06/15/2025
Hello everybody!
June 7th is the 35th anniversary of Universal Orlando Resort and Team Members have been celebrating all week. Thus when I was thinking about the incredible history of this company, an interesting idea came to my mind. While I am a huge fan of Epic Universe, I realize that there are now 3 Universal Theme Parks in Florida (4 if one includes Volcano Bay) and I have experiences I love about all of them! Thus, I want to make a list of my favorite attractions currently at all of the Universal Orlando Parks. Since I am a balloon arist as well, I will be pairing each attraction with a balloon sculpture that I have crafted in the past. I hope this list will help ensure that you know what to expect with these incredible rides and encourage you to make "Epic" memories at all of the Parks of Universal Orlando Resort!
10.Men in Black: Alien Attack (Universal Studios) Whilst this ride is at the bottom of my list, that does not mean it is bad at all...in fact, Men in Black: Alien Attack is a wonderful experience and the best shooting attraction at Universal Studios (Sorry Villian Con)!
Pros-
The while the animatronics have mostly minimal movement, they are plentiful, with over 100 creatures populating the attraction. The sets are surprisingly massive, recreating multiple New York City streets and icons. The ride rewards you for getting high scores within the experience by offering multiple endings depending on how well you did (complete with a Will Smith Cameo)! Outside of the ride's entrance is an amazing array of 90s music that will always put patrons in a good mood. The best hidden gem associated with this ride though, is being able to go on a tour of the location for free during slower parts of the day...It is literally "galactically great!"
Cons-
What keeps the ride from being much higher on my list is the targeting of the lasers you are given...they are small and difficult to see...the animatronics could use a bit of love as the attraction is over 20 years old...and the incredible gift shop is no longer as wonderful as it once was due to it being made smaller and other Universal merchandise primarily being sold there...Despite all of this, it is still a "Universal" Classic, just like the next ride on the list!
9. Howarts Express (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure)
This is a ride that is exceptionally iconic and gives you some time away from the brutal Florida heat. The Hogwarts Express is grand in scale, however the experience itself is surprisingly intimate.
Pros-
When the Hogwarts Express train approaches the loading terminal, it fully looks like if the films were brought to life. In addition, the queue for the Kings Cross side of the attraction is exceedingly detailed and interesting to see. The Kings Cross section is a recreation of the real Kings Cross station in London, thus it is stunning. This side conveniently has air conditioning, more incredible interactivity (the 9 3/4 section is especially fun) and there are even snack stands placed throughout the queue in case guests get famished. The immersion continues as you enters the train and gets to see many characters featured within the Harry Potter films. There is even a fascinating effect with the sliding doors of individual cabins allowing the silhouettes of Harry Potter Characters and even an eerie appearance by dementors. Unfortunately, it does have multiple not-so-magical downsides to the experience.
Cons-
The first of which is the fact that, whilst it is still very fun and some fascinating effects are used...Riders are still looking at a screen. It is true, the videos are different depending on what side of the Wizarding World you are in and they introduce each character in clever ways (Voldemort appearing in the lightning flash is a nice touch). But, it is still a screen and once you have seen both sides of the Hogwarts Express, there is no additional surprises from the video itself. Although the other more glaring issue is that whilst the queue for Kings Cross is incredible and is honesty more convenient to be in...The Hogmeade Station side however can be very hot due to no air conditioning being present and it is nowhere near as well themed...which could be a detriment if I riders are waiting more than 30 minutes for the attraction. In addition, there are a multitude of stairs that are used for the attraction (something that even my favorite ride uses).
I will say that the attraction is still a unique experience that I always suggest any friends of mine who are first time visitors to experience, at least once...As it is always a joy watching the reactions to people seeing the majestic magical train for the first time!
8. Donkey Kong: Minecart Madness (Epic Universe)
As a life long fan of Nintendo, the Donkey Kong Country area ended up being my favorite section of Super Nintendo World. The greenery of the mini-world is vibrant (especially the curved palm trees), the infectious music that causes many people to spontaneously dance (myself included), the meet and greet with Donkey Kong is truly incredible and the Minecart Madness attraction is the perfect centerpiece to hold it all together.
Pros-
The ride has several features that genuinely make it a world class attraction, the first of which is the animatronics. Cranky Kong is my favorite figure on the ride. He is found within the queue and he is especially impressive with his fluid, expressive movements that make him look like a cartoon character brought to life. Another aspect of the Minecart Madness is "track jumping," which is implemented in a very convincing fashion, tricking your brain into thinking that yout vehicle is about to plummet before it switch tracks. Along with this, the water features used throughout the ride are exceedingly fun to zoom through. As a bonus, this ride does not utilize any screens, which kept me immersed throughout the entire ride through.
Cons-
Donkey Kong: Minecart Madness however is not perfect, it suffers from three issues that could potentially be a turn off for some guests. The first is that despite the fact that the Cranky Kong animatronic is incredible impressive, there are only a small handful of elements that are fully themed or interactive within the queue. Most of it looks like just a golden temple, with only a handful on interactive things to see. Although there are a few hilarious wall paintings portraying Donkey Kong's history, my favorite being the reference to the original Donkey Kong. The capacity is also an issue due to each Minecart only having 4 seats, thus making the wait times for the ride regularly very high. Finally, it has the issue of being exceptionally rough in some areas of the ride through. While I personally believe it adds to the overall experience, many people expecting it to be smoother are often shocked at certain points in the ride.
With this said though, this ride is very much a wonderful addition to Super Nintendo World and one that I personally "go bananas" for every time I ride it.
7. Revenge of The Mummy (Universal Studios)
From one ancient structure to another, Revenge of The Mummy offers the best thrills at Universal Studios Orlando. There is a lot to love about this massive indoor roller coaster based on the Block Buster hit The Mummy staring Brendon Fraser.
Pros-
The ride has a fully covered, fully air conditioned queue that is exceptionally fun to be a part of. The transition from a Hollywood set to being a full Egyptian Tomb is done remarkably well. Within the queue you will also find several interactive sections including a "treasure" that blasts individuals with air and a light feature that appears when two people place their hands on a symbol. The ride itself has so many incredible moment including a ceiling that catches fire, a forward/backward motion, a false ending and references to multiple kinds of fears (since this was the first physiological fear coaster). The most hilarious part of the ride is at the end with Brendon Fraser being irate over not getting his cup of coffee!
Cons-
The ride has a hilarious story but the queue often has you move so fast that you are not able to see the story and gags unfold. The animatronics also are very much in need of some updating, they are somewhat stiff and may need to be updated to emote better. Also due to them zooming by the videos in the queue, you would not know that Reggie (the person wrapped up in the sarcophagus) was the production assistant from the film. In addition, the spot that always stops the speed of the queue is the stairs... there are a decent amount of them, however there are elevators if you need them. Additional, there are reports of some people who may have a larger abdomen or thicker thighs having difficulty riding, use the tester seat outside to ensure a good fit.
Overall, this is a ride that I love and cannot recommend enough for first time (or even 100th time) visitors to Universal Studios.
6. Stardust Racers (Epic Universe)
As the newest roller coaster in the Universal family, this attraction is indeed "Epic!" With an eye-catching art deco comet to draw the attention of onlookers and two different ride experiences depending on which track you choose, this is a must-do ride when visiting Orlando's newest theme park, Epic Universe!
Pros-
This attraction is an absolute joy to ride! With multiple inversions, multiple launches that build to exponentially greater thrills as the coaster continues...and the celestial spin is a truly breathtaking moment. During this spin, your comet themed vehicle will intertwine with the second vehicle...making it so that you can not only see all of Epic Universe but feel as if you could give a high-five to the individuals sharing this unique moment. When the sun lowers in the horizon, the coaster becomes a whole new experience...as the lighting on the vehicles illuminate the night sky, resembling comets soaring through the heavens! As an added bonus, each train is fitted with a Flux Capacitor on the rear...And each train is named after a different famous scientist, with Doctor Emmett Brown from Back to the Future being one of them!
Cons-
Despite how beautiful the actual coaster itself is...the queue unfortunately is...minimal to say the least. It is meant to convey a celestial transit system since comets at one time had been the primary mode of transportation for the residents of Celestial Park aka The Celestians. However, without more in the queue, even with the admittedly gorgeous statues of the Celestians greeting riders as they come in, much of this story is lost to the average park goer. Along with this, there are major sight line issues, with the security terminal highlighting a clear view of backstage expansion space for Epic Universe. The last issue I found was pertaining to sizing issues, meaning that just like The Mummy, if you have thicker thighs or are a bit bigger, it may not allow you to ride the attraction. Make sure to use the tester seat at the front of the ride to make sure.
Despite it's only "adequate" theming, this is a must-do ride at Epic Universe. With it stunning moments of airtime and subtle references to Back to the Future, Stardust Racers is worthy of being the comet centerpiece of Celestial Park.
5. Velocicoaster (Islands of Adventure)
While I think that the Jurassic World movies are just okay (The original Jurassic Park is one of my favorite films of all time), there is no denying that this attraction is... "dinomite!" This is a truly fascinating modern marvel of engineering and amazingly was built in a manner to not replace any prior attractions...a truly Jurassic feat!
Pros-
This attraction makes a statement, when you walk up to the entrance, complete with "technically" life sized bronze velociraptor statues...You know that you are in for something special. The theming on this coaster is very impressive, the queue alone has multiple memorable moments. With 3D imposed velociraptors chasing after vehicles, an appearance from Dr. Henry Woo (Wonderfully played by BD Wong) and a hilarious appearance by Mr. DNA this is a love letter to fans of both Jurassic World and the incredible classic that is Jurassic Park. Another incredible moment comes from walking by restrained velociraptors animatronics that have realistic skin, nostril flairs and exceptionally convincing movement. The ride itself also has iconic segments including the Mosasaurus Roll which spins riders above the water and multiple moments of airtime where individuals feel weightless for a fraction of a second. In addition, this ride, due to the way the lap bar comes down, is far more accommodating to more guests who may have a larger build or be extra tall. It is a truly gorgeous attraction and it really does live up to the hype...However...
Cons-
This attraction, like the rest on the list may experience high wait times due to how popular it is. There is Express for the ride if you are willing to purchase it, but it can be a deterrent for anyone who only has one day to experience the park. In addition, this attraction does often suffer from downtime as it uses many unique types of technologies and if it rains, this attraction shuts down due to it being mostly outdoors.
With this being said, this attraction starts earns it's spot in my top 5 must-dos for Universal! It has a multitude of memorable moments and is a thrilling ride that makes me "rawr" with excitement from beginning to end.
4. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (Epic Universe)
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a magical modern theme park marvel. This attraction is a sight to behold, combining true unrivaled technical wizardry with a ride vehicle that is both elegant and accommodating.
Pros-
This is the only Simulator in all of Epic Universe...and in all honesty, it is indeed one of the greatest of all time. The screens that are used in the ride are massive, taking up your whole field of vision and they are exceedingly high definition. There are animatronics on this ride that may cause riders to wonder if they have seen a real person or not. In addition, the largest animatronic in Epic Universe is in this attraction. Another incredible highlight of this attraction is that Imelda Staunton reprising her role as Delores Umbrige, making it as if you were watching a continuation of the movies. The vehicles are also exceptionally accommodating due to the fact that they are seat belts, allowing for more people to comfortably experience the ride. The queue as well is an attraction in itself, worth walking through even if the ride is suffering an delay. With over 144,000 tiles used, meticulously detailed recreations of the Iconic sets of the actual Ministry of Magic, dozens of talking paintings...and Higgledy is not only incredibly impressive as an animated character but she is unbelievably adorable!
Cons-
However like a hidden Basilisk, there are a few issues that may slither into this attraction's otherwise magnificent experience. The first is reliability for the attraction, it is possibly one of the most complex attractions ever created and as a result, there are a lot of downtimes for the attraction. This may result in an up to 5 hour wait (thankfully there is 8 hours worth of air conditioned queue in case this is to occur). Another issue is that due to the size of the larger than life screens within the attraction. Due to how high definition the screens are it is difficult for your brain to discern what is real and what is a set piece, as a result it causes many people (myself included) to experience motion sickness.
With these issues taken into consideration, I will still say that this attraction is absolutely magical. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is an industry changing ride in many regards, especially with its astonishing queue and animatronics! However, this leads me to my top 3 attractions at Universal Orlando Resort...
3. Amazing Adventures of Spiderman (Islands of Adventure)
This ride was a game changer for the theme park industry 25 years ago and it is still regarded as one of the best dark rides ever made. As a longtime fan of Spiderman, especially classic Spiderman, this attraction is a love letter to Marvel fans that has stood the test of time!
Pros-
The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman combines many elements work wonderfully to craft the ride experience. The queue is an homage to the classic 90s Spiderman, complete with original hand drawn animation. It also has several elements where everything is painted to look like a comic book (the desks are especially hilarious)! The ride also possesses a fascinating mixture of both screens and practical set pieces, including a to-scale replication of the Statue of Liberty's head. Along with this, the attraction also uses both real flame effects and water effects to go with what is happening on the screens. The writing is also truly exceptional with nearly every line being quotable ("...So don't screw this up! I mean, good luck" is one of my absolute favorites)! As a bonus, this ride has two Stan Lee (Rest in Peace) cameos, making this a true must-do experience for any diehard fans of everyone's favorite web slinger!
Cons-
As incredible of a ride this is, just like many superheroes, it does have a handful of weaknesses. The most noticeable of these is the use of 3D glasses in the attraction. While it does not bother me whenever I ride alongside Spiderman, I have friends of mine who experience motion sickness due to the 3D element. In addition, as a completionist, it is still crazy to me. Seeing that there is a large section of the queue that you miss If the wait is less, then one hour. If it was just a poster or two, that would be okay...but the overflow queue has a statue of J. Jonah Jameson that you can only see if the wait is an hour or more.
Despite being over 25 years old, this attraction remains one of the best dark rides ever made. With it's beautiful blend of screens and plentiful practical effects, this attraction is indeed a "marvel" to behold!
2.Hagrids Motorbike Magical Creatures Adventure (Islands of Adventure)
Marketed as the first "story coaster" this attraction combines incredible theming, a lifelike animatronic/performance by Robbie Coltrane (Rest in Peace) and a thrilling adventure that is intense, but not too intense! Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure remains my favorite ride in Islands of Adventure and I still consider it one of the best rides in the world!
Pros-
From the moment you enter the queue and see the Motorbike zipping down the side of the stone wall...you know you are in for a treat. While Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry has by far the most immersive Harry Potter queue, the queue for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is exceptionally breathtaking! When you are outside you see see the back of Hagrid's hut, complete with giant pumpkin! Before you enter the ruins, can see exceptionally ornate statues that show of the more terrifying mermaids found within the Wizarding World. When inside of the ruins you are able to see a reference to the classic roller coaster Dueling Dragons as well as an entertaining explanation of the multiplying Motorbikes within the attraction (presented by Robbie Coltrane and Mark Williams reprising their iconic roles)! You also are able to see Hagrid's workshop as well as an impressive demonstration of the multiplying Motorbikes on the ceiling before you board the motorcycles. The feeling of being on the motorbike is truly exhilarating, especially with there being several "spells" that make you feel like you are part of the story when you press a button centered on the handlebars of the cycle. This ride launches riders in a high speed adventure with Hagrid narrating the entire time. While you zoom past various obstacles you see a gorgeous Hagrid animatronic, Fluffy and a multitude of Blast-Ended-Skroots (a creature described in the books finally brought to life in this attraction). Along with the animatronics, there is an amazing moment where you go backwards into an impressive show scene...and a surprising drop that occurs during the ride that always puts a smile on my face whenever I experience it...the ride is pure bliss from beginning to end...however there are a few "pesky pixies" that appear throughout the attraction that are of note.
Cons-
This ride has some exceptionally long wait times (when my wifey and I went to The opening day we waited an astonishing 10 hours to ride it...but it was still worth it, even with that wait)! While the waits have gotten considerably better due to improvement in the ride system, it still can take some time to get through the queue. In addition, while the queue has some incredible moments, the outside portion is completely uncovered, which means when it rains, not only can you get wet but also if there is lightning in the area, the ride will cease operation for an extended period of time. In addition, while the standout sections of the queue are memorable, much of the queue is mostly within realistic rock work, which can be somewhat monotonous after an extended period of being within the queue. Also, whilst the Motorbike section of the ride vehicle is very accommodating to many different sizes, the side car can be a bit cramped, especially for anyone with long legs. But with all of this said...
For the longest time, this attraction had been my favorite ride in all of the Universal parks. Whilst it has been dethroned by my new 1 # attraction, it still is worthy of being called one of the greatest rides in the world. With the incredible thrills that Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure offers, the use of magnificent animatronics and a few surprises that "drop" in unexpectedly, it remains a true classic that has just gotten better over time! And that leads me to my absolute favorite attraction in all of the Universal Parks...with the 1 # slot I give you...
1. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (Epic Universe)
This ghoulishly awesome attraction is a love letter to the over 100 years of Horror History within Universal Studios. Starting with the Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1923, Universal built a horror legacy that has terrified and inspired multiple generations of Horror Fans. With it's use of gorgeous intimate set pieces, astonishingly detailed animatronics, a ride system that brings patrons up, close and personal with the Classic Monsters, this ride is a 100% wicked win...and my absolute favorite ride in Universal Orlando Resort!
Pros-
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is an masterclass in immersive theming. Starting with the grand entrance of the attraction, Frankenstein's Manor is awe-inspiring with it's rich attention to detail throughout. The Manor looks like the classic horror movies of old brought to life and the electrical currents that run through the attraction reacts to all of the Village of Darkmore as well! Once guests enter the queue, they are met with some of the most impressive theming ever seen in a ride-PERIOD! From the numerous black light reflective paintings, to the life sized original "Monster" being observed, to the terrifying found footage of the various classic creatures throughout...this queue will send a shiver down the spines of patrons! There are also two different pre-shows that set up the story of the attraction wonderfully. One with an absolutely hysterical Igor demonstrating how the attraction operates...The other features the most impressive animatronic I have seen this decade...when the unbelievably fluid figure of Frankenstein's Monster walks towards the audience, the effect created a smile that did not leave me face nearly the entire day. The ride itself is also very accessible, with double sided lockers and more accommodating seats.
Once the ride begins, ever classic Monster is represented with the most advanced animatronics in the world. Each section filled with effects such as projection mapping, exquisite details and figures that get exceptionally close to the riders...without making the riders feel sick. In addition, the screens that are used, are only used for backgrounds and to provide enhanced special effects. It is an attraction that I have ridden multiple times and I find something new in every subsequent ride through!
Cons-
Even my favorite ride in all of Universal Resort has a few issues that came to "light." While it is true that when the ride is functioning properly, it can churn through guests at an astonishing speed...Due to how complex the ride system is, it often does experience high downtimes. This can often create exceptionally long waits or having the attraction be down for most of the day...and even into the night. The ride also suffers from many of the animatronics not working during the ride through, thus making it difficult for some guests to get the full experience.
Although these cons do exist, this attraction has earned it's spot as my top ride in all of Universal Orlando Resort. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is an homage to all of the classical monsters that saved Universal Studios from bankruptcy during the Great Depression. It's masterfully use of storytelling, in-world lore that encourages riding the attraction numerous times and animatronics that create a bold statement that culminates in the being one of the best ride experiences in the world. I love Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment...I highly recommend this attraction to all thrill seekers and all individuals who are fans of immersive storytelling.
Bonus Section: Experiences and Favorite Opening Day Attraction
Experiences: While this is a list of my favorite attractions for all of the Parks, know that there are many of what I call "experiences" that also make up the Universal Orlando Resort. For me, as a gentleman who is a mega fan of live theater, these three experiences I cannot recommend enough!
3. Grinchmas (Islands of Adventure)
Occuring at Islands of Adventure during the Holiday Season ( late November Until December 31st), this whimsical celebration is truly delightful. With a reenactment of the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" show and a meet-and-greet with the Grinch (he is movie accurate, which is exceedingly impressive to see), this event has "cheer" to spare! Interacting with the Grinch is truly incredible as he finds new and unique ways to make guests laugh. There are also a few holiday treats that are unique to this time of year, including the Grinch cookie! Along with this, there are roaming "Whos" adding fun atmosphere and jovial Christmas carols wherever they go! The one downside of this event is the fact that the Grinch can have an astonishingly long wait (The record is 8 hours)! So make sure to either get there early, do the Character Breakfast or do the Hoilday VIP Tour to make your wait far less...But I highly suggest being able to experience this event...With a common side effect associated with attending the event is gaining a "Heart that Grew 3 sizes (on) that day!"
2. The Untrainable Dragon and All of The Isle of Berk (Epic Universe)
While this world is very new, having just opened up this year, it has already become a favorite experience for me! This is because due to the sheer number of characters that are just walking about, the number of astonishing animatronics within the world and a show that may bring a tear to the eyes of guests...it is like a year round seasonal Celebration! The Untrainable Dragon show is genuinely spectacular with live music, singers, stunts, special effects and a life-sized Toothless animatronic that flies overhead with Hiccup on his head! Words can barely describe the feeling of pure joy in seeing this moment live. In addition, the meet-and-greet with Toothless is potentially the best meet-and-greet I have ever experienced. With the Dragon being brought to life in a hyper realistic manner (his nostrils even move), it is like meeting a real animal. There is also an adorable and impressive moment with the Nightlights (Toothless's children) where they are able to actually walk around! However, there is one major "Hiccup" that can occur, when planning a trip to The Isle of Berk. That is that due to the complexity of both Toothless and the Nightlights, there are times when they both need to "take naps." But with this being said, this place is vibrant, this place has incredible kinetic energy...this place has Dragons!!
1. Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios)
As a huge fan of many horror films (some films much more than others) I absolutely love Halloween Horror Nights! This seasonal event has been "haunting" Park goers for over 30 years and even has its own lore associated with it (Jack the Clown being a fan favorite original character). The variety of new houses filled with incredible movie caliber sets, gory effects, puppetry and live performers with ornate costumes culminates in the event being considered by many to be the best Halloween event in the world. There are multiple "scare zones" where the scare actors can get provide intimate frights and even a provocative live stage show with "Nightmare Fuel!" In addition, there are a multitude of unique tasty foods that are as horrifying as they are delicious. However, Halloween Horror Nights does come with a price for being as popular as it is...Often the wait times for the most popular houses can get to be up to 4 hours, which makes it difficult to see everything in one night. An issue for some guests is that unlike the other two spots on my list, this is 100% not a family event. While I have seen families at the event, since there is realistic gore, disturbing imagery and lots of drinking, the event is not recommended to anyone under 13. In addition, due to how busy it is and how loud the music/sound effects are, it can be a challenge to navigate the event. However, by utilizing the early "Stay and Scream" lines, an Express Pass or an RIP Experience, it is still possible to do everything in a single evening. The energy at HHN is simply electrifying, the food (and food booths) are wonderfully themed and the costumes/sets are movie accurate with the creators of the terrifying classics being fully involved with the fabrication of the houses!
Even with the "monstrous" crowds associated with the event, this is still one of the best Halloween events you can find anywhere in the world!
Favorite Opening Day Attraction:
Jaws
When I was 14 years old, I remember this being one of my first big thrill rides I had ever been on. Opening in 1990 , Jaws was an attraction with a massive scale that put riders on a boat in Amity Village, the town featured in original Summer Blockbuster. The attraction had gargantuan life-sized Shark animatronics, large scale pyrotechnics and something especially rare amongst rides now...a live actor playing an inexperienced skipper. The actors/attraction attendants were hilarious with their interactions and delivered some of the most beautifully corny lines I have ever heard ("Have a Jaw-some day" was my favorite)! The queue itself also was "Fin-tastic" since it was meant to be a museum, with props from the actual film on display. Unfortunately, due to the high costs of maintaining the attraction, Jaws saw its final voyage in 2012. Thankfully, they do still have this incredible attraction in Universal Studios Japan and it is possible to see an impressive Bruce (the name of the shark) float during the Mega Movie Parade!
I hope that you all enjoyed my pros/cons list of all of these phenomenal attractions...and I cannot wait to see how this world class destination will evolve in the future. Here is to the next 35 years, have an Epic Day everyone!
