18 Best Rides At Islands of Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is home to a vast range of incredible roller coasters that are set to thrill and excited the entire family, from young guests to old, there’s something for everyone.
But what are the best rides at Islands of Adventure?
As annual pass holders, we’ve had the pleasure of visiting this incredible theme park multiple times over the past decade so we’ve gone ahead and ordered the rides from best to worse.
However, keep in mind that this is our opinion based on the thrill the ride provides as well as its quality, design and attention to detail.
1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster
đź“Ź Height Requirement: 51″ (130 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 49 minutes
VelociCoaster is the newest ride at the park and arguably the most intense roller coaster not just at Islands of Adventure but at the Universal Orlando Resort as a whole.
This incredible roller coaster is 155-feet tall and features two high-speed launches as well as four inversions.
As you turn and dive on the roller coaster, you’ll glimpse velociraptors around you. You’ll even hear their noises on your ride and feel the thrill of them chasing you!
The ride also features a heartline roll, called the Mosasaurus roll, where you’ll twist 360 degrees over water. This signature element of the Velocicoaster is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
đź“Ź Height Requirement: 48″ (122 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 89 minutes
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is one of many Harry Potter Rides inside Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This high-speed story coaster will take you on a journey through the Forbidden Forest at speeds of up to 50mph.
This is the longest rollercoaster in Florida with more than 5,000ft of track and also features seven launches.
The motorcycles on this ride are modelled after Hagrid’s motorcycle from the Harry Potter books. Each row on this roller coaster fits two passengers, one on the motorcycle and one in the sidecar.
If you want to feel like you’re cruising through the magical Forbidden Forest, ride in the motorbike and hold on to the handles. However, if you want a less intense experience and want to be closer to the animatronic creatures, sit in the sidecar.
Sadly unlike the majority of other rides on this list, you are unable to use the Universal Express Pass to skip the line.
Instead to minimise the amount of time you have to wait to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure we highly recommend staying in an on-site hotel to benefit from early entry into the park.
3. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
đź“Ź Height Requirement: 54″ (138 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 35 minutes
The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster is a thrilling high-speed ride. First, you’ll enter Dr. Bruce Brenner’s lab, and walk through it as you wait in the queue.
When your turn finally comes and you’re in your seat, the ride will start by launching you out of a tunnel at super high speed that goes up to 67 miles per hour!
You’ll then twist, turn, tilt, go upside down at zero gravity, and feel what it’s like to turn into the Hulk. This ride checks all the boxes for those of you who seek the thrill.
4. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
📏 Height Requirement: 44” (112cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 28 minutes
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is one of many water rides inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
The water log ride starts off gentle and then hits you with mini splash drops. However, it’s the final 75-foot drop that’s the main thrill factor of the ride.
It’s nearly impossible to stay dry on this ride regardless of where you sit.
As such it’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes to the park with you, use the people dryers after the ride or head to another water ride to get them all done in one go.
5. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
📏 Height Requirement: 40” (102 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 32 minutes
Situated in Marvel Super Hero Island at the front of the park is The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride.
This indoor, 3D motion simulator ride is very family-friendly and see’s you chase after the five supervillains led by Doctor Octopus who have stolen the Statue of Liberty.
Together with Spiderman, you’ll shoot the baddies using laser guns. Be sure to check who got the highest score from your family and friends after the ride.
6. Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey
đź“Ź Height Requirement: 48″ (122 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 37 minutes
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a scenic, dark ride where you’ll spin, twist and turn.
Situated inside the iconic Hogwarts Castle towering above Hogsmeade and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter below this 3D ride takes you on a journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Unlike other motion simulation rides at Universal Orlando, the visual effects are so well done and the sound effects are so well synchronised that you really do feel like you’re inside Hogwarts and the likelihood of motion sickness is relatively low.
The main focus of this attraction is its storyline. So if you’re a Harry Potter movie fan who wants to revisit what it felt like to see Hogwarts Castle for the first time, this ride is for you!
7. Jurassic Park River Adventure
📏 Height Requirement: 42” (107 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 27 minutes
Jurassic Park River Adventure is a water thrill ride. It has everything a dinosaur fanatic would want to experience in a ride.
The first part of this adventure is a chill, slow tour in the river where you’ll see dinosaur animatronics around you in the water.
About halfway through the ride, you’ll be blown off into the Raptor containment area where you’ll get to see even more dinosaurs.
Lastly, you’ll experience the most exciting part of this ride. You’ll come face-to-face with a gigantic T-Rex, followed by an 85-foot plunge at a 55-degree angle!
8. Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station
đź“Ź Height Requirement: None
⏰ Average Wait Time: 23 minutes
The Hogwarts Express takes you between the two Universal parks, visiting both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This means you will need a Park-to-Park ticket. You’ll find the Hogsmeade Station in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area of Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Queue in the beautifully themed station before embarking on your trip.
You’ll see familiar faces and plenty of creatures from the Harry Potter books and movies. When you arrive at your destination, see if you can find the secret entryway into Diagon Alley.
9. Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
📏 Height Requirement: 42” (107 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 15 minutes
On Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, you’ll join Popeye on a journey to save his love, Olive, from Bluto’s captivity.
This ride is your traditional rapid raft ride, yet doesn’t feature a lot of thrill factors or drops. It will probably make you laugh more than it will scare you.
It’s the perfect ride for groups, as the circular raft has 12 seats. Watch out though. You might want to keep this ride until the end of your day at the park because you’re 100% guaranteed to get soaked!
10. Flight Of The Hippogriff
đź“Ź Height Requirement: 36″ (92 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 30 minutes
This family-friendly ride is a bit more child friendly than some of the other Potter-themed adventures, meaning that young fans can also enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
The Hippogriff, which you’ll know is part-eagle, part-horse, will take you on a magical ride around Hagrid’s pumpkin patch, before swooping past his hut toward the end.
Keep an ear out for Fang and remember to use proper etiquette when approaching Hippogriffs. This will help you avoid danger.
The Flight of the Hippogriff is a magical ride for the whole family!
11. The Cat In The Hat
đź“Ź Height Requirement: 36″ (92 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 9 minutes
Just like Dr. Seuss’ book, this ride almost doesn’t have any straight lines. You’ll pass through the bushes and picket fences until you reach the front porch of the iconic pink house where a brother and sister just said goodbye to their mother.
Then, you’ll sit on a couch and move through the rise, as you experience the events from the book scene to scene. You’ll feel as though you’re inside Dr. Seuss’ second best-selling book!
You’ll see all the iconic characters from the book—the two siblings, the pet fish, the Cat, and the Things!
You’ll witness the house turning into a disaster, and find out for yourself if the kids will manage to clean up before mom comes back home. This ride is dark, colourful, and simply fun!
12. Skull Island: Reign of Kong
đź“Ź Height Requirement: 36″ (92 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 40 minutes
Skull Island: Reign of Kong is a 4D simulator ride that will take you on a journey through the jungle ruled by King Kong. This was the first trackless ride created by Universal Studios and one that continues to impress.
As you embark on your expedition, you’ll face the scary predators of Skull Island, like Arachno-claw and Carnictis. You’ll also witness a grand battle between King Kong and Vastatosaurus Rex.
13. The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
đź“Ź Height Requirement: 36″ (92 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 22 minutes
As you wait in the queue, you’ll listen to a narration of the Sneetches. Then you can sit and enjoy a slow-moving train ride that goes above Seuss Landing, and gives you a great view of the park.
As you travel on this train, you can spot many characters from Dr. Seuss’ books. You might even spot a Sneetch or two!
14. Caro-Seuss-el
đź“Ź Height Requirement: None
⏰ Average Wait Time: 7 minutes
Caro-Seuss-el features characters from the magical world of Dr. Seuss. This classic ride is perfect for younger children given the shorter wait times.
You’ll find the Camels from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Cowfish from McElligot’s Pool, Horton the Elephant at the top of the carousel, and more.
Caro-Seuss-el is the first carousel ride of its kind that gives you control over the Seussian creature you’re riding which delights small children time and time again!
15. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
📏 Height Requirement: 52” (132 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 15 minutes
As soon as you fasten your seatbelts safely in your seat, Doctor Doom will announce his plan of becoming the most powerful man on Earth. He explains that he will do this by using your fear as fuel.
When the countdown is over, you’ll find yourself suddenly shot 185 feet into the air, where you can enjoy the gorgeous view of Universal Theme Parks.
After that, you’ll drop down quickly, and then go up again. The final drop is much slower than the first one.
This two-minute ride is bound to get your adrenaline pumping if you’re afraid of heights, otherwise, it’s not that intense.
16. One Fish, Two Fish, Red fish, Blue Fish
đź“Ź Height Requirement: None
⏰ Average Wait Time: 13 minutes
This attraction is a fun ride for the entire family. You’ll spin, steer, and go up to 12 feet. First, you’ll choose a red, blue, green, or yellow fish to ride. Each fish has controls that are pretty easy to use.
Listen carefully to the lyrics of the rhyme playing on this ride, because it’s going to tell you which direction to go to avoid getting splashed. Getting wet on this ride is optional!
You can then control your fish to go up, up, up, or down, down, down! This interactive element on the ride is fun and makes it quite enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
17. Storm Force Accelatron
đź“Ź Height Requirement: None
⏰ Average Wait Time: 6 minutes
Step into the world of X-Men, as the villainous Magneto tries to take over the world.
Earth’s only hope is the heroic Storm, who can control the weather.
Will this descendant of African priestesses be able to pull enough thunder and lighting to defeat the bad guy? She needs your help.
Jump aboard Professor Xavier’s power generator and work as a team to spin faster and faster. It’s a fun-filled family experience that fans of comic books will adore.
18. Pteranodon Flyers
📏 Height Requirement: Minimum 36” (92 cm) Maximum 56” (143 cm)
⏰ Average Wait Time: 32 minutes
Pteranodon Flyers is situated inside the Camp Jurassic Playzone and has been specifically designed for children. So much so that anyone who goes on this ride must be between 36″ and 56″ with the exception of a parent or guardian.
It is an ideal ride for little kids who may not be so sure about the excitement and adventure of the larger thrill rides inside the park. You’ll get an amazing view all around as you take flight under the huge wings of a Pteranodon.
Suspended from the track above you’ll soar and glide around, free from any scary moments, waving at family members on the ground.
