List of Universal Orlando Resort attractions

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The Universal Orlando Resort is an amusement park resort located in Orlando, Florida. It features three theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe built on 107 acres (43 ha), 101 acres (41 ha), and 110 acres (45 ha) of land, respectively. [1] [2] The three parks feature several attractions and shows based on movies produced by Universal Pictures.

Contents

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 The Incredible Hulk Coaster and the now-defunct Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Dragon Challenge. [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 and replaced by Dreamworks Land, which opened on June 14, 2024. [16] [17]

Attractions

Roller coasters

The Incredible Hulk Coaster's cobra roll The Hulk Coaster (5143123646).jpg
The Incredible Hulk Coaster's cobra roll
NameYearManufacturerParkLocationDescription
Curse of the Werewolf2025 Mack Rides Universal Epic Universe Dark UniverseA spinning roller coaster based on the 1941 Wolf Man movie.
Flight of the Hippogriff 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 AdventureThe 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 FloridaThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon AlleyAn indoor roller coaster featuring motion-based 4D effects
Hiccup's Wing Gliders2025 Intamin Universal Epic UniverseHow To Train Your Dragon - Isle of BerkA family launch roller coaster themed to dragon flying based on the How To Train Your Dragon film franchise
Mine-Cart Madness2025SetpointUniversal Epic UniverseSuper Nintendo World - Donkey Kong CountryA "Boom Coaster" based on the Donkey Kong video games.
Pteranodon Flyers1999SetpointUniversal Islands of AdventureJurassic ParkA suspended family roller coaster themed to the Jurassic Park films.
Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride 2004 Premier Rides Universal Studios FloridaNew YorkAn indoor launched roller coaster based on The Mummy film
Stardust Racers 2025 Mack Rides Universal Epic UniverseCelestial ParkA dual roller coaster themed to comets with onboard sound and LEDs
The Incredible Hulk Coaster 1999 Bolliger & Mabillard Universal Islands of AdventureMarvel Super Hero Island Launched roller coaster based on fictional superhero Hulk
Trolls Trollercoaster2024 Vekoma Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks Land Vekoma Junior Coaster based on Trolls
VelociCoaster 2021 Intamin Universal Islands of AdventureJurassic 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

Hogwarts contains Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey within. Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogwarts castle (5013698243).jpg
Hogwarts contains Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey within.
NameYearParkLocationDescription
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 2012Universal Studios FloridaMinion Land on Illumination AveMotion simulator dark ride based on the Despicable Me film franchise
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 2010Universal Islands of AdventureThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter – HogsmeadeMotion simulator dark ride based on Harry Potter film series

Features real sets and screens

Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge 2025Universal 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 featuring various Universal Monsters characters
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon 2017Universal Studios FloridaNew YorkMotion simulator dark ride based on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 1999Universal Islands of AdventureMarvel Super Hero IslandMotion simulator dark ride based on Spider-Man

Features real sets and screens

The Simpsons Ride 2008Universal Studios FloridaWorld Expo/SpringfieldMotion simulator dark ride based on The Simpsons
Transformers: The Ride 3D 2013Universal Studios FloridaProduction CentralMotion simulator dark ride based on the Transformers film franchise

Features real sets and screens

Other rides

Splashdown on Jurassic Park: River Adventure Jurassic park log flume ride.jpg
Splashdown on Jurassic Park: River Adventure
NameYearParkLocationDescription
Caro–Seuss–el1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss Landing Carousel based on fictitious animals found in works by Dr. Seuss
Constellation Carousel2025Universal Epic UniverseCelestial ParkCarousel ride themed with star signs and constellations
Doctor Doom's Fearfall 1999Universal Islands of AdventureMarvel Super Hero Island Space 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 Falls 1999Universal Islands of AdventureToon Lagoon Log flume based on Dudley Do-Right
E.T. Adventure 1990Universal Studios FloridaHollywood Dark ride based on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Fast & Furious: Supercharged 2018Universal Studios FloridaSan Francisco Dark 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 Express 2014Universal 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 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 Adventure 1999Universal Islands of AdventureJurassic Park Shoot the Chute water ride based on Jurassic Park
Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl 2013Universal Studios FloridaWorld Expo Aerial carousel based on the Treehouse of Horror series from The Simpsons
Men in Black: Alien Attack 2000Universal Studios FloridaWorld ExpoInteractive shooting dark ride based on Men in Black
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss Landing Aerial carousel water ride based on One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges 1999Universal Islands of AdventureToon Lagoon River rapids ride themed to Popeye
Skull Island: Reign of Kong 2016Universal Islands of AdventureSkull Island 4D Kong-themed dark ride with trackless vehicles and animatronics
Storm Force Accelatron 2000Universal Islands of AdventureMarvel Super Hero Island Teacups-style ride based on Marvel fictional superhero Storm
The Cat In The Hat1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss Landing Dark 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 Adventure 2025Universal Epic UniverseSuper Nintendo World - Super Mario LandOmnimover ride based on Yoshi

Live shows and play areas

NameYearParkLocationDescription
Animal Actors on Location 1990Universal Studios FloridaHollywoodLive show
Astronomica2025Universal Epic UniverseCelestial ParkChildren's interactive water play area
The Blues Brothers Show 1991Universal Studios FloridaNew YorkLive show based on The Blues Brothers
The Bourne Stuntacular2020Universal Studios FloridaHollywoodLive show based on Bourne films
Camp Jurassic1999Universal Islands of AdventureJurassic ParkPlay area based on Jurassic Park
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience2025Universal Epic UniverseDark UniverseA retail shopping and makeup artist attraction
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration2024Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandLive show based on DreamWorks Animation
Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular2000Universal Islands of AdventureBack lot behind Seuss LandingSeasonal live-action theater show based on the franchise How the Grinch Stole Christmas
If I Ran The Zoo1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss LandingPlay Area based on Dr. Seuss
Jurassic Park Discovery Center1999Universal Islands of AdventureJurassic ParkAn interactive play area in which guests can learn about dinosaurs
King Harold's Swamp Symphony2024Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandA mini interactive play area
Le Cirque Arcanus2025Universal Epic UniverseThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of MagicLive show with mystical creatures
The Mystic Fountain1999Universal Islands of AdventureThe Lost ContinentAn interactive fountain attraction that communicates with guests
Mama Luna Feline Fiesta2024Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandAn interactive children's play area based on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Marilyn and the Diamond Bellas2016Universal Studios FloridaHollywoodA live-action musical show located outside near the Horror Make-Up Show theatre.
Me Ship, The Olive1999Universal Islands of AdventureToon LagoonPlay Area based on Popeye
Oh! The Stories You'll Hear!1999Universal Islands of AdventureSeuss LandingLive show based on Dr. Seuss
Ollivanders2010Universal Islands of AdventureThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter – HogsmeadeA shop selling "magic" wands
Po's Kung Fu Training Camp2024Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandAn interactive play area based on the Kung Fu Panda series
Po Live!2024Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandLive show based on Kung Fu Panda
Poppy's Playground2024Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandPlay Area based on Trolls
Shrek's Swamp for Little Ogres2024Universal Studios FloridaDreamWorks LandPlay Area based on Shrek
Universal Music Plaza Stage 2009Universal Studios FloridaNew YorkAn amphitheater that hosts about 15-20 concerts per season and holds up to 8,000 people.
Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show 1990Universal Studios FloridaHollywoodLive show based on Universal Monsters
The Untrainable Dragon2025Universal Epic UniverseHow To Train Your Dragon - Isle of BerkA live stage show based on How To Train Your Dragon
Viking Training Camp2025Universal Epic UniverseHow To Train Your Dragon - Isle of BerkKids play area based on How To Train Your Dragon

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.

References

  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. 1 2 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. 1 2 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.
  17. "Universal Orlando's new DreamWorks Land gets official opening date". Fox 35 Orlando. April 29, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.