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Every Ride at Universal Orlando, Ranked
These are the best rides at Universal Orlando — and the worst.
Elizabeth Rhodes
By Elizabeth Rhodes Updated January 14, 2022
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike adventure
Credit: Courtesy of Universal Orlando
Step into your favorite movies at Universal Orlando's theme parks — Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure — for an unforgettable experience. Universal Orlando, founded in 1990, is the second-largest theme park resort in the Orlando area after Walt Disney World. Throughout its history, Universal Orlando has evolved to include new rides and attractions based on successful movie and TV franchises like Shrek, The Simpsons, and most recently, Harry Potter. The addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter introduced a number of rides to the park, bringing massive success and a new surge of popularity for Universal Orlando. Before your next visit to these theme parks, you'll want to plan out what you want to experience, picking from thrill rides, family-friendly attractions kids will love, and everything in between. To help, we've rounded up the best rides at Universal Orlando, so you know what should be at the top of your list.
Related: More amusement park trip ideas
In order to simplify this ranking, we've separated the rides by park. Here are the best rides at Universal Orlando — and the worst.
Related: Every Single Ride at Walt Disney World, Ranked
Best Rides at Universal Studios Florida
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
1. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
The highlight of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley, this attraction is truly the best ride at Universal Studios Florida. The queue itself is wildly impressive, with goblins that look like they're straight from the movies. The ride is also very unique, combining dark ride and coaster elements with 3-D projections to create a truly immersive and exciting experience.
2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
This is, by far, the most thrilling ride at Universal Studios Florida. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster allows riders to choose their own soundtrack (with 30 song options including "Stronger" by Kanye West and "Sabotage" by the Beastie Boys) before taking off on a vertical ascent for an exciting ride that gets up to a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour.
3. Revenge of the Mummy
A welcome break from other screen-based attractions at Universal Studios Florida, this indoor coaster based on The Mummy is thrilling without being too scary.
4. Men in Black Alien Attack
Enter the Men in Black training facility and shoot aliens in this interactive dark ride. With over 125 animatronic aliens, this ride is fun, engaging, and worth enjoying more than once.
5. E.T. Adventure
There's a good reason that E.T. Adventure is the only opening day attraction left at Universal Orlando. This ride is just as charming as it was in 1990 with its bicycle ride vehicles, and now, it offers an added dose of nostalgia.
6. The Simpsons Ride
Follow the Simpsons on their crazy antics during this funny motion simulator ride. Fans of the show will love all the references and details, and the movement is smooth and realistic (although it might be intense for those prone to motion sickness).
7. Hogwarts Express: King's Cross Station
Climb aboard the famed Hogwarts Express and experience the magic of the Harry Potter movies in this attraction. King's Cross station looks just like it does in London, and this is a quick and delightful way to get to Islands of Adventure. You can really imagine yourself boarding the train to Hogwarts, and arriving in Hogsmeade makes it even more magical.
8. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Fans of The Tonight Show will like this Jimmy Fallon-led 3-D motion simulator ride that takes guests on a trip around New York City, but the well-themed queue made to look just like 30 Rockefeller is equally impressive.
Transformers 3D Ride at Universal
9. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
As one of the first attractions guests reach when entering the park, this simulator ride can have long wait times. It's cute and fun for families, so fans of the Despicable Me movies should check it out.
10. Shrek 4-D
Although it's a little dated now, this simulator ride is fun for the whole family.
11. Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl
This Simpsons-themed spinner ride is great for kids, but it's not the most exciting ride in this park.
12. Transformers: The Ride 3-D
Several recently debuted rides at this park rely heavily on screens and motion simulators, and while it works for some attractions, this one is a little jerky, although fans of the Transformers films are sure to enjoy it.
13. Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster
This short family coaster is cute and fun, but it's not worth a long wait (do kids today even know who Woody Woodpecker is)?
14. Fast & Furious – Supercharged
As one of the newest rides at the park, Fast & Furious — Supercharged was much-anticipated, but many argue that it didn't live up to the hype. Fans of the film franchise may want to check it out, but there are better rides at this park.
Best Rides at Universal's Islands of Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This incredible dark ride combines innovative technologies and a unique ride system to fully immerse guests in the Harry Potter story. Plus, it's housed in the Hogwarts Castle, and the queue is absolutely amazing, with classroom replicas, a message from the Sorting Hat, and more. It's worth riding again and again — you're almost guaranteed to notice something new each time.
2. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Many laud this well-themed coaster as the best ride in the park, and it's easy to see why once you experience it. Take a seat on Hagrid's motorbike and soar through beautiful scenery while encountering some magical creatures along the way.
3. Jurassic World VelociCoaster
This newer addition to Islands of Adventure might just be the most thrilling ride in all of Orlando's theme parks. The Jurassic World-themed roller coaster isn't for the faint of heart — it's tall, fast, and has multiple inversions — and that makes it all the more exciting for thrill-seekers visiting the park. For coaster lovers, this may even be the best ride at Universal Orlando.
4. Jurassic Park River Adventure
What starts as a calming boat ride through Jurassic Park quickly turns into a thrilling escape ending with an 85-foot drop. Whether or not you're a fan of the classic dino movie, this ride is worth experiencing at least once.
5. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
One of the most intense rides at Islands of Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster — complete with inversions and a launch — is a must for all thrill-seekers.
6. Flight of the Hippogriff
This family-friendly coaster is another delightful addition to the Harry Potter-themed land. The ride is short, but it offers great views of Hogwarts.
7. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Step inside your favorite comic books in Marvel Super Hero Island. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a 3-D simulator dark ride that immerses you in the superhero action.
8. Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station
The Hogwarts Express allows visitors to travel between Universal Orlando's two parks without leaving the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which makes it a must-experience if you plan to visit both parks in one day. The Hogsmeade side of the Hogwarts Express is just as fun as its King's Cross counterpart.
9. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
Go for a scenic tour above Seuss Landing — the ride actually has two tracks, so you can enjoy a different story during your second time around. This is a fun, gentle ride that's great for families.
10. Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
A classic log flume ride with a cartoon twist, this ride is great for cooling off on hot Florida days.
11. The Cat in the Hat
This dark ride takes you straight into one of Dr. Seuss's most beloved stories, and it's fun for kids and nostalgic for adults who remember this story from childhood.
Skull Island Reign of Kong
12. Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
Sail through the rapids on this bumpy water ride, but be warned: You will get very wet. Although it's perfect for a warm Florida day, you might want to skip it if the sun isn't out.
13. Caro-Seuss-el
The entire Seuss-themed land is whimsical, and this ride offers a fun twist on the classic amusement park attraction, with Seuss-inspired characters replacing traditional carousel horses.
14. Pteranodon Flyers
This gentle dino ride was created for kids, so adults can't ride without a child between 36 to 56 inches tall. If you do have the chance to hop on, you'll get great views of the park while soaring along.
15. Storm Force Accelatron
This hero-themed spinning teacup ride isn't the most exciting option in the park, but it's fun and worth checking out if there isn't a long line.
16. Poseidon's Fury
This walk-through attraction is one of the few not tied to a film franchise, making it a unique addition to the park. The show, based on Greek mythology, combines special effects, film, and live acting, but it's not a ride — it's an immersive, albeit a little cheesy and dated, experience. Plus, it provides a welcome relief on a hot summer day with extended time in air-conditioning.
17. Doctor Doom's Fearfall
This exciting space shot-style ride isn't for the faint of heart — expect thrilling drops. The villain-themed attraction is fun for thrill-seekers, but it's not all that different than the drop rides you'd find at your local amusement park.
18. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Climb aboard a flying fish on this Dr. Seuss-themed spinning ride. It's ideal for younger children who can't yet go on the more intense rides in the park.
19. Skull Island: Reign of Kong
This trackless dark ride based on King Kong is a fairly polarizing attraction — the animatronics are incredible and the queue is well-themed, but the screen-based portion is a little lackluster, similar to Fast & Furious — Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida.
Elizabeth Rhodes is an associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure who loves all things theme parks. Follow her adventures on Instagram @elizabetheverywhere.


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J. Palmo reached first on a fielding error by 2b.
J. Palmo advanced to second on a throwing error by p, failed pickoff attempt.
J. Dianno singled to right field.
J. Dianno advanced to second on a passed ball.
S. Simeone singled through the right side.
H. Roberson doubled down the lf line; S. Simeone advanced to third.
H. Smith reached first on a throwing error by p, bunt; J. Han advanced to second.
B. Carroll singled to left field, 2 RBI; H. Smith scored, unearned; J. Han scored, unearned.
J. Dianno singled to pitcher; B. Carroll advanced to second.
S. Graf singled to left field, RBI; J. Dianno advanced to second; B. Carroll scored, unearned.
N. Nardone reached first on a throwing error by 2b.
S. Sanchez singled to pitcher.
H. Strmecki stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by c.
J. Han doubled to center field, RBI; H. Strmecki scored.
B. Carroll singled to left center, RBI; H. Smith scored.
S. Graf singled to third base.
J. Han singled to center field.
H. Smith singled to third base, bunt; J. Han advanced to second.
B. Carroll walked; H. Smith advanced to second.
J. Dianno flied out to cf, sacrifice fly, RBI; J. Han scored.
J. Palmo advanced to second on a passed ball.


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Learn Swahili in Tanzania and Zanzibar - also ONLINE possible!
It is also possible to book ONLINE Swahili Lessons with teachers out of Moshi/Kilimanjaro via Skype! Simply fill the Inquiry/Booking Form and mention "Online" in the comment box!
Whether in preparation for your internship or volunteering in East Africa, while doing another activity or just as a language travel, we are arranging Swahili language lessons of all levels in Moshi/Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and in Stone Town (Zanzibar). These are one-on-one lessons with experienced language teachers. Small groups can book together and jointly take language lessons. In Zanzibar, there is additionally the possibility to take Swahili Lessons provided by a charitable foundation.
One-on-one Swahili Language Lessons in Moshi or Zanzibar
Swahili (also called Kiswahili) is the most widespread language in East Africa. About 90 million people in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Mozambique speak Swahili.
In terms of structure, Swahili clearly belongs to the family of Bantu languages. However, the vocabulary includes words of Arabic, Persian, Indian, English and, to a small extent, Portuguese origin. This blend reflects the evolution of Swahili at the East African coast, where foreign seafaring traders blended with local populations to create the unique Swahili culture and language.
We offer language courses for Swahili in Moshi/Tanzania and in Zanzibar. The lessons focus on the ability to communicate and oral expression.
You will have your own private lessons given by a trained and experienced language teacher and native speaker.
In Zanzibar, you also have the possibility to join Swahili lessons provided by young adults from a charitable school. They have been trained by the school to become Swahili language teachers and have also received a scholarship for a stay abroad in the United States by the Rotary Club of Zanzibar, which is why they are fluent in English. A part of their salary for teaching Swahili to foreign Swahili language students goes back to the school and is used for the vocational training of further students from Zanzibar. Through this form of Swahili language lessons, you don't only learn the language, but you will also have fun with young Zanzibari and at the same time you support the education and empowerment of young people from a poorer background.
With all language teachers, is also possible to take classes together as a small group.
All levels are possible from beginner to advanced.
You can determine the intensity of teaching. Part-time would be approximately 10 hours per week; intensive 20 hours per week. Since you also get homework, we recommend no higher intensity than 20 hours per week. Class times are flexible and can be adjusted with the teachers.
At both locations, we work with several teachers. In Moshi, lessons are taught at the attractive garden of the "Coffee Shop" or at the premises of the YMCA. In Zanzibar, the classes are held in a house in Stone Town or at the building of the charitable foundation.
Anyone can book Swahili lessons (you do not need to volunteer or do an internship).
"My teacher MAMA AMINA war not only a language teacher, but also a teacher of culture and history and I have learned to appreciate her very much. She is an open spirit with a lot of heart and education" , Barbara, Germany
"The swahili lessons at Zanzibar was great. Mama Amina is an amazing woman and teacher!", Eline, Norway
Location: Moshi/Kilimanjaro, Tanzania or Stone Town, Zanzibar
Availability: All year
Minimum Hours: 20 Hours
Minimum Duration: 1 Week
Maximum Duration: 12 Months
Language Requirements: English
Shared Accommodation, Host Family, Hotel
Convert to USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and other currencies
Swahili Lessons (for those doing internships/volunteering and ONLINE lessons)
In Moshi (and online lessons):
per 20 Hours - 200 €
In Zanzibar:
In case of lessons taught by professional language teachers, the price per person remains the same regardless of group size. In case of the lessons taught at the charitable foundation in Zanzibar, for small groups, the price per person from the second participant, is only 90 € per each 20 hours.
Price includes Info-PDF about Moshi or Zanzibar.
Swahili Lessons (for those who only want on-site language training)
In Moshi:
In addition, for participants who only book language lessons, a one-time service fee of 50 EUR applies. It includes a local coordinator who will bring you to the accommodation you have booked, who will accompany you to the language teacher for your first lesson and who will be reachable for any assistance you may need during your stay.
Optional Accommodation:
Shared Accommodation Room:
1 Person: 10 USD/Day
2 Persons (in Double Room): 7 USD/Day per person
Hotel with breakfast:
1 Person: 400 USD/week
2 Persons (in Double Room): 240 USD/week per person
Host Family with full boarding:
Average Standard: 15 USD/Day per person
High Standard: 18 USD/Day per person
Simple Standard: 10 USD/Day per person
Optional Transfers:
In Moshi from/to Kilimanjaro Airport: 35 EUR each way
In Zanzibar from/to Zanzibar Airport or seaport: 15 EUR each way
Accommodation options in Moshi
Accommodation options in Zanzibar
Other Projects That Might Interest You:
English lessons in Zanzibar
Learning Indigenous Languages
Herbal Medicine from Zanzibar Herbalist
These projects are suggestions for alternatives that may interest you or those that could be chosen as COMBINATIONS. The combination of projects in different organizations is often possible and usually cheaper than two individual bookings. Please contact us to know more! Check out our other listings in the areas of "World Learner" and "Active Travel" at your travel destination to make your stay even more interesting.
Safaris, Kilimanjaro Climbs, Day Trips, Watersports
As "Budget Safari Tanzania" we are arranging cost-effective yet high-quality safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, excursions, and watersports activities in Tanzania and Zanzibar. You will group with other World Unite! participants and further travellers.
As a World Unite! participant, you get a 15% discount on all offers of Budget Safari Tanzania. We will share a Discount Code with you that you can use with the online booking of your safari, Kilimanjaro climb, excursion or watersports activity.
This is the Website of Budget Safari Tanzania.
Learning Swahili in Moshi!
It is always helpful to know Swahili while doing your project here. Swahili is a relatively easy language for participants and some start to follow it within the first few lessons. You can choose the intensity of the lesson. We would, however, recommend a maximum of ten hours per week. The lessons are conducted individually; in some cases, 2-3 participants with similar levels of knowledge may be given combined lessons. The number of participants does not affect the cost of the lessons.
The cost for Swahili lessons: 1 Student: 10 EUR
Please check "Language Training Required" in the registration form and specify your desired duration (minimum 20 hours).
We recommend the following travel insurance that is meant specifically for participants of internships, volunteering, language study, working holiday, and courses abroad. It is available for travelers of all nationalities and usable for all countries, except your home country. You can also add a journey liability insurance.
Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.
Getting To Moshi
You book your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If the flights to Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) are much cheaper, you can also fly there and then book a separate connecting flight from DAR to JRO. From JRO airport, we pick you and take you to your accommodation in Moshi.
Getting To Zanzibar
Several airlines fly directly or with an intermediate stop at Zanzibar (ZNZ). Remember to book your flight and share with us your flight details. From Zanzibar airport, we will pick you up and bring you to your accommodation in Zanzibar.
If the flights to Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) are much cheaper, you can also fly there. From Dar-es-Salaam, you can travel to Zanzibar by a connecting flight or take the ferry. We can arrange a transfer for you from the airport to the ferry for 30 EUR/35 USD. The ferry ticket costs 35 USD and the ferry takes about 2 hours. We will take you in this case from the airport to the seaport. In Zanzibar, you will be picked up at the ferry terminal and taken to your accommodation. A connecting flight from DAR to ZNZ only takes 20 minutes and costs 50-80 USD.
If your placement is on Pemba Island, you can either take a daily flight from Zanzibar to Pemba, or you can take a ferry (Azam Marine), which however doesn't have daily departures. In Pemba you will be picked up from the airport or ferry port and brough to your accommodation.
Check out our video on Moshi!
In this video, tourism intern Iris and our team member Adelina show us around Moshi Town and the surrounding areas. Adelina and Themi, two of our coordinators, introduce themselves. We also meet the volunteers Pia, who collaborates with the Social Reality Tour, and Laura in their host family. Coffee Farmer Dennis talks about coffee and we see a few shots from a Maasai Village.
Moshi at Kilimanjaro
Moshi is a town in the north of Tanzania, at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Here, you are in the middle of Africa and deal with people like the Chagga and Maasai. The city has about 150,000 inhabitants; however, it appears - like many African cities - much smaller, owing to the fact that many unplanned settlements are spread over long distances outside the city. Furthermore, the majority of the population do not have the purchasing power that would make transactions comparable to for instance a European city of this size. Nevertheless, Moshi is a relatively well-developed city and all necessities may be found here - from ATMs to specialty stores, restaurants to small supermarkets.
Moshi is the starting point of all Kilimanjaro climbs and many safaris to the Northern National Parks of Tanzania start from here. Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 40 km from Moshi. Tourism and trade of coffee and bananas have contributed to the flourishing of the city.
The city lies at an altitude of 813 m and has a year-round climate that people from moderate climates consider to be very comfortable (compared to the humid heat that often prevails on the coast or on the islands).
HIV and AIDS are the biggest problem - it is estimated that up to 16 % of the population are HIV-positive. The resulting problems are the countless orphans and street children, neglected people of retirement age and sick people, about whom no one cares because of lack of money. The other problems are poverty-related - lack of access to education, health care, infrastructure, and destruction of environmental resources such as deforestation.
Things to do in Moshi
Moshi is conveniently situated for safaris in all the Northern National Parks of Tanzania; you can travel over a weekend (Tarangire, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara) or a multi-day tour (incl. Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area, Lake Eyasi, Lake Victoria, Lake Natron). The Kilimanjaro rises directly in front of your door - for a climb you need physical fitness and 5-7 days' time.
As a day trip, you can visit the Marangu Waterfall and the village of Marangu with coffee plantations, the even higher Materuni waterfall, the Arusha National Park, a Maasai village, Lake Chala, swim in volcanic hot springs and hike on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. In Moshi, there are several cafes, restaurants, internet cafes, bars, discos, swimming pool and even an open- air cinema with karaoke.
Check out our video on Zanzibar Town!
This video shows a day in Zanzibar Town with the volunteers Sabrina and Uwe from Hamburg. They show their placements at the Cultural Arts Centre and Vikokotoni environmental group, their accommodation, visit their host family and explain various interesting aspects of their daily life in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar - Spice Island in the Indian Ocean
Zanzibar is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is about 2 hours away from the Tanzanian mainland by boat or 20 minutes by plane. When you research "Zanzibar", it usually means the main island of Unguja. Unguja was very rich in the past, because the island was a major trading port along the sea routes between Africa, Arabia, India, East Asia and Europe. This can be seen today in the mixing of cultures, the Arab- Islamic influence, but is relatively liberal in Zanzibar. Today, tourism is the main source of income of Zanzibar, besides the cultivation of spices and tropical fruits.
Stone Town, the historic core of Zanzibar Town is the only intact historic coastal trading town in East Africa. Within the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets full of small shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels and hectic smaller places, it feels like one is in a dream of the "Thousand and One Nights". Fantastically, there are also the heavenly white beaches and crystal clear waters with colorful coral reefs, which compete with the Caribbean or the Maldives in catering to wealthy tourists. Zanzibar Town, in addition to Stone Town have plenty of other neighborhoods like Kiembe Samaki, Mwanakwerekwe, Mbweni and others, in which many organizations have their offices and are active.
In addition, there are many villages along the beaches and in the interior of the island.
The biggest problem of the island is the overwhelming poverty of the population, whose only employment consists of cultivation and fishing for their own and thus, have no money, cannot afford education for their children, medical care, etc. A lack of education means that the following generations can hardly escape the vicious circle of poverty. Population growth, which is mainly due to immigration of people from mainland Tanzania, results in the exploitation of nature.
Things to do in Zanzibar
In Zanzibar, there is a wide range of excursions: day and half day trips include a visit to a spice plantation, the Jozani Forest National Park, the mangroves of Mungooni and Uzi, beach resorts such as Nungwi, Paje and Jambiani, a "Safari Blue", sailing through the Menai Bay Conservation Area, Prison Island, the Island Chumbe Coral Park and a city tour of Stone Town, where there are lots of interesting souvenir shops, bars, cafes, regular concerts and even a handful of "clubs" and events.
In your spare time, you can also take music and dance lessons, yoga classes and interesting workshops by the Cultural Arts Centres participants in Zanzibar.
Many participants also travel to the mainland of Tanzania to do a safari or to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. You use our accommodation Moshi, Kilimanjaro at affordable prices to stay as a base for activities in northern Tanzania.
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Learning foreign language

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Imagine a world where humanoid robots battle against other mech creatures in a fight for supremacy. Watch these mega-machines obliterate killer bots as they vie for territorial sovereignty in Mech Legion: Age of Robots PC game. Plus, witness the spectacular skirmish between these anthropomorphic beings in this free desktop game.
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