Chilling drops. Intense loops. Being suspended upside-down over a large body of water at over 50 miles per hour. Doesn’t it all sound so thrilling? What gets stomachs churning for some gets blood pumping for others — especially thrill seekers like you and me — and planning an entire vacation around rides that give you a rush is exactly what you need.
If you’re reading this, I’m sure you’re no stranger to the near-endless number of thrills Universal Orlando Resort has to offer, but maybe you want someone to do the thinking for you before your next visit. As the Discover Universal Blog’s resident thrill seeker, I’ve put together the ultimate guide for thrill seekers at Universal Orlando.
UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE | UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA | ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE | VOLCANO BAY | BONUS THRILLS
Top Thrills at Universal Epic Universe
I had to start this guide off strong with Universal Orlando’s hottest commodity: Universal Epic Universe. Now that the portals to five new, immersive worlds have officially opened, the last thing you want to be is unprepared to take on what’s inside.
What to Ride
Personally, the first thing I’m doing when I step foot into Celestial Park is making a beeline for Stardust Racers. If you’re on the hunt for maximum thrills, starting here is essential.
- This beast of a ride is a dual-launch coaster that races against the stars at 62 miles per hour with a 133-foot-high drop. Opting for a different track each round gets you two experiences in one with double the thrill! Read more about it and Celestial Park here.
Once you’re finished riding the stars in Celestial Park, head over to the nearby portal that transports you to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, home to Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. When you long to fly as the dragons do, this is where you turn to.
- Hiccup worked extra hard to make this ride as breathtaking as flying on a real dragon is, and he did not disappoint. Soar through the Isle of Berk at high speeds and see the cutest baby dragons along the way! Read all about it and the world here.
To get to this next ride, you must travel by way of green pipe. Doing so brings you right to Princess Peach’s Castle and into the vibrant and endlessly fun SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Venture through the tunnel at the back of Super Mario Land into Donkey Kong Country where you can take a rousing ride on Mine-Cart Madness.
- This one-of-a-kind ride system will have you speeding through the mine and appearing to jump across gaps in the tracks as you, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong rush to keep the Tiki Tak Tribe from stealing the Golden Banana. Read about the ride and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in more detail here.
Were you ever scared of the monsters under your bed as a kid? The good news is they’ve moved out and found their own home in Dark Universe. The bad (or good if you’re feeling brave) news is those same monsters can be found wreaking havoc in the thrilling ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
- Has Dr. Victoria Frankenstein taken her experiments too far this time? You’re about to find out on this ride! Shrouded in darkness deep beneath the Frankenstein family estate, you’ll come face-to-face with monsters revolting from Dr. Victoria’s control, including Dracula, The Wolf Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Mummy, and more. Expect lots of sharp turning, hanging, and thrashing during this exhilarating ride!
I hope you aren’t also afraid of creatures of the night, because where we’re heading next is crawling with them — even on the rides. One creature in particular runs especially rampant on the exhilarating coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, and its never-ending twists and turns are perfect for every kind of thrill seeker — even the little ones!
- Braving the curse of the werewolf means coasting along a track in too many directions to count at top speed. You’ll go forward, backward, and spin round and round as you dodge the wrath of the beastly creatures of Darkmoor. Bonus: It’s family-friendly! Sounds fun, right? Read more about the Curse of the Werewolf and Dark Universe here.
Where to Eat
We’ve been so busy hunting for thrills we haven’t even thought about hunting for food. Well, I have, at least, and that’s why I’ve put together a list of eateries that give me a rush at Universal Epic Universe that are fit for a thrill seeker’s diet:
- Pizza Moon in Celestial Park is a must for true pizza lovers. In addition to bringing you pies galore, Pizza Moon also has a tasty selection of baked pasta, a hearty salad, and stellar desserts.
- Explore cafés in 1920s wizarding Paris in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and dine at Le Gobelet Noir. Here, you’ll find a wide range of hearty meals including sandwiches, large entrées, salads, desserts, and even Le Breuvage Sombre du Gobelet Noir, a specialty beverage.
- You know who has an appetite large enough to match that of a thrill seeker? Vikings. Dine at Mead Hall and indulge in its enticing array of platters.
- Please trust me when I say the best spot in Isle of Berk for a quick pick-me-up is Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel. It has the most savory selection of mac and cheese cones one could ever ask for, and boy are they filling!
See all of the eats Universal Epic Universe has to offer in our blog here.
Top Thrills at Universal Islands of Adventure
The thrill rides at Universal Islands of Adventure really bring out the “adventure” in its namesake, and when you see what our next ride lineup is looking like, you’ll understand exactly why.
What to Ride
Jurassic World Veloci — and I can’t stress this enough — Coaster. It doesn’t matter how many different rides at Universal Orlando you go on; you’re not a real thrill seeker until you’ve ridden Jurassic World VelociCoaster in Jurassic Park.
- Dubbed the apex predator of roller coasters, this ride has all the loops, twists, turns, drops, and turbo boosts you can imagine. That 70-miles-per-hour launch through the Raptor Paddock alone is enough to bring you to tears (of joy, of course!). Read more about the ride here.
There’s nothing scarier than walking around in wet denim — except for the ride that makes that a possibility. I’m talking about Jurassic Park River Adventure in Jurassic Park. Don’t let its nature as a water ride fool you; it’s chock full of thrills!
- What seems like a peaceful raft ride on the river turns dark as you come face-to-face with a giant T. rex. Couple that with the 85-foot plunge at a 55-degree angle and you’ll be screaming for your life (again, out of joy)! See what the ride is all about here.
Head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and find thrills fit for witches, wizards, and Muggles alike in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. I promise nothing can prepare you for just how magical this ride truly is.
- Beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle, you can join Hagrid as you fly through the Forbidden Forest and encounter the world’s rarest magical creatures. The theming is incredible, and the high-speed twists, turns, and even drops make this ride one to remember. Discover more about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure here.
I hope you’re not afraid of heights. Well, if you were, I doubt you’d be here reading the guide for thrill seekers — unless you just get a kick out of facing your fears (I’m not judging). In light of said fears, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall awaits you at Marvel Super Hero Island.
- This ride out-accelerates the speed of a space shuttle as it launches you 185 feet into the air and swiftly drops you back down to the earth. It is both a sight to behold and an experience worth adding to your history of thrills. Read all about it in our guide here.
It’s the first and last attraction you see when walking into and out of Islands of Adventure, and that’s why it should serve as the icing on the cake to your second day of thrills at Universal Orlando. I’m talking about The Incredible Hulk Coaster, of course, and it is nothing short of a Hulk-smash hit of a ride!
- Ever wondered what it’s like to be a part of a bizarre science experiment based on Dr. Bruce Banner’s research? You’ll find out on this ride. A blast of gamma radiation surges through your body as you’re hurled into the air with Hulk-like powers at up to 67 miles per hour. Study up on your next ride with our complete guide here.
Where to Eat
The only thing more thrilling than all these rides is a delicious meal. There are plenty of places in Islands of Adventure to grab a bite to eat, so if you don’t know where to start, I can help.
- Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in Jurassic Park, it’s worth checking out what kinds of ferociously good bites Islands of Adventure has to offer. The first place I’m heading is Thunder Falls Terrace for its mouthwatering variety of meaty dishes, rice bowls, salads, and more. For me, prehistoric eats like the Raptor Wings Platter are the real thrills I came to see.
- It’s only natural that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade would have a spot full of wonderful tastes, and you can find a lot of them at the Three Broomsticks. Fine British fares including Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and a Traditional English Breakfast await you inside. And if you’ve still got room, don’t forget to treat yourself to a Butterbeer!
- Super Heroes can’t fight crime on an empty stomach — that’s why they dine at Cafe 4 at Marvel Super Hero Island. Dine atop the headquarters of the Fantastic 4 and feast upon delicious Italian cuisine such as pizza, pasta, meatball subs, and more.
PRO TIP: Liven your dining experience by booking a reservation for the Marvel Character Dinner and meet all your favorite super heroes!
Top Thrills at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida: The one and only place in Orlando where you can truly ride the movies — even the thrilling ones. I hope you haven’t run out of energy yet because our third day of fun has only just begun!
What to Ride
It’s…ALIVE! And it’s out for revenge! When you’re on the hunt for high speed rides with a side of darkness, you’ll be turning to Revenge of the Mummy in New York. Spoiler Alert: It’s about to get REALLY hot.
- This Egyptian tomb-turned indoor roller coaster takes you on a pitch-black ride through eerie tunnels and is filled with steep inclines, surprising drops, and endless thrills. Read more about it in our in-depth guide here.
I love roller coasters, and I also love 3-D/4-D rides. I’m proud to say you can enjoy these two delights in one in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley with Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Hold on tight because this one’s quite the bumpy and thrilling ride!
- Navigate through underground vaults with your friends as you encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermoine while you try to escape from treacherous villains like Voldemort, Bellatrix, trolls, and various other creatures. Did I mention you have to do so in the dark at high speeds? No? Oops. See what you’re in for and learn more about Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts here.
Enter the world of “Fast & Furious” when you travel to San Francisco and hop aboard the ever-immersive Fast & Furious – Supercharged for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the crew’s headquarters.
- Street chases, loud explosions, and venturing through the high-octane world of Dom, Letty, Hobbs and Roman are among the many experiences you’ll encounter during your time on this motion-simulated ride.
Where to Eat
I’ve got a few places in mind where you can find a filling pick-me-up before, during, and after your day of thrills in Universal Studios Florida, and I’m more than happy to share them with my fellow hungry thrill-seeking birds of a feather.
- Not in the mood for a full meal but still wandering around New York? Häagen-Dazs is calling your name. Find a variety of ice cream flavors that are perfect for beating the Florida heat.
- Speaking of treats to beat the heat, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is scooping up some of the creamiest soft-serve that you can’t go without trying.
- Dinner in San Francisco is one of my biggest priorities for the day, and I’m spending it at Richter’s Burger Co. Cheeseburgers galore plus chicken sandwiches plus milkshakes? Consider me there! The Mushroom Swiss Truffle Burger here is a thrill by itself that you need to get your hands on.
Top Thrills at Universal Volcano Bay
With the state of Florida being famous for its endless summer climate, planning a day at Universal Volcano Bay is essential — and curating a list of its most thrilling rides is of utmost priority.
What to Ride
The thrills at Volcano Bay are near-endless, and we’re starting day four off strong at The Volcano with the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. This is one of the many — and I really do mean many — rides that is sure to get your blood pumping in excitement.
- You read that right: Aqua. Coaster. This four-person canoe sends you soaring upward into the mists coupled with dark twists through the inside of the volcano as you plunge through a roaring waterfall. Watch how we honorary Waturi take on this ride here.
You’re about to get real familiar with The Volcano because that’s also where our next ride is located. Partake in the centuries-old tradition of honoring Vol the volcano god by plunging feet down the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.
- Angled at a sharp 70 degrees, you’ll face a 125-foot fall through a drop door down the volcano that ends with a watery tribute from Vol.
Grab four of your closest friends and head straight to River Village for a thrilling ride on Honu of the Honu ika Moana, a five-passenger raft that surfs the underwater currents through an open flume.
- Reminisce about the days the Waturi surfed the wild ocean currents on the backs of friendly sea turtles with this rush of a ride full of scream-inducing twists, turns, and spins.
We’ve all lounged down a lazy river at least once in our life, but what about a crazy river? Better known as TeAwa The Fearless River in Rainforest Village, this ride will have you thinking twice about doubting the might of the watery waves.
- Brave the churning rapids and crashing waves of this ride sporting your life-vest best through the heart of the volcano and down a run in Rainforest Village.
Where to Eat
It’s time to savor all the island delights you can dream of during your day of thrills at Volcano Bay. From small bites to meals fit for Vol the volcano god himself, this water theme park has it all.
- Crafted by the island builders themselves come feasts from Bambu in Rainforest Village. Dine at this serene hideaway for tastes of burgers, sandwiches, and fresh salads.
- The Feasting Frog in Rainforest Village has just the right kind of dining delicacies you’ll need during a day of thrills with its poke bowls, chicken tacos, loaded nachos and refreshing drinks.
- When you’re craving something cheesy, look to Whakawaiwai Eats in River Village. It’s crawling with the tastiest pizzas from Island BBQ Chicken Pizza to Hawaiian Pizza — and don’t even get me started on the Jerk Shrimp Mac & Cheese. Less reading, more eating!
Read all about how to have fun at Universal Volcano Bay in our extensive guide here.
BONUS THRILLS: Hotels, Escape Experience, & More!
The best way to enjoy Universal Orlando Resort’s remarkable repertoire of thrills is by staying at one of our hotels! Not only do each of our hotels keep you close to all our parks, but they’ve all got their own set of thrills in store for you to take on.
The Beach Pool at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is an adventure of its own as it comes complete with a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide, a sandy beach, a children’s pool, two bubbling jacuzzis, and relaxing cabanas. The ever-spacious pool at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort brings more fun under the sun with its sand beach, water slide, fire pit, and children’s play area.
If you can’t get enough water slide action, you might want to consider staying at Hard Rock Hotel. This joint is decked out with a 260-foot slide, a pool with an underwater sound system, and plenty of room to jam out to a live DJ.
Staying at either Portofino Bay Hotel or Hard Rock Hotel is a real treat for proper thrill seekers thanks to the complimentary Universal Express Unlimited you get with your stay.
Now this hotel amenity isn’t necessarily thrilling, it is undoubtedly exciting. The Hideaway Courtyard at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort is home to — you guessed it — a lazy river! Couple that with a sparkling swimming pool with a winding river and a sandy beach, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate getaway. And I can’t go without mentioning this hotel’s own bowling alley and arcade: Galaxy Bowl and Game-o-Rama Arcade (Fees apply). Endless thrills — all under one roof!
My favorite part about all these hotels is the ability to get to all these thrills faster than you can say “Jurassic World VelociCoaster” with Early Park Admission. Wake and beat the wait with admission into the park up to one hour prior to opening and show everyone how a real thrill seeker takes care of business!
While you’re here, I highly recommend setting aside some time during each of your days at Universal Orlando Resort to check out everything Universal CityWalk has to offer. Universal’s Great Movie Escape is a thrilling way to immerse yourself into the worlds of iconic films like “Back to the Future” and “Jurassic World.” What’s more exciting than keeping Biff Tannen from sabotaging the future? Or how about escaping from becoming dinosaur prey while trapped inside a secret genetics lab? Perhaps both if you’re looking to max out on thrills! There are also a variety of shops and restaurants that are sure to provide you with an even more thrilling experience! Here are some of my favorite extraordinary eats in CityWalk:
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
- Bigfire
How do you plan to spend your time seeking thrills at Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments below!