Last Updated May 2025
If you're planning a day at Universal Studios Florida, our complete guide will help you explore must-do rides, shows, and insider tips. When we have visited Orlando, Florida in the past we have stayed at Walt Disney World and spent the majority of the time exploring Disney Parks. On our recent trip we planned more Universal Studios Florida days than before including overnight stays at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal's Aventura Hotel. Universal Studios Florida offers amazing rides, immersive lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, fun shows, and fantastic theming throughout so it definitely deserved more of our time. This Universal Studios Florida guide will show you just how much there is to explore, with must-do attractions, thrilling rides, and insider tips to plan your perfect Universal day.
Universal Studios Florida Rides - Best Attractions & Themed Areas Overview
Universal Studios Florida is home to several exciting themed areas that bring iconic movies and characters to life. From Production Central to our favourite themed area, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, there's something for everyone. Whether you're visiting DreamWorks Land, Springfield - Home of the Simpsons, or the best rides in Universal Studios Florida, having a strategy will help you make the most of your day. Here’s a quick overview of must-do attractions and themed areas at Universal Studios Florida.
Production Central & New York Rides
Home to blockbuster attractions and movie magic.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Type of Ride - Motion-simulator adventure.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - The ride is perfect for families, but be prepared for some intense motion. Personally I feel it's not as exciting as it was since the removed the 3D
Min Height - 40"
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - Yes
Despicable Me Minions Blast
Type of Ride - Interactive 3D shooting game.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - Help the Minions save the day in this action-packed ride where you’ll be tasked with blasting targets. Perfect for those who love interactive experiences with lots of energy and fun. I personally found it stand on the moving platform while holding the heavy blaster.
Min Height - 40"
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - Yes
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Type of Ride - Outdoor roller coaster with a vertical lift and music playlist.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - You can choose your own song to ride to, a brilliant, unique touch. It’s intense, but smooth. Ride early or later in the day to avoid queues. Personally night rides are our favourite as the track and coaster light up as you ride.
Min Height - 51"
Ride Photo - Yes
Express Pass - Yes
Revenge of the Mummy
Type of Ride - Indoor dark ride roller coaster.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - A thrilling mix of roller coaster and dark ride with fire effects and surprises around every corner. Best dark ride at Universal Studios Florida, in our opinion.
Min Height - 48"
Ride Photo - Yes
Express Pass - Yes
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Step into the world of magic and wonder that is Harry Potter - Please note this area is not just about rides. It's a huge immersive themed area that you could spend all day in.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Type of Ride - 3D multi-dimensional dark ride/roller coaster hybrid.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - The queue itself is an attraction, take in all the details of Gringotts Bank! The ride blends storytelling, 3D effects, and thrills perfectly. Not the smoothest but a must do ride at Universal Studios Florida.
Min Height - 42"
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - Yes
World Expo & Springfield Rides
Fun, family-friendly attractions and familiar favourites.
Men in Black Alien Attack
Type of Ride - Interactive shooting dark ride.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - Aim for the glowing targets for higher points and don’t forget to hit the red button near the end! This is the most cheesiest and dated ride at Universal Studios Florida but I love it.
Min Height - 42"
Ride Photo - Yes
Express Pass - Yes
The Simpsons Ride
Type of Ride - Motion simulator ride.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - Packed with jokes and references, it’s a must for Simpsons fans. It can be a little jerky, so hold on tight. Do not ride after you've ate and prepare to feel a little nauseous
Min Height - 40"
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - Yes
Twirl and Hurl
Type of Ride - Gentle flying ride.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - Hop on board your spaceship and enjoy the views of Universal Studios Florida.
Min Height - 36"
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - Yes
San Francisco & Other Attractions
Exciting adventures and big-screen thrills.
Fast & Furious Supercharged
Type of Ride - Motion simulator and party bus ride.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - If you're a fan of Fast & Furious then I'd ride it if you have time, if you're not a fan you can definitely give it a miss.
Min Height - 40"
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - Yes
E.T Adventure
Type of Ride - Gentle dark ride.
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - Help E.T. save his home planet. It's not the best ride at Universal Studios Florida but it's a nostalgic classic so I can see why it's so popular. Don’t forget to give your name to the attendant so E.T. can say goodbye to you personally!
Min Height - 34"
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass – Yes
DreamWorks Land
Families come in all different ages so this colourful, playful land themed around DreamWorks favourites like Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda is perfect for younger visitors.
Trollercoaster
Type of Ride - Family-friendly roller coaster
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - Gentle thrills as you soar through a glittery Trolls-themed world. Great starter coaster for kids.
Min Height - 36"
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - Yes
Po's Kung Fu Training Camp
Type of Attraction - Interactive playground and water play area
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - Expect to get wet! A fantastic place to let kids run and play while adults take a breather.
Min Height - None
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - No
Shrek’s Swamp Meet
Type of Attraction - Character meet-and-greet
Hints, Tips, or Spoilers - Meet Shrek, Donkey and Fiona in a charming swamp setting. Donkey chats are hilarious and not to be missed.
Min Height - None
Ride Photo - No
Express Pass - No
Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Florida
Arrive Early - Head straight to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts or Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit to beat the crowds.
Stay Late - Universal’s Cinematic Celebration is a brilliant nighttime show featuring water screens, music, and fireworks.
Consider Express Pass - If visiting during busy times, Express Pass can save hours in queues and make a huge difference.
Use the Hogwarts Express - If you have a Park-to-Park ticket, don’t miss riding the Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Single Rider Lines - Several rides have single rider queues that move faster if you're happy to split your party.
Universal Studios Florida - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rides at Universal Studios Florida?
For us, Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, and Men in Black Alien Attack are our top three!
Are there rides for young kids at Universal Studios Florida?
Yes! E.T. Adventure, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and DreamWorks Land are great options.
Is Universal Studios Florida a full-day park?
Definitely. Between the rides, shows, and detailed lands like Diagon Alley, you’ll easily spend a full day here and still want to come back.
Does Universal Studios Florida have a night show?
Yes Universal’s Cinematic Celebration happens most evenings and is a fantastic way to end your day.
Why We Love Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida offers a fantastic mix of thrills, movie magic, and immersive worlds. There are some of the best rides at Universal Studios Florida including Rip Ride Rockit and Revenge of the Mummy. Diagon Alley is so immersive and it still takes our breath away.
For more ride guides you can visit our guide to Islands of Adventure. If you are heading to Walt Disney World then check out our Walt Disney World Guides too. If you're thinking about staying at Universal Orlando Resort, see why we recommend Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal's Aventura Hotel for early park access and great on-site perks.
- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.
- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials.
- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.
- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details
Michelle
.png)
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comments. I love reading them :)