrill. Subscribe now to get email updates from Universal Parks & Resorts.

Share
Facebook Share on Facebook X Share on X / Twitter Pinterest Share on Pinterest

You Might Also Like


9 Comments

  • Reply jon provost March 17, 2019 at 9:26 am

    looks awesome

  • Reply Bryan Stanard March 27, 2019 at 9:22 am

    I am going on Vacation this summer in August.

    • Avatar photo
      Reply Social Media Team March 27, 2019 at 9:32 am

      Hi Bryan!

      We are so happy to see this and we look forward to your visit!

  • Reply Linda April 16, 2019 at 5:52 pm

    25 days until we leave PA for our trip to Universal!

    • Avatar photo
      Reply Social Media Team April 16, 2019 at 5:55 pm

      Can’t wait, Linda!

  • Reply Brian July 27, 2020 at 10:42 am

    I realize that this article was posted in January of 2019, but why haven’t you updated it to put the Hagrid ride on this list? Also, the Hulk at #1??? Both the Rock-It and the Mummy ride are way better than that. The Hulk used to be good and smooth, but now it’s so rough and shaky that you have a headache after riding it. This is even after you re-did it.

  • Avatar photo
    Reply Social Media Team July 27, 2020 at 10:56 am

    Hi Brian,
    Thank you for this feedback! We will make sure to pass this along to the appropriate teams.

  • Reply Madison November 28, 2023 at 12:59 pm

    All the rides look so fun! I can’t wait to be in Universal this April!

  • Reply Digital Guest Communications November 28, 2023 at 1:19 pm

    We’re so excited to have you visit!! Be sure to stop by Universal Studios Florida and check out Minion Land on Avenue. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is so fun, it’s a crime!!

  • Leave a Reply