Comprising two theme parks, a water park, a shopping district, and seven hotels, Universal Orlando Resort is a worthy competitor to Walt Disney World Resort.
If you’re interested in a detailed description of the two theme parks that make it up, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, I’ve already covered them in two dedicated articles.
In this article, I’ll share my personal ranking of the top 7 attractions that you absolutely must add to your list for your next trip to Orlando.
#7 Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges®
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges® are the wildest and wettest raft ride I’ve ever experienced!
The fact that you’re strapped in with a seatbelt and the raft has a waterproof compartment for your belongings already says it all.
In May 2022, we were crazy enough to ride it three times in a row—by the first round, we were already soaked to the bone. But don’t worry, with Florida’s heat and sun, you’ll be dry in an hour and ready to continue your adventure.
#6 Revenge of the Mummy
Revenge of the Mummy is not a coaster, it’s not a dark ride, and it’s not just a combination of the two—it’s much more!
Slow sections, fast launches, sudden reversals, fire, projections—this ride includes every piece of technology that was possible at the time it opened in 2004.
Spoiler alert:
The Orlando version is far better than the Hollywood one—what a shame.
#5 The Bourne Stuntacular
Normally I don’t include shows in these rankings, but I had to make an exception for The Bourne Stuntacular.
It’s the most high-tech stunt show I’ve ever seen. When it was first announced, the press release said “you won’t be able to tell what’s real and what’s not,” and I have to say—they nailed it.
#4 The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
On my first trip to Orlando in 2007, I immediately fell in love with this ride. Props to the park for consistently updating it over the years, improving the video quality, 3D, and practical effects.
I say practical because unlike its counterpart, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, this one features a lot of real set pieces that greatly enhance the experience.
#3 Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™
This ride is worth the trip to Orlando just for the queue.
Walking into the grand hall of the most famous bank in modern cinema, feeling the heat of the dragon’s fireball outside the bank, and being in Diagon Alley—one of the most immersive lands in the entire resort—gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
The ride itself is super enjoyable. With its 3D film elements, motion, and storyline, it’s a thrill even for those who aren’t hardcore fans of the world’s most famous wizard.
#2 Jurassic World VelociCoaster
What can I say about the park’s latest masterpiece? Just WOW!
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical after watching some POVs online, but after riding it in both the front and back rows, I can say it’s truly a surprising coaster.
The most interesting part of the track is actually hidden from view—the section that runs over the park’s central lagoon is the calmest. Consider yourself warned.
#1 Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™
Once again, it’s hard to describe exactly what this ride is—it’s a coaster with multiple launches, track drops, reverse sections, animatronics, onboard audio, and a highly immersive themed queue. But above all, it’s the closest thing to actually riding a motorbike that I’ve ever experienced.
Your Ranking?
Let me know what you think about my list of the best attractions at UNIVERSAL Orlando Resort and share your TOP 7!
