Universal Studios Rides, Ranked From Worst to Best

It takes a lot of planning to visit a theme park these days. Lines for rides at Universal Studios can easily take 45 to 60 minutes, and when you consider the number of rides and hours in the day, this means choosing very carefully what is worth waiting for and what is absolutely not.

Universal offers an Express or Express Unlimited ticket (starting at $99.99), giving visitors a chance to skip the lines one time per ride or an unlimited number. But that's on top of the already-steep $109-plus, one-day park ticket. 

So, to help you decide the best ways to spend your time (and money), we decided to rank all Universal Studios rides at both Florida and California locations. We created this ranking based on thrill level, reviews and our own staff preference, starting with the tamest (read boring!) to the pinnacle of adrenaline-inducing. This way, you can purchase the one-day ticket and wait in line for the rides that will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

38. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!

Type: Kid-friendly

Speed: Slow

Height: 36"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!

Small children are always fascinated by a ride on a train, and sure, this one through Dr. Seuss Land is a bit more intriguing than most. But let's call this what it is: a slow train ride at best.

For parents, at least it's a chance to sit back and relax a bit.

37. Super Silly Fun Land

Type: Playground

Speed: Slow

Height: Under 48" requires a supervising companion

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

 

Bottom Line: Super Silly Fun Land

This Minion-themed playland for little kids features 80 different water features for splashing and jumping, a boardwalk with arcade games and a chance for young tots to get their energy out when too small to enjoy the bigger attractions with older siblings.

This one ranks lower because it's really more of a playground than a ride, but little kids who love water and anyone else who's just plain hot will learn how to be "super silly" in no time. 

36. Animal Actors

Type: Live show

Speed: Slow

Height: N/A

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

 

Bottom Line: Animal Actors

It's not fair to combine cute animals and their tricks into our theme park experience, but Universal Studios does it.

You won't be wowed, but you'll certainly go "aww."

35. The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

Type: Kid-friendly

Speed: Slow

Height: 34"

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

If your kid loved "The Secret Life of Pets" (the first one; we'll just ignore the disaster that was the second), then they'll have fun in this slow but nice ride. 

You'll follow Max and his pals through the streets of New York as they try to make their way home. Cute!

33. Pteranodon Flyers

Type: Kid-friendly

Speed: Slow

Height: 36"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Pteranodon Flyers

The simplicity of a swing ride never goes out of style.

This ride is meant for little ones (you have to be accompanied by a pint in order to ride as an adult) and is gentle and smooth, albeit a bit dull.

33. Caro-Seuss-el

Type: Kid-friendly

Speed: Slow

Height: Under 48" requires supervising companion

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Caro-Seuss-el

We get it, every amusement park needs a carousel. For Islands of Adventure, that would be a Caro-Seuss filled with characters from Dr. Seuss's books.

Thrilling? No. Colorful and smile-inducing for anyone under the age of 8? Yes.

32. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Type: Kid-friendly

Speed: Slow

Height: Under 48" requires supervising companion

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Who doesn't love this book? And on this slow-spinning ride, the kids can twirl with the fishes.

The ride goes up and down, only as the kids want to, making it a good introduction to theme park rides.

31. The Cat in the Hat

Type: Kid-friendly, motion simulation

Speed: Medium

Height: 36"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: The Cat in the Hat

Here's another ride through Dr. Seuss's crazy imagination, where you'll join Thing One and Thing Two in making a mess alongside the Cat in the Hat.

Just remember: They do the cleaning at the end, not you!

30. WaterWorld

Type: Live-action show

Speed: Slow

Height: N/A

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: WaterWorld

The movie may have bombed at the box office, but Universal Studios Hollywood brings it back in a big way with this water-themed show featuring jumping jet skiers and explosions.

You don't ride, but there is a splash zone.

29. World-Famous Studio Tour

Type: Live-action show

Speed: Slow

Height: N/A

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

 

Bottom Line: World-Famous Studio Tour

What launched it all: This is the actual backlot of Universal Studios with sets and scenes from Universal's long and illustrious career in movies. You'll ride a tram, and take it all in with a witty tour guide who, thankfully, warns you of some dangers and stunts.

It's a tour, but it's a heck of a lot of fun for film and television lovers.

28. Kang & Kodo's Twirl 'n' Hurl

Type: Kid-friendly

Speed: Slow

Height: Under 48" requires supervising companion

Park: Universal Studios Florida

Bottom Line: Kang & Kodo's Twirl 'n' Hurl

Remember the rides found at local fairs that spun you around, moved you up and down, and let the wind whip your hair?

Those good, old-fashioned rides are still fun for kids of all sizes, this one with The Simpsons' alien theme. Yes, it's a thing.

27. Silly Swirly Fun Ride

Type: Kid-friendly

Speed: Slow

Height: 40"

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: Silly Swirly Fun Ride

While Orlando has The Simpsons, its Hollywood counterpart is the Silly Swirly Fun Ride in Super Silly Fun Land.

This time, the kids ride bugs as they spin 360-degrees in the air.

26. Flight of the Hippogriff

Type: Kid-friendly, thrill

Speed: Medium

Height: 36"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: Flight of the Hippogriff

Just because you are smaller doesn't mean you should miss out on the thrilling rides of Harry Potter.

That's why Universal created this kid-friendly coaster to give them a taste of what's to come should they want to try something a little more adventurous.

25. Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Type: Thrill

Speed: Slow

Height: 36"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Skull Island: Reign of Kong

This is the kind of safari that brings nightmares. You start nice and slow, and it seems like an enjoyable day in the park. Until the gigantic animals of Skull Island make their appearance. It's not a true thrill ride, but little kids may be frightened on this one.

The Universal Studios Hollywood version is King Kong 360 3-D.

24. Storm Force Accelatron

Type: Kid-friendly

Speed: Slow-fast

Height: Under 48" requires supervising companion

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Storm Force Accelatron

Skipping Disney for Universal? Then, you'll be excited to discover that instead of spinning teacups, you can spin in the X-Men's Storm's powerful storm.

You can control your speeds by the spins, so choose who you sit with wisely.

23. Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls

Type: Water ride

Speed: Slow

Height: 44"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls

There's nothing that gets your heart beating like floating along a lazy river, knowing the end will bring you to a 75-foot drop.

The anticipation may be what makes the ride the best. That or the huge splash that gets you wet at the end.

22. Jurassic World – The Ride

Type: Water ride

Speed: Medium

Height: Under 48" requires supervision

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: Jurassic World – The Ride

The original version of this ride opened in 1996 after the success of "Jurassic Park." It was remodeled in 2018 and reopened to reflect the franchise's continuation with "Jurassic World."

You'll still get the thrill of floating down the river being chased by velociraptors, an Indominus rex and a T-rex. Prepare for some screams and splashes.

21. Jurassic Park River Adventure

Type: Water ride

Speed: Medium

Height: 42"

Park:  Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Jurassic Park River Adventure

Take your innocent little log ride, add in dinosaurs that jump out at you, and you won't have time to fret over the 85-foot drop coming until you are looking down.

And, yes, you will get wet on this one, too. Though similar to its Universal Studios Hollywood counterpart, this one is slightly more thrilling.

20. Fast & Furious – Supercharged

Type: Thrill, motion simulation

Speed: Fast

Height: 40"

Park: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: Fast & Furious – Supercharged

Ride along with the crew of the Fast & Furious films — Dom, Hobbs, Letty and Roman — as you chase through the streets in supercharged vehicles in this simulated action-adventure.

Note: This is the least popular of the movie-based simulated rides.

19. The Simpsons Ride

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Medium

Height: 40"

Park: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: The Simpsons Ride

Take the kids on this virtual reality ride, and you'll visit Krustyland with Bart, Lisa, Marge, Homer and baby Maggie.

It may be simulated, but you will feel as if you boarded a roller coaster.

18. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Medium

Height: 40"

Park: Universal Studios Florida

Bottom Line: Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

Can't make it to New York City?

Let "The Tonight Show's" Jimmy Fallon show you around on this motion-simulated driving tour — watch out, though, Jimmy's not the best driver.

17. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Medium

Height: 40"

Park: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Everyone loves the Minions, but while they have the best intentions, they always seem to screw things up.

This kid-friendly ride will transform you into a Minion, and, yes, things will go wrong.

16. E.T. Adventure Ride

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Slow

Height: 34"

Park: Universal Studios Florida

Bottom Line: E.T. Adventure Ride

Ride your bike with America's favorite extra-terrestrial as you try to get him home to his dying planet that needs saving.

Note: You'll get to fly past the full moon, just like Elliott.

15. Transformers: The Ride 3D

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Medium

Height: 40"

Park: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: Transformers: The Ride 3D

The 3D and 4D technology is found again in this ride that simulates you joining the world in which Transformers live.

The ride puts you beside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee on a battle against Megatron, and Universal promises it blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.

14. Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges

Type: Water ride

Speed: Medium

Height: 42"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges

Plan on getting wet as you make your way down Universal's raging rapids in a 12-person float.

You'll discover a not-so-friendly, 18-foot octopus with 10-foot tentacles wreaking havoc.

13. DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panada

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Medium

Height: N/A

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panada

Take a ride with Master Po with 360-surround audio that will put you right in the middle of a DreamWorks set.

The multi-sensory ride is kid-friendly.

12. Hogwarts Express

Type: Thrill

Speed: Medium

Height: Under 48" requires supervision

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure; Universal Orlando

Bottom Line: Hogwarts Express

Linking Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure is Hogwarts Express that takes you between King's Cross Station in London to Hogsmeade Station. You'll get to walk through Platform 9 3/4 — but only if you have a Park-to-Park pass.

Still, the motion-simulated ride gives you thrills of high speeds and Harry Potter-themed features.

11. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Type: 3D & 4D Ride

Speed: Medium

Height: Under 48" requires supervision

Park: Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Did you love playing Mario Kart with your friends as a kid? This is your chance to take that experience out of the virtual world.

You'll join a battle team and race to the finish line through courses that resemble those you played in your Nintendo years.

10. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Type: Thrill

Speed: Fast

Height: 48"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

The least-liked of the Harry Potter rides escapes us as this coaster is loads of fun.

Sure, it doesn't have the drops and zero-Gs of other rollercoasters, but it can certainly elicit a scream or two.

9. Men in Black Alien Attack

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Medium

Height: 42"

Park: Universal Studios Florida

Bottom Line: Men in Black Alien Attack

If you ever thought it would be cool to be a MiB agent, now is your chance.

Using a laser gun in a ride that puts you into the heart of a video game, you'll need to hit a certain number of points while spinning in a car in order to earn your place.

8. Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Type: Thrill

Speed: Fast

Height: 51"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Islands of Adventures sets itself apart with its thrilling roller coasters — and the park's new coaster, which opened in 2021, is one of its best yet. 

You'll be soaring over velociraptor cages at 70 miles per hour, dropping 140 feet and making enough loops to leave you with a raspy throat. That's always a sign of a good roller coaster ride!

7. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Fast

Height: 48"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood

Bottom Line: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Leading up to the thrills of this ride, you'll feel you really have entered Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and will be thankful for long lines giving you a chance to take it all in.

Then, when it is your turn, you'll soar above the ground with a 3D/4D experience that's by far one of our favorite at Universal Studios.

6. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Type: Motion simulation

Speed: Medium

Height: 40"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

From the ground to the air, you'll follow the web-slinging Spider-Man through the streets of New York City on this simulated ride that uses Universal's 3D and 4D technology that will have you forgetting you aren't actually flying.

5. Revenge of the Mummy

Type: Thrill

Speed: Fast

Height: 48"

Park: Universal Studios Florida

Bottom Line: Revenge of the Mummy

Don't think this ride is like all the other simulated, put-you-in-the-movie rides.

Oh no! This one is fast-moving and scary! Just the way we like it.

4. Doctor Doom's Fearfall

Type: Thrill

Speed: Fast

Height: 52"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: Doctor Doom's Fearfall

This ride isn't for the faint of heart or anyone with a fear of heights.

You are literally going to be shot 185 feet into the air — and then you will experience a free fall down from that height. It's quick but frightening.

3. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Type: Thrill

Speed: Fast

Height: 51"

Park: Universal Studios Florida

Bottom Line: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

This is what sets Universal's theme parks apart from its Disney neighbors — more thrill rides! Up up and away you'll go to a 90-degree angle before you drop at speeds of 65 miles per hour on this coaster.

What's neat is you can pick the music you want blasting through the speakers as you scream.

2. The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Type: Thrill

Speed: Fast

Height: 54"

Park: Universal's Islands of Adventure

Bottom Line: The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Rip Ride may make you scream, but the Hulk Coaster is the real fear-inducer.

This one will make you feel you are on a fighter jet flying 67 miles per hour with zero-gravity rolls and plenty of twists and turns.

1. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Type: Thrill, motion simulation

Speed: Fast

Height: 42"

Park: Universal Studios Florida

Bottom Line: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Using 3D and 4D technology, you will again be transported into the world of Harry Potter. Visit Gringotts bank, and climb aboard the ride that will take you through the vaults and encountering enemies like Bellatrix and Voldemort as you try to make it safely back to Diagon Alley.

This is the reason you came to Universal.