Most Thrilling Rides & Attractions at Universal

This is a list of the most thrilling attractions at Universal.
The Top Ten
The Flying Dinosaur (Universal Studios Japan)

The world's longest flying roller coaster, where guests are restrained in a prone position on an inverted coaster, making them feel as if they're flying in the most thrilling way.

This ride simulates flying like a Pterodactyl at high speeds and includes extreme inversions and twists that can leave even the bravest riders breathless. It's so intense that heart checks are sometimes recommended after the ride.

Thrill level: 10/10

The Incredible Hulk - (Islands of Adventure)

One of the most iconic coasters in Florida. This unique ride features a launch that shoots riders up to 40 mph in 2.5 seconds at a 45-degree angle.

The ride includes seven inversions, a barrel roll, loops, and corkscrews, reaching a top speed of 67 mph, which is typical for a roller coaster. A portion of the ride even goes underground, offering a special treat for thrill-seekers.

Thrill level: 8/10

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios Orlando)

A famous coaster where riders select a song before ascending a 90-degree lift and then dropping nearly vertically. The ride features numerous twists, almost inverting but not quite.

The top speed is 65 mph, comparable to driving on a highway. However, the ride is notorious for its roughness. Riders often experience jerks throughout the track, with their heads banging against unpadded seats.

Thrill level: 8/10

Battlestar Galactica (Universal Studios Singapore)

The second duel-tracked roller coaster on Universal property, offering two versions: Cylon and Human.

On the Cylon track, guests hang from an inverted track at 51 mph. On the Human track, guests sit down like on most coasters, traveling at 56 mph. Both coasters launch and subject riders to high-speed thrills, though the Cylon tends to get the better reviews of the two.

Thrill level: 8/10

Dragon Challenge (Islands of Adventure 1999-2017)

The first duel-tracked roller coaster on Universal property, and the first in the world after Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. It was an iconic staple at Universal Orlando.

Riders were suspended on inverted tracks and flung through the ride, nearly colliding with each other. When it was originally known as Dueling Dragons, guests were throwing loose articles at each other, which led Universal to stop the dueling aspect and ban loose articles from the ride. They added metal detectors and lockers to enforce this.

The ride was then renamed Dragon Challenge, but it wasn't as popular as before. Still, it remained a thrilling experience for Universal fans. The Chinese Fireball and the Hungarian Horntail were 125 feet tall, with the Chinese Fireball reaching top speeds of 60 mph, while the Hungarian Horntail topped out at 55 mph.

Thrill level: 7.5/10

Doctor Doom's Fearfall (Islands of Adventure)

This iconic drop ride at Universal features two drop towers. The main thrill of this ride is the anticipation and never knowing exactly when the ride is going to start. When it does, you shoot up, go back down, and the process repeats itself, although it gradually dies down throughout the ride. Guests are left chilled to the bone.

Thrill level: 6.5/10

Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studious Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Singapore)

One of the best indoor roller coasters, this ride offers a highly immersive experience that perfectly combines dark ride elements with a thrilling roller coaster. Riders are launched up to 40 mph and race through the dark with mummy imagery. At one point, they even go backward through the darkness. After that, the ride ends.

Thrill level: 6.5/10

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

One of the most immersive rides ever created. Guests travel through the Wizarding World and encounter Hogwarts before embarking on an adventure.

This ride combines dark ride elements with flying theater experiences, utilizing an Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV) simulator. However, it's notorious for causing motion sickness, so the warnings should be taken seriously. While it's not the most thrilling ride, it's beloved by many guests.

Thrill level: 5.5/10

Jurassic Park Adventure (Islands of Adventure)

This ride takes guests through the jungles of Jurassic Park, where they encounter dinosaurs. At one point, they enter a dark room and then drop 85 feet, getting soaked in the process.

Thrill level: 5.5/10

VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure)

This ride is so intense it can hardly be described. It features two launches, one at 50 mph and another at 70 mph, and a 150-foot top hat that whips you around. The "Mosasaurus" roll makes you feel like you're flying and falling simultaneously.

The theming is incredible - you really feel like you're under attack by velociraptors. No other ride at Universal has had such an impact on riders. This one gets a 10+ out of 10.

Thrill level: 10+/10

The Newcomers

? Konohana-ku (Universal Studios Japan)

This is a backwards coaster at Universal Japan, making it an extremely thrilling ride.

Thrill level: 8.5/10

? Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster (Universal Studios Orlando)

This is a typical kiddie coaster. It's not very thrilling, with a top speed of only 21.7 mph, but it has a cute and charming theme.

Thrill level: 3/10

The Contenders
Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls (Islands of Adventure)

This famous flume ride takes riders on an adventure through Rip Saw City, followed by several drops, including a 75-foot drop that gets riders wet.

Thrill level: 5.5/10

Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

This ride is a combination of a roller coaster, a simulator, and a dark ride all together. It's not very thrilling, but it's incredibly immersive, allowing you to take in the scenery as you go on an adventure with Harry Potter to escape from Gringotts.

Thrill level: 4/10

The Simpsons Ride (Universal Studios Orlando)

This is a colorful motion simulator where the screen wraps around you as you meet Bart Simpson and his friends, going on a daring adventure. This ride is notorious for causing motion sickness, so much so that many people come off sick from this attraction. Take the warnings seriously.

Thrill level: 3.5/10

Flight of the Hippogriff (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

This is technically a kiddie coaster, but it's very tall for one. The top speed is 28.5 mph, and it's somewhat rough. However, it's a good coaster for kids moving up to bigger rides.

Thrill level: 3.5/10

The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man (Islands of Adventure)

This simulator takes you on an adventure with Spider-Man, involving going through buildings, climbing them, and diving. In 2012, Universal refurbished the ride with improved HD to make it seem more realistic.

Thrill level: 3.5/10

Transformers: The Ride 3D (Universal Studios Orlando)

This motion simulator, like others, uses good 3D imagery combined with seat movements to create a thrilling experience.

Thrill level: 3.5/10

Pteranodon Flyers (Islands of Adventure)

This coaster simulates a gentle flight on a pteranodon. It's not very fast, but it is very high, so anyone afraid of heights should beware.

Thrill level: 3/10

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