Top 5 rides at Universal Studios Florida

Recently I went to Universal with a express park hopper pass, and rode every ride in both Universal studios and Island of adventure! Here are my top five picks!

#5 The Hulk

This classic coaster may look intimidating at first, but is a lot of fun. My wife who is terrified of big coasters loved it, and admitted "it was not as bad as I thought it would be". With all the VR rides at universal its definitely worth taking advantage of a classic coaster. Also I must say this coaster is much more thrilling at night. It is a lot more exciting going through the tunnels lit with green fog at night when visibility is lower. It makes the reveals much more exciting!

#4 The Jurassic Park River adventure.

This water ride takes you through a tranquil river where you can view the majesty of the vegetarian dinosaurs. Shortly after you come upon the crux of every Jurassic Park film. Trouble with the Carnivores. You then have to make a quick escape down a massive water shut. This ride is awesome! Great way to cool off in the heat of the afternoon! I also love the reveal as the gates to Jurassic park open, and the music is playing as you float along on your adventure. Nah Nah Nah...nah nah...Nah Nah Nah...nah nah....NAH NAH NAH!!!!!

#3 The Animal Actors Show

Ok, so its not a ride. Its a show, but it was definitely one of my favourite parts of the day. This one is fun for the whole family, and a great way to enjoy some time in the shade while sitting down. Also you usually don't need to really wait in line for the live shows, so that's another bonus! These talented trained, birds, cats, dogs, otters, skunks, and more perform delightful routines. This cute, fun, and funny show is a fantastic way to spend some of your time at universal!

#2 Harry Potter areas and rides

So this for most people is the number 1 part of universal. I must admit it is the part of the theme park they do best. The immersive quality of the Harry Potter areas is unparalleled by the rest of the areas in either park. I also highly suggest waiting until the evening to go to Diagon Alley the lighting, and atmosphere are the most immersive at this point. Walking through the brick wall, and seeing the initial reveal it is truly amazing. Strolling around the area after a dinner at the leaky cauldron is a great way to finish off your day. Noticing the details worked into every corner of every shop, while unlocking all the secrets with your wand is fantastic. Don't skip the wand choosing ceremony at Olivander's either. Its an intimate theatrical show that contains witchcraft, and wizardry that can't be missed. The rides are great as well, all the details and animation in the line are almost as good as the ride itself! I won't spoil anything more, but the Harry Potter lands are alone worth the price of admission to the parks.

#1 The Mummy Ride

This ride wins because its a perfect blend of a classic style ride that uses animatronic's, projections, classic coaster drops, and FIRE. It was released at that sweet spot in time where theme park rides were shifting from animatronic puppets to special effects and VR. Even though the 3D effects in Harry Potter, Transformers, or Spiderman are cool. They make some people a little queezy. This ride doesn't need 3D to get the job done, and impress you. It has its dramatic surprises, and effects that catch you off guard, and just the right amount of nostalgic cheese to make you sentimental for a classic Hollywood monster. Also the ride is not too intense so everyone can easily ride it, but will still make you scream with surprise! The theme works for everyone because the mummy has been played on TV a billion times over the last twenty years so its relatable for everyone. This is my fourth attending Universal, and The Mummy is the only ride I have not skipped out on during any of my visits. Enjoy the parks!

Honourable mentions: Jimmy Fallon escape from New York, Men in Black, The Rocket Roller coaster, and the Ripsaw Falls water ride.

-Barakar