Universal Orlando is home to some of the most thrilling rides and attractions around. From classic rollercoasters such as Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit or The Incredible Hulk Coaster to interactive shows like Shrek 4D for all ages, Universal Orlando has something for everyone. Not to mention the Ferris wheel and carousels that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face! But the question for dissemination here is: what are the worst rides at Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando Resort has an abundance of exciting rides and attractions to experience, but most cater specifically to teens, adults, and bigger kids due to the thrills and height requirements. While you will find a majority of high-adrenaline rides throughout the resort, that doesn’t mean all of them are! In fact, there are also plenty of slower-paced options for everyone to enjoy.
Note: Looking for the best rides at Universal Orlando? You can find my top 10 list here.
My Picks: The Worst Rides at Universal Orlando
Below is my breakdown of the top 10 worst rides at Universal Orlando, ranked from #10 (tenth worst) to #1 (worst ride).
- #10: Transformers: The Ride-3D
- #9: Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- #8: Flight of the Hippogriff
- #7: Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- #6: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- #5: Storm Force Accelatron
- #4: Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- #3: Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- #2: The Simpsons Ride
- #1: Fast & Furious – Supercharged
#10: Transformers: The Ride-3D
Despite the movie series that has left fans disappointed, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D is still an exciting journey into the world of TRANSFORMERS. With immersive theming and special effects, riders are truly transported to this universe.
Though it bears a striking resemblance to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, where comic book fun takes center stage instead of the dark and muddled storytelling of TRANSFORMERS, many people still find themselves overwhelmed by being more up close and personal with a car than traditional theme park rides can offer.
About Transformers: The Ride-3D
Get ready to be transported to a thrilling new world with TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D at Universal Studios Florida! Featuring state-of-the-art technology and an action-packed storyline based on the popular TRANSFORMERS movies, this ride is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
Join the Autobots as they battle against the Decepticons and experience the sheer thrill of riding alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience
- Theme: TRANSFORMERS
- Ride Location: Production Central
- Date of Opening: December 3, 2011
- Height Requirement: 40″ / 102cm
- Duration of Ride: 5 minutes
#9: Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
As a caveat, I really, really like this ride. However, I could most definitely see how many people would not. Keep that in mind throughout the course of this review.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Orlando is considered to be a bad ride due to its underwhelming overall experience. The queue line, while interesting, is quite short, and the ride itself is mostly a video game style of play rather than an actual thrilling ride.
Additionally, the race does not come with any of the intense thrills one may expect from a roller coaster or other amusement park rides. The high-quality queue line makes up for some of the lackluster appeals. However, this is yet another Universal Studios ride that puts the focus on screen base versus track base.
About Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Orlando takes guests on an exciting race against Jimmy Fallon himself! Enjoy a less tedious queue line with plenty of memorabilia from The Tonight Show and a barbershop quartet for entertainment.
When you get inside the ride, buckle up and race against Fallon through the streets of New York City via large theater-like seating. But don’t worry – you won’t feel much motion from the floor below like you would on more intense rides. Check it out now for an unforgettable experience!
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience
- Theme: The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
- Ride Location: New York
- Date of Opening: April 6, 2017
- Height Requirement: 40″ / 102cm
- Duration of Ride: 4 minutes
#8: Flight of the Hippogriff
In its defense, Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Orlando is not a bad ride per se. However, it is generally seen as a tame coaster and better suited to younger children. It has few thrills and lacks excitement, making it less enjoyable for thrill seekers.
I rode this once when it was the Flying Unicorn, once in Orlando, and once at Universal Studios Hollywood. All three times, the lines were quite long (likely due to the smaller cars and lower number of trains on the tracks). The ride itself is over in just a smidge over a minute, putting it in the same bucket length-wise as Slinky’s Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios.
About Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff is a great coaster for families at Islands of Adventure’s Hogsmeade Village. It starts off with a flight around Hagrid’s Hut, followed by an adventure through the Forbidden Forest that includes some light drops and a top speed of 28 mph – making it suitable even for younger children.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Kid-friendly steel roller coaster
- Theme: Harry Potter
- Ride Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
- Date of Opening: June 29, 2000
- Height Requirement: 36″ / 92cm
- Duration of Ride: 1 minute 6 seconds
#7: Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
As a caveat, every time I’ve been on this ride I’ve enjoyed it. However, it is highly, highly recommended to not ride this until the end of your day in the park. Even if it’s an incredibly hot day out, the level at which you will be soaked negates the refreshment you will feel.
I’ve done this ride in the summer and in the late fall, with and without ponchos. Even with a poncho, everyone in our raft ended up soaked to the skin when it was all over. For thrills, it’s a solid raft ride with plenty of rapids, turns, drops, and more. However, it is also the wettest raft ride I have ever been on, which may be a turn off for quite a few people and families.
About Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Islands of Adventure offers a wild ride through the depths of the sea. Guests help Popeye save Olive Oyl from the villainous Bluto, riding through numerous twists and turns as they go.
While it may not be the most thrilling of rides, Riders will definitely get wet as they experience this wet and wild adventure. Whatever its lack of thrill factor, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is still the park’s wettest water ride!
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Raft-based water ride
- Theme: Popeye
- Ride Location: Toon Lagoon
- Date of Opening: 1999
- Height Requirement: 42″ / 107cm
- Duration of Ride: 3 minutes
#6: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Brace yourself for a not-so-thrilling adventure with Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Florida! Though it’s kid-friendly and funny at times, impatient riders may want to skip this ride.
It features a motion simulator that is reminiscent of the 10-minute movie trailers displayed before the showings in Regal Cinema, and its plot involves Gru turning guests into minions. You’ll join in the antics of Margo, Edith, Agnes, and the other minions – but be aware that vehicles tend to jerk around quite a bit and there is a heavy reliance on the ride’s single screen.
About Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Embark on a wild ride with Gru’s minions at Universal Studio’s Minion Mayhem! Before you start, you’ll get equipped with your own minion goggles. Then, join Gru in the mission of carrying out one of his evil plans. Feel like a real-life minion as you venture around 3D environments while using special effects and motion simulators.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Motion simulator
- Theme: Despicable Me
- Ride Location: Production Central
- Date of Opening: May 19, 2008
- Height Requirement: 40″ / 102cm
- Duration of Ride: 4 minutes 30 seconds
#5: Storm Force Accelatron
If you’ve got kids with you who are not prone to vomiting and motion sickness, this could be a solid ride to take them on. For everyone else, don’t waste your time unless you feel you need to experience every ride that the parks have to offer.
It’s a slow-spinning teacup-style ride, similar to a reskinned teacup ride at Disney, or a higher-quality version from your local fair. It’s one of the older rides at Islands of Adventure, and lives up to its hype because it doesn’t have any hype. In our eyes, not worth the wait times. The only thing that put this as our fifth-worst pick over Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is that it is a smoother overall ride.
About Storm Force Accelatron
Explore the world of Marvel on Storm Force Accelatron, located in Islands of Adventure’s Marvel Super Hero Island. This tea cup-style spinning ride gives guests the chance to join Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm and Rogue on an exciting journey.
Step onto one of the 12 tea cups and get ready to spin around a central axis at speeds of up to 10 miles per hour! Hold on tight and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Kid-friendly teacup ride
- Theme: X-Men
- Ride Location: Marvel Super Hero Island
- Date of Opening: May 28, 2000
- Height Requirement: No Height Requirement
- Duration of Ride: 3 minutes
#4: Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall at Islands of Adventure is a disappointing ride for some due to its short duration and lack of thrills. Riders are launched into the air from a seated position and then dropped quickly back down, making for just a few seconds of stomach-dropping excitement.
For thrill-seekers looking for more intense rides, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall may not be the best choice. Especially with other drop rides such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror relatively close by.
About Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall is an intense space shot / drop attraction in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Guests will be placed into a harness and blasted to the top of a 185-foot-tall tower, before dropping back to the ground at 40 miles per hour. This thrilling ride is themed after Doctor Doom from the Marvel Universe and is not recommended for young children or those afraid of heights.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Drop/freefall
- Theme: Marvel (Doctor Doom)
- Ride Location: Marvel Super Hero Island
- Date of Opening: May 28, 1999
- Height Requirement: 52″ / 132cm
- Duration of Ride: 2 minutes
#3: Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is a disappointing ride for some due to its slow speed and lack of thrills. Riders slowly spin around the track with no sudden drops or fast spins, making for a relatively dull experience. For thrill-seekers looking for more intense rides, Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl might not be the best option.
About Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is a thrilling ride in the Springfield section of Universal Studios. Featuring the two aliens from The Simpsons, guests get to spin through the air for a stunning bird’s-eye view of the park. With fast spins and sudden drops, this coaster is perfect for families who are looking for some fun and excitement.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Kid-friendly spinning rode
- Theme: The Simpsons
- Ride Location: Springfield, U.S.A.: Home of The Simpsons
- Date of Opening: August 11, 2013
- Height Requirement: No Height Requirement
- Duration of Ride: 2 minutes
#2: The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride at Universal Orlando is considered a bad ride due to its short length, lack of thrills and predictable plot. While the ride does feature some fun sound effects and animatronics, it fails to provide the intensity or excitement that many guests look for when visiting an amusement park.
Additionally, the plot of the ride is often quite predictable, with no major surprises or unexpected plot twists. But that is not the worst part. Even though it’s a relatively new ride considering alternatives, it has the appeal of a super expensive carnival ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, SKIP THIS RIDE. I gave it two shots. Both times, my experience left me feeling like I was going to throw up. And I am not very prone to motion sickness.
The line is unnecessarily long. The ride should be about ten degrees cooler. The unnecessary water splashes and baby powder scent blast doesn’t make the overall experience any better, either. If you’re looking to spend your time most effectively, I highly recommend skipping this ride, unless you are a die-hard fan of The Simpsons.
About The Simpsons Ride
Get ready for over four minutes of pre-show line queues before you board your ride and take off into Krustyland, built by Krusty the Clown. Along your journey, Sideshow Bob will attempt to get revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family while many characters from the show appear, all voiced by their original actors. Climb aboard now and let’s go!
Hop on the wild ride of a lifetime with The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Florida! This animated ride features characters from the popular television series, taking you on a bumpy roller coaster adventure during your visit to Springfield. Enjoy twists, turns, and inversions as you join Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Mr. Burns, and Krusty the Clown for an unforgettable experience that culminates in a showdown with Sideshow Bob. So come aboard now and get ready for some Simpsons-style fun!
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience
- Theme: The Simpsons
- Ride Location: Springfield, U.S.A.: Home of The Simpsons
- Date of Opening: May 15, 2008
- Height Requirement: 40″ / 102cm
- Duration of Ride: 4 minutes 30 seconds
#1: Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Fast & Furious – Supercharged offers riders an experience that may not live up to the name. Guests sit shoulder to shoulder in a bus vehicle with a lap bar, as they are taken past multiple screens where they join Vin Diesel in a tongue-in-cheek car chase that feels like it lasts for about 30 seconds.
Overall, the experience is extremely underwhelming, and if you’re short on time, I highly recommend skipping this. It doesn’t provide the high quality experience that you would expect from Universal Orlando. And with unnecessarily long lines at times, it’s not worth the hype or the overall ride experience, especially for a ride that isn’t even five years old yet.
About Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Fast & Furious – Supercharged is a motion simulator ride that takes guests on an action-packed journey through the streets of Los Angeles. With exciting special effects such as wind, water and fire, it’s based on the popular Fast & Furious franchise. However, the violent themes and loud noise makes this ride unsuitable for young children.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Motion Simulator
- Theme: Fast & Furious
- Ride Location: San Francisco
- Date of Opening: April 23, 2018
- Height Requirement: x
- Duration of Ride: 2 minutes 30 seconds
My Final Thoughts on The Worst Rides at Universal Orlando
In this article, we have delved into the rides at Universal Orlando that, for various reasons, have not quite lived up to expectations. While these attractions may not rank among the best at the park, it is important to remember that everyone’s preferences and experiences can differ significantly. What may be considered a lackluster ride to some might still provide an enjoyable experience for others.
When visiting Universal Orlando, it’s essential to manage expectations and recognize that not every ride will be a showstopper. However, even the rides that don’t make the top 10 list contribute to the overall atmosphere and excitement of the park, and they might offer a nice break from the more intense attractions.
In conclusion, it’s important to approach your visit to Universal Orlando with an open mind and a willingness to explore the full range of attractions the park has to offer. While the rides listed in this article might not be the most popular or thrilling, they are still part of the Universal Orlando experience. Be sure to give each ride a chance, and who knows – you might just find a new, unexpected favorite among the so-called “worst” rides at Universal Orlando.