Our Top 10 "Can't-Miss" Universal Orlando Rides & Experiences

Finding the best rides at Universal Orlando is the key to a great trip, especially when your time is short. We just got back from an amazing 1.5-day sprint through the parks, and you have to prioritize. Based on our trip and our "pro" training, we put together our official list of the can't-miss rides and experiences.

Here are our top 10 things you must do at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

The Top 5 Best Rides at Universal Orlando

1. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Islands of Adventure) This was our #1 priority, and it should be yours too. We waited an hour for it on our second morning, and it was 100% worth it. It's at the top of our list of the best rides at Universal Orlando for a reason.

2. Jurassic World Velocicoaster (Islands of Adventure) This is, in our opinion, the best pure-thrill coaster in all of Orlando. It’s incredibly fast, intense, and that "mosasaurus roll" over the water is breathtaking. We rode this first thing during Early Park Admission.

3. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Universal Studios) The other major Harry Potter ride, this one is an indoor 3D/coaster hybrid that puts you right in the middle of a major movie scene. The queue inside Gringotts Bank, with the goblin tellers, is an experience all on its own.

5. Skull Island: Reign of Kong (Islands of Adventure) This is a massive, screen-based ride where you board a giant "expedition truck" and explore Skull Island. It’s a great adventure for the family and a technical marvel.

The Top 5 "Can't-Miss" Experiences

1. Experiencing Child Swap (A Must for Families) We can't say enough good things about Universal's Child Swap system. For families with a little one (like our 15-month-old), it’s a game-changer. It makes the best rides at Universal Orlando accessible for everyone. The whole family waits in the amazing queue together, and right before the ride, one adult waits with the baby in a dedicated room. When the first rider gets off, you just swap. There's almost no separation, and everyone gets to share the experience instead of waiting an hour outside of the ride without anyone with you.

2. Riding the Hogwarts Express (Both Ways!) This is not just transportation; it's a ride in itself. You must have a Park-to-Park ticket to ride it. The experience is completely different in each direction, with a different story, characters, and "window" view on the way to Diagon Alley versus the way back to Hogsmeade. It is an experience that transports you inside the Harry Potter world.

3. Drinking a Butterbeer (The Iconic Taste) You just have to do it. It’s an absolute must. We had 3-4 on our trip! It’s amazing, and here’s a tip: for $5 more, get the souvenir cup. It's a fun keepsake and makes for great pictures.

4. Walking into Diagon Alley for the First Time The "wow" moment of walking from the "London" waterfront through the brick wall and seeing Diagon Alley for the first time is a core memory. The immersion is top-notch, with the Gringotts dragon breathing fire and all the magical shops.

5. Meeting the Grinch (A Seasonal Must-Do) We traveled in November, so the holiday celebration was in full swing. If you are here during this season, you must go to Seuss Landing and meet the Grinch. He is hilarious, sarcastic, and an incredible character interaction—way more than just a quick photo.

Honorable Mentions

• For Toddlers: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (Islands of Adventure). This was a perfect, simple spinning ride for our 15-month-old.
• For Snack Lovers: The Big Pink Donut (Universal Studios). In the Springfield area, you can get the giant Lard Lad donut. It’s delicious, easily shareable for a whole family, and an iconic photo-op.
• For Water Ride Fans: Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls (Islands of Adventure). We didn't get to ride this one, but it looked awesome. If you're ready to get completely soaked on a hot day, this is the one to hit.

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Your Next Step

This is just our list of the best rides at Universal Orlando! Ready to build your perfect "can't-miss" list? Let Utah Travel Pros or our AI Travel Assistant craft a custom itinerary for your family.

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