Travel Advisors Shout Out the Best Rides at Universal Orlando

When Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe opens in May 2025, the growing theme park destination is bound to get a surge in visitors across the board. 

In anticipation of this, we asked travel advisors who sell Universal about their favorite rides at the iconic family vacation spot. From the accessible Hogwarts Express to the thrilling Jurassic World VelociCoaster to the nostalgic Revenge of the Mummy, they covered all the bases. 

“I believe the draw that Universal has, in general, is the opportunity to be a part of your favorite movies. To be inside and forget about the rest of the world for a bit,” said Paloma Navarro, a Click the Mouse travel planner based in Toronto, Ontario. 

Here are Universal Orlando’s best rides, as recommended by the Universal specialists themselves. 

E.T. Adventure

E.T. Adventure is a ride fit for the whole family that takes guests beyond the confines of the original film and incorporates new storytelling in an immersive fashion. 

“Not only was E.T. the very first movie I watched as a child, but I also rode this attraction with my mother on our first visit to Universal Studios. Now both my mom and I can ride it together with my kids and watch the same wonder on their faces I had as a child.  

“The collaborative minds of Universal Creative and Steven Spielberg present a journey to E.T.’s Green Planet, a place that previously only lived in your imagination and can only be experienced at the Universal Orlando Resort!” -Jillian Hume, travel advisor, Mom Approved Travel 

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

This roller coaster gives you the choice of a wind-in-your-hair ride on the motorbike or a more wind-protected experience in an inside car – both equally exhilarating. 

“Hagrid’s is a very smooth coaster, but incorporates high speeds, a little backwards fun and a bit of a drop! Thankfully this ride gives you a chance to catch your breath in between rushes of adrenaline with fun story moments and ends with an incredible musical score and a baby unicorn! What is not to love?! This ride also offers a slightly different feel during the day vs. at night, and it is worth experiencing both!” -Christy Slavik, owner, Mom Approved Travel 

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

A fire-breathing dragon looms large over this thrilling, 4-D motion simulating ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. 

“As a huge Harry Potter fan, the immersive design of the ride really makes you feel like you’re stepping right into Gringotts itself. The incredible visuals, innovative ride mechanics, and fantastic storytelling come together to create an experience that makes you feel as though you’re truly part of Harry Potter’s magical world.” -Mary Gillespie, owner, Be Our Guest Travel Company 

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

In another 4-D motion simulator, guests soar above Hogwarts on this ride inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. 

“You are transported to the magical world of Hogwarts as a guest at a quidditch game. Unexpectedly your seat is upended, and you find yourself flying around the school being snatched back and forth between Malfoy and Harry all while the game is still going on. It’s a fantastical ride that has you being spit on by spiders and coming face-to-face with some interesting creatures.” -Trish Smith, owner, Trish’s Timeless Travel 

Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express train ride requires a Park-to-Park Ticket, as it transports guests from Hogsmeade and Diagon’s Alley. 

“My favorite ride absolutely EVERYONE can experience is the iconic Hogwarts Express No matter how tall a Muggle or Wizard is, everyone (even infants and pregnant Moms) can experience this immersive ride into the Wizarding World to make their Wizarding dreams come true! I love encouraging my clients to ride it both directions, as they are two distinctly different experiences.” -Slavik 

Jurassic World: The Ride

Here’s a Universal Orlando classic that, about five years ago, got a significant overhaul, incorporating dinosaurs from the newer movies and more thrills. 

“I was a kid when the movie came out, and it blew my mind (like I believe it did for so many). So, to do the ride and have the doors of Jurassic Park open for me, while the beautiful theme is playing, and have that first glimpse of all the animatronics as if you were there … it just takes me back to being 11 again!” -Navarro 

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

This one’s for the true thrill seekers, making you feel like you’ve been thrust right through Jurassic Park with every twist, turn and loop, including one inversion that goes over the water. 

“The drop known as the ‘top hat,’ while it looks intimidating, is the least of the scary elements while riding, as you experience this drop in the middle of the ride after the 70 mph blast off. The feeling in your stomach that you usually feel with most attractions that have big drops is not present. A lot of people don’t know this, but the very last barrel roll at the end is the scariest part of the ride! You are SO close to the water, that you truly feel you will fall right in making it an excellent way to end this experience!” -Wendy Gonzalez, travel advisors, Mom Approved Travel

Men in Black – Aliens Attack

Families love being part of the action in Men in Black – Aliens Attack as they zap aliens in a motion simulation of New York City. 

“This is a timeless classic, blending thrilling action with a humorous, interactive experience. Inspired by the iconic movie franchise, this ride invites guests to become recruits in the Men in Black organization, zapping alien targets as they journey through a neon-lit, chaotic world. With its dynamic storyline, interactive special effects, and the fun of friendly competition, Men in Black delivers nostalgia for fans of the films and newcomers alike.” -Denise Ambrusko-Maida, owner, Travel Brilliant 

Revenge of the Mummy

Get ready for some spooky thrills on this roller coaster ride that’s been delighting fans for over 20 years. 

“This ride offers non-stop action, crazy-cool effects and just when you think it’s over…well, think again! Revenge of the Mummy is often overlooked, so on busy days this can be a nice respite from both crowds and the Florida sun.” -Melissa Barker, travel advisor, Mom Approved Travel 

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride

This slow-moving train ride allows guests to encounter famous Dr. Suess characters from a new perspective. 

“The trolley takes riders around Seuss Landing with a birds eye view. My favorite time of the year to ride is during the holiday season at night, when the decorations in Seuss Landing are up, and the lights are twinkling!” -Maria Delvina, travel advisor, Mom Approved Travel