13 Universal Studios Florida Rides (Hidden Secrets Only Insiders Know)
Wondering how to walk through Platform 9Ā¾ unnoticed or catch a sassy remark from Megatron himself? Universal Studios Florida is loaded with secrets that only true fans know. Here’s the list of Universal Studios Florida rides to ensure you experience every hidden gem:
Ride Name | Section | Height Requirement | Ride Type |
---|---|---|---|
Despicable Me Minion Mayhemā¢ | Minion Land | 40ā (102 cm) or taller | Motion Simulation |
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast | Minion Land | 48ā (122 cm) | Multi-Person / Family |
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockitā¢ | New York | 51ā³ (130 cm) | Thrill Coaster |
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon | New York | 40ā (102 cm) or taller | Motion Simulation, 3-D/4-D Experience |
Revenge of the Mummy | New York | 48ā³ (122 cm) | Thrill Coaster |
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D | New York | 40ā (102 cm) or taller | Motion Simulation, 3-D/4-D Experience |
Fast & Furious ā Supercharged | San Francisco | 40ā (102 cm) or taller | Motion Simulation |
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringottsā¢ | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ā Diagon Alley | 42ā (107 cm) or taller | Thrill, Motion Simulation, 3-D/4-D |
MEN IN BLACKā¢ Alien Attackā¢ | World Expo | 42ā (107 cm) or taller | Interactive Dark Ride |
The Simpsons Rideā¢ | Springfield U.S.A. | 40ā (102 cm) or taller | Motion Simulation, 3-D/4-D Experience |
E.T. Adventure | Hollywood | 34ā³ (86 cm) or taller | Family-Friendly Dark Ride |
Keep reading as we uncover the Universal Studios Florida ride hacks and hidden features that can turn your day into an extraordinary adventure….
Minion Land Rides
Minion Land rides at Universal Studios Florida whisk you into a whirlwind of slapstick mischief, where every spin and splash is pure banana-fueled joy.
Insider Tip: Try saying “banana” out loud during your ride on Despicable Me Minion Mayhemāthe Minions just might respond!
Despicable Me Minion Mayhemā¢
Join Gru, his daughters, and the Minions on a wild ride where you’re transformed into a Minion for his latest scheme. When chaos strikes, you’ll blast through his supervillain lab in a heart-pounding, hilarious adventure perfect for the whole family!
š Year Opened | 2012 |
š Section | Minion Land |
š¤ Rider Height | 40ā (102 cm) or Taller |
š¢ Ride Type | Motion Simulation |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens, Tweens, Kids |
Insider Tip: If you linger in the queue at Despicable Me Minion Mayhemā¢, look out for Gru’s security camerasāsome are interactive and will follow your movement. Also, donāt miss the preshow room where you can spot nods to other Illumination films, like The Secret Life of Pets and Sing, cleverly tucked into the dĆ©cor.
Illuminationās Villain-Con Minion Blast
Join Illumination’s Minions and the Vicious 6 at Villain-Con, where you’ll blast your way to supervillain stardom! Armed with your E-Liminator X blaster, test your skills in this all-new, action-packed adventure at Universal Orlando.
š Year Opened | 2023 |
š Section | Minion Land |
š¤ Rider Height | 48ā (122 cm) |
š¢ Ride Type | Multi- Person / Family |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens, Tweens, Kids |
Insider Tip: While waiting in line for Illuminationās Villain-Con Minion Blast, look out for hidden details in the queue, like references to the Despicable Me movies and iconic villains. Plus, the blasters you use during the ride are linked to your Universal app, so track your high scores and compete with friends even after the ride!
New York Rides
In the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, towering buildings and cobblestone streets evoke the energy of Manhattan, where every corner feels alive with cinematic magic.
Did you know? The faƧade of the āTribeca Brownstoneā actually has real New York brick imported from the city itself, giving it an authentic feel you won’t find anywhere else in the park.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockitā¢
Get ready to rock as you choose your own soundtrack before climbing a 90-degree ascent and plunging into the first heart-pounding drop. Hitting speeds of up to 65 mph, this high-octane coaster is a non-stop adrenaline rush from start to finish!
š Year Opened | 2009 |
š Section | New York |
š¤ Rider Height | 51″ (130 cm) |
š¢ Ride Type | Thrill |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens, Tweens |
Insider Tip: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockitā¢ has a hidden song selection feature! While choosing your track, press and hold the logo for 10 seconds, then enter a 3-digit code to unlock secret songs like āRainbow Connectionā (902) or āNever Gonna Give You Upā (112). The secret playlist enhances your ride experience, but keep in mind the music wonāt be recorded on your video.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Race through New York City with Jimmy Fallon and your favorite Tonight Show characters in a thrilling, fast-paced adventure! Hop on the “flying theater” and soar over skyscrapers, plunge into the East River, and speed through Manhattan in a wild race to the finish.
š Year Opened | 2017 |
š Section | New York |
š¤ Rider Height | 40ā (102 cm) or Taller |
š¢ Ride Type | Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Exprience |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens |
Insider Tip: In the queue for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, make sure to explore the memorabilia on displayāespecially the studio desk and various mementos from Jimmy Fallon’s career. If you’re a fan of The Tonight Show, look for the hidden Hashtag the Panda references scattered throughout the rideās pre-show areas.
Revenge of the Mummy
Hold on tight as you race through the dark, fleeing the evil Mummy Imhotep on a heart-pounding track. Just when escape seems near, you’ll plunge into a bottomless black abyssāwill you make it out or stay trapped forever?
š Year Opened | 2004 |
š Section | New York |
š¤ Rider Height | 48″ (122 cm) |
š¢ Ride Type | Thrill |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens, Tween |
Insider Tip: As you exit Revenge of the Mummy, look for a golden, 3-Dimensional plaque of King Kong hidden in the treasure room. This is a nod to the Kongfrontation ride that previously occupied the same spot. It’s a nostalgic Easter egg for longtime Universal Studios fans and a fun piece of park history you might miss if you don’t look closely!
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in a high-octane battle to stop Megatron from seizing the AllSpark on a mind-blowing, immersive ride. Strap in and roll out with the Autobots in a fight to save Earth from the villainous Decepticons!
š Year Opened | 2013 |
š Section | New York |
š¤ Rider Height | 40ā (102 cm) or Taller |
š¢ Ride Type | Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens, Tween |
Insider Tip: While waiting in line for TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, keep an eye out for the Megatron meet-and-greet near the ride’s entrance. This fan-favorite interaction often flies under the radar, but it’s one of the most unique character encounters at Universal, with Megatron delivering sassy, in-character quips to guests. Donāt miss the photo op!
San Francisco Rides
Universalās San Francisco zone transports you to the heart of the cityās waterfront, blending movie magic with the bustling energy of a seaside port.
Insider Tip: Look closely at the parkās facadesāmany storefronts are replicas of real San Francisco locations, but one bakery window hides a quirky tribute to the infamous “Sourdough Sam.”
Fast And Furious – Supercharged
Step into the Fast & Furious world with Dom, Letty, Hobbs, and Roman for an adrenaline-fueled street chase. Explore the crewās headquarters, packed with real movie props and supercharged cars straight from the big screen!
š Year Opened | 2018 |
š Section | San Francisco |
š¤ Rider Height | 40ā (102 cm) or Taller |
š¢ Ride Type | Motion Simulation |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens |
Insider Tip: While in the queue for Fast & Furious ā Supercharged, look for Dom’s iconic Dodge Charger parked in the garage. The car occasionally revs its engine and shakes, adding a surprising, immersive touch to the experience. Also, keep an eye out for other references to the previous films hidden in the memorabilia.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Rides
Step into the magical streets of Diagon Alley, where every ride weaves you into the heart of a spellbinding adventure, from daring dragon escapes to enchanted bank vaults.
Did you know? If you ask a team member at the Leaky Cauldron about “fishy green ale,” they might just hand you a secret drink recipe exclusive to wizarding insiders.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringottsā¢
Descend beneath a fire-breathing dragon and plunge into a heart-pounding underground adventure where you’ll face off against trolls, Voldemortā¢, and Bellatrix. With Harry, Ron, and Hermione by your side, survival hinges on outsmarting villains and creatures as you fight your way back to Diagon Alleyā¢.
š Year Opened | 2014 |
š Section | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley |
š¤ Rider Height | 42ā (107 cm) or Taller |
š¢ Ride Type | Thrill, Motion Simulation, 3-D 4-D Experience |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens |
Insider Tip: Look for the goblin with glasses in the Gringotts bank lobby. This animatronic is a subtle nod to Harry Potter’s disguised character in Deathly Hallows, wearing a similar pair when infiltrating the bank. Itās a hidden detail many park-goers miss while rushing through the line, adding an extra layer of magic for fans in the know.
Hogwartsā¢ Express: King’s Cross Station
Board the Hogwartsā¢ Express at King’s Cross Station and journey through the British countryside to Hogsmeadeā¢ Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Pass through the iconic Platform 9Ā¾ā¢ and keep your eyes peeled for magical creatures swooping or lurking just beyond the window.
š Year Opened | 2014 |
š Section | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley |
š¤ Rider Height | 48ā (122 cm) |
š¢ Ride Type | Kid Friendly |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens |
Insider Tip: At King’s Cross Station, be sure to look for the magical illusion of walking through Platform 9Ā¾! As you approach the wall, keep your eyes on the reflection in the mirrors ahead to see fellow passengers seemingly disappear into the platform. It’s a clever bit of magic that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
World Expo Rides
Feel the pulse of imagination come to life in the World Expo Rides, where advanced storytelling and exhilarating action push you beyond the boundaries of the everyday.
Did you know? Thereās a hidden high-score hack on the Men in Black rideāshoot the exhaust port of the giant alien during the last scene for an instant 100,000-point boost!
MEN IN BLACKā¢ Alien Attackā¢
Aliens have invaded New York, and itās up to you, Agent Trainee, to blast them into oblivion with your laser gun. Rack up points as you zap the scum of the universe, dodging attacks and spinning out of control to prove youāve got what it takes to save Earth and become a full-fledged MEN IN BLACKā¢ agent!
š Year Opened | 2000 |
š Section | World Expo |
š¤ Rider Height | 42ā (107 cm) or Taller |
š¢ Ride Type | Motion Simulation |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens |
Insider Tip: On MEN IN BLACKā¢ Alien Attackā¢, try to hit the red button on your blaster’s console when prompted by Agent Z near the end of the ride. This action gives you an instant 100,000 points, a huge boost toward maxing out your score. Many riders miss this hidden opportunity to significantly increase their score.
Springfield U. S. A.
Get transported into the heart of Springfield, U.S.A., a vibrant, chaotic, and loveably dysfunctional world where the landmarks and laughter of The Simpsons surround you at every turn.
Did you know? Thereās a hidden Duff Gardens logo on one of the barrels inside Moeās Tavern, a tribute to the ill-fated Simpsons theme park episode.
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Take flight with Kang & Kodos at Universal Studios Florida, where you’ll pilot a spinning saucer and aim lasers to zap Springfield’s citizens! These hilarious aliens from The Simpsonsā¢ are ready to send you on a gravity-defying adventure through space.
š Year Opened | 2013 |
š Section | Springfield U. S. A. Home of the Simpsons |
š¤ Rider Height | 48ā (122 cm) |
š¢ Ride Type | Kid Friendly |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens, Tween, Kids |
Insider Tip: Keep your ears open as you spin on Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurlāeach time you pass certain targets, you’ll trigger different character reactions. Fans of The Simpsons can enjoy a mix of both familiar voices and quips from secondary characters. Itās an extra layer of fun that adds to the ride’s humor, often missed by first-time riders!
The Simpsons Rideā¢
Crash through Krustyland on a wild indoor rollercoaster ride with The Simpsonsā¢, careening through chaos with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Brace yourself for non-stop thrills and fun cameos from Springfield’s most beloved characters!
š Year Opened | 2013 |
š Section | Springfield U. S. A. Home of the Simpsons |
š¤ Rider Height | 40ā (102 cm) or Taller |
š¢ Ride Type | Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Exprience |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens, Tween, Kids |
Insider Tip: In the queue for The Simpsons Rideā¢, keep an eye out for the subtle nod to the former attraction, Back to the Future: The Ride. Look for Doc Brownās image on a wanted poster and a DeLorean car license plate in the pre-show area. These pay homage to the ride’s predecessor, making it a fun detail for longtime Universal fans.
Hollywood
Feel the rush of Hollywoodās biggest blockbusters at Universalās Hollywood Rides, where every ride thrusts you into the action with cinematic flair.
Insider Tip: Keep an eye on the pavement outside the attractionsāhidden celebrity handprints point to secret Easter eggs within the rides themselves, giving superfans a deeper experience.
E.T. Adventure
Join E.T. on a mission to save his dying home planet as you soar through the sky on a flying bike, dodging bad guys and racing toward the stars. Experience the magic of his world, filled with wondrous alien creatures, on this thrilling adventure!
š Year Opened | 1990 |
š Section | Hollywood |
š¤ Rider Height | 34″ (86.36 cm) or Taller |
š¢ Ride Type | Motion Simulation, Kid Friendly |
šØāš©āš§ Best For | Adults, Teens, Tweens, Kids |
Insider Tip: In the E.T. Adventure queue, as you wait in the forest, be on the lookout for a hidden Speak & Spell toy on a shelf near the ceiling. Itās a subtle nod to the iconic communication scene from the film and easy to miss unless you’re scanning the area carefully.
FAQ
How many rides are at Universal Studios Florida?
Universal Studios Florida features over 14 rides, including thrill rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockitā¢, immersive experiences like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringottsā¢, and family-friendly attractions like E.T. Adventure.
What is the coolest ride at Universal?
Many fans consider Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringottsā¢ to be the coolest ride at Universal Studios Florida. It combines a thrilling roller coaster with immersive storytelling and cutting-edge special effects, plunging you into the Wizarding World.
Is 1 day enough for Universal Studios Florida?
Yes, one day can be enough to enjoy the main attractions at Universal Studios Florida if you plan wisely. Prioritize popular rides like Revenge of the Mummy and TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, and consider using Universal Express Passes to reduce wait times.
What replaced the ride Jaws at Universal Florida?
Jaws at Universal Studios Florida was replaced by The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ā Diagon Alley. This new area features attractions like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringottsā¢, immersing guests in the magical world of Harry Potter. The transformation introduced rides, shops, and dining experiences themed around Diagon Alley, expanding the park’s offerings significantly.