List of Universal Orlando Resort attractions

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 107 acres (43 ha) and 101 acres (41 ha) 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.[11] 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.[12][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

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Roller coasters

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Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit's vertical lift hill
Name Year Manufacturer Park Location Description
Curse of the Werewolf 2025 Mack Rides Universal Epic Universe Dark Universe A spinning roller coaster based on the 1941 Wolf Man movie.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Formerly Flying Unicorn (2000–2008)
2000 Vekoma Universal Islands of Adventure The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Vekoma Junior Coaster based on Harry Potter film series
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure 2019 Intamin Universal Islands of Adventure The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Motorbike roller coaster based on the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter film series
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts 2014 Intamin Universal Studios Florida The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley An indoor roller coaster featuring motion-based 4D effects
Hiccup's Wing Gliders 2025 Intamin Universal Epic Universe How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk A family launched roller coaster themed to dragon training based on the How To Train Your Dragon film franchise
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit 2009 Maurer Söhne Universal Studios Florida Production Central X-Car model that features on-ride music and video
Mine Cart Madness 2025 Unknown Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World - Donkey Kong Country A “Boom Coaster” based on the Donkey Kong video games.
Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride 2004 Premier Rides Universal Studios Florida New York An indoor launched roller coaster based on The Mummy film
Stardust Racers 2025 Mack Rides Universal Epic Universe Celestial Park A duelling roller coaster themed to comets with onboard sound and LEDs
The Incredible Hulk Coaster 1999 Bolliger & Mabillard Universal Islands of Adventure Marvel Super Hero Island Launched roller coaster based on fictional superhero Hulk
Trolls' Trollercoaster
Formerly Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster (1999–2023)
1999 Vekoma Universal Studios Florida DreamWorks Land Vekoma Junior Coaster based on Trolls
VelociCoaster 2021 Intamin Universal Islands of Adventure Jurassic Park Launched 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

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Hogwarts contains Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey within.
Name Year Park Location Description
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 2012 Universal Studios Florida Minion Land on Illumination Ave Motion simulator dark ride based on the Despicable Me film franchise
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 2010 Universal Islands of Adventure The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Motion simulator dark ride based on Harry Potter film series

Features real sets and screens

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge 2025 Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World - Super Mario Land Interactive Motion simulator dark ride with 4D effects based on the Mario Kart video games
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment 2025 Universal Epic Universe Dark Universe Motion simulator dark ride where riders encounter Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s sinister experiments.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon 2017 Universal Studios Florida New York Motion simulator dark ride based on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Marvel Super Hero Island Motion simulator dark ride based on Spider-Man

Features real sets and screens

The Simpsons Ride 2008 Universal Studios Florida World Expo/Springfield Motion simulator dark ride based on The Simpsons
Transformers: The Ride 3D 2013 Universal Studios Florida Production Central Motion simulator dark ride based on the Transformers film franchise

Features real sets and screens

Other rides

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Splashdown on Jurassic Park: River Adventure
Name Year Park Location Description
Caro–Seuss–el 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Seuss Landing Carousel based on fictitious animals found in works by Dr. Seuss
Constellation Carousel 2025 Universal Epic Universe Celestial Park Carousel ride themed with star signs and constellations
Doctor Doom's Fearfall 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Marvel Super Hero Island Space Shot based on Doctor Doom
Dragon Racer’s Rally 2025 Universal Epic Universe How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk Dueling Gerstlauer Sky Fly rides based on How to Train Your Dragon
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Toon Lagoon Log flume based on Dudley Do-Right
E.T. Adventure 1990 Universal Studios Florida Hollywood Dark ride based on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Fast & Furious: Supercharged 2018 Universal Studios Florida San Francisco Dark ride based on Fast & Furious film franchise
Fyre Drill 2025 Universal Epic Universe How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk An interactive boat ride based on How to Train Your Dragon
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry 2025 Universal Epic Universe The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic An omnidirectional lift ride based on the Harry Potter film series
Hogwarts Express 2014 Universal Studios Florida
Universal Islands of Adventure
Hogsmeade and London/Diagon Alley Train ride based on Harry Potter that allows two-way access to and from Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for visitors whose park pass allow usage
Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast 2023 Universal Studios Florida Minion Land on Illumination Ave Shooting 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 Adventure 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Jurassic Park Shoot the Chute water ride based on Jurassic Park
Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl 2013 Universal Studios Florida World Expo Aerial carousel based on the Treehouse of Horror series from The Simpsons
Men in Black: Alien Attack 2000 Universal Studios Florida World Expo Interactive shooting dark ride based on Men in Black
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Seuss Landing Aerial carousel water ride based on One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Toon Lagoon River rapids ride themed to Popeye
Skull Island: Reign of Kong 2016 Universal Islands of Adventure Skull Island 4D Kong-themed dark ride with trackless vehicles and animatronics
Storm Force Accelatron 2000 Universal Islands of Adventure Marvel Super Hero Island Teacups-style ride based on Marvel fictional superhero Storm
The Cat In The Hat 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Seuss Landing Dark ride based on The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride 1999 Universal Islands of Adventure Seuss Landing Powered train ride based on The Sneetches and Other Stories and various other works by Dr. Seuss
Yoshi’s Adventure 2025 Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World - Super Mario Land Omnimover ride based on Yoshi

Live shows and play areas

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Name Park Location Description
Animal Actors on Location Universal Studios Florida Hollywood Live show
The Bourne Stuntacular Universal Studios Florida Hollywood Live show based on Bourne films
Camp Jurassic Universal Islands of Adventure Jurassic Park Play area based on Jurassic Park
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration Universal Studios Florida DreamWorks Land Live show based on DreamWorks Animation
Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular Universal Islands of Adventure Back lot behind Seuss Landing Seasonal live-action theater show based on the franchise How the Grinch Stole Christmas
If I Ran The Zoo Universal Islands of Adventure Seuss Landing Play Area based on Dr. Seuss
Le Cirque Arcanus Universal Epic Universe The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic Live show with mystical creatures
Me Ship, The Olive Universal Islands of Adventure Toon Lagoon Play Area based on Popeye
Oh! The Stories You'll Hear! Universal Islands of Adventure Seuss Landing Live show based on Dr. Seuss
Po Live! Universal Studios Florida DreamWorks Land Live show based on Kung Fu Panda
Poppy's Playground Universal Studios Florida DreamWorks Land Play Area based on Trolls
The Blues Brothers Show Universal Studios Florida New York Live show based on The Blues Brothers
Shrek's Swamp for Little Ogres Universal Studios Florida DreamWorks Land Play Area based on Shrek
The Untrainable Dragon Universal Epic Universe How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk A live stage show based on How To Train Your Dragon
Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show Universal Studios Florida Hollywood Live show based on Universal Monsters

Additional experiences

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  • Universal's Great Movie Escape is an escape room attraction nearby Universal's Orlando theme parks, in Universal CityWalk Orlando
  • NBC Media Center is a seasonal survey attraction that allows guests to preview upcoming NBCUniversal films and shows, and is located within Universal Studio Florida's Hollywood area in a "Garden of Allah Villas"-themed section.

Notes

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  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.

References

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  1. ^ "Universal Studios Florida Fact Sheet" (PDF). Universal Orlando Resort. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  2. ^ "Universal's Islands of Adventure Fact Sheet" (PDF). Universal Orlando Resort. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  3. ^ Oliver, Mike (June 8, 1990). "Universal: Stardust And Static". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  4. ^ "Travel Advisory". The New York Times. September 30, 1990. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  5. ^ Strother, Susan (January 31, 1990). "Universal Delays Park Opening Date Pushed To June". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  6. ^ "Company News; Universal to Expand Park in Florida". The New York Times. September 16, 1993. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  7. ^ "Islands Park to Debut May 28". Lakeland Ledger. May 12, 1999. p. 25. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  8. ^ Pedicini, Sandra (October 23, 2014). "Harry Potter sends Comcast's theme park revenue soaring". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  9. ^ Bilbao, Richard (June 18, 2014). "Harry Potter Hogsmeade's spell still strong after four years". Orlando Business Journal. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  10. ^ Albright, Mark (June 1, 2007). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times. p. 1. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  11. ^ a b Lambert, Marjie (October 20, 2014). "3 Disney attractions close to make way for next wave". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  12. ^ a b Bevil, Dewayne (July 31, 2014). "Hogsmeade vs. Diagon Alley: Sizing up 2 Potter 'worlds'". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  13. ^ Neumaier, Joe (October 28, 2014). "'Harry Potter' still casting spells – with new theme park, London hotel, short story coming up". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  14. ^ "Metal detectors become permanent at 3 Universal rides". April 22, 2015.
  15. ^ "One-word review for Universal's new VelociCoaster: Relentless". May 2, 2021.
  16. ^ "Universal Studios: DreamWorks land coming next year". Orlando Sentinel. July 20, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
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