Thank you to Universal Orlando Resort for providing complimentary tickets for my visit.
I strongly believe that there are two types of people in the world: those who want to ride all the things at a theme park and those who should definitely not visit a theme park with me. On my recent trip to Orlando, I had one day to visit Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. I wanted to do everything and I just about accomplished it. Now let me plan your next trip with my “map” through both parks that will get you to all of the rides in the most streamlined way possible!
I started my day in Universal Studios, but if you decide to go to Islands of Adventure first you’ll need to start at the bottom and work your way to the top of this post.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
The Minions are up first. This motion simulator turns you into an Minion as you follow along with Margo, Edith and Agnes on a 3D adventure.
Shrek 4-D is just across from Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, but since this is more movie than ride we skipped it. If you want to watch, hit this one next.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Get in your first coaster of the day on the Rip Ride Rockit. This one isn’t for the faint of heart… Don’t forget to drop your bags off in one of the free lockers first.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Shout out to the best queue in Universal Studios. We grabbed a color coded card and than sat in air conditioned comfort on a sofa until it was our turn to hope on this fun motion simulator ride.
Revenge of the Mummy
Head from your race over to the Revenge of the Mummy, a fun and unique roller coaster adventure. You’ll need to toss your loose articles in a locker before you get in line.
Fast & The Furious-Supercharged
Join the Fast & The Furious family on their party bus for a fast and furious car chase through town.
Transformers: The Ride 3D
Backtrack just a little to hop on Transformers: The Ride 3D to join in the battle of Autobots versus Decepticons.
E.T. Adventure
Up next, you’ll hop on your flying bike to help E.T. save his dying planet.
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
If you want a low-thrills roller coaster ride, head over to Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.
In this area you’ll also find Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel’s Playland, fun play spaces for the little ones.
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Next up, take a spin on Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl with the Simpsons.
The Simpsons Ride
Finish out your visit to Krustyland by hopping on The Simpsons Ride.
Men In Black Alien Attack
This was my first time on Men In Black Alien Attack. How did I miss this on my last visit? Get ready to blast those aliens attacking New York, and get in a friendly scoring competition with your ridemates. You’ll need to stow your bags in a free locker for this one, too.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Head over to Diagon Alley to catch a journey through Gringotts bank. Keep your phone in your pocket because you’ll want some fun pictures from the ride queue. Stuff everything else in one of the ride’s free lockers.
Although not a ride, don’t forget to stop for your frozen Butterbeer before you leave Diagon Alley.
Hogwarts Express
You guys, we’re done with Universal Studios! Now it’s time to head to Islands of Adventure. And the best part of that is your ride on Hogwarts Express! Please note that riding Hogwarts Express requires a multi-park admission ticket.
So now that you’re in Islands of Adventure, the first ride you’ll see is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It opened just a few days after my visit, and for now the wait times aren’t conducive to a “do-it-all” day at the parks. (But I can’t wait to ride this one on my next visit!)
Flight of the Hippogriff
A fun ride on Flight of the Hippogriff is a great way to ease the pain of not getting on a motorbike with Hagrid.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This is the closest you’ll ever get to joining a house at Hogwarts, and even the queue for the ride is just as fun to check out as the ride itself. This is another ride where you’ll need to throw your bags into a free locker.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
If you don’t mind getting wet, Jurassic Park River Adventure is your next stop.
You can also check out the Pteranodon Flyers, although adults will need to ride with a child. There’s also the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and Camp Jurassic playground if you’re wanting to take a mini ride break.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
When you’re ready to move from dinosaurs to apes, Skull Island is the next ride on the list.
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
For more water ride fun, head to Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls next.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Don’t get too dry. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges are right next door.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Channel your inner superhero and hop on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. Get ready to tear up when you spot the Stan Lee cameos.
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Put on your brave face. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall is up next.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Have you calmed down from Fearfall? Good…The Incredible Hulk Coaster is ready to get your heart racing again.
Storm Force Accelatron
There’s one more chance to be a hero left when you take a literal spin on Storm Force Accelatron.
The Cat In The Hat
Finish your day in Seuss Landing, starting with a ride on The Cat In The Hat.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Did you wish to ride a fish? Here’s where you can make that happen.
Caro-Suess-el
It’s the most whimsical carousel you’ll ever ride.
The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
Sit back and relax on this ride that gives you a birds eye view of Seuss Landing.
You can also check out the kid-friendly If I Ran The Zoo play area before you head out.
How To Make The Most Of Your Visit To Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Ready to hit all of the rides on your next visit to Universal Orlando Resort? Riding all the things it totally doable, you just need one secret weapon on your side: Universal Express. Universal Express allows you to skip the regular lines once per ride, dramatically cutting down your wait times. You can also select Universal Express Unlimited to take as many rides as you want! Have it in you to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster three times in a row? Go for it!
How Do You Add Universal Express To Your Ticket?
You can purchase Universal Express in advance while planning your vacation. You can also check to see if same day purchase of Universal Express is available during your visit to the parks. There is a limited inventory of Universal Express passes, so same day purchase is not guaranteed. Guests of select Universal Orlando Hotels also enjoy complimentary Universal Express Unlimited. Please note, all Universal Express offers are in addition to the purchase of your regular park admission.
Ready to make the most of your next visit to Universal Orlando Resort? Click on the photo below to save my ride plan to Pinterest!
