Water Rides at Universal Orlando – Everything You Need to Know
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Universal Orlando water ridesDistinguishing move: Test all three water rides in sequence during a hot May 2026 afternoon between VIP tour slots, then file a UK-friendly ‘soaking factor’ verdict with photos before and after each ride.
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- Universal Orlando Water Rides Overview
- Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Water Effects on Other Rides
- How Wet You Actually Get on Each
- Best Order to Ride All Three in One Afternoon
- What to Bring and Where to Dry Off
- Water Rides FAQ
Universal Orlando has four water rides. Three in the Islands of Adventure theme park and one in Epic Universe.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure: Jurassic Park boat ride with a big drop.
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: Big white-water rafting ride.
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: Log-flume ride with twists and a big drop.
- Fyre Drill: Shoot water at targets from canons while onboard a Viking ship.
Pro Tip: This list doesn’t include the water rides at Volcano Bay, the Universal Orlando water park.
Fyre Drill in Epic Universe is the only water ride with no height requirement. Otherwise you need to be:
- 42″ for Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- 44″ for Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- 48″ for Jurassic Park River Adventure
Pro Tip: Each Universal Orlando theme park also has a splash pad, perfect for younger kids.
Unsurprisingly, you will get wet on all of these water rides. However, there are a couple of things you can do to help:
- Poncho: Wear a poncho to avoid getting your clothes wet.
- Clothes: Bring a change of clothes for after the water ride.
- Lockers: Store your items in a free locker at the ride entrance.
- Human Dryer: Pay $8 to dry off in a human dryer after the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Universal Orlando’s water rides outside Volcano Bay are below.
How many water rides are at Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando has four water rides outside of Volcano Bay. Three are at Islands of Adventure (Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and Jurassic Park River Adventure) and one is at Epic Universe (Fyre Drill on the Isle of Berk). Volcano Bay water park has 19 separate slides and water attractions.
Is Jurassic Park River Adventure open?
No, Jurassic Park River Adventure is closed for an 11-month refurbishment that runs from 5 January 2026 through approximately 19 November 2026. The ride will reopen with updated effects later in 2026. If you are visiting before late November, you cannot ride it.
Which Universal Orlando water ride gets you the wettest?
Bilge-Rat Barges gets you the wettest by a clear margin. The 12-passenger raft spins through rapids, waterfalls, and water cannons, and there is no dry seat. Ripsaw Falls is a close second thanks to its 75-foot log-flume drop, while Fyre Drill is the most controllable since you choose how much spray to take from your own cannons.
How tall do you need to be for water rides at Universal Orlando?
Heights vary by ride. Fyre Drill has no minimum height, Bilge-Rat Barges is 42 inches, Jurassic Park River Adventure is 42 inches (riders under 48 inches need a supervising companion), and Ripsaw Falls is 44 inches. The supervising companion rule applies on every water ride for riders under 48 inches.
Can you keep your phone dry on Universal water rides?
Free ride lockers are available at all four water ride entrances, and we use them every time. Universal-branded ponchos cost roughly $11 to $13 inside the parks. Sealed dry bags work, but I would never trust a pocket-zip alone on Bilge-Rat Barges or Ripsaw Falls.
