When you are planning a day at Universal Studios Orlando, there is so much more to think about than just the rides. It is a place full of entertainment, surprises, and things you might not expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, there are certain things you really should not miss.
Taking the time to explore these little moments can make the day feel fuller and more enjoyable. Whether it is shopping for something special or stumbling upon an unexpected treat, Universal Studios has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be found. You do not have to rush from one attraction to the next; sometimes, the best memories come from slowing down and soaking it all in.
Here’s a list of things you must do in Universal Studios Orlando:
Top 10 Things To Do In Universal Orlando
Revenge of The Mummy
Ride Type: Indoor Roller Coaster
Location: New York Section
Duration: 2 minutes
On this indoor roller coaster, you travel through a dark, ancient Egyptian tomb filled with mummies, fire, and thrilling special effects. The ride includes sudden drops, sharp turns, and moments of complete darkness, creating an intense and immersive experience. The enclosed setting adds to the suspense and excitement, making it a memorable adventure through a cursed environment.
Another exciting part of the ride is that the prop near the attraction entrance is from the sets of The Mummy! This is a must-visit ride in Universal Studios Florida.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Ride Type: Roller Coaster
Location: Diagon Alley
Duration: 5 minutes
This ride blends the excitement of a roller coaster with 3D simulation to create an adventure in Gringotts Bank at Universal Studios Florida.
Riders face exhilarating drops and tight turns while interacting with magical creatures and iconic scenes from the Harry Potter series. The combination of physical thrills and immersive 3D effects makes it a standout experience for fans of the series and thrill-seekers alike.
Hogwarts Express
Ride Type: Half-way Simulation Ride
Location: Connects King’s Cross Station and Hogsmeade Station
Duration: 4 minutes
This ride offers a simulation of the Hogwarts Express journey between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Instead of high-speed thrills, guests experience a more relaxed ride with large screens and special effects that create the feeling of traveling through the magical countryside. It provides a slower-paced but engaging experience, perfect for enjoying the magical atmosphere without intense motion.
Remember to get your park-to-park ticket to board the Hogwarts Express and visit both parts of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can even ride the train from Hogsmeade to Kings Cross too.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Ride Type: Trackless 3D Dark Ride
Location: Skull Island Section
Duration: 6 minutes
This trackless ride immerses guests in the mysterious Skull Island at Islands of Adventure Park, where they encounter King Kong and other jungle creatures.
The ride uses 3D projections and animatronics to bring the environment and characters to life. The trackless system allows for smooth, fluid movements and unexpected interactions, creating a captivating and dynamic experience through the dense jungle.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Ride Type: Sitting Coaster
Location: Marvel Super Hero Island
Duration: 2 minutes
Known for its intense speed and dramatic inversions, this sitting coaster starts with a powerful launch and takes riders through a series of loops, corkscrews, and high-speed turns. The ride’s combination of high energy and complex coaster elements makes it a thrilling experience.
It is ideal for those who enjoy high-speed action and adrenaline-pumping moments. The Coaster is a must-visit ride on Marvel Super Hero Island at the Islands of Adventure.
Men In Black – Alien Attack
Ride Type: Shooting Interactive Dark Ride
Location: World Expo
Duration: 5 minutes
In this interactive dark ride, guests become Men In Black agents and use laser guns to target aliens and other objects. The ride features various scenes where quick reflexes and accurate shooting are key to scoring points.
The interactive element adds a fun, competitive aspect to the experience, making it enjoyable for both individuals and groups.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Ride Type: Steel Roller Coaster
Location: Production Central
Duration: 2 minutes
This steel coaster allows riders to choose their own music from a range of popular songs while experiencing high-speed launches, multiple loops, and sharp turns. The ride’s front-facing seats and custom soundtrack create a personalized thrill experience.
The combination of high-energy coaster elements and music enhances the excitement and enjoyment of the ride.
Transformers: The Ride 3D
Ride Type: 3D Dark Ride
Location: Production Central
Duration: 5 minutes
This 3D dark ride immerses guests in the Transformers universe, where they join Autobots in a battle against Decepticons. The ride features motion-based seats and high-definition 3D visuals, creating a vivid and interactive experience.
The action-packed scenes and detailed effects make guests feel as though they are participating in a Transformers battle.
Jurassic World Velocicoaster
Ride Type: Launched Roller Coaster
Location: Jurassic Park
Duration: 2 minutes
This launched roller coaster provides a high-speed experience with intense launches, sharp turns, and airtime moments set in the Jurassic World setting. Riders feel the excitement of racing with Velociraptors and navigating through challenging twists and drops.
The ride’s combination of high-speed thrills and dinosaur-themed elements offers an exhilarating adventure.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Ride Type: Animated Simulator Ride Attraction
Location: Minion Land
Duration: 8 minutes
Illuminations’ Minion Land in Universal Studios Florida features the animated simulator ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. This attraction boasts 3D visuals and motion-based seats, transporting guests into the world of the Despicable Me movies.
Filled with humor and animated effects, the ride offers a fun and engaging experience for families. The immersive simulation creates a lighthearted adventure with Gru and his minions, making it a delightful attraction for visitors of all ages.
Other Interesting Things To Do In Universal Studios Orlando
Now that the top 10 rides are covered, there is still plenty more to explore at Universal Studios Orlando. Beyond the adrenaline-packed attractions, there are a whole lot of fun and exciting experiences waiting for you to discover.
Here is a look at some other interesting things to do at Universal Studios Orlando:
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Ride Type: 3D Motion Simulator
Location: New York area
Duration: 4 minutes
If you are in New York at the Universal Studios Florida, you will enjoy a simulation ride where you join Jimmy Fallon on a virtual race through New York City. The experience combines 3D visuals with motion simulation, providing a dynamic and humorous journey through iconic city landmarks.
The ride features humorous commentary from Fallon and a fast-paced tour of the city’s famous sights. It’s designed to entertain with its blend of technology and comedy.
Trolls Trollercoaster
Ride Type: Vekoma Roller Coaster
Location: KidZone
Duration: 2 minutes
This is a roller coaster designed for families and young children, themed around the “Trolls” film at Universal Studios Florida. It features gentle turns and drops, with vibrant colors and characters from the movie.
The ride offers a playful experience with upbeat music and visuals that reflect the cheerful tone of the film. It’s ideal for younger guests looking for a fun, family-friendly thrill.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Ride Type: Water-based Amusement Ride
Location: Jurassic Park area
Duration: 7 minutes
Universal’s Islands of Adventure offers several standout attractions, and Jurassic Park on Islands of Adventure is one of the must-visit highlights. This boat ride takes you through a Jurassic Park-themed environment, complete with animatronic dinosaurs and a dramatic drop at the end for an added thrill.
Guests are in for a mix of awe and excitement as they venture through a dinosaur-filled setting. The final drop delivers a heart-pounding conclusion to the adventure, leaving everyone on a high note.
Pteranodon Flyers
Ride Type: Gondola-style Ride
Location: Jurassic Park area
Duration: 2 minutes
A slow-moving ride suitable for younger visitors, where you sit in a vehicle that simulates flying over the Jurassic Park area. It offers a scenic view of the park from above.
This gentle ride lets kids and parents take in the park’s surroundings while experiencing a light, aerial sensation. It’s a calm yet exciting attraction for families with younger children.
ET Adventure
Ride Type: Suspended Dark Ride
Location: KidZone
Duration: 5 minutes
Universal Studios Florida offers a classic dark ride where you help ET return to his home planet. As an only opening-day attraction, the experience includes a flying journey through scenes from the film and interactions with beloved characters.
Guests travel through charming and imaginative settings, which add a nostalgic touch. The gentle pace and heartwarming story make it a favorite for families, appealing to those looking for a calm yet magical experience.
The Simpsons Ride
Ride Type: Motion Simulator
Location: Springfield
Duration: 5 minutes
A motion simulator ride themed around “The Simpsons” TV show. It offers a simulated adventure through Krustyland with the show’s characters, featuring comedic scenarios and dynamic movement.
The ride captures the humor of the show, taking guests on a zany trip full of laughs. Fans of the series can appreciate its sharp wit and playful twists.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Ride Type: Water Raft Ride
Location: Toon Lagoon Near Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Duration: 6 minutes
This circular raft ride takes you on a chaotic water adventure through rapids, with Popeye trying to rescue Olive Oyl from Bluto. The raft spins and splashes down a winding river, soaking riders as they encounter waterfalls, geysers, and other water elements. The intensity of the water makes it one of the wettest rides in the park.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Ride Type: Story Coaster
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Duration: 3 minutes
This motorbike coaster takes Harry Potter fan riders on an outdoor journey through a forest filled with magical creatures. The ride is designed to mimic the feel of riding Hagrid’s motorbike, with sudden accelerations, drops, and turns.
Riders experience multiple sections with unique scenery and themed elements, such as encounters with creatures like Fluffy the three-headed dog, and the blast-ended skrewt. It is a great ride with a mix of thrilling moments and story-driven sequences.
Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
Ride Type: Water Raft Ride
Location: Volcano Bay
Duration: 1 minute
This six-person raft ride sends groups down winding water paths with sudden drops, twists, and turns. Maku is part of the larger multi-slide experience at Volcano Bay, where riders enjoy through various water channels with moments of zero gravity and unexpected drops. The raft’s circular motion adds to the unpredictability, as riders are faced with different perspectives during the descent.
Horror Make-up Show
Attraction Type: Live Show
Location: Hollywood area
Duration: 25 minutes
This show offers a behind-the-scenes look at special effects make-up used in horror films. Professional artists explain and demonstrate how realistic wounds, monsters, and other effects are created. The live demonstrations include audience interaction, and the show mixes humor with educational segments on prosthetics, animatronics, and special make-up techniques.
You can even get VIP tour experiences and tour some behind-the-scenes production props. Some seasonal events like Halloween Horror Nights also have various shows put up related to the theme like Death Eaters in Diagon Alley!
Tips For An Amazing Universal Studios Orlando Trip
Below are some tips to get the best theme park experience possible:
- The best way to enjoy the best of theme parks in Orlando is to get a Walt Disney World Vacation and Universal Studio combo pass and enjoy the amazing combination of two theme parks!
- If you are going during the holiday season then don’t forget to book at least a month before to get discount tickets.
- Visit our website Orlando99 for exclusive $99 vacation packages for Orlando.
- Getting an express pass helps bypass wait times and get into rides easily. Express passes are the best thing when there are long lines for the best rides.
- Get the Universal Orlando App to get the best deals on ticket prices and updates on upcoming attractions and shows.
Winding Up
Enjoying your day at Universal Studios Orlando does not have to be about the thrills and high-speed rides only. There is an incredible variety of experiences to enjoy, whether it is laughing along with a live show, exploring the immersive worlds of your favorite movies, or simply soaking in the creative atmosphere that surrounds you.
From iconic attractions to hidden gems, there is always something new and unexpected waiting around the corner. So, take the time to enjoy both the action-packed adventures and the quieter moments—you will find that the magic of Universal Studios goes far beyond the rides.
