● Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station: Climb aboard this train to King’s Cross Station, where along the way you’ll encounter characters from the Harry Potter books and movies. You’ll arrive in London, just steps from the secret entryway to Diagon Alley. With a Park-to-Park admission ticket, you’re free to board at either King's Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida and travel to Hogsmeade Station in Universal's Islands of Adventure.
● Flight of the Hippogriff: Ride through Hagrid’s pumpkin patch on this family-friendly roller coaster in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
● Storm Force Accelartron: On this family-friendly spinning ride, help X-Men’s Professor Xavier and Storm harness enough thunder and lightning to ward off the evil Magneto. The faster you spin the steering wheel, the better chance you have of saving the planet.
● One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: Oh, the places you’ll go on this gentle Dr. Seuss-inspired ride. Maneuver your flying fish over the fountains, and watch out for squirting water.
● The Cat in the Hat: You can have lots of good fun that is funny as you ride a car through a life-sized version of the beloved Dr. Seuss book.
● Pteranodon Flyers: Your little ones will have a dino-mite time soaring beneath the 10-foot wings of a prehistoric flying reptile. Bonus: This gentle ride gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire park.
● Caro-Seuss-el: The classic carousel gets a dose of Dr. Seuss magic, with characters who can blink, wiggle their eyes or turn the heads on your command.
● The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride: This elevated, slow-moving trolley includes a retelling of the Sneetches.
If water rides are your thing, then Universal’s newest paradise is sure to make a splash.
● Kopiko Wai Winding River: Take it easy in a tube on the lazy river as it meanders through Volcano Bay’s tropical surroundings. There are life jackets for small children and non-swimmers.
● ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana: Hold onto your five-passenger raft as it twists and turns over bubbling geysers.
● Ko’okiri Body Plunge: As the name implies, this ride is not for the faint of stomach. Participate in the ancient tradition of honoring the volcano God, Vol, by braving this 70-degree, 125-foot fall.
● Honu of the Honu ika Moana: If you have a need for speed, then hop onto a four-passenger raft and zip down this open-air flume.
● Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Grab your BFF and plunge together down side-by-side clear tubes before you’re reunited in the turquoise waters below.
● Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides: Keep your wits about you as you climb across the chasm and navigate the rope bridge before plunging into the blue waters below.
● TeAwa The Fearless River: Strap on a life vest and leave fear behind as you embark on this water slide full of fierce rapids and intense waves.
● Krakatau Aqua Coaster: You’ll be glad to have company on your four-person canoe as it ticks upward into the dark mist of the volcano before plummeting into a roaring waterfall.
● Waturi Beach: You’re in for more watery fun as you swim, splash or just relax in this lagoon at the foot of Universal’s iconic volcano.
● The Reef: Looking for some R&R? This leisure pool is the perfect place to cool off in peace.
● Punga Racers: It’s a slippery slope once you hop aboard a manta ray and race your companions through the underwater sea caves. First rider to the finish wins a celebratory spray of water, courtesy of the legendary hero Punga himself.
● Tonga of Taniwha Tubes: Hop into a tube and careen down one or both water slides, but watch out for tiki statues that spray water.
● Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides: Drop in for some fun on this thrilling water slide that twists and turns before letting you off four feet above a whirlpool.
● Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides: Hang onto your multi-person raft as it lunges into a dark, winding cave, sends you through a funnel and deposits you safely at the bottom.
● Raki of Taniwha Tubes: Ride one or both of these twisting twin water slides, but watch out for playful tiki statues that spray jets of water.
Ideal for kids and the young at heart:
● Tot Tiki Reef: If your little ones aren’t ready for raging rapids, they’ll enjoy this tot-sized splash pad that’s just their speed.
● Puka Uli Lagoon: This leisure pool is perfect for the entire family, with bongo drums, spraying jets of water and a great view of nearby water rides.
Tips for visiting Universal Orlando Resort
● Splurge on a Universal Express Pass for shorter wait times at most of your favorite rides and attractions.
● Better yet, stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel. You’ll get to enter the theme parks an hour before the general public, and guests at select hotels get free Universal Express Unlimited to Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Mayhew advises heading to the Harry Potter attractions first, before the lines get too long.
● At Volcano Bay, you can use your waterproof TapuTapu band to hold your place in the Virtual Line for one attraction at a time.
● Ask if the ride you’re interested in has a single-rider line. “The single rider lines are usually much faster than the regular lines. You can always meet up after the ride and discuss your favorite parts,” Roseboom said.
● “Park to Park passes are needed in order to ride the train back and forward from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade,” Mayhew notes. “Without this ticket you cannot experience the train! Make sure you use those tickets.”
For details about all the rides and attractions at Universal Orlando Resort, visit UniversalOrlando.com and follow the official Universal Orlando Blog.
