Universal Orlando has a reputation for being the edgier Florida theme park resort and more suitable for teens and thrill-seekers than some of the other area theme parks. There are a significant number of thrill rides including some of the best rollercoasters in the Orlando area. This Universal Orlando ride list shows what tends to be the best rides at Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, including its epic roller coasters.
My oldest daughter requested a visit to Universal Orlando for her recent graduation trip. Her goal was to revisit some of her favorite roller coasters and rides from her childhood trips to Orlando.
I’m also including the height requirements for Universal Orlando rides as well as if they have a Universal Express pass lane. Universal Express passes are an additional cost to your ticket but might be included if you stay at some of the top-tier Universal Orlando hotels. They allow you to skip the standby line for a shorter wait.
Note that Universal Orlando Resort also has a water park, Volcano Bay. While it has some great waterslides and water coasters, I’m not including those in this article at this time. I did include them in my free ride list printable at the end of this post. Affiliate links may be included in this post.
Best Rides at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida has a few outdoor roller coasters, including one that crosses from the front to the back of the park. But the nice feature of Universal Studios Florida is that many of the attractions and rides are indoors.
Being indoors means that many of the thrill rides might not be traditionally considered roller coasters, but there are still some rides that will get your adrenaline going! Here are all the roller coasters and rides at Universal Studios Florida, plus the height requirements.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (3D/4D)
Height Requirement: At least 42″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the premier attractions for visiting the Universal Orlando theme parks. Every Potterhead will love immersing themselves in the world of Harry Potter that has been designed in both the parks.
At Universal Studios, you’ll find one of the newer rides in the world. Escape from Gringotts is a 3D/4D ride that involves some epic storytelling, spinning and rocking roller coaster cars, and a pretty crazy drop effect.
This ride also has a great story queue process with plenty to see while waiting in line. And of course, the fire-breathing dragon on top of the bank in the center of Diagon Alley sits at the ride entrance. I can also say that if you have Harry Potter fans in your group, look into buying a wand and taking part in the spell casting around both parks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Height Requirement: Between 51″ to 79″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
From a straight-up start to hitting speeds of 65 mph, this music-themed roller coaster takes you from the front of the park to the back and twists you around a loop without inverting you! The best thing about this thrilling Universal Studios ride is that you get to choose the soundtrack.
Pro Tip: There is a secret list of dozens of songs not available on the regular menu screen. You have to know how to access it so you can punch in the code to the song you want to play. You’ll have to look for the directions before your trip so you know how to access the secret songs and determine the 3-digit code for the secret song. There might be a song list and directions available from a team member on the ride.
Revenge of the Mummy
Height Requirement: At least 48″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Universal really stepped up their game when they created this immersive storytelling rollercoaster. This dark ride wraps (sorry) exciting moments from the franchise films into one daring adventure. The ride was just refurbished and reopened at the end of August 2022.
All joking aside, this is an intense roller coaster full of elaborate special effects and sudden surprises. There are no loops and only a minor drop, but the storytelling and speed make this ride a definite roller coaster, even though it’s indoors.
Yes, you can use the Express Pass here, but I find hanging out in the queue has a moody factor that enhances the overall experience. It preps you to experience the whole story of the ride as you were supposed to. If there isn’t too long of a wait time, you might want to try the standby line.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Height Requirement: At least 40″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
This is a thrill ride that represents Universal Studios’ popular motion simulation rides well. It’s similar to Skull Island Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure and uses tram motion and screen projections to put you in the middle of an epic car chase and the battle between the Fast & Furious family and one of their nasty foes. Plus there are some pretty sweet cars on display and some actual movie props in the queue.
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack!
Height Requirement: At least 42″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Join the MIB to help protect New York against an alien invasion. You’ll grab your blaster and ride your way around town aiming and shooting aliens on the loose. This ride is not too intense in many ways, but there are some pretty big spins that might make some a little queasy.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (3D/4D)
Height Requirement: At least 40″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
If you suffer from 3D motion sickness on rides, watch out for this one. It’s a fun auditorium-type movie ride where you’ll be racing against Jimmy Fallon through the streets of New York and even into space. Fans of the Tonight Show will really appreciate all of the tv show memorabilia on display in Studio 6B and even the guests that perform in the green room.
The Simpsons Ride
Height Requirement: At least 40″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
If you’re looking for roller coasters in Universal Studios Florida, how about a virtual one? Join The Simpsons as they try to escape from Sideshow Bob inside Krustyland theme park.
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Height Requirement: At least 40″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Join the Autobots as they race to protect the earth from Megatron and the Decepticons. You’ll be dropped in the middle of the battle to protect the AllSpark alongside some of your favorite Transformers like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.
Less Intense Rides at Universal Studios Florida
If you’re not into riding epic thrill rides and roller coasters there are some less intense options, many of which are suitable for kids. Here are some ideal Universal Studios Orlando rides if you aren’t into the bigger thrills.
Curious George Goes to Town
Height Requirement: none
Universal Express Pass: no
Playground with water features for little kids.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Height Requirement: At least 40″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
A moving chair screen ride follows Gru’s daughters and the Minions through some mischief. This ride used to be 3D but is now 2D with some movement and mist and wind, but no 3D glasses or effects.
E.T. Adventure
Height Requirement: At least 34″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Hop aboard a bicycle and fly through the skies to help E.T. save his dying planet.
Fievel’s Playland
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: No
Playground and climbing structures for little kids.
Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Park-to-Park Ticket Required!
An easy way to transfer between Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure. This ride is a transfer train where you sit in train cars and watch a storyline on a screen and backlit wall during the transfer. It will be a must-do for every Harry Potter fan. Ends with a drop-off at Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure.
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Height Requirement: At least 36″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Go on a spin in a UFO with the evil aliens from the Simpsons.
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
Height Requirement: At least 36″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
A great starter roller coaster for little kids.
Universal Islands of Adventure Rides
Universal’s Islands of Adventure by far has the most thrilling attractions and the best Universal Orlando roller coasters. Classic Marvel Superhero Island, Jurassic World, and Hogsmeade offer some thrilling rides for your day of adventure.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Height Requirement: At least 48″
Universal Express Pass: No
If you love the fantasy world of Harry Potter and love roller coasters, this is the ride you NEED to do. There is plenty of outdoor time on this ride as you zoom through the trees, but there are some fun indoor show scenes that will take your breath away. This rollercoaster uses track switches, darkness, a Revenge of the Mummy type drop, and other effects to keep you screaming until the very end.
Note that this ride does NOT have Universal Express pass. One of the best ways to ride is to stay at an on-site hotel and get in early. Or else wait until later in the day. Expect long lines and wait times to be around 2 hours.
VelociCoaster
Height Requirement: At least 51″
Universal Express Pass: No
The VelociCoaster is as fast as the name implies. It rivals the Incredible Hulk Coaster in the most serious thrills, including a crazy amount of dips and inversions. The Raptors on the ride create additional jump scares to add to the exhilaration you feel as you speed in and out of the craggy rock formations and trees.
If you strip away the theming, this is a much more straightforward roller coaster built for thrills. But the added Jurassic World elements take the attraction up a notch, making it a good companion for the neighboring Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
This is another popular ride that does not have Universal Express pass. It doesn’t typically have as long as a wait time as Hagrid’s Motorbike. A note of warning that the single rider line actually moves fairly slowly, so you might decide to just watch for a lower wait time.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Height Requirement: At least 54″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Marvel Superhero Island is like a time capsule to a world of comics before most teens’ lifetimes. The last 20 years or so have all been about making the comics as real as possible and blurring reality. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is a full-on roller coaster. It doesn’t have as much room to run as the VelociCoaster, but the 7 inversions producing 4 gs plus the gamma-charge take-off make you feel like you are entering the multiverse.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Height Requirement: At least 48″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
One of the OG Harry Potter rides at Universal, Forbidden Journey is a bit of an indoor roller coaster, but it’s not too intense. You’ll join Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a floating journey around Hogwarts. The ride will pivot you around and even backwards, but it does not go upside down. You’ll move in front of different movie screens as well as some pretty large creatures.
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Height Requirement: At least 52″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Here’s another Marvel Superhero Island ride, but this one is nothing special as its design can be found at many other theme parks. You’ll be launched 185 feet in the air with a quick stomach lifting drop back down.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong (3D/4D)
Height Requirement: At least 36″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
One of the newer 3D/4D rides at Islands of Adventure, you’ll climb into a transport vehicle that takes you on a “tour” of Skull Island. Along the way, the lead scientist is abducted by giant insects and you’re enlisted to help the crew. You’ll face some ugly creatures found on Skull Island and in the end you’ll see Kong.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (3D/4D)
Height Requirement: At least 40″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Grab your 3D glasses and hop into the middle of an intense city-fight between Spiderman and some of his worst archnemeses. You’ll even experience a couple of intense 4D effects and a 3D fall that’s pretty dramatic.
Less Intense Rides at Islands of Adventure
Just as with Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure has its own less intense rides that are great for kids or those who don’t love thrill or 3D rides.
Camp Jurassic
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: No
Another playground area for little kids that has dinosaur-theme and includes some water activities.
Caro-Seuss-el
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Hop into the world of Dr. Seuss with this imaginative carousel.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Height Requirement: At least 36″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
While this is a family-friendly roller coaster, it does have some speed and turns that are thrilling. You’ll also find this ride with a surprisingly long wait time, even with a Universal Express pass. It’s a slow-loading kid’s ride, so just beware.
Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Park-to-Park Ticket Required!
This is the other end of the Hogwarts Express train transfer ride between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It’s a quick way to transfer between parks, as long as the wait is low, and will give you a different storyline on the screens than what’s shown when you ride the other direction. Keep in mind that a park-to-park ticket is required.
If I Ran The Zoo
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: No
Here’s another playground spot based on the Seuss character, Gerald McGrew from If I Ran The Zoo.
Jurassic Park Discovery Center
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: No
Kids who love dinosaurs will love learning in this hands on museum all about the prehistoric past.
Me Ship, The Olive
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: No
Kids can play on this ship where they’ll slide and crawl, shoot water canons, and ring bells.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: Yes
A spinning flight ride where you’ll fly high and low while the fountains put on a show to the beat of the music.
Poseidon’s Fury
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: Yes
This isn’t actually a ride, it’s more of a walk-through action show. You’ll join an archeological team in the Temple of Poseidon where you’ll witness a battle between Poseidon and his enemy, Lord Darkenon. One of the coolest special effects is the water tunnel, so hopefully, that’s working when you visit.
Pteranodon Flyers
Height Requirement: Between 36″ and 56″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Here’s a fun kid ride that doesn’t allow adults unless you’re with a kiddo between 36″ and 56″. You’ll hop in a swing that will glide you around the treetops overlooking the park from up high.
Storm Force Accelatron
Height Requirement: None
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Definitely not a ride for those with motion sickness, this Marvel Superhero ride will spin you around and around as you fight to banish Magneto.
The Cat in The Hat
Height Requirement: At least 36″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Ride through scenes from one of the classic storybooks, The Cat in The Hat.
The Hight in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
Height Requirement: At least 36″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Ride around the buildings of Seuss Landing from up high in a trolley train.
Universal Orlando Water Rides
It might surprise you to learn that there are actually no water rides at Universal Studios Florida. The only Universal Orlando water rides you’ll find are at Islands of Adventure. You will get wet on these rides, so I suggest you plan accordingly. Bring a poncho, sandals, or shoe covers if you don’t want to get soaked.
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Height Requirement: At least 44″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Toon Lagoon may seem childish, but it’s a deceptively fun place for teens with thrilling water rides like Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. This is a bit like a classic flume ride (log ride) with some storyline characters and action taking place inside and out. But know that you will get wet, and by wet I mean soaked, on this one! It also has a tricky ride vehicle and is a bit difficult to get seated inside.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Height Requirement: At least 42″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
Another crazy water ride found in Toon Lagoon, this one is a 10-person circle raft ride that floats down rapids as you try to rescue Olive Oyl. Although I’ll be honest, I was so busy worrying about getting wet and getting entirely soaked that I missed the entire storyline.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Height Requirement: At least 42″
Universal Express Pass: Yes
One minute you’re enjoying a nice river cruise into Jurassic Park, and the next you’ve gone off-course and are faced with escaping raptors. Your journey ends in a face-to-face meeting with a T-Rex and a towering 85 ft plunged at 51 degrees. The back of the boat might be the driest spot for this ride.
Universal Orlando Single Rider Lines
Single Rider lines can help save you some time if you don’t want to invest in a Universal Express pass. But, the time savings can vary greatly based on the ride seating layout. Rides with only two people per row (Hagrid’s, VelociCoaster, Rip Ride Rockit) tend to get filled with standby and express pass guests, leaving the single rider lines to move slowly.
They typically say that Single Rider lines have half the wait time as a standby line, but again that will vary based on how the ride seating loads. I know on our recent trip, VelociCoaster had a longer wait for single riders than the standby wait of 40 minutes.
It’s good to know that you should NOT join a single rider line expecting to ride together with others in your group. I saw this happen at Spiderman on my recent trip and the group started arguing with the ride operator that they wanted to be in the same vehicle. They ultimately failed in their whining and were escorted out to the exit.
Universal Olrando rides also vary on how their Single Rider line works. You’ll need to be willing to ask a team member where the single rider line is, and keep a sharp eye open for any Single Rider signage at the ride and in the ride queue. Also note, the single rider line might not be open/available, so don’t make your plans assuming it will be available.
Universal Studios Florida Single Rider Line Rides
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack!
- Revenge of the Mummy
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Transformers: The Ride – 3D used to have Single Rider lines. They haven’t been available recently, so I’m not adding them to the list, but it’s possible they will be available on your visit.
Islands of Adventure Single Rider Line Rides
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
It’s also possible that Single Rider could be available for: Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, but it varies based on crowd levels.
Universal Orlando Ride List Printable
To help with your vacation planning, I’ve created this printable list of all the rides at Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Volcano Bay. I’ve grouped the rides by ride height requirements to help families plan. Just share your email in the form below and the printable will be delivered to your inbox.