The Fastest and Biggest Rides at Universal Orlando Resort

Adrenaline junkies assemble, because we’ve rounded up the biggest and fastest rides at Universal Orlando Resort right now. Whether you like belly-sinking drops or magical animatronics, these thrills are sure to take your holiday to new heights. So, check out our bumper countdown of race track-worthy roller coasters and cloud-level attractions…  

1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster 

Top speed: 70 mph  
Top height: 155 feet

First place goes to the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Universal Orlando’s newest coaster also takes the crown for the fastest. And it’s no surprise when you’re racing against four raptors. You’ll hit 70 mph in a speedy 2.4 seconds, as you twist and turn past rocks and trees. And it’s not just speed you can expect. You’ll also be propelled up a 155-foot top hat and down an 80-degree drop. Plus, the 4,700-foot track includes four inversions, a wave turn and an epic barrel roll over the lagoon – making it perfect for ‘thrills with a view’.

2. The Incredible Hulk Coaster  

Top speed: 67 mph  
Top height: 110 feet  

A worthy second place goes to The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This legendary coaster, themed around Marvel’s gargantuan green avenger, has been zipping adrenaline junkies around the park since 1999. It got a revamp in 2015, which added new track pieces, onboard music and a different storyline. But you can still expect the same stomach-dropping twists and turns. At a top speed of 67 mph, you’ll be flung around seven inversions, drops of over 100 feet, a zero-gravity roll and two subterranean trenches – basically, that’s roller coaster speak for ‘big thrills’.

3. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit  

Top speed: 65 mph
Top height: 167 feet

This isn’t just the third-fastest coaster, it’s also Universal’s biggest with a max height of 167 feet. In fact, it’s one of the first things you’ll see when you arrive at Universal Studios Florida. Its bright-red loops – which include the 167-foot top hat – dominate the park’s skyline. But if the near-vertical drop and 90-degree climb aren’t enough, you can even pick your own adrenaline-inducing playlist to listen to while you ride. Choose from the likes of My Chemical Romance, Shania Twain, ABBA or even Sandstorm by Darude. And there’s a not-so-secret song menu with even more options. For the best ride, we’d recommend waiting until after sunset. This way, you’ll be treated to a mesmerising light show while you whizz along the track.

4. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure  

Top speed: 50 mph  

It wouldn’t be a Universal list without a mention of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, would it? Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, in Islands of Adventure, might not be the fastest going, but it’s magical nonetheless. It all starts in the queue, as you wander through the Forbidden Forest, meeting Mr Weasley, Hagrid and his beloved dog, Fang, en route. When you reach the ride, you can choose between boarding the motorbike or the sidecar. Either way, you’re in for a thrill as you zoom along the 5,053-foot-long track – one of the longest in the whole of Florida. And that’s not the only thing it can boast about. It also features seven launches, more than any other coaster in the world when it made its debut. Plus, you can expect reverse motion, a 65-foot-tall dead-end spike and a vertical drop. And, as you’d expect from most encounters with Hagrid, nothing ever goes to plan…

 

5. Revenge of the Mummy

Top speed: 40 mph – but in the dark!  

The next coaster’s a bit different from the norm. You’ll find it inside, so you’ll be riding in the pitch black. The Revenge of the Mummy, at Universal Studios Florida, is basically like a sequel to The Mummy, in roller coaster form. You won’t go upside down like some of the big-hitters before, but you will be launched through dark tunnels and fog, and plunged down steep drops and around sharp turns, all while being chased by the evil Mummy Imhotep. You’ll even travel backwards, so the thrill factor is still sky-high.



Those were the top five fastest and biggest rides at Universal Orlando Resort. But there are a couple of others that deserve an honourable mention. 

Flight of the Hippogriff  

This family-friendly coaster, in Islands of Adventure, still makes the thrill list. It racks in a top speed of 29 mph, so it’s still speedy and makes a great first ‘big’ roller coaster for mini thrill seekers. You’ll climb a gentle hill and then dive around the pumpkin patch onboard your Hippogriff – a magical half horse, half eagle creature. It’s worth a ride for the views of Hogwarts Castle and snowy Hogsmeade Village alone.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts  

Again, this fan favourite might not be the fastest, but it still over delivers in exciting at Universal Studios Florida. It combines a coaster with state-of-the-art tech – think 360-degree themed sets, high-definition animation and live special effects. The indoor steel coaster reaches speeds of 25 mph as you join Harry, Ron and Hermione at Gringotts Bank.  

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

This one’s not a roller coaster, it’s a drop tower ride. But this isn’t any old drop ride, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall rockets you 185 feet into the air at speeds of 40 mph, reaching the top of the tower in three seconds. Let’s put that into context for you – it accelerates faster than the space shuttle. Once you reach the top, you’re barely there for a second before you’re plunged back down again with a force greater than gravity. The Islands of Adventure ride is named after one of the most notorious Marvel super villains, Doctor Doom, the archnemesis of the Fantastic Four. We’d say that’s fitting for such a hair-raising ride.  

Are you ready for a ride? Whizz over to our Universal Studios Florida Holidays to see the latest deals.