In 1990, the theme park world in Orlando, Florida would be altered forever. Disney World, which had dominated the scene since the 1970s, was about to face its first real competition from NBCUniversal when Universal Studios Florida first opened on June 7, 1990 as an alternative thrilling theme park. With two of its early projects partially developed by Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, the park would use collaborative efforts with Hollywood’s biggest stars and creatives to design attractions that gave guests a behind-the-scenes look at film and televison.
A lot has changed over the last few decades including the acquisition of many different TV show and movie IPs. The interest to produce films in the Orlando has also faded over the years, and with it the design of the park transitioned from a studio to a more immersive bring you “into the movies” experience. Depending on how nostalgic (notice I did not say “old”) you are, you might be disappointed that only one opening day attraction remains.
However, there’s no denying that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is an incredible addition to the park and we are continuing to see plans for new additions to this ever expanding resort. Yet, where does Diagon Alley’s lone ride fit into our ranking of rides and attractions at Universal Studies Florida?
Before we dive in, as a reminder of rules in other rankings, nighttime spectaculars like Cinematic Celebration and streetmosphere like Beat Builders are not included.
Now let’s strap in and ride the movies!
15. Fast and Furious – Supercharged
When one thinks of The Fast and the Furious franchise you immediately think of fast cars. So you would think a ride based on this IP would be a coaster/dark ride hybrid like Test Track at Epcot or even just something car related. Alas, it is not. Instead, riders are packed onto a party bus that shakes, surrounded by screens with footage of the characters from the films making the most cringeworthy jokes. Not quite the thrilling race anyone expected or hoped for.
14. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
This is a 3D ride that takes you on a trip around New York City. It’s what you would expect from a 3D ride and nothing more. If you’re not that big of a Jimmy Fallon fan then this ride might not be worth the wait. The queue is the best part as it makes you feel like you’re visiting 30 Rockefeller Plaza which is a nice touch with live entertainment and artifacts, but if you leave right after visiting the queue, you didn’t miss much.
13. The Simpsons Ride
I know a lot of people love this ride but for me it screams motion sickness. There’s a lot of fun references that “The Simpsons” fans will love as it follows the story of Sideshow Bob taking over Krustyland. It’s worth a ride at least once but if you’re prone to motion sickness it may not be worth repeat visits. This ride replaced the beloved Back to the Future ride so many people don’t like it simply because of that.
12. Animal Actors on Location!
This show features animal actors from movies and television performing what Universal considers hilarious video and live segments. Featuring birds, cats, and dogs this show definitely has the cutest cast, however the jokes and segments can be quite cheesy. This show is fun for the family and kids will definitely enjoy it but it’s certainly not the best show at the park.
11. Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Kang & Kodos is located in Springfield and is a Simpson’s themed spinner ride. The ride itself is pretty basic and similar to Dumbo The Flying Elephant in Disney World (although not nearly as good). What makes this ride fun is listening to what the aliens are actually saying. They joke and make fun of guests throughout the ride, but it’s definitely not something you need to go out of your way to do.
10. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
If there’s one thing I know for certain it’s that children love Minions, so this is sure to be a hit with the little ones. Riders go on a motion simulator adventure through Gru’s laboratory. The queue is perfect for these little ones with screens featuring the different characters of the movies. For adults who aren’t obsessed with Minions, the queue might be just a little too long for just another ride that shakes you around for a while.
9. The Bourne Stuntacular
This show follows Jason Bourne as he tries to escape those out to get him. This is a fun and intense show with fistfights, motorcycles, rooftop jumping, helicopters and much more. The show does a good job of combining the old-school stunts theme parks were once known for and updated tech and screen effects. You don’t need to know the Bourne series that well to follow along as the preshow gives you a decent rundown, albeit a really long one.
8. Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show
This is a classic show! You learn how make-up and special effects create some of the best horror characters and scenes in cinema. The show combines movie clips, interactive demonstrations, and funny cast members. It’s fun for the whole family with some jokes sprinkled in there just for the adults. The queue also has some really interesting facts, movie costumes and props which makes the wait seem quick. Definitely the best stage show in the park.
7. TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Another 3D motion simulator ride – what are the chances? Riders join Bumblebee and Optimus Prime in a immersive, thrilling ride to get AllSpark to safety while fighting Megatron and the Decepticons. The storyline makes this ride more thrilling to me than Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the practical sets and effects are a nice touch to make it standout despite being such a common ride system at Universal.
6. Hogwarts Express: King’s Cross Station
Many don’t consider this a ride, which is fair, but we’ve decided to include it on this list. This is also just a really fun way to travel between parks. If you are a Harry Potter fan, then watching the train pull into Platform 9 3/4 is a must! While on the train, you’ll see silhouettes of Hogwarts students going back and forth featuring voices from some of your favourite characters. Hermoine’s voice is very distracting though because it is so obviously not Emma Watson.
5. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
This is a thrilling rollercoaster not for the faint of heart. There is a straight ascent that will have you screaming before you drop. The “Rockit” part of this ride let’s you choose your soundtrack. I tend to pick Beastie Boys because why wouldn’t you, but there’s a lot of options to choose from. It’s always nice to get a thrilling break from simulator rides when at Universal Studios Florida but this is definitely not a ride for the faint of heart.
4. MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
This is just plain fun! It’s the only interactive ride in this park. It’s a dark ride that takes you, an Agent Trainee, through a training facility as you shoot aliens. A little extra competition makes things more fun as some aliens are worth more points than others. There is a fun queue as well as you walk through the “Men In Black” headquarters. The only downfall of this ride is that there can be a lot of technical difficulties which may make the wait longer than expected.
3. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
The queue for this ride alone makes it deserving of a spot high on this list and it’s the only ride in all of Diagon Alley. The goblins are incredibly well crafted. It’s a rollercoaster with 3D projections throughout Gringotts Bank with appearances from Harry, Ron, Hermoine, Bill, and Bellatrix that transport you right into the story. The one negative of this ride is the seating. It’s very restraining which makes it difficult for people with certain body types to ride.
2. E.T. Adventure
E.T. Adventure is the only opening-day attraction left. This ride holds a special place high on this list for the nostalgia alone. Universal parks have a lot of simulator or screen rides and this is a nice change. A fun ride for the family that has you ‘ride’ a bike as you go on an adventure with E.T. Who doesn’t love to hear a muffled voice say riders’ names at the end of the adventure too! I’ll be honest, I had a really hard time deciding if this should be in the second or first spot – my answer might change depending on the day you ask me!
1. Revenge of the Mummy
The Revenge of the Mummy is a fun and exhilarating indoor coaster. With Brendan Fraser’s comeback and recent Oscar win, fans will appreciate his appearance at the end of the ride. It takes you on the set of the Mummy where there’s a curse and you have to escape from the evil Mummy Imhotep. When the ride is over, riders will be left wondering did anyone get him a coffee?
What’s your favourite ride or attraction at Universal Studios Orlando? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels and make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Universal and Disney needs.
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