'Sup? Tad here! The park that started it all (on the East Coast, at least), Universal Studios Florida is where movies come to life. Nine whole years before Universal's Islands of Adventure even opened, Universal Studios has been where frogs can jump through the silver screen, interact with beloved characters and get in on the action of their favorite films (and TV shows). That legacy continues today and is in full force in the park's 11 epic attractions (12, if you have a park-to-park ticket).
That being said, there's only so much time in a day to attempt to conquer all of them ... and even less so if you're doing two parks in one day. It can be difficult to know what to prioritize. That's why I'm breaking down (in no particular order) the top five Universal Studios Florida rides you need to get on — plus three shows you should check out that showcase the hard work, talent and passion that goes into making your favorite films.
The Top Five Universal Studios Florida Rides
Fresh off a months-long refurbishment, Revenge of the Mummy is a high-speed, rip-roaring, indoor roller coaster that plunges you into Imhotep's tomb and forces you to escape a powerful curse. A perfect starter coaster for those too terrified to take on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (no shame, believe me), this three-minute-long coaster goes forward and backward and features 80-degree banked turns, a 50-degree angle of descent and scorching fire effects that truly turn up the heat. Are you ready to face the wrath of the mummy?
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Have you ever wanted to open an account at the famous Gringotts Wizarding Bank? Well, this is your chance! Unfortunately ... you've come at a really bad time. Just as you're descending into the depths of Gringotts, Harry, Ron and Hermione have infiltrated the bank, attempting to retrieve a Horcrux from Bellatrix's vault to defeat Lord Voldemort. Bellatrix and Voldemort want to know where the Golden Trio have gone ... and they'll stop at nothing to get their answer. Combining the track of an indoor steel roller coaster with multi-sensory, motion-based 3-D effects, this wild ride through "the safest place on Earth" will have you evading oafish security trolls, snapping snakes and dark magic. Be sure to hang on!
Welcome, recruits, to your MIB training! Your task is to blast as many cardboard cutouts as you can before ... wait, what's that? An alien prison ship has crash-landed in the middle of New York City?!? Playtime is over, rookies! Your guns are now set to full power, and it's your mission to take out as many extra-terrestrials as you can! Aim high and keep your finger on the trigger to score as many points as possible ... and be sure to hit your fellow recruits' fusion exhaust port to send them spinning! Oh, and when the time comes, be the first to hit that red button. The Universe & You — Are We Alone? "Of course, we are!" Well ... not really. But it's OK! You won't remember. *flash*
Congrats, you've been recruited by NEST, the Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty! No time to celebrate though. The nefarious Decepticons have come to Earth in search of the all-powerful AllSpark and are attacking the NEST base to retrieve one of its fragments. Before you know it, you're loaded into the stealth transport bot Evac and are tasked with navigating the AllSpark to safety. This 3-D simulator dark ride blurs the line between fiction and reality as you race through the streets of Chicago, fight alongside fellow Autobots and battle formidable Decepticons in a mission to save the planet. Best of luck, freedom fighters!
The last remaining ride in Woody Woodpecker's KidZone and Universal Studios' last remaining opening day attraction, E.T. Adventure is very near and dear to my heart. Inhale the fresh pine scent, hop aboard a flying bicycle and get E.T. home safe to the dying Green Planet so he can save it with his signature healing touch. This slow-moving dark ride is perfect for tadpoles (34 inches or taller) and has a wholesome touch of nostalgia, with many references to the beloved Spielberg film. Don't froget to give your name to one of the assistants on your way in so E.T. can thank you personally!
The Top Three Universal Studios Florida Shows
Former assassin Jason Bourne has been targeted by Treadstone (the top-secret CIA black ops program that created him). He's been trying to expose the details about its nefarious Project Rubicon and now, he's now being hunted down by rogue government officials who seek to eliminate the threat. The Bourne Stuntacular is a stunt show of epic proportions in which you'll follow Bourne through three different continents (using a state-of-the-art military satellite system) and act as Homeland Security agent Andrea Dixon's eyes as she tries to help the ex-super-spy get out of this alive.
Set on one of the largest structures ever created for a Universal show, this production features eight moving set pieces, a 3,640-square-foot LED screen, pin-point accurate projection mapping, practical effects (such as fire, smoke and wind) and a 20-foot-wide lift, capable of lifting and rotating two vehicles 280-degrees from seven feet beneath the stage ... not to mention principal stunt trainers who have doubled for A-list celebrities and perform insane feats such as a 22-foot free fall right before your eyes.
Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show
Find out how Hollywood's most menacing monsters and eerie effects come to life in this opening-day comedy (yes, comedy) show that's sure to send shivers down your spine. Not only do you get to learn about the history of how Universal created the modern movie monster and the grueling make-up processes those actors underwent, but you may even be called up onstage to get in on some of the bloody-good action. This is a show my family makes time for every visit and is always a howling good time!
From the furry to the feathered and everything in between, this fan-favorite show gets you up close and personal with Hollywood's most adorable stars. Sit back and relax as professional trainers show you how birds, dogs, cats, pigs and more get ready for their close-up and perform impressive commands for the camera. If you're lucky enough, you may even be picked to be one of the creatures' co-stars for a take or two!
What's your favorite Universal Studios Florida ride? Is there any ride you can't wait to hop on during your next trip? Let me know in the comments below!
Related: All of the Not-to-Miss Rides, Experiences and Food at Universal Studios Florida
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