List of Universal Orlando Resort attractions explained

The Universal Orlando Resort is an amusement park resort located in Orlando, Florida. It features two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, built on 107acres and 101acres of land, respectively.[1] [2] Both parks feature several attractions and shows based on movies produced by Universal Pictures.

After several delays during construction, Universal Studios Florida opened to the public on June 7, 1990; however, several of the park's major attractions experienced frequent mechanical and technical problems, forcing the rides to close. Eventually, Universal filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Jaws, an attraction that was based on the film.[3] [4] [5] Despite being costly to maintain, Jaws remained a popular attraction until its closure in 2012.

Three years later, Universal announced the construction of a second theme park, Islands of Adventure, that officially opened on May 28, 1999.[6] [7]

One of the most popular additions to the resort is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an incorporation of the Harry Potter franchise.[8] [9] Opened in 2010, part of the Lost Continent area of the Islands of Adventure park was re-themed to Hogsmeade. Also, a replica of Hogwarts was constructed, with a dark ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located inside.[10] [11] [12] In 2014, an area themed after Diagon Alley opened in the former location of Jaws within Universal Studios Florida. This addition included Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, as well the Hogwarts Express based on the Hogwarts Express that allows guests to travel between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley without actually having to exit either park.[13]

In 2015, Universal permanently installed metal detectors at three of their roller coasters. These were Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the defunct Dragon Challenge and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.[14] The metal detectors would also be added to VelociCoaster in 2021.[15]

On January 15, 2023, the majority of Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, which included Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster and Fievel's Waterslide, the play areas Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel's Playland, and the Shrek-themed meet-and-greet style attraction which was opened the year before after the closure of Shrek 4-D, was permanently closed to make room for an area to be themed to DreamWorks Animation.[16]

Attractions

Roller coasters

NameYearManufacturerParkLocationDescription
Curse of the Werewolf2025Mack RidesUniversal Epic UniverseDark UniverseA spinning roller coaster based on the 1941 Wolf Man movie.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Formerly Flying Unicorn (2000–2008)
2010VekomaUniversal Islands of AdventureThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter – HogsmeadeVekoma Junior Coaster based on Harry Potter film series
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure2019IntaminUniversal Islands of AdventureThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter – HogsmeadeMotorbike roller coaster based on the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter film series
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts2014IntaminUniversal Studios FloridaThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon AlleyAn indoor roller coaster featuring motion-based 4D effects
Hiccup's Wing Gliders2025IntaminUniversal Epic UniverseHow To Train Your Dragon - Isle of BerkA family launched roller coaster themed to dragon training based on the How To Train Your Dragon film franchise
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit2009Maurer SöhneUniversal Studios FloridaProduction CentralX-Car model that features on-ride music and video
Mine Cart Madness2025UnknownUniversal Epic UniverseSuper Nintendo World - Donkey Kong CountryA “Boom Coaster” based on the Donkey Kong video games.
Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride2004Premier RidesUniversal Studios FloridaNew YorkAn indoor launched roller coaster based on The Mummy film
Stardust Racers2025Mack RidesUniversal Epic UniverseCelestial ParkA duelling roller coaster themed to comets with onboard sound and LEDs
The Incredible Hulk Coaster1999Bolliger & MabillardUniversal Islands of AdventureMarvel Super Hero IslandLaunched roller coaster based on fictional superhero Hulk
Trolls' Trollercoaster2024VekomaUniversal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandVekoma Junior Coaster based on Trolls
VelociCoaster2021IntaminUniversal Islands of AdventureJurassic ParkLaunched roller coaster based on the Velociraptor from the Jurassic World films, being the first ride at the resort to be based on the reboot of Jurassic Park.

Motion simulators

NameYearParkLocationDescription
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem2012Universal Studios FloridaMinion Land on Illumination AveMotion simulator dark ride based on the Despicable Me film franchise
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey2010Universal Islands of AdventureThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter – HogsmeadeMotion simulator dark ride based on Harry Potter film seriesFeatures real sets and screens
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge2025Universal Epic UniverseSuper Nintendo World - Super Mario LandInteractive Motion simulator dark ride with 4D effects based on the Mario Kart video games
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment2025Universal Epic UniverseDark UniverseMotion simulator dark ride where riders encounter Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s sinister experiments.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon2017Universal Studios Florida New YorkMotion simulator dark ride based on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
1999Universal Islands of AdventureMarvel Super Hero IslandMotion simulator dark ride based on Spider-ManFeatures real sets and screens
The Simpsons Ride2008Universal Studios FloridaWorld Expo/SpringfieldMotion simulator dark ride based on The Simpsons
2013Universal Studios FloridaProduction CentralMotion simulator dark ride based on the Transformers film franchiseFeatures real sets and screens

Other rides

NameYearParkLocationDescription
Caro–Seuss–el1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss LandingCarousel based on fictitious animals found in works by Dr. Seuss
Constellation Carousel2025Universal Epic Universe Celestial ParkCarousel ride themed with star signs and constellations
Doctor Doom's Fearfall1999Universal Islands of AdventureMarvel Super Hero IslandSpace Shot based on Doctor Doom
Dragon Racer’s Rally2025Universal Epic UniverseHow To Train Your Dragon - Isle of BerkDueling Gerstlauer Sky Fly rides based on How To Train Your Dragon
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls1999Universal Islands of AdventureToon LagoonLog flume based on Dudley Do-Right
E.T. Adventure1990Universal Studios FloridaHollywood Dark ride based on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
2018Universal Studios FloridaSan FranciscoDark ride based on Fast & Furious film franchise
Fyre Drill2025Universal Epic UniverseHow To Train Your Dragon - Isle of BerkAn interactive boat ride based on How To Train Your Dragon
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry2025Universal Epic UniverseThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of MagicAn omnidirectional lift ride based on the Harry Potter film series
Hogwarts Express2014Universal Studios Florida
Universal Islands of Adventure
Hogsmeade and London/Diagon AlleyTrain ride based on Harry Potter that allows two-way access to and from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure for visitors whose park pass allow usage
Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast2023Universal Studios FloridaMinion Land on Illumination AveShooting dark ride based on Villain-Con from Minions. The attraction features a moving pathway as its way of moving guests along the showroom.
Jurassic Park River Adventure1999Universal Islands of AdventureJurassic ParkShoot the Chute water ride based on Jurassic Park
Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl2013Universal Studios FloridaWorld ExpoAerial carousel based on the Treehouse of Horror series from The Simpsons
2000Universal Studios FloridaWorld ExpoInteractive shooting dark ride based on Men in Black
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss LandingAerial carousel water ride based on One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges1999Universal Islands of AdventureToon LagoonRiver rapids ride themed to Popeye
2016Universal Islands of AdventureSkull Island4D Kong-themed dark ride with trackless vehicles and animatronics
Storm Force Accelatron2000Universal Islands of AdventureMarvel Super Hero IslandTeacups-style ride based on Marvel fictional superhero Storm
The Cat In The Hat1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss LandingDark ride based on The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss LandingPowered train ride based on The Sneetches and Other Stories and various other works by Dr. Seuss
Yoshi’s Adventure2025Universal Epic UniverseSuper Nintendo World - Super Mario LandOmnimover ride based on Yoshi

Live shows and play areas

NameParkLocationDescription
Animal Actors On LocationUniversal Studios FloridaHollywoodLive show
The Bourne StuntacularUniversal Studios FloridaHollywoodLive show based on Bourne films
Camp Jurassic Universal Islands of AdventureJurassic ParkPlay area based on Jurassic Park
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandLive show based on DreamWorks Animation
Grinchmas Wholiday SpectacularUniversal Islands of AdventureBack lot behind Seuss LandingSeasonal live-action theater show based on the franchise How the Grinch Stole Christmas
If I Ran The ZooUniversal Islands of AdventureSeuss LandingPlay Area based on Dr. Seuss
Le Cirque ArcanusUniversal Epic UniverseThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of MagicLive show with mystical creatures
Me Ship, The OliveUniversal Islands of AdventureToon LagoonPlay Area based on Popeye
Oh! The Stories You'll HearUniversal Islands of AdventureSeuss LandingLive show based on Dr. Seuss
Po Live!Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandLive show based on Kung Fu Panda
Poppy's PlaygroundUniversal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandPlay Area based on Trolls
Universal Studios Florida New YorkLive show based on The Blues Brothers
Shrek's Swamp for Little OgresUniversal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandPlay Area based on Shrek
The Untrainable DragonUniversal Epic UniverseHow To Train Your Dragon - Isle of BerkA live stage show based on How To Train Your Dragon
Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up ShowUniversal Studios FloridaHollywoodLive show based on Universal Monsters

Additional experiences

Notes

  1. Denotes the requirement that guests must have an admission ticket that allows visits to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
  2. Denotes that height requirements are in inches.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Universal Studios Florida Fact Sheet. Universal Orlando Resort. October 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141017001619/https://media.universalorlando.com/resources/factsheets/Universal%20Studios%20Florida%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf. October 17, 2014 . 2.
  2. Web site: Universal's Islands of Adventure Fact Sheet. Universal Orlando Resort. October 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141017001751/https://media.universalorlando.com/resources/factsheets/Islands%20of%20Adventure%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf. October 17, 2014 . 2.
  3. News: Oliver. Mike. Universal: Stardust And Static. October 16, 2014. Orlando Sentinel. June 8, 1990. https://web.archive.org/web/20141017002829/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1990-06-08/news/9006080556_1_sylvester-stallone-grand-opening-universal-studios. October 17, 2014.
  4. News: Travel Advisory. October 16, 2014. The New York Times. September 30, 1990. https://web.archive.org/web/20141017002944/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/30/travel/travel-advisory-977590.html. October 17, 2014 .
  5. News: Strother. Susan. Universal Delays Park Opening Date Pushed To June. October 16, 2014. Orlando Sentinel. January 31, 1990. https://web.archive.org/web/20141017003058/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1990-01-31/news/9001313239_1_universal-studios-theme-park-studios-florida. October 17, 2014.
  6. News: Company News; Universal to Expand Park in Florida. October 16, 2014. The New York Times. September 16, 1993. https://web.archive.org/web/20141017004545/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/16/business/company-news-universal-to-expand-park-in-florida.html. October 17, 2014 .
  7. News: Islands Park to Debut May 28. October 16, 2014. Lakeland Ledger. May 12, 1999. 25.
  8. News: Pedicini. Sandra. Harry Potter sends Comcast's theme park revenue soaring. January 22, 2015. Orlando Sentinel. October 23, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20150122235505/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-comcast-earnings-20141023-story.html. January 22, 2015.
  9. News: Bilbao. Richard. Harry Potter Hogsmeade's spell still strong after four years. January 22, 2015. Orlando Business Journal. June 18, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20150122235951/http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2014/06/harry-potter-hogmeade-s-spell-still-strong-after.html. January 22, 2015.
  10. News: Albright. Mark. A whole new magic kingdom. October 18, 2014. St. Petersburg Times. June 1, 2007. 1.
  11. News: Lambert. Marjie. 3 Disney attractions close to make way for next wave. November 5, 2014. The Detroit News. October 20, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141021050834/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/2014/10/20/disney-closes-three-rides/17647459/. October 21, 2014.
  12. News: Bevil. Dewayne. Hogsmeade vs. Diagon Alley: Sizing up 2 Potter 'worlds'. November 5, 2014. Orlando Sentinel. July 31, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141105201812/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/universal-orlando/diagon-alley-harry-potter-park/os-dewayne-bevil-harry-potter-comparison-20140731-column.html. November 5, 2014.
  13. News: Neumaier. Joe. 'Harry Potter' still casting spells – with new theme park, London hotel, short story coming up. November 5, 2014. New York Daily News. October 28, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141105201302/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/harry-potter-casting-spell-new-theme-park-hotel-short-story-materializing-article-1.1989194. November 5, 2014.
  14. Web site: Metal detectors become permanent at 3 Universal rides. April 22, 2015 .
  15. Web site: One-word review for Universal's new VelociCoaster: Relentless. May 2, 2021 .
  16. Web site: 2023-07-20 . Universal Studios: DreamWorks land coming next year . 2023-08-26 . Orlando Sentinel . en-US.