8 Best Rides at Universal Orlando for Families

From thrilling coasters to interactive experiences perfect for younger kids, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure have something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll break down the best rides at Universal Orlando, highlight the top attractions by age, introduce must-visit rides at the brand-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, and explore the best dining options in the parks.

1. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

If you’re a fan of the wizarding world, this ride is a must! Located in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts combines 3D technology, motion simulation, and live-action elements to take you on a wild adventure through Gringotts Bank.

• Thrill Factor: Moderate – perfect for families and Harry Potter fans alike.
• Pro Tip: Ride early in the day or use the Universal Express Pass to skip long lines.

2. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios

Surprisingly fun for the whole family, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon isn’t a rollercoaster, but it still delivers a thrilling experience. Combining motion simulation, music, and high-speed action, this ride offers something unique.

• Thrill Factor: Low to Moderate – ideal for families who prefer less intense experiences.
• Pro Tip: My kids were especially fond of the mix of video elements and fast-paced fun!

3. Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios

Looking for a bit more intensity? Revenge of the Mummy offers a fast-paced indoor rollercoaster experience with sudden drops and thrilling twists. If you want something spookier but still manageable, this ride is for you.

• Thrill Factor: High – a step up from Escape from Gringotts, perfect for coaster lovers.
• Pro Tip: Too scary for my 8-year-old, but my nearly 10-year-old daughter loved it!

4. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios

This one’s for the adrenaline junkies! Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit starts with a vertical launch and allows riders to choose their own music to listen to during the experience. The combination of speed and sound makes it a truly unique rollercoaster.

• Thrill Factor: Extreme – best for older kids and adults who love a big adrenaline rush.
• Pro Tip: Picking your own soundtrack adds a personal twist to the ride. Music lovers, this one’s for you!

5. The Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure

Harry Potter fans, rejoice! The Forbidden Journey takes you on an immersive flying adventure around Hogwarts, with incredible special effects and lifelike sets. This ride isn’t as intense as some of the bigger coasters but still packs plenty of excitement.

• Thrill Factor: Moderate – a great choice for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
• Pro Tip: My thrill-seeker rode this one 9 times, but my more timid kid only gave it a go once!

6. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure

Not a fan of rollercoasters? No problem! The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a thrilling motion simulation ride that brings Spidey’s world to life. Full of twists and action-packed scenes, it’s perfect for non-coaster fans who still want excitement.

• Thrill Factor: Low to Moderate – ideal for families and those avoiding more intense rides.
• Pro Tip: A favorite of my more cautious child, this ride is an excellent choice for nervous riders!

7. VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure

One of the newest addition to Universal’s lineup, VelociCoaster, is a beast of a ride. Packed with twists, turns, and jaw-dropping inversions, this is by far the most exhilarating coaster at Universal Orlando. Be prepared for long lines, but the experience is worth it!

• Thrill Factor: Extreme – not for the faint of heart.
• Pro Tip: If you don’t have an Express Pass, ride early or late to avoid peak wait times.

8. The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure

A classic but still one of the best, The Incredible Hulk Coaster combines speed, power, and twists for a thrill-packed ride. It’s fast, fun, and everything a rollercoaster should be.

• Thrill Factor: High – a Universal staple that coaster fans can’t miss.
• Pro Tip: This ride launches you into action right from the start. It’s a crowd favorite, so ride early for shorter lines.

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Tips for Ollivander’s Wand Shop

Ollivander’s didn’t make our best rides at Universal Orlando list because it’s an experience and a store, not a ride. That said, you shouldn’t miss it if two things are true: Your child is a Harry Potter Fan, and you are willing to drop big bucks on the wand that unlocks fun experiences throught the Harry Potter section fo the park.

We booked it to the store using the early admission that came with the Loews Portofino, and we were one of only two families there. But here’s the catch, they typically pick just one child to have the special experience in which a wand chooses you. My older daughter was heartbroken the other family was chosen. But probably because it was just two families, they took pity on us and gave her the experience, too. It really was a magical experience and felt very much like being one of the characters in the books. Obviously after all that, you’re on the hook to drop approximately $50 on a wand.

The interactive wands from Ollivanders allow you to cast spells throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. With a wave of your wand at designated spell-casting spots in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, you can make things move, light up, or even produce magical sounds! Each wand comes with a map showing all the spell locations, turning the park into a magical scavenger hunt where you bring the magic to life—perfect for fans wanting a fully immersive Harry Potter experience. Was it worth $100 for my little wizards to have interactive wands? I’m normally pretty skimpt on souvenir purchases, but this one brought them so much joy, so I’d say yes.

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Insider Tips for Riding the Best Rides at Universal Orlando

• Get the Universal Express Pass: To skip the long lines and enjoy more of the best rides at Universal Orlando in a day, consider getting the Universal Express Pass. It’s an extra cost, but worth it if you’re short on time.
• Time Your Visit: Lines tend to be shorter in the early morning or later in the evening. Visiting during weekdays or off-peak seasons can also help reduce wait times.
• Use Rider Swap: If you have kids who aren’t tall enough or brave enough for some rides, make use of the Rider Swap program. It lets parents take turns riding without having to wait in line twice.
• Check the App for Wait Times: The Universal Orlando app is a lifesaver for keeping track of wait times, park maps, and show schedules.
• Come Prepared: Pack our favorite travel essentials including air tag bracelets (tag, bracelet) so you never have to worry where your child has run off to!

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Best Rides at Universal Orlando by Age Group

Best Rides at Universal Orlando for Toddlers and Preschoolers

• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish (Islands of Adventure) – A colorful, interactive flying ride.
• Caro-Seuss-el (Islands of Adventure) – A charming carousel featuring Dr. Seuss characters.
• The Cat in the Hat (Islands of Adventure) – A gentle dark ride that brings the classic book to life.

Best Rides at Universal Orlando for Tweens

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (Islands of Adventure)
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Islands of Adventure)
• Transformers: The Ride – 3D (Universal Studios Florida)

Best Rides at Universal Orlando for Teens and Thrill-Seekers

• Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure)
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios Florida) – A high-speed coaster where you choose your own music.
• Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios Florida) – A thrilling indoor coaster with fire and animatronics.

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Best Rides at Universal Epic Universe

Universal’s Epic Universe opens in May 2025, bringing exciting new attractions. Here are some of the most anticipated best rides at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe:

• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – A groundbreaking ride set inside the British Ministry of Magic.
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – An augmented reality kart-racing adventure through Bowser’s Castle.
• Yoshi’s Adventure – A family-friendly journey through the Mushroom Kingdom.
• Dragon Racers Rally – A high-flying How to Train Your Dragon ride.

Pro Tip: Stay updated on new ride announcements and plan accordingly! (More on Epic Universe)

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Best Rides at Universal Orlando – Honorable Mentions

There is plenty to ride beyond my eight favorites, so here are some honorable mentions that are still worth your time if you’ve covered the best rides already.

While The Simpson’s and Minions rides were cute and entertaining, they did not offer a lot of excitement as rides. However, if you are a fan of those characters, they are still worth checking out.

The Men in Black ride is worth checking out even if the IP is dated. The ride is an interactive experience that involves friendly competition between riders as they shoot aliens to earn points. Even though we tried our best, my husband got a higher score than the rest of us combined twice in a row! As for the shows, the Bourne Stunt Show was the only one we considered a must-see. It was incredibly impressive and really made us feel like we were part of the movie.

One honorable mention that is worth noting is the Hogwarts Express. This train is not a ride. It’s a mode of transportation that takes you from one park to another and requires a 2-parks in 1-day ticket. The experience is different in each direction, and it is definitely cool to feel like you’re riding alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione. We enjoyed it, but if you’re trying to decide whether or not to invest in this more expensive ticket, the Hogwarts Express alone may not be worth the money. However, if you are a fan of the Harry Potter series, it is definitely a fun and immersive way to travel between the two parks.

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3 Rides You Can Skip at Universal Orlando If Pressed for Time:

1. Skull Island Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure. This motion simulation ride didn’t impress us much. You’re sitting in a long row so it didn’t feel like much, and if you’re in the middle you can’t even see the storyline.
2. Fast and Furious Supercharged at Universal Studios. Similar to the Kong ride, you’re on a tram so the movement is negligible. Plus, it has a long video to watch up front which makes it a time-consuming ride you wouldn’t want to repeat.
3. Flight of the Hippogriff at Islands of Adventure. This very mild, kid-friendly coaster is fine if you have little ones. However, lines were sometimes up to 90 minutes, making it not worth the wait for a ride that only lasts 48 seconds.

How do I plan the best Universal Florida vacation? Don’t miss our tips. 

Final Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando

• Get Express Passes: The best way to maximize your time and ride more attractions.
• Visit During Off-Peak Times: Fewer crowds mean shorter wait times.
• Stay at a Universal Hotel: Guests at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock, Loews Portofino Bay) get early park admission and express passes, which is a huge perk.

For more Universal Orlando planning tips, check out How to Plan the Best Universal Studios Florida Vacation.

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Updated March 2025