Universal Studios Orlando: My Five Favorite Attractions
Universal Studios Orlando is home to the ultimate movie and television tie-in attractions. My daughter and I recently visited Universal Studios Orlando with some friends, and we had an absolute blast! I’ve compiled a list of my favorite five experiences at the storied theme park, which you absolutely can’t miss.
I’m sure that I’ll need to update this list again on my next visit because Universal Orlando is constantly adding and improving rides at its three amazing parks.
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, we earn a commission, but it won’t affect your purchase price or experience.
Grab your Universal Orlando Been There Series Mug and let’s chat!
My Favorite Attractions at Universal Orlando Resort
#5 – Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Where: Universal’s Islands of Adventure
All hail, King Kong! Skull Island: Reign of Kong combines all the great elements of classic theme park rides; 3D video, animatronics, and a proper coaster. Enter skull island with your fellow explorers and make your way across alive as you dodge creepy (and massive) alien-looking creatures and the prehistoric chompers of a tyrannosaurus rex. Will the king himself come to your aid? After all, this is the island where Kong reigns.
#4 – Revenge of the Mummy
Where: Universal Studios Florida
The Mummy (yes, that one) has taken over the attraction! Flee from Imhotep and his minions on Revenge of the Mummy as they try to claim your soul for the army of the dead. You’ll plunge into darkness, through the catacombs and ancient ruins, desperately trying to make it to the end. Coaster drops and creepy crawlies (why are scarabs so gross?) are just the tip of the iceberg on this wild ride!
#3 – Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Where: Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
At the end of Diagon Alley, under a fire breathing dragon, is a magnificent white stone building and home of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. This is where you will find Universal Studios ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Journey by rail to the depths of the goblin bank. You will be joined by Harry, Ron, and Hermoine as they dodge dragons and battle the forces of Voldemort. Take this epic ride which combines rollercoasters and 3D.
Hey Harry Potter Fans, check out this Harry Potter Sirius Black Interactive Wand!
#2 – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Where: Universal’s Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Grab your Hogwarts acceptance letter and enter the school grounds for a dizzying adventure at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. More Firebolt than Nimbus 2000, this ride will have you flying over the grounds of Hogwarts on your very own broomstick. Follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione past some familiar characters (Hagrid) and some you wish to avoid (the Whomping Willow). The ride is an engineering marvel that feels just like we dreamed when we saw Harry take flight on the Quidditch pitch for the very first time.
#1 – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Where: Universal’s Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you can’t leave Universal’s Islands of Adventure without riding this ride! I’m not a huge coaster fan, but I had the best time on this ride! As with all of the Harry Potter attractions at Universal, the scenery while waiting in line to board the coaster is an event in itself!
Instead of the bench seating that you’re used to with a roller coaster, riders have the choice of boarding either a motorbike or a sidecar. (I mean riders other than me! My daughter jumped on the bike before we could even play Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who had first choice! LOL)
Full disclosure, I usually watch a ride on YouTube before I ride it so that I know exactly what to expect. I didn’t do that with this ride, and boy am I glad. Just know that it was the best ride ever and if the line hadn’t been 100 miles long, I would have ridden it over and over again!
Honorable Mention: The Simpsons Ride
Where: Universal Studios Florida
Sideshow Bob is at it again, and this it’s not just the Simpsons that are in trouble. Follow behind the famous family on The Simpsons Ride and make it off the 3D rollercoaster in one piece. Sideshow Bob has strapped dynamite to the coaster and the only way off it for your runaway cart to come to a crashing stop. Homer’s antics and classic Simpson’s cartoon environment take center stage in this wacky and thrilling 3D experience.
Bonus: When we aren’t riding rides at Universal Studios, we enjoy hanging out at City Walk. It’s always fun to catch a show, grab a snack, do some quick shopping while out on the scene. City Walk is also a great spot to people watch. You can lose track of time watching all of the Harry Potter and Marvel hero fans get excited about what they will experience while at Universal Studios Orlando.
Have you visited Universal Studios Orlando before? If so, I’d love to hear your favorite attraction! You can tell me all about it in the comments below!
