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
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
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
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 Potter – Hogsmeade 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
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
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js_Jv5EzOv0
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!