Comparing Universal attractions to Disney World

Here's some of my thoughts for you:

At Islands of Adventure:

Must-Do's based on what you said you like:

- Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey. Another immersive ride that blends Live action sets with motion simulation flying elements (similar in sensation to Flight of Passage). This is absolutely my favourite ride anywhere in the world so it's always at the top of my ToDo lists.
- Spider-Man. This ride was designed by the same person who designed Rise of the Resistance so you will love this one.
- Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure. This is a unique coaster that I can't really compare to anything at Disney. But it's a good thrill with live action animatronics throughout, 7 launches throughout (kinda like the launch at the beginning of Aerosmith) and a couple of other unique coaster elements I won't spoil for you. It's all very low to the ground and doesn't go upside down.
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong. This is mostly "motion simulator" in a Safari-like vehicle that my kids love and you'll probably like it too.
- Doctor Dooms fearfall. Much less immersive than Tower of Terror, but the thrill/sensation is similar.
- Hogwarts Express. This is the train from Harry Potter that connects to the other park. It's immersive and a must do if you like Harry Potter. But you need Park to Park tickets to go back and forth betwee the two parks

Maybe-Do's
- Incredible Hulk. Intense roller coaster. It has an opening launch like Aerosmith, but then continues with the intensity and goes upside down several times. It's one of my family's favourites so you guys might like it too. It has over the shoulder restraints.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure. This is a water ride but I find that you rarely get soaked. More of a splash like splash moutain. But there is the odd time depending how the water splashes that you might get more wet. Seems a bit like "luck of the draw". But it is a great ride and very immersive and worth a try.
- Dudley Doo Right's. This is a log flume ride similar in design to Splash Mountain. But you will get soaked 90+ % of the time.
- Popeye's. This is similar in design to Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, but you will likely also get soaked on this one the majority of the time.
- Flight of the Hippogryph. Kiddie coaster similar in design to Goofy's Barnstormer. I find it too tame and we usually skip this

At Universal Studios

Must-Do's based on what you said you like:

- Escape from Gringotts. This is an immersive coaster/simulator hybrid that is excellent.
- Revenge of the Mummy. Immersive indoor coaster. This is an awesome ride. It starts and stops with lots of scenes with animatronics and fire effects. No more intense than Everest.
- Transformers. Same ride system as Spider-man with similar thrills of live action and screen simulated thrills
- Men in Black. Think of this as a mix of Buzz Lighyear (spinny seats going through a live action environment) and Toy Story (shooting things for point, but shooting at real objects, not screens)
- Hogwarts Express. This is the train mentioned above. It takes you back to Islands of Adventure from Universal. The experience is different going back.

Maybe-Do's
- Rip Ride Rockit. This is a coaster and while technically it doesn't go upside down (it has a loop but you stay upright as you twist through it) it is intense. But we love this ride and you pick music from a touch screen that will blast in your ears as you ride (which to me adds nicely to the experience).
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. This is a pure motion sim theatre. It's cute. It was better IMO when it was 3D (the removed 3D about a year ago). Always has really long lines (because it's capacity isn't the best people eater) but if you possibly
- The Simpson's Ride. This is also a pure motion simulation theatre. Some find this ride too jarring and don't like it. My family enjoys it as we are big Simpson's fans and find the ride story hilarious
- Jimmy Fallon's Race Through New York. Another simulation theatre ride. It's fun I suppose, just not "must-do" fun.
- ET's Adventure. Not a thrill ride. Think of this as Universal's version of Peter Pan. It's cute/nostalgic. If you have any love of ET then it's a must do, but otherwise you might skip it.

Other things I recommend:
- Hollywood Horror Makeup show. On the Universal side, this is a show that goes through demonstrations about how they do Hollywood horror effects. It's HILARIOUS and we love it.
- Bourne Stuntacular. Another live action show on the Universal side. I haven't been to it personally as it just opened this post pandemic closure but everything I've read about it says it's spectacular.

Questions about tight seats:
Universal generally fits "smaller" that things at Disney. Tough to say how you will do. Dudley Doo-Right's has IMO really tiny seats that are hard to get in and out of. Hulk and Forbidden Journey have over the shoulder restraints and some have said they have tight fits. But these two rides as well as Gringotts and Mummy have "modified" seats that are larger to accommodate larger passengers. The good thing is that almost every ride that has seats that might be tight have a "test seat" outside of the entrance of the ride to try to make sure you would fit in the ride.
Really great list!
I'd add the Raptor encounter at Islands too-Meeting Blue is an experience! Yeah it's a "character" meet n greet but do characters breathe down your neck then growl at you LOL? I got to meet the baby Sierra (?Sienna? can't remember now) and that was cool too.
As you come into Islands especially-take the time to listen to the sounds and see the theming-It really is top-notch but I think alot of people ignore that because it's "not Disney".
At Studios side-other shows include Blues Brothers show and Beat Builders.
We're FL residents, so when we finally go, it will be with annual passes
What level AP's? I am an out of state AP holder and have the premiere pass with the EP after 4-with built in early admission, one time use of EP on attractions, and free parking it makes it easy to stay less expensive/off site -when open Sapphire Falls is my FAVORITE place. Currently at Cabana Bay and love this place too-the "food court" food beats Disneys hands down. If you plan on coming often and want to usually stay less expensive places to stay it may worth the more expensive pass.
As far as coasters go-RRR is intense the first hill-flat on your back feels like you can slide right out lol. Love Doom but too short!! Hulk is closest to RnR but it keeps the intensity up-this is the only coaster that I don't do more than once a trip-and usually only in A.M. when not tired etc-I've come close to passing out on it and that doesn't happen on any Disney coasters (Everest is my favorite)
I had 1 1/2 hours before close by time I made it to a park yesterday-did Doom, Forbidden Journey grabbed a Hog's Head beer for the line at Hagrids (posted 75 minutes-took 38 minutes -probably a bit shorter but forgot to check time until I was already halfway through lost continent on way out -park was closed). Hagrids is a must do!
 
Here's some of my thoughts for you:

At Islands of Adventure:

Must-Do's based on what you said you like:

- Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey. Another immersive ride that blends Live action sets with motion simulation flying elements (similar in sensation to Flight of Passage). This is absolutely my favourite ride anywhere in the world so it's always at the top of my ToDo lists.
- Spider-Man. This ride was designed by the same person who designed Rise of the Resistance so you will love this one.
- Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure. This is a unique coaster that I can't really compare to anything at Disney. But it's a good thrill with live action animatronics throughout, 7 launches throughout (kinda like the launch at the beginning of Aerosmith) and a couple of other unique coaster elements I won't spoil for you. It's all very low to the ground and doesn't go upside down.
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong. This is mostly "motion simulator" in a Safari-like vehicle that my kids love and you'll probably like it too.
- Doctor Dooms fearfall. Much less immersive than Tower of Terror, but the thrill/sensation is similar.
- Hogwarts Express. This is the train from Harry Potter that connects to the other park. It's immersive and a must do if you like Harry Potter. But you need Park to Park tickets to go back and forth betwee the two parks

Maybe-Do's
- Incredible Hulk. Intense roller coaster. It has an opening launch like Aerosmith, but then continues with the intensity and goes upside down several times. It's one of my family's favourites so you guys might like it too. It has over the shoulder restraints.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure. This is a water ride but I find that you rarely get soaked. More of a splash like splash moutain. But there is the odd time depending how the water splashes that you might get more wet. Seems a bit like "luck of the draw". But it is a great ride and very immersive and worth a try.
- Dudley Doo Right's. This is a log flume ride similar in design to Splash Mountain. But you will get soaked 90+ % of the time.
- Popeye's. This is similar in design to Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, but you will likely also get soaked on this one the majority of the time.
- Flight of the Hippogryph. Kiddie coaster similar in design to Goofy's Barnstormer. I find it too tame and we usually skip this

At Universal Studios

Must-Do's based on what you said you like:

- Escape from Gringotts. This is an immersive coaster/simulator hybrid that is excellent.
- Revenge of the Mummy. Immersive indoor coaster. This is an awesome ride. It starts and stops with lots of scenes with animatronics and fire effects. No more intense than Everest.
- Transformers. Same ride system as Spider-man with similar thrills of live action and screen simulated thrills
- Men in Black. Think of this as a mix of Buzz Lighyear (spinny seats going through a live action environment) and Toy Story (shooting things for point, but shooting at real objects, not screens)
- Hogwarts Express. This is the train mentioned above. It takes you back to Islands of Adventure from Universal. The experience is different going back.

Maybe-Do's
- Rip Ride Rockit. This is a coaster and while technically it doesn't go upside down (it has a loop but you stay upright as you twist through it) it is intense. But we love this ride and you pick music from a touch screen that will blast in your ears as you ride (which to me adds nicely to the experience).
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. This is a pure motion sim theatre. It's cute. It was better IMO when it was 3D (the removed 3D about a year ago). Always has really long lines (because it's capacity isn't the best people eater) but if you possibly
- The Simpson's Ride. This is also a pure motion simulation theatre. Some find this ride too jarring and don't like it. My family enjoys it as we are big Simpson's fans and find the ride story hilarious
- Jimmy Fallon's Race Through New York. Another simulation theatre ride. It's fun I suppose, just not "must-do" fun.
- ET's Adventure. Not a thrill ride. Think of this as Universal's version of Peter Pan. It's cute/nostalgic. If you have any love of ET then it's a must do, but otherwise you might skip it.

Other things I recommend:
- Hollywood Horror Makeup show. On the Universal side, this is a show that goes through demonstrations about how they do Hollywood horror effects. It's HILARIOUS and we love it.
- Bourne Stuntacular. Another live action show on the Universal side. I haven't been to it personally as it just opened this post pandemic closure but everything I've read about it says it's spectacular.

Questions about tight seats:
Universal generally fits "smaller" that things at Disney. Tough to say how you will do. Dudley Doo-Right's has IMO really tiny seats that are hard to get in and out of. Hulk and Forbidden Journey have over the shoulder restraints and some have said they have tight fits. But these two rides as well as Gringotts and Mummy have "modified" seats that are larger to accommodate larger passengers. The good thing is that almost every ride that has seats that might be tight have a "test seat" outside of the entrance of the ride to try to make sure you would fit in the ride.

This list is exceptional, here's some additional comments where I would strongly agree, add commentary, or disagree:
  • I second Hogwarts Express. If you have time and are really into Harry Potter, take it both ways at some point: it isn't the same ride.
  • For Jurassic Park River Adventure, my mileage is that you get more wet and more often on Splash Mountain than you do on this ride.
  • For Popeye's, soaked is an understatement. Last time I rode this in August (2019), I was still wet after the boat back to my hotel room... and I rode a couple other rides after this!
  • For The Simpson's Ride, I've found that this causes a lot more motion sickness than Star Tours does over at Disney.
  • About the tight seats, I can verify this. I'm a larger guy, and I could fit reasonably comfortably in just about any adult ride over at Disney. At Universal, there were a number of rides that fell into this category, with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey being the worst offender; they almost didn't let me ride that one with how tight the restraints are. This despite fitting reasonably in the test seats outside.
  • One ride that I would not recommend is Fast & Furious: Supercharged. The walkthrough exhibits are enjoyable if you're into the franchise, but the ride itself was really disappointing, considering it was neither fast nor... furious. Really disappointing for a movie franchise that's a bit of a guilty pleasure.
 
I trend towards suggesting to try everything once for yourself. For RRR and Hulk, you'll be able to see most of the ride for yourself before you get in line and decide then. If you tolerate RnRC fine, you can likely tolerate Hulk. Someone who gets queasy on RNRC might want to skip it. Mummy is no big deal. The only thing is that it breaks suddenly- don't let your head hit the backrest! Coaster part isn't intense except for HARD unexpected breaking. Think of the VERY end of Big Thunder, when you are pulling into the station of Big Thunder - that type of hard breaking.

At Universal, the really water rides tend to be really wet. Most of the time we skip them, especially in winter. They are often closed if it is cold, especially Bluto's. I'd say the way to ride them is to specifically dress to get wet (like wearing a bathing suit under your clothes, no denim ) but i think ti is just the 3: Jurassic Park (not that great, dated), Rip Shaw Falls (dated!, not super immersive ride mostly just to get wet), Bluto's (a little like Kali, but wetter and better themed, fun!!)
Oh, you can also get a little wet on One Fish, but it is very fun. Even on pretty cool days, we've ridden it. It is an aerial carousel like Dumbo, but more fun. If you listen to what the song tells you and watch, you can avoid getting wet.

There's also an opportunity to get wet over by Woody Woodpecker, but I strongly suspect that area is closed now, and might be gone for good. The best part of the area was the room with soft balls you could shoot at friends/family/strangers, except well, it was never all that sanitary to shoot balls that had been rolling on the ground. In front of the ball room was power squirt guns, and a kiddie splash area.

Best parts of US and IoA are the 2 Harry Potter areas. They are as good as anything WDW has built, maybe better, especially Diagon Alley. Do take time to look at all the details. It is $$, at approx $50, but the wands are great fun. Go through the Olivander's experience to get one. And really, once you have one, you can share it in your family. Good news is if it ever stops working Universal will repair/replace it. Also take time to explore all the shops and eateries. Wands are awesome at night!

If anyone in your group is age appropriate for flight of Hippogriff, ride it while you can. It is fun, but you need to have a child of a certain height in your group to ride it. Loading is slow, so pick early in day or when line is short.

Other top attractions include (though this is no specific order): Hagrid's Motorbikes, Escape from Gringotts (awesome, just loud!), Velocicoaster (not yet!), Minions(!), Jimmy Fallon, Spider-Man, Hogwart's Express (fun both ways), Kong (ride multiple times, slightly different each time)

Others: Flight of hippogriff,, Woody's Coster (think Goofy's Barnstormer, except Hippogriff is better!), E.T (neat, but a bit dated), Shrek 4D(a llittle bit of hard breaking, but fun), Transformers (spins a bit too much, could/should have been a better ride), Doom's Freefall (one of those big Space Shot amusement park drop rides), Seuss Carousel, Twirl N Hurl (aerial carousel, but extra fun!), Men in Black (spins a bit much, but FUN! DO follow the ride directions they give you! LISTEN to preshows to get the high score info!), Storm Force, Cat in Hat, High Trolley Ride

Simpsons is just meh. Too bad. Fast and Furious is closed, maybe for good. No big loss. Cars outside the ride are worth looking a moment.

Do see the Animal Actors show, Horror Make-up show, Bourne stunt show, and the Harry Potter shows. Poseidon's Fury takes time, but is worth seeing at last once. We tend not to do shows that much, so we happened to have skipped the rest. If they bring back night shows, fireworks, castle lights - all are worth seeing.

Among the best eateries are: Mythos (If you like risotto, special is often great, lots of good choices), Three Broomsticks (big platter is okay, love pulled chicken platter- it is only listed on the second menu they have at the register), Leaky Cauldron (Go with Bangers and Mash!), Ice cream shop in Diagon Alley, Drinks stand in Hogsmeade, Cowfish, Toothsome (especially the desserts that re in the chocolate shop. The ice cream stuff is all too huge, but the macarons and fine chocolate shop side treats are super!), Finnegan's (where else can you get Irish boil in a theme park!), Fire-Eater's stand kebabs aren't huge, but they taste decent. Sushi at Royal Pacific is great- but only open certain hours. Italian eateries at Portofino are decent, not super, but okay.. We haven't tried all of City Walk.

Oh- another nearby option is the Whole Foods. They were not inexpensive, but it is a very diverse grocery store. In the before times, they had all kinds of options like a real pizza oven, full bakery, barista, and many hot bar soups. But also great selection of yogurts, cheeses, fresh fruit, healthy packaged snacks. That same plaza has - or had - a few other decent quick serve options.

In Citywalk we also like Breadbox for an inexpensive option. Tomato Mozarella is great!, Cold Turkey is good. The melts tend to be pretty greasy though. Ironically, the fries are good. There are also a few other fast food options. The rest aren't great, but they are inexpensive (like burger King).

Skip the Simpson's eateries, except do look at the mural of all the characters.

Oh- big thing to know about Universal is the lockers on the big rides. If you an go bagless, so much the better! Do NOT bring a huge backpack! If you must carry stuff, go light/minimal! Lockers are free (up to a certain size), but they take time. Also, don't bother with the refillable mug, or you'll have to deal with putting it in lockers all day. If you do get AP's, in the before times, Universal had an AP lounge, It didn't have much but water and a place to sit. Universal also used to have a secret lounge for anyone that buys tickets with an American Express Card. Both were only open certain hours, but free water/chips was free water/chips, and a place to sit. AE lounge is by Shrek meet n Greet. AP lounge is by the Horror Show and a neat gift shop that sells (or did) sell props. OH- also do check out the artist shop if it is open, it was by Fire-Eater's grille.
 
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Our family (2 adults, 2 teen boys) has a general thrill level tolerance that peaks at rides like Aerosmith and Everest... although a couple of us sometimes turn away Aerosmith and Space Mtn depending on our moods. We mostly like immersive experiences, cool effects, slight thrills...
IMO, Hulk is the only ride at Universal/IOA that is more intense than the two coasters at WDW. RRR, once you get past the initial vertical incline, is pretty tame. Mummy has great theming and has some intense parts, but they are very short lived. The ride stops and starts a lot to go with the story its telling, so there's a lot of chances to catch your breath.

I agree with PPs that the Potter rides are best for immersive themes. My mom hates most rides, especially anything remotely like a rollercoaster, but she really enjoyed Gringotts even though there's some slight coaster-like parts. She did hate Forbidden Journey though.

Someone up-thread mentioned Simpsons - that's a tough one for anyone prone to motion sickness, but the theme is great. MIB is also tough for motion as there are a few points where the ride vehicle spins, but its a fun ride. Reminds me of Buzz at MK, but IMO, MIB is better.

- Which ones go upside-down (or close to it)?
- Which ones might get us too wet in cold weather?
- Which ones have tight seats? (As a reference, Seven Dwarves Mine Train is a bit tight and claustrophobic for one of us... one in our group has very big, broad shoulders that can be an issue with some over the head restraints elsewhere though not any Disney ones, and FOP has been a concern at times with too much pressure on the abdomen.)
For upside down, PPs have it covered. My mom did not like FJ, although it does not go completely upside down. For RRR, the worst part is that vertical incline. Sometimes, that's worse for me than any inversion. I always get nervous before RRR, but never before Hulk. Also, I mentioned that Hulk is more intense than RnRC which I think is true, but if people in your party enjoy that quick take off at the start of RnRC, then they will like it on Hulk which has a similar start.

For wet rides, I would suggest doing those at the end of your day if the weather is appropriate. IMO, they are worth doing - they're great rides, but you do get drenched. We always do it last thing before heading back to the hotel.

At Universal, they are notorious for having tighter seats than most WDW rides. For any that are iffy, they will have test seats before you enter the queue. FJ has shoulder harnesses, however the two end seats in each ride vehicle are "modified" to accommodate larger guests. Gringotts and Mummy have individual lap bars that pull up and over each person's legs, so anyone with a larger mid section or large thighs may have trouble there.
 













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