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Universal Studios Rides
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Hollywood
Terminator 2:3D Battle Across Time
Minimum Height to Ride: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 4/5
Designed by James Cameron himself, this attraction goes all out
and is one of the best shows/attractions at Universal Studios
Florida. This show is a combination of 3D technology and live
action theatrics that work together perfectly. The story line of
the show starts off as though you are at CyberDyne Systems on a
tour of the facilities and then the heroes break in to destroy
CyberDyne. This is definitely a favorite at Universal Studios
and a must see for everyone.
Most kids will enjoy this too, but as a warning there are loud
noises and the theater can be quite dark, so it may frighten
very young kids. It only shows at certain times, check your park
maps for show times and get there about 5-15 minutes early.
There are dozens of seats so it’s easy to get a spot.
Universal Horror Make-Up Show
Minimum Height to Ride: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 3/5
Another popular show at Universal Studios Florida is what’s
known as the Horror Make-Up show. It’s a great behind the scenes
look at how filmmakers use special effects for movies. They are
gore effects used for movies, but I’ve honestly never laughed so
hard at a Universal show, ever. This is a great show for
families of all ages (yes, even your teens will love it).
Some effects may be a little intense for young kids (severed
limbs, etc.) There is also a possibility of getting wet, but not
soaked. One of my favorite things about this show is how much
you learn (I know, who wants to learn on vacation?). Don’t worry
it’s all really cool information that you learn about the
movies. Before the show, there are dozens of movie props in the
lobby to check out. I recommend getting to the show early just
to have enough time to check out the lobby.
Woody
Woodpeckers Kid Zone
E.T. Adventure
Minimum Height to Ride: 34 inches
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 2/5
This ride is one of the Universal Studios Florida classics and
remains a favorite ride for many people. E.T. is the perfect
family ride with the perfect combination of detail to amaze
everyone, plus kids get to help E.T. save his planet! This slow
moving ride won’t scare your children at all, they’ll actually
love it.
E.T. Adventure is a nostalgic ride for many people; I remember
riding it as a kid and I still love it now. You definitely can’t
miss this ride, especially when you see how much your kids love
it. It is still a popular ride, and be aware that the line
outside can be misleading. There is an outdoor line before you
see the pre-show, then an indoor line that takes you through the
forest to meet E.T.
Tip: The front row, lets you sit right behind a basket with a
visitor inside. Also, sitting on the left side of the ride
vehicle gives you an amazing view as you fly over the “city”.
A Day in the Park with Barney
Minimum Height to Ride: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 1/5
If you have very young kids in your family, you’ll likely make a
stop at this show. After all, who doesn’t love this purple
dinosaur? This show is tons of fun for young kids with sing-alongs
in this musical show. If there are no young kids in your party,
you’ll probably want to skip it. Unless you love Barney, and
that’s okay too.
This show takes place at certain times, be sure to check your
park map for that day’s show times.
Animal Actors on Location
Minimum Height: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 1/5
Another great show at Universal Studios for the entire family,
Animal Actors on Location gives you an inside look at how
animals are trained for television and movies. It’s an
entertaining show with cute animals doing cute tricks. What’s
not to love?
The show takes place in an open air, covered amphitheater so
you’re shielded from the sun or rain. If you’re looking for a
break during your day, or you’ve finished everything else, it’s
worth checking out this show.
Fievel’s Playground
Minimum Height: None
Universal Express: No (no line)
Thrills: 1/5
This isn’t a ride, but more of a children’s playground. It’s
very interactive for kids, as they get to run, bounce, and slide
in various areas around the playground. It’s definitely geared
for young kids, but some areas are okay for older kids too.
There are also plenty of places for parents to sit while their
kids can run around. There are water areas, so bring a bathing
suit!
Curious George Goes to Town
Minimum Height: None
Universal Express: No (no line)
Thrills: 3/5
This is my personal favorite play area for kids at Universal
Studios. Let your kids run and have fun in this water playground
(there’s a very high chance they will get soaked). They can
shoot water cannons at friends and play in the water fountains
for a really fun time. Even older kids and teens enjoy it here.
We rated it a 3 on thrills just because of how fun it is!
World Expo
The Simpsons
Minimum Height: 40 inches
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 5/5
Travel with The Simpsons as they visit Krustyland, a theme park
in the town of Springfield. This is another very popular ride at
Universal Studios, although I was afraid it wouldn’t be as good
as the Back to the Future Ride that was there before it. But, I
was wrong, it is a very fun ride and still different from the
old one. The motion of this ride is pretty smooth and doesn’t
shake you around too much. It is jerky enough that if you easily
suffer from motion sickness, you might not want to ride.
The entire family will love this ride and it’s really thrilling
the way it makes you feel like you’re actually falling or moving
in certain ways. Just like The Simpsons, this ride also makes
you laugh while it pokes fun at some other local theme parks.
Men in Black: Alien Attack
Minimum Height: 42 inches
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 4/5
Men in Black is one of my personal favorites at Universal
Studios because of how fun and interactive it is. In your ride
vehicle, each person gets their own laser gun to shoot aliens
that are trying to take over the city. You earn points for
shooting the aliens and you want to try to get as many points as
possible. (Hint: Smaller or hidden aliens are worth more
points.)
It’s fun to make this a competition and see who gets the most
points. That’s what we always do when we go with friends. Men in
Black is one of those rides that you’ll want to ride again and
again. I always do when I go to Universal Studios.
Tip: If you want to skip the line and don’t mind being split up
from others in your party there is a single riders line for the
ride. The single riders line usually opens up when the regular
line is over a 30 minute wait. Remember, by going in this line,
it means you will be split up from your party.
San Francisco/Amity
Jaws
Minimum Height: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 4/5
You’ve seen the movie, now you can take your own tour of Amity
Island. Careful though, seems a shark has taken down another
boat! This is a great family ride, but the shark does come right
up to your boat, so you might want to keep younger kids away
from the side of the boat in case they might get scared. I love
this ride because it’s based on a great, classic movie, but
makes it seem very real.
Your boat skipper is what really makes this ride though. I’ll
never forget the one who clung to the post and cried for his
mommy. The jokes may be a little cheesy, but somehow they’re
still funny. You absolutely cannot leave Universal Studios
without going on this ride!
Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue
Minimum Height: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 2/5
Rock out to popular rock and pop songs with Beetlejuice and
friends. It’s a loud, fun show that gets the audience singing
along. It’s worth checking out for some crazy fun. This show
also features dozens of special effects and pyrotechnics that
are really fun to watch.
There are some slightly adult jokes used in the show, so
parental guidance is suggested. The show performs at specific
times, so check your park map for that day’s show times. We
recommend getting there 15 minutes early.
Disaster
Minimum Height: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 3/5
Get a behind the scenes look at how movies are made on this
exciting ride. At Disaster, you have the chance to be a stuntman
and be involved with movie magic to see how movies come
together. Volunteers are selected for part of this ride, the
more energetic you are, the more likely you are to be chosen.
After learning about movie special effects, you board a san
Francisco subway to be a part of a dramatic, special effects
filled filming as you experience a California earthquake! This
is a fun ride for the whole family, but the last part might
scare some children with the loud noises and pyrotechnics.
New York
The Blues Brothers
Minimum Height: None
Universal Express: No (open show)
Thrills: 3/5
If you like singing and dancing and fun music, you have to see
this show! The Blues Brothers and even Aretha Franklin come out
to perform for the streets of New York. This is my favorite show
at Universal Studios because of the music and the energy. You
can’t help but sing and dance along to the music to this
entertaining show. Plus, there’s nothing like seeing The Blues
Brothers pull up in that old cop car of theirs!
Revenge of the Mummy
Minimum Height: 48 inches
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 5/5
If you love thrill rides and roller coasters, this is the ride
for you. It’s a combination dark ride/roller coaster, but you
don’t go upside down at all. There are sudden fast speeds, drops
and turns on this ride, making it super exciting for thrill ride
fans! It’s one of my must do attractions every time I go to
Universal Studios. It may be too intense for young children or
adults who aren’t fan of drops, but for everyone else: it’s tons
of fun. See if you can escape The Mummy and check this ride out
when you visit Universal Studios.
Tip: If you want to skip the line and don’t mind being split up
from others in your party there is a single riders line for the
ride. The single riders line usually opens up when the regular
line is over a 30 minute wait. Remember, by going in this line,
it means you will be split up from your party.
Twister – Ride it Out
Minimum Height: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 3/5
This is a fun family ride where you can experience what it’s
like to ride out a twister. You can experience strong winds,
rain and the destructive force of a twister, right in front of
your eyes. You do get a little wet on this ride, and it does get
a little intense. The winds were stronger than I would have
imagined the first time I went on and once or twice even I was
startled. And I don’t startle easily.
The winds and sounds do become intense on this ride and can be
VERY scary for young kids. It’s okay for most older kids, but
you might want to try it for yourself before bringing younger
ones on.
Production Central
Shrek 4-D
Minimum Height to Ride: None
Universal Express: Yes
Thrills: 2/5
Help Shrek and Donkey save Princess Fiona from Lord Farquaad on
this 4-D adventure. That’s right: 4-D. Not only is the show in
3-D, but you can feel the wind, water and other special effects
at this attraction. This is the perfect ride for the family and
especially fans of Shrek. The show is a wild adventure that puts
you in the middle of all the action. Plus there are plenty of
laughs which makes it even better.
If you have kids then you must do this ride. It’s tons of fun
for them (and you too). I recommend going early in the morning
during busy season as lines can get long.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Height to Ride: 51-79 inches
Universal Express: No
Thrills: 5/5
This is Universal Orlando Resort’s newest roller coaster and
it’s totally different from any roller coaster you’ve ever been
on. On this roller coaster, you get to pick your own soundtrack
for your ride. That’s my favorite part of this ride: the fact
that you can listen to whatever song you want (from an available
list of course). There’s a variety of genres from country to
rock to pop to party music.
The coaster starts by taking you straight up; literally straight
up, to the top. You then drop and twist all around and even
through buildings. It’s an exciting, thrilling roller coaster
that’s great for teens and adults. The line for this can get
long though, so get to the park early and do this ride first
before all the crowds get there. I’m speaking from experience on
this.
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