Universal’s Islands of Adventure is rated the number one theme park in the United States by TripAdvisor and they will get no argument from us. Originally opened in 1999, this 101-acre theme park and is right next to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s CityWalk dining & entertainment complex.
The park is separated into eight different “islands”, each having a different theme. From Marvel Super Hero Island to Jurassic World as well as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visitors will find that Universal’s Islands of Adventure has some of the best thrill rides & attractions of any of the theme parks in the Orlando area
In this post we list the best rides and attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure for 2023. As said before, we at Endless Summer Florida love to make “best ride” lists as we really enjoy seeing the comments from theme park visitors on which rides they think are the best.
Click here to see our Definite Guide to Universal’s Islands of Adventure
The Best Rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure (2023)
15. The Cat in the Hat
14. Pteranodon Flyers
13. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! ™
12. Skull Island: Reign of Kong
11. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
10. Storm Force Accelatron
9. Flight of the Hippogrff ™
8. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
7. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
6. Jurassic Park River Adventure
5. Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
3. The Incredible Hulk (roller coaster)
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster
15. The Cat in the Hat
Straight out of the pages of Dr. Seuss is The Cat in the Hat which is a kid-friendly motion simulator attraction. Guests will become part of the story along with the cat, “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” and enjoy and adventure – but just don’t tell mother about it.
Located in Seuss Landing section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, this ride is popular for families with younger children so wait times typically exceed 30 to 45 minutes. Universal Express is offered and this ride is limited to guests 36 inches in height and taller.
14. Pteranodon Flyers
Riders will enjoy flying high over Jurassic Park in the Pteranodon Flyers attraction. Due to very limited capacity, one of the two riders on the 10-foot Pterandon must be a child ranging in height from 36 to 56 inches. So two adults above 56 inches in height can’t ride together, allowing more capacity for young kids.
With the limited capacity and popularity of the ride, wait times for the Pteranodon Flyers can get extensive, typically exceeding an hour on a summer day. Unfortunately, Universal Express Pass is not offered but the ride is worth the wait.
13. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™
Another Dr. Seuss classic attraction at Universal’s Island of Adventure is High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™. Riders board a slow-moving train while hearing about the story of the Sneetches and ride above Seuss Landing. From this perspective guest will enjoy some of the best views of the entire theme park area.
Due to the limited capacity, wait times on busy summer days can get long, typically exceeding 30 to 45 minutes. Universal Express is offered and this ride is limited to guests 36 inches in height and taller.
12. Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Riders will go on an expedition deep into the jungle in Skull Island: Reign of Kong. In this 3D / 4D motion simulator attraction, there are a number of predators that attack your truck but in the end, King Kong comes to the rescue.
Kong is one of the newer Universal’s Islands of Adventure rides that combines the latest screen technology with a classic storyline. Riders will also get to experience an extensive, well theme queue.
Wait times for Kong typically range from 30 minutes to an hour. Universal Express is offered and this ride is limited to guests 36 inches in height and taller.
11. Flight of the Hippogriff ™
Located just outside of Hogsmeade Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Flight of the Hippogriff ™. Riders hop on the Hippogriff for a magical roller coaster ride through the pumpkin patch wizarding world.
The Hippogriff is family-friendly ride that is suitable for first time roller coaster riders. There is a 36 inch height requirement but guests under 48 inches will need a supervision companion. Due to limited capacity, wait times on busy summer typically exceeding an 45 minutes but Universal Express Pass is offered.
10. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Guests will go on an adventure with Popeye the Sailor Man to rescue Olive Oyl in Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. You will need to hold on tight as your barge will make its way through raging rapids as well as a number of water features which will help keep you cool despite the hot Florida sun.
Before getting started, make sure to stow all your belongings under cover as you are guaranteed to get soaked on this amazing river raft ride.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is a very popular ride and wait times on busy summer days can get extensive, typically exceeding 45 minutes to an hour. Universal Express is offered and this ride is limited to guests 42 inches in height and taller.
9. Storm Force Accelatron
Help Storm and the X-Men defeat the evil Magneto by spinning your ride vehicle to create lightning and thunder. Storm Force Accelatron is a kid-friendly attraction but those under 48 inches in height are required to have a supervising companion.
Due to the location of this attraction behind the Incredible Hulk, Storm Force Accelatron is often overlooked but we always make sure to get a quick ride before leaving Marvel Super Hero Island. Wait times are typically less than 30 minutes even on a busy summer day. However, in most cases guests will be on the ride in 15 to 20 minutes.
8. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a log flume water ride that’s been a staple at Islands of Adventure since the park opened in 1999. This five-minute ride is both indoors and outdoors and themed after the Dudley Do-Right cartoon.
The best part of Dudley Do-Right’s Rip Saw Falls is the 75 foot drop at the end of the ride and one of the most exciting among Universal’s Islands of Adventure Rides. Be wary of the other theme park guests who will use water cannons to get you even further soaked. Make sure you are visiting on a warm day as riders will definitely come off this attraction soaking wet.
Wait times vary based on the time of the year but range from 30 to 45 minutes on a typical summer day. Riders under 48 inches in height are required to have a supervising companion.
7. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a 3D motion simulator type attraction where guests go on an adventure with Spider-Man as he fights the villains of the Sinister Syndicate. With it’s great story and theming, is considered among the best rides at Islands of Adventure. Keep an eye out for the cameo appearance of creator Stan Lee.
Located within Marvel Super Hero Island, Spider-Man typically has a wait of more than 40 to 50 minutes. This attraction is limited to guests 40 inches and over and anyone under 48 inches will need to have a supervising companion.
There are a number of quick twists and turns on the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man so if you get motion sickness easily, you way want to take a pass on this ride.
Click here for our Definitive Guide to Universal’s Islands of Adventure
6. Jurassic Park River Adventure
In the Jurassic Park River Adventure you will take a leisurely boat tour through the pre-historic themed jungle where you get up close and personal with a number of dinosaurs. About halfway through the trip your boat makes a wrong turn into the Raptor Containment Area where you will find that the raptors have broken their cages and are on the loose. Your boat enters the a large building where you will have to watch out for all the raptors and avoid being eaten by an angry T-Rex.
The end of the ride is the best par where your boat makes an 85 foot drop at almost 50 miles per hour to the river below. Either bring a poncho or plan on getting wet.
Some of the Dinosaurs you will encounter on this ride include:
- Ultrasarus
- Psittacsaurus
- Stegosarus
- Parasaurolophus
- Dilophasaurs
- Velociraptors
- Compsognathus
- Tyrannosaurus Rex
The line for this ride can get lengthy with wait times approaching an hour, especially on hot summer days. A child swap location is also available if you are traveling with little ones that are too small to ride.
5. Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall
On this ride you will get shot straight up more than 180 feet above Universal’s Islands of Adventure and them plummet down faster than the speed of gravity itself. Themed after the Marvel Comics super villain, Doctors Doom’s Fearfall is a quick ride but very exciting and totally worth it for the view at the top.
At the exit Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall there is a great where you will find a dedication to Marvel’s creator, Stan Lee. This dedication is easy to walk by as a small display with an empty chair so keep your eyes open as its a great place for a photo op.
Although lines don’t get as lengthy as some of the other popular rides, a Universal Express pass is always recommended. A child swap location is also available if you are traveling with little ones that are too small to ride.
Our nighttime video offers a different perspective.
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the ride that started it all at Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is one the most highly themed rides of any of the Orlando theme parks that takes place within the Hogwarts Castle. In this motion simulator, riders will fly along with Harry on a broomstick for an amazing adventure while dodging dragons, spiders and Dementors.
One of the best parts of the experience is walking through the Queue where you will feel like a student walking the halls of the Hogwarts Castle. While you’re walking through the Castle, try to find the Sword of Gryffindor and make sure you say hello to the sorting hat.
One thing to be aware of – if you get motion sickness easily, then you may want to pass on the ride itself. You can check out our video of the full experience at the link in the description below.
Universal Express is accepted that this ride (and highly recommended) and at times this ride an hour before park entry to Universal hotel guests and select annual passholders.
3. The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster
The Incredible Hulk is one of the most intense roller coasters at the Universal Orlando Resort and is always among the best rides at Islands of Adventure. The attraction is one of the most visible rides at Universal and features 7 inversions where you will experience up to 4 G’s. Riders are launched with a roar from the Hulk and reach speeds of up to 67 miles per hour on this 2+ minute ride.
Located in Marvel Super Hero Island®, the Incredible Hulk has a minimum height requirement of 54 inches and is suitable for only experienced coaster riders. Wait times generally range from 30 minutes to 45 minutes on a typical summer day and Universal Express Pass is offered so riders can bypass the regular line. A child swap location is also available if you are traveling with little ones that are too small to ride.
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
At a cost of $300 million, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is one of the most expensive roller coaster ever built. With speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and some of the best theming in all of the Orlando area theme parks, it’s no wonder that wait times can exceed two hours for a ride on Hagrid’s.
Guests choose from a ride on the motorcycle or the sidecar and go on an adventure with Hagrid outside of Hogwarts Castle through the Forbidden Forest. The ride itself is fairly long at almost a mile in length and you go forward, background and even free-fall without ever leaving your motorbike.
The attraction has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches and is suitable for riders of most thrill levels. Unfortunately Hagrid’s does not accept the Universal Express Pass at this time.
1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the new standard of roller coasters at the Universal Orlando Resort. Officially opened on June 10, 2021, this amazing coaster won the Theme Park Insider aware for “Best New Attraction of 2021” and “Best Rollercoaster of 2021”. It was also the “Best New Theme Park Attraction 2021” from USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice.
Located on the site of the former Triceratops Encounter, behind the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and to the rear of Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, the VelociCoaster will take riders on speeds of up to 70 miles per hour featuring two high speed launches, 12 individual moments of airtime, four separate inversions and a 155-foot tall top hat followed by a drop of almost 90 degrees.
The VelociCoaster is one of those rides that should not be missed when visiting Universal Orlando. Wait times typically range from about 40 minutes to more than and hour. Universal Express Pass is offered and there is a minimum height requirement of 51 inches.
Click here for our Definitive Guide to Universal’s Islands of Adventure
How can I get on Universal’s Islands of Adventure rides quickly?
There are two different ways to bypass the regular lines Universal’s Islands of Adventure rides. The most popular way to do so is the Universal Express pass which allows guests to skip the regular lines on all of our Top 15 attractions with the exception of Hagrid’s Magic Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the Pteranodon Flyers.
Visitors can purchase a Universal Express pass in one of two different tiers which include one time per ride or an unlimited time per ride. Daily prices to purchase Universal Express range from $89.99 per person to $379.99 per person.
Hotel guests staying at one of the Premier Category on-site hotels get Universal Express as one of their benefits for up to 5 people per room. This could be a substantial savings over purchasing directly. Premier category hotels include the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
Another way to get a Universal Express pass is to have a Universal Orlando “Premier” level annual pass. One of the benefits of this annual pass is that it allows passholders to utilize the Universal Express queues one time per day on the participating attractions after 4:00 PM at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
There is a completely free way to bypass the regular lines for some of the best rides at Islands of Adventure (with the cost of admission of course). This is for visitors to utilize the Single Rider lines that are offered at a number of our top attractions.
Following is a current list of rides that offer single rider lines at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster
- Dr. Doom’s Fearfall
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
A single rider line is a separate queue where those visitors who wish to ride alone will be able to bypass the regular line and in most cases, get on the attraction quicker. Team members use the individual riders to fill vacant seats in a ride vehicle as not all traveling parties match the number of seats available on a ride vehicle.
