9 Rides That Will Make You Physically Sick at Universal Orlando
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motion sickness rides at universal orlandoDistinguishing move: Cora rides every Epic Universe attraction during the May press trip, scoring each on screen-versus-spin sickness and quoting the spokesperson on accessibility seating options.
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- Quick Answer on the Worst Universal Orlando Rides for Motion Sickness
- What Causes Motion Sickness on Theme Park Rides
- Worst Universal Studios Florida Rides for Sensitive Stomachs
- Worst Islands of Adventure Rides for Motion Sickness
- Epic Universe Motion Sickness Scorecard
- Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge and Super Nintendo World VR
- Safer Rides You Can Still Enjoy
- What to Eat, Take and Wear to Prevent It
- Sitting Position and Eye-Tracking Tricks That Work
- FAQs About Motion Sickness at Universal Orlando
Some rides at Universal Orlando can make you vomit even if you’re not prone to being sick on rides.
That’s because several rides at Universal Orlando are based on motion simulators. This ‘fake’ movement causes our brains to go into overdrive and can make you either physically or feel very sick.
But why does Universal have rides that make us sick?
Because motion simulator rides typically hold more people and take up less space. The rides’ space inside the park is less, and each ride rotation holds more people, meaning more rides and lower wait times.
So, which rides cause sickness? I’ve ranked them below based on my experience (and the triggers within the ride). But I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments, too.
1. The Simpsons Ride
🤢 Sickness Rating: 5/5
The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Florida takes you to Krustyland with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. However, Krusty the Clown only spent a small amount of money on the Krustyland theme park, which is subsequently falling apart.
You’ll watch this ride in 3D on an 80-foot domed screen while seated in a cinema-style seating arrangement. This seating block is on a platform which allows it to emulate twists and turns on the rollercoaster in Krustyland.
Unsurprisingly, given the theme of this ride, it can be incredibly uncomfortable for those prone to motion sickness. I don’t typically suffer from motion sickness. However, on this ride, I always experience it and end up feeling sick.
2. Transformers: The Ride-3D
🤢 Sickness Rating: 4.5/5
The Transformers Ride 3D sees you work with Bumblebee and Optimus Prime to battle the Decepticons. Your mission? To keep the AllSpark out of the hands of the villainous Megatron.
This ride is 3D-based. However, unlike The Simpsons, you’ll also physically move around the building in a ride vehicle.
This is one of the older rides at Universal Orlando. The vehicle’s movements can be jerky at times, which, combined with the dated 3D technology, can cause some feelings of motion sickness.
This ride is also fairly long, just over five minutes. Subsequently, if you start feeling sick, it can be a while before the ride ends.
3. Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
🤢 Sickness Rating: 4/5
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a combination rollercoaster and motion simulator. It has 3D screens and physical track movements.
However, unlike Transformers, the 3D screens don’t really play at the same time you move. Instead, you move on the track between screens, which, in my experience, does make it a little easier.
The ride’s theme is that you’re inside Gringotts Bank with Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a daring escape from the vaults deep beneath Diagon Alley.
As such, while the theme of the ride is quite dark, the movements are rather smooth. Plus, as far as Universal Orlando rides go, this one is pretty new, so it features some modern technology.
4. Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey
🤢 Motion Sickness Rating: 4/5
Another Harry Potter ride known to cause sickness is Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey.
This ride uses a mix of physical sets and motion simulator screens. As if that weren’t enough, the ride vehicle is mounted on a robotic arm that tilts, spins, and flips you onto your back—all of which can be very disorienting.
The theme of this ride is that you’re flying through Hogwarts on a whirlwind adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. During your journey, you’ll soar over the castle, dodge a dragon, and escape from Dementors.
If you want to experience this ride but are worried about the sickness, I suggest sitting in one of the two middle seats (it comes in a four). Focusing on the centre of the screen also helps.
5. Fast And Furious – Supercharged
🤢 Motion Sickness Rating: 3/5
Fast and Furious Supercharged is an entirely screen-based ride. The vehicle doesn’t physically move anywhere, although there is some shaking and swaying.
The screen is unlike anything else at Universal Orlando. It’s a 360-degree projection. This projection, combined with the vehicle simulation, is designed to create the illusion of speed and chaos.
That’s because this ride throws you into a high-speed chase with Dom, Letty, and the rest of the Fast family.
6. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
🤢 Motion Sickness Rating: 3/5
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is Transformers with a different overlay. This ride is 3D-based but you’ll also physically move around the building in a ride vehicle.
The theme of this ride is that you’ll work alongside Spider-Man as he challenges Marvel villains across New York City. It’s a theme that’s a little less intense than Transformers, resulting in fewer ‘jerky’ movements and a slightly lower sickness score.
7. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
🤢 Motion Sickness Rating: 2/5
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is The Simpsons Ride with a different overlay. However, this ride is more modern, so the movements are smoother. Plus, there’s no 3D, which helps further reduce the intensity.
You’ll join Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and many mischievous Minions during this ride. Transforming into a Minion results in you going on a wild, chaotic training mission inside Gru’s lab.
8. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
🤢 Motion Sickness Rating: 2/5
Race Through New York, Starring Jimmy Fallon, is also The Simpsons Ride with a different overlay. However, this is one of the newest rides at Universal Studios Florida, so the movements are pretty smooth.
The theme of this ride is that you’re competing against Jimmy in a chaotic, high-speed race through the streets of New York City. You’ll dodge taxis, soar through skyscrapers, and even blast into space during this.
If you want to experience this ride but are worried about motion sickness, try sitting in the middle of a theatre row rather than one of the ends. This helps a lot.
9. Skull Island: Reign Of Kong
🤢 Motion Sickness Rating: 2/5
Skull Island: Reign of Kong combines practical sets with large 3D screens. The vehicle moves along the track, and simulator-style effects create the illusion of intense action.
There are sudden jolts, bumpy terrain, and moments when the vehicle sways and shakes. In terms of motion, it’s similar to Fast & Furious—Supercharged.
The ride’s theme is that you’re in an expedition vehicle and journey deep into the jungle. During your journey, you’ll encounter massive creatures, including the legendary King Kong himself.
If you’d like to experience this ride but are worried about sickness, try sitting in the middle of the expedition vehicle. All the seats move, but the motion is typically the smoothest there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions readers ask me most often about which Universal Orlando rides trigger motion sickness, and how to avoid it.
Which rides at Universal Orlando are most likely to cause motion sickness?
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the most commonly flagged ride for motion sickness because the KUKA arm tilts and rotates alongside fast screen content. The Simpsons Ride, Transformers, Mine-Cart Madness, and Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge round out the most-reported list. Race Through New York and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem also catch some riders out.
How can you avoid motion sickness on Universal rides?
Eat something light beforehand, sit in a middle seat where possible, focus on a fixed point inside the ride vehicle, and skip back-to-back simulator rides. Anti-nausea tablets like Bonine or Dramamine taken 30 minutes before are reliable for our family. Sea-Bands and ginger sweets can take the edge off without making you drowsy.
Is Forbidden Journey worse for motion sickness than Gringotts?
Forbidden Journey is the more intense ride for motion sensitivity. The KUKA arm vehicle tilts riders up to 90 degrees and rotates while screens cut quickly between scenes. Escape from Gringotts is a coaster-simulator hybrid with longer physical track sections, which most queasy riders tolerate better.
Are the Epic Universe rides bad for motion sickness?
A few of them are. Mine-Cart Madness uses a boom-coaster system that swings and lurches, Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge layers an AR visor over physical motion, and Monsters Unchained pairs a robotic-arm vehicle with rapid-cut screen scenes. Battle at the Ministry is also a candidate, though most reviewers find it gentler than Forbidden Journey.
Should you ride simulators on an empty stomach?
No, riding hungry tends to make motion sickness worse rather than better. A light meal an hour before, ideally with no carbonated drinks or heavy sauces, has worked best for us. Avoiding back-to-back simulator rides is the single biggest fix.
