If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando, one park that absolutely can’t be missed is Universal’s Islands of Adventure. But with so many epic rides to choose from, how do you know which ones are worth the wait? In this post, we’re breaking down the best rides at Universal Islands of Adventure—the can’t-miss experiences that will have you screaming, laughing, and lining up for more.
From high-speed roller coasters to immersive 3D experiences, this park is packed with adrenaline-pumping attractions that bring your favorite movies and stories to life. There are also family friendly attractions that you don’t want to miss.
Everyone has a personal preference for what makes a great attraction. For me, the best rides at Islands of Adventure are a mix of storytelling and mild thrills. I think you can’t go wrong with the rides I suggest but it will really depend on what type of rides you like.
So let’s get into what I think are the rides you don’t want to miss at Islands of Adventure.
Best Rides at Islands of Adventure
The five that made the list are the rides we make sure to include in our Islands of Adventure itinerary every trip. I’ve included a mix of big and mid-level thrills.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
There is a reason Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is so popular, and 6 years since opening still sees wait times of over 2+ hours at almost all times of day, it is close to a near perfect attraction.
From the moment you step through the arches of the queue you feel as if you are along side Hagrid in an adventure. The queue is long and weaves you through different rooms and caves until you board a motorbike.
One guests rides the bike and the other rides the sidecar. Then you are launched through twist and turns, animatronic scenes, sudden drops, and backwards launches. It is fantastic storytelling and even though there are thrills it is not as intense as the big rollercoasters at Islands of Adventure.
This ride is really great for all ages and it is one of my favorites.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Spider-Man holds a special place on this list because it was one of the first rides of its kind I ever experienced. Way back in 2005, my husband and I visited Islands of Adventure-this was pre-Harry Potter days.
Spider-Man was one of our favorite attractions, the other was The Mummy at Universal Studios Florida. Surprisingly Spider-Man still holds up 20 years later as a fantastic family fun attraction at Islands of Adventure.
Guests receive 3D glasses and board an omni-mover that moves along a screen based story of following Spider-Man around the city. Riders encounter all the villains and twists and turns along the way.
This ride is worth the wait! If the wait time is long consider using the single rider line or if you are staying at a Universal hotel with express pass-use it.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
VelociCoaster was built in 2020 and when I first rode it in 2021 it took my breath away. This dual launch coaster is the most thrilling at the park. The barrel rolls over the lagoon always terrify me but it is a solid roller coaster.
The queue allows guests a close encounter with the raptors in a immersive raptor enclosure with animatronics. Keep in mind if you use the single rider line you will bypass this.
VelociCoaster was ranked in the top 3 roller coasters in the USA since it first opened and it lives up to the hype.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes guests on an adventure with Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they go through Hogwarts. Guests encounter screen and animatronic set pieces featuring spiders, dementors, and the Womping Willow.
It is an innovative ride with guests boarding a KUKA robocoaster system. Guests move up, down, and sideways through the set pieces. It can cause motion sickness in some guests, so be aware.
I don’t always ride this because I do tend to get sick from it, but if you can handle it -it is a fantastic ride. If you do not want to ride you can walk through the Hogwarts Castle queue and wait in child watch for your party or just ask a team member to exit.
Dudley Do-Rights Rip-Saw Falls
I mean receive some push back on including Dudley’s on the list but even though it has a few cons, it is a unique ride that you really don’t find anymore.
Dudley’s is a water ride that will get you drenched. Even if you think you won’t get soaked, you probably will. I have ridden with ponchos to avoid being soaked all day.
The issues with this ride is 1-the ride vehicle is not super comfortable. Guests have to straighten their legs to get in and out. There is a test vehicle outside to try before you ride.
2-the IP is completely outdated. Kids do not know who Dudley is, I barely know the stories! I think that leads to some of the charm of the ride.
It is totally different and unique than anything at the park. It is a bit rough around the edges and after riding you have a sense of “I Survived Dudley’s”. We enjoy it and include it on most visit to the park.
Honorable Mentions
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- The Cat in the Hat
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
Worst Ride at Islands of Adventure
The rides at Islands of Adventure are actually pretty great but if I was going to skip an attraction it would be Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
This ride is more loud and chaotic for me. It is a simulator ride that also moves guests along a track. The best part if the Kong animatronic at the end of the ride but that last few times we rode it was meh.
You want to make sure you include these top rides at Islands of Adventure in your day, honestly if it is your first trip ride Reign of Kong too! I believe in always experiencing a ride and deciding for myself if it is a one time thing or something I ride each time we visit Universal.
Leah has been planning and writing about Universal trips since 2016. She loves finding the best places to eat and stay during her visits to the park. Leah enjoys the little details that make visiting the parks so immersive and special, and sharing that with her readers.
