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Universal Studios Florida

Orlando, Florida, USA

“To be avoided if you’re allergic to 3D glasses”

Universal theme parks can be found all across the globe. This entertainment company currently owns resorts in Japan, Singapore, Hollywood, Beijing and Florida. Universal Orlando Resort is by far the largest Universal destination. It can be found in Central Florida, just 10 miles north of the beloved Walt Disney World Resort. In order to compete with Mickey Mouse, Universal Orlando boasts three impressive theme parks, a thrilling water park and a large shopping and dining area called Universal CityWalk. Universal Studios Florida was the first park to open at the resort on 7 June 1990. It claims a spot in the top 20 of most visited theme park on the planet, so we certainly shouldn’t call it an average amusement park.

ROLLER COASTERS

In August 2025, fans bid farewell to Universal Studios Florida’s most striking rollercoaster. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was only sixteen years old, but this bright red X-Car Coaster from Maurer Rides simply didn’t meet the quality standards I associate with Universal nowadays. The ride experience was rough and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was anything but pretty, so I consider its demolition as a step in the right direction. At the time of writing, Universal is already working on a successor. This plot of land on the southern border of Universal Studios Florida is being prepared for the construction of Fast & Furious – Hollywood Drift. A similar rollercoaster will open in 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood, so head to the American west coast if you really can’t wait for the Florida version. By the way… The terrain at both parks is completely different, so these coasters will not be exact copies of each other.

Until the opening of Hollywood Drift, Revenge of the Mummy counts as Universal Studios Florida’s most thrilling roller coaster. This indoor attraction was integrated at the park’s iconic Museum of Antiquities and the theming works very well. The ride itself has strengths and weaknesses. I’m positive about the dark ride part, the smoothness and the powerful curves. However, I’m a bit disappointed by some other decorative choices. Theming during the coaster segment is very limited and it looks as if it were designed by a toddler. Besides, the ‘humorous’ final scene doesn’t really fit within the ride’s dark theme.

Universal Orlando Resort’s most popular inhabitant is a British wizard. Harry Potter made his debut at the parks in 2010 with the opening of Hogsmeade at the neighbouring Islands of Adventure. And since everything Mr Potter touches turns into gold, Universal didn’t hesitate to expand the Wizarding World. In 2014, Universal Studios Florida presented Diagon Alley, a brand-new themed land. And despite the fact that I’m not into Harry Potter, I have to admit that Diagon Alley is absolutely stunning. The level of detail is incredible and it really feels like stepping into a different world. The area’s main attraction is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which is located underneath a huge fire-breathing dragon. The theming of this ride is astounding, while the combination of screens and real decoration is performed very well. Escape from Gringotts functions as the park’s main draw and executes this role in an excellent way.

DARK RIDES

Universal Orlando Resort is the capital of 3D attractions. At Universal Studios, 3D glasses are used in Escape from Gringotts, Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Transformers The Ride 3D. The latter is a ride that I don’t hate, but I don’t adore it either. Transformers’ largest issue is the fact that its ride system is identical to the one used in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, but the overall experience is inferior. The story line is a little too dark and the special effects aren’t as impressive as Spider-Man’s. Don’t get me wrong… Transformers would be an outstanding attraction at every European park, but it just feels a little underwhelming in the world’s theme park capital.

Almost every major theme park on Earth has an interactive dark ride nowadays. Universal Studios Florida couldn’t stay behind and in the year 2000 they presented Men in Black – Alien Attack. Unfortunately, I should once again admit that I’m not a huge fan. I like the building’s EPCOT-like exterior, but the ride feels a tad outdated. Besides, it’s rather unclear what the laser-shooting game is about. Men in Black is a loud and chaotic ride… but not necessarily a good one. At least it’s better than Villain-Con Minion Blast, a weird stand-up shooter attraction in Illumination’s Minion Land. This is one of the latest additions to the park, but I consider it as one of the weakest Universal rides ever.

Believe it or not… Villain-Con isn’t the only attraction inside Minion Land in which screens play a big role. The area is also home to Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem, a ride that can be found at five different Universal parks across the globe. This simulator has a thin storyline, which is combined with a rather brutal ride. So please don’t expect it to be a life-changing experience, but that’s not necessary. If you enjoyed the humour of the Despicable Me films, then you’ll probably like Minion Mayhem. Be prepared for long queues, though. Despite the fact that the ride has been around since 2012, it remains surprisingly popular.

Universal Studios doesn’t mind removing older rides to make way for modern-day attractions. The Jaws boat tour was exchanged for Diagon Alley, Back to the Future was replaced by a hilarious Simpsons simulator and the former Disaster attraction now offers a Fast & Furious theme. One of the park’s few remaining opening day rides is E.T. Adventure. I’m very happy to notice that this is a classic dark ride: it doesn’t involve screens, laser guns or free fall elements. This is just a relaxing, enjoyable flight to the Green Planet. Despite its dated theming, E.T. Adventure remains an iconic dark ride. In fact, Universal could use more quiet, family-friendly attractions like this one.

OTHER EXPERIENCES

Looking for the most impressive amusement park attractions on the planet? Florida undoubtedly has a few contenders. The lineups obviously includes a few prototypes. Orlando is home to the world’s first Mack water coaster and the original Tower of Terror. Another unique ride is the Hogwarts Express, perhaps the world’s only attraction that connects two theme parks. This train ride starts in a replica of London’s King’s Cross Station and transports you to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure… or vice versa. Thanks to the Hogwarts Express, Universal found a clever way to sell more Park-to-Park tickets, but to be fair, it’s also just a great experience. The steam train has a beautiful design and the ride itself is full of clever effects. You could criticise Universal for once again using a lot of screens and projections, but the execution is certainly neat.

If you’re a horror addict, then you probably know Universal Studios Florida. The park has become world-famous with its special event called Halloween Horror Nights. This event takes place every year and it usually runs from September until early November. This is a hard-ticket event, which means that separate admission tickets are required. The park remains open for normal operations until the late afternoon and then closes for day guests. So even if you don’t like creepy characters and scare zones, there’s no need to avoid the park during Halloween time.

ENTERTAINMENT

I may have given the impression that I hate screens in amusement parks, but the opposite is true. Screens and projections are part of 21st-century attractions and can really elevate an experience to the next level. I believe the secret lies in their subtlety and integration. Universal realises this nowadays, and one of their more recent additions showcases how powerful a screen can be. The Bourne Stuntacular replaced the former Terminator show, which combined real actors and effects with virtual environments. The Bourne Stuntacular builds on the same principle, but does so on a scale that is unique worldwide. The precision and timing of the effects are nothing short of brilliant, and they show things that I’ve never seen in any other theatre. The storyline is simple and the pre-show is rather boring, but the technology behind the main show could well shake up the entertainment business. A very impressive show and (in my opinion) not to be missed during your day at Universal Studios.

Entertainment plays a big role at Universal Studios. You may encounter some characters throughout the park and there are quite a few live performances to be explored. The most interesting show takes place on the park’s central lagoon in the evening. CineSational – A Symphonic Spectacular is the park’s answer to Disney’s fabled nighttime spectaculars. Of course, nobody’s able to beat Disney when it comes to entertainment, but I certainly enjoyed this show on the lake. The performance consists of great film soundtracks, fountains, water screens, projections, fireworks and even drones. Nice way to conclude our day at the park.

WORTH A VISIT?

Universal Studios is a decent theme park which features some legendary rides and characters. However, you should keep in mind that most attractions are screen-based. I’m personally not that fond of rides which involve 3D glasses and that’s why Universal Studios Florida is just a mediocre park to me. This place really lacks a modern, normal dark ride in which you aren’t obligated to put on 3D glasses. Besides, most of the attractions at Universal Studios Florida feature pre-shows, which automatically minimizes the repeat value of those rides. So honestly, this Universal park fails to amaze me. Luckily, there’s another theme park right next door, so I’ll give the resort a second chance. Better luck at Universal’s Islands of Adventure?

What’s your favourite Universal theme park? Were you able to see the difference between screens and real life while watching The Bourne Stuntacular? And do you also think that Universal Studios Florida features too many 3D experiences? Share your opinion in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

This article reflects my personal experience at Universal Studios Florida during a visit in January 2026.