Tell me about Universal Studio rides

[Aussie Wendy]

As part of future planning for a 2014 hopeful trip, I need to get my head around all the rides at Universal Studios Florida and IOA. I know we want to do HP (Kwelled in advance). Being lazy I figure everyone here can give me some shortcuts (I will also read up on the appropriate site on Disboards) - the regulars here have sooo much experience and I trust your guidance and I want to avoid an accidental wheel of doom experience!

Which rides are big fast roller coasters?

Which rides involve spinning or twirling? (and thus to be avoided at all costs by all of us)

Which rides are simulators? (and thus to be approached with caution by DD)

Which rides can we jump on with impunity (I won't say for littlies as half the rides littlies enjoy are way too scary for us!)

Favourites? To be avoided?

Thanks!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I've been doing some research on US....

*********************************/universal/top-5-thrill-rides-at-universal-orlando/


Check out the other links at the bottom of the page.



Allears has a decent overview and food menus.

http://allears.net/uni/uni.htm



And then there's the official US site.

https://www.universalorlando.com/Rides/25-Amazing-Rides.aspx





I've only seen a little bit of Islands of Adventure. Love, love, love Harry Potter World. Not sure how it compares against the studio tour you did in the UK. I don't do upside down rides; so that cuts out the Duelling Dragons (or whatever the official name is of that ride ).

There are a lot of other rollercoaster rides that seem super extreme at IoA. I liked the Spiderman ride; and plan to hit the water rides this time round with DS.

Going to be checking out the Universal Studios side in October.

But I'll be watching this thread with interest as some of the other Anzacs chime in.




ETA - I wonder why the Dis won't allow the first link for the Orlando Informer? It's hardly competition!

 

[FireflyFi]

As part of future planning for a 2014 hopeful trip, I need to get my head around all the rides at Universal Studios Florida and IOA. I know we want to do HP (Kwelled in advance). Being lazy I figure everyone here can give me some shortcuts (I will also read up on the appropriate site on Disboards) - the regulars here have sooo much experience and I trust your guidance and I want to avoid an accidental wheel of doom experience!

Which rides are big fast roller coasters?

Which rides involve spinning or twirling? (and thus to be avoided at all costs by all of us)

Which rides are simulators? (and thus to be approached with caution by DD)

Which rides can we jump on with impunity (I won't say for littlies as half the rides littlies enjoy are way too scary for us!)

Favourites? To be avoided?

Thanks!!

I had front of the line passes (so worth it) so tried pretty much everything last year. Exceptions were The Hulk, Rip Ride Rockit (too much of a wuss for open air rollercoasters), and the two bigger HP rides (this chesty girl was borderline on their test seats and I didn't want to take the risk).

For indoor coasters The Mummy is great, went a few times. Simpsons, Despicable Me and Spiderman are simulation rides (I felt a but claustrophobic on Simpsons, but no issue on the others). The is also Shrek, but its barely a ride.

For drop rides Jurassic Park is great, and there is Ripshaw (sp?) Falls. If you go on the latter, be prepared to get very wet! And to a lesser extent the Popeye ride (which is a lot like the river ride in Animal Kingdom, but a lot longer and more worth getting wet for).

I was traveling with a friend who can't handle too many spinny rides and she just limited her rides on Spiderman and didn't ride the X men ride (magneto?) which is just like the teacups.

A couple of other good ones are ET (see it before it disappears if you're a fan) and Men in Black, which is a ride along shooter.

The other recommendation I would add if you're going to universal is to see the cinema spectacular thingy (if they're still showing it). We went to the dinner and dessert thing and I think it was my favourite part of all the theme parks. It was amazing!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Thanks everyone - re ETA-who knows PIO - if I can't find it you can pm me. I expect others will chip in...and no doubt I will be seeking more detailed info as time goes by. As DH says you have at least 15 months - lots of time to plan!

Meantime back to shortlisting Scottish pics for the TR.

 

[Marlea98]

have to watch the responses on this too for when we go in december. although, i must confess we're only going for harry potter (and staying at rpr) so i haven't put much effort into researching the rest of the park.

 

[cola]

Forbidden Journey is the same ride arm as Soarin' - it's that smooth, BUT it tilts a little bit more - I know there is one bit where you are almost lying on your back because I got stuck like that for about 15min during one breakdown. Also the visuals are a bit more intense. When it is described as Soarin' on steroids, it is really is Soarin' on steroids. There is a single rider line that wasn't well promoted a couple of years ago, not sure if it is better highlighted now. I went on it about 5 times in a row, though had the afore mentioned 15min lie down in the middle of the last one. I wasn't prepared to have another lie down so stopped riding for that day. The queue for the FJ lockers is the biggest delay. I recommend going without a bag, cargo pants are great, or have a bag minder outside. If prepared to do the single rider line, make sure you go through the normal line at least once, there is a lot to see in the line (even if you are not going to ride, the line is worth doing!), the single rider line just cuts out a lot of the line.

 

[cola]

Regardless of the rides, I have always loved Universal Islands of Adventure due to the Dr Seuss land - Seuss Landing - it is magical, not a right angle to be found in that area, the rides in Seuss Landing aren't amazing, but wandering around that area is total immersion. All those rides are very gentle and kid friendly.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Great so far thanks. Can anyone tell me a bit more about Spiderman (it's obviously a more movement orientated simulation ride?) and when someone has gone and gets back I'd like to learn more about the new Transformers ride. DH and I haven't been on a simulation yet that made us feel crook but DD can't cope with them at all to her annoyance. I want to get the nerve up to do Mummy (I am not fussed on roller coasters - as DD says, "we don't do adrenalin" but I love seeing the special effects.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I got on Spiderman in 2010. I believe it's had a refurb since so anything I can say about it is dated. But it was a 3D ride and absolutely amazing.

I'm hoping to get on it again in October.

 

[Marlea98]

Forbidden Journey is the same ride arm as Soarin' - it's that smooth, BUT it tilts a little bit more - I know there is one bit where you are almost lying on your back because I got stuck like that for about 15min during one breakdown. Also the visuals are a bit more intense. When it is described as Soarin' on steroids, it is really is Soarin' on steroids. There is a single rider line that wasn't well promoted a couple of years ago, not sure if it is better highlighted now. I went on it about 5 times in a row, though had the afore mentioned 15min lie down in the middle of the last one. I wasn't prepared to have another lie down so stopped riding for that day. The queue for the FJ lockers is the biggest delay. I recommend going without a bag, cargo pants are great, or have a bag minder outside. If prepared to do the single rider line, make sure you go through the normal line at least once, there is a lot to see in the line (even if you are not going to ride, the line is worth doing!), the single rider line just cuts out a lot of the line.

I don't think I'd like to have an enforced 15 minute lie down

 

[cola]

I haven't been on Spiderman since the refurbished either but I think most of the change was improving the visuals with better technology than changing the ride.
It's a 'car' on a platform that tilts and spins with the 3d movie. It is fantastic. I'm pretty sure the restraint is just a seat belt type thing rather than a padded shoulder restraint - that's a good indication of how active a ride is. The Simpsons is the same type of ride.

The Mummy is so fast you blink and you miss it, most of the scare factor is the darkness. The Hulk is another really fast ride - yes it does a loop and is very fast, but it is incredibly smooth with the over the shoulder restraints - it is so fast it's over very quickly.

I've not done Rip Ride RockIt - it was breaking down a lot when I was there and was hardly running and then I sprained my ankle and thought I couldn't get into the car anyway.

 

[Thumper_Man]

There is a Universal Studios thread here on the the Disboards.

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=8

You can go here to get a lot of answers about USF/IoA.

I'll chime in a bit.

Coasters: Hulk, Dragon Challenge, Rip Ride Rockit, Mummy, Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster and Flight of the Hippogriff.
The Hulk and Dragons are really intense. If you can't handle coasters that go upside down and have some speed behind them, I would avoid them.
RRR is a fun coaster. Worst part of this coaster (IMO) is the lift. You don't go upside down on this coaster but it does have some decent speed behind it.
Mummy is an indoor coaster. No going upside on this coaster either, but you will go backwards. Very fun.
Flight of the Hippogriff and Woody Woodpecker are family coasters and fun for all ages.

Simulators: Simpsons, Spiderman, Transformers, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Despicable Me.

Again, this is just my opinion, but the most intense out of all of these is Harry Potter. This is part simulator and part props. The ride vehicle itself goes along a track and does a lot of twists, turns, dives and a few points that you feel like you may go upside down. Its a fun ride, but can leave you feeling a little light headed when you get off. Going through Hogwarts is awesome. If you feel this ride may be too intense, but still want to tour Hogwarts; just tell the team members you want to do the castle tour only. There is a separate queue for this.

I haven't rode Transformers in Orlando, but I have in Hollywood. If they're the same, then you'll love this ride. This and Spiderman are close to being the same. Again, part props part simulator. Transformers is one of my new favorite rides. Hopefully it's the same here.

Simpsons and Despicable Me are pure simulators. Both are really fun and at least a try once.

Water Rides: Blutos Barge, Ripsaw Falls, Jurassic Park.

Bluto's is like Kali River Rapids at WDW. Only difference is, you will get very soaked no matter where you sit.
Ripsaw Falls will also get you very wet. Similar to Splash Mountain. Major difference is the drop at the end is not straight down. You drop, level out and drop again. I think we were wet by the time we got to the drop at the end.
Jurassic Park is more like Splash Mountain. If you sit in the front, you will get very wet and the drop at the end is a big one.

All the rest: Men in Black, Shrek, Disaster, Twister, ET, Terminator, Dr. Doom Fear Fall, Storm Force Xcelerator, Pteranodon Flyers, Caro-Seuss-el, One Fish Two Fish, Cat in the hat and High in the Sky Trolley.

Men in Black is like Buzz Lightyear. Ride/game type ride. Go through shooting aliens competing for the high score.
Shrek is an interactive movie like Captain EO. Sit in a theater and effects are added to bring the show to life.
Disaster is a trolley type ride that takes you to stage which simulates what an earthquake may feel like.
Twister simulates a tornado. This is one that can be skipped. You pretty much stand around and watch the effects unfold.
ET is like Peter Pan. Ride a bike flying along with ET.
Terminator is also stage presentation with special effects all around you. Nothing special. This and Shrek are good for getting out of the heat and getting off your feet for a while.
Dr. Doom is an ejection seat type ride.
Storm Force is the spinning ride to avoid if you don't like rides that spin.
P Flyers is a cable type ride. This is a ride for kids. I've never ridden it since I don't have kids, but looks like fun.
Caro-Seuss-el is your basic Merry Go Round
One Fish is like Dumbo.
Cat in the Hat would be like riding Winnie the Pooh at WDW.
Trolley ride is a coaster type ride, but goes very very slow. Fun ride to take with the kids.

There are also a few shows that are very fun to watch.
Blues Brothers
Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue
Horror Make Up Show. Not as scary as it sounds.
Animal Actors. Fun show if you have kids.

I think I covered most of the rides and shows. I may have missed a few.

Hope this helps.

 

[hjd0411]

Good question Wendy!!

I went to US/IOA back in 2002, and haven't been since. Just wondering, though - I am not a Harry Potter fan (I know, I know..) - is there still enough to do for a day or two? I'm not a big roller coaster fan - I remember doing Ripsaw Falls and seeing my life flash before my eyes at the last drop..!!! , and I loved Back to the Future (which isn't there any more ).
Thanks for your opinions!

 

[gogo65]

Heather I am not a Harry potter fan at all, but I still enjoyed the ride.
I love US and IOA but we love the coasters, however there is still enough to do for a day, maybe two if you want to avoid the coasters.

 

[cola]

The Simpsons ride and Spiderman are the same ride vehicle as Back To The Future plus 3D visuals, so you have to wear the glasses. If you enjoyed BTTF those 2 should be safe.
I think Forbidden Journey is a smoother ride than those, it does tip you back a couple of times a lot further than Soarin' does, but it doesn't tip you forward at much more of an angle than Soarin' The main concern is if you can cope with spiders and dementors (I'm prettty sure there was strobe lighting for the dementors if that is any concern)


You don't need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy the Harry Potter area or Forbidden Journey. I'd seen the first one or 2 movies and not bothered with the rest, not read any of the books, and I loved it. Most of it seemed to be from the first movie just setting up the environment. I know I didn't get a few things, like Moaning Myrtle in the bathrooms, but I don't feel like I missed out, it is just amazing. The attention to detail, even if you don't know the background, makes it magical, talking plants, pens that write by themselves, the wand shop, painting that talk, the hat that talks, singing frogs, the over the top lolly shop. It's sort of like the Hidden Mickeys can make looking at the details at Disney more fun, but if you don't know to look for the Hidden Mickeys, it doesn't really make that much difference.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Hope this helps.

Thanks Thumper_Man. BTW - I've been enjoying lurking on your TR that you and your wife are writing.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Wow thanks Thumper_Man for such detailed info - really really helpful - also everyone else who has chimed in. Can now plan a visit/how much time we need based on what we think we definitely will and might ride. Sounds like the Kwells might get a bit of a workout! Gotta love them!

 

[slugguts]

Once you have completed your ride on ripsaw falls- find the water squirters on the bridge, for 10cents you can squirt unsuspecting ripsaw falls riders as they meander under the bridge after the big plunge. We had a great laugh for a good 20 minutes as the water squirts from unsuspecting places like rocks or logs- people's expressions are priceless.
Rgds
Slugguts

 

[aussiedad]

Been to Universal 3 times now, most recently Dec 2012 and logged maybe a dozen days or so. I would say the review offered by Thumper Man is great.
My main tip to add is Stay On Site at one of the Loews hotels. The unlimited Express (front of the line) passes are Gold. No waiting on any of the big rides (they don't currently include Forbidden Journey and Rip it Ride it Rock it.)
My other thought is he has undersold Men in Black and Popeye and Blutos bilge rat barges which are much more fun than their Disney counterparts. In particular the barges are far and away the best river ride I have done. My son insists we ride it over and over till we don't have a dry stitch left. Hope you are going in summer, although we were there in December last year and still found it warm enough. We just picked a time when we were leaving.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Thanks Aussiedad - your comments duly noted and appreciated! Yes figure we will stay on site. Have now googled a bit more about some of the rides. The wet ones look fun. My only reservation is all the simulators as we will need recovery time in between so the days (2 thereof probably only) will have to be planned carefully.