Have you ever been to the Universal theme parks in Orlando, Florida? If not, plan on going someday, especially if you’re a big roller coaster rider, like myself. You may have been to Disney, which tends to be popular for kids. The Universal Parks are similar to Disney in many ways. If you’ve been to Disney and enjoyed it, keep reading.
I’m going to list out my top five favorite rides from both Universal Studios and Island of Adventure.
5. The Incredible Hulk Coaster (IOA - Marvel Super Hero Island)
This is a roller coaster with a variety of flips and corkscrews, which can give you a bit of a headache if ridden too many times consecutively. Still, the probe lighting that flashes as you shoot up the initial uphill of the ride never fails to build anticipation. Indeed, the coaster starts out slow, as many do, but does not “click-click-click” up the building drop like most. In fact, having been built in 1997, right before the park officially opened in 1999, this roller coaster was the first ever to have the ability to quicken up an uphill. Still, being as old as it is, the coaster is jerky and somewhat rough on you, particularly in the back seat, so be prepared. (P.S.- In case you didn’t get the message, I do NOT advise you to sit towards the back on this ride.)
4. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal - San Francisco)
This is another roller coaster ride, though less jerky than Hulk, having been built in 2009.
The ride takes you straight up a completely vertical uphill, drops, and immediately flips. Several times throughout, you’ll find yourself coming to a sudden stop as if the ride is over. You may be curious about the name. Well, on your lap bar, you’ll see that you have a small screen with music genre options displayed. Pick one of these, and it will then give you song/artist options from that particular chosen genre. Do this before the ride starts, or they’ll pick a song for you. Based on whatever you picked, that will be the song that you listen to while you give this coaster a spin. My personal favorite is “Sandstorm” by Darude. You don’t have many song options overall to choose from, but I found this familiar one under “Club/Electronic.” I like it because it seems to be perfectly synced with the ride itself. When the beat drops, you drop, and so on.
3. The Revenge of The Mummy (Universal - New York)
I don’t know about you, but indoor roller coasters are thrilling in an entirely different way. You don’t see what’s coming half the time, and so you can’t anticipate anything in particular so far ahead of time. This is the situation that The Mummy coaster will put you in. You’re going slow and steady for a good quarter of the ride until you shoot backward and the real part begins. Like a good majority of the newer coasters out there, there is a part in which you’re shot up the uphill with an especially unexpected boost. The echo of the room carries screams and hollers far, which adds an even more eerie atmosphere to the already mummified attraction.
2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (IOA - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter)
If you’re a typically patient person (like, not me) and are accepting of the 90+ minute wait
you’ll have to encounter beforehand, this ride is most definitely for you. The coaster features most of the current refurbishments to attractions, being one to shoot up and over hills and go in backward motion. There’s even a part where the motorbike or sidecar you’re sitting in is dropped straight down below without forward or backward movement. Though it will ensure you a fuller, more fun-filled day at the park, dashing to this ride first thing in the morning- thanks to an early pass- won’t make a difference in beating the long wait times. Still, if you’re willing to push through, this ride is tons of fun. If you call it quits after 10 minutes at 8:15, check out an attraction nearby with a wait time similar to the one you gave up after.
Velocicoaster (IOA - Jurassic Park)
In my opinion, this roller coaster should win a G.O.A.T. award. I love it so much that I don’t have the words to describe it! Oh wait… I guess it would be pointless for you guys to even be reading this article if I don’t give you some explanation of this ride that I’ve so intrigued you with. So, the ride begins much like Hulk, although it stops you completely before the uphill, while Hulk begins by progressing up slowly at first, as noted. Once the raptors are let out of the cages that you see toward your sides, the probe lights flash from red to white, and you take off! It’s up to the agility of the coaster to zip past the raptors before they can catch you… or so that’s what they want you to believe. Throughout the ride, there are many twists and turns. You experience a total of 20 seconds of upside-down time, but not all at the same time, of course. About halfway through the coaster, you will be given a 70 MPH boost up the 140-foot drop, and… well, you can imagine what happens next. As a whole, it is absolutely impeccable, and you have to try it. Be sure to take advantage of the short wait times early in the morning, before the place gets too crowded. (See the paragraph above.)
In conclusion, my recent experience at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure was thrilling and fun-filled to the fullest. I highly recommend scheduling a trip there now. Personally, Islands of Adventure was my higher preference of the two. And, having only been to Disney before this vacation, I’ve found plenty of proof of why this amusement park is actually better. In case you don’t believe me…
The wait times are much shorter.
There’s a larger variety of adult rides.
The air conditioning indoors is freezing. Very refreshing after walking around in the 85-degree sun.
The ride-to-wait time ratio is much more accurate.
… And more!
If you happen to go, I’d like to hear all about it! Email morgan.greene@scholarsguild.net to contact me! Hope to hear from you!
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