Universal Orlando Resort offers many rides for those that enjoy the thrills of an intense roller coaster. But, what if you’re visiting Universal Orlando and you don’t like roller coasters? Here are my tips for visiting Universal if you’re not into thrill rides.
First of all, Universal Orlando has lots of thrill rides, but not all of them are roller coasters. Most of the thrill rides can be divided into two categories: roller coasters and 3D simulator rides. There are several traditional track roller coasters – such as the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Rip Ride Rock-It – which have long fast drops and go upside down. Many other rides are better categorized as 3D or 4D simulator rides – such as Transformers: The Ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. These types of rides often make use of 3D glasses, and while the ride vehicles do move on a track, much of the action is screen-based. Most “drops” in these rides are not as intense as in traditional roller coasters, although the 3D effects combined with the vehicle motion can be disorienting for some. Which rides you will want to skip will depend on what motion or effect specifically makes you uncomfortable.
There are still several rides to enjoy at Universal Orlando, even if you’re skipping the thrill rides. E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios is a classic dark ride, and the park’s only remaining opening-day attraction. Many of the rides in Seuss Landing are mild but very fun for fans of Dr. Seuss. If you can handle one splash-filled drop (or, if you’re okay with Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World), then the Jurassic Park River Adventure is a great ride, as well. And, if you really want to get wet, hop on Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, a water raft ride in Toon Lagoon.
If 3D is not an issue but you’re not comfortable with motion, there are a couple of 3D-style attractions that offer stationary seating for guests. Inquire with a Team Member when entering the ride queue for Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Shrek 4D, and you can get the same ride experience without the extra motion.
The great thing about Universal is that, if you are sitting out on most thrill rides, there are still plenty of other things to do! For starters, Universal has plenty of shows to enjoy. For fans of Universal’s classic horror films, you can check out the Universal Horror Make-Up Show. It’s part comedy show, part behind-the-scenes demonstration of horror film effects. There’s also the adorable Animal Actors on Location, and over at Islands of Adventure is the unusual but visually impressive Poseidon’s Fury walk-through show. Each day you can also catch plenty of characters in Universal’s Superstar Parade, and on select evenings Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular lights up the lagoon at Universal Studios.
There are plenty of characters to meet at Universal, as well. Get your picture with Optimus Prime or Bumblebee, meet Captain America, Spider-Man, and Wolverine on Marvel Super Hero Island, or survive an encounter with a velociraptor in Jurassic Park. You can often catch the Simpsons roaming around in Springfield USA, or find Scooby-Doo and the gang in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios. Sometimes cartoon characters like Popeye or Betty Boop can be found in Toon Lagoon, as well.
If you’re visiting specifically for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there are tons of activities that don’t involve thrill rides. Take a ride on the Hogwarts Express, use your interactive wand to cast spells through the Wizarding World, chat with the goblin in the Gringotts Exchange, see Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Carkitt Market, and get a picture with the Knight Bus driver. Also, you can tour the amazingly themed queues for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts without riding. Ask a Team Member at the entrance of the rides.
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I’m Elizabeth, and I’m a planner, a vacation enthusiast, and quite the nerd. Even better, I’m dedicated to helping you plan an unforgettable vacation without all the stress. I like to say that I specialize in nerd travel – to me, being a nerd has always meant being unashamedly passionate about the stories I love. This is why I love planning for my favorite destinations – these are places that can take you right into the world of your imagination and make it real. If you’re just a grown-up kid like me, you’ll love these destinations, too. Whether you’re imagining fairytale castles or adventures with wizards and dragons, I can help you make it happen! I’m putting all that I’ve learned about vacation planning and my nerdy love of fantasy to work for you, so that you can write your amazing vacation story. Visit my blog NerdTravelPro.com to learn more about how you can get help planning your next adventure, and come visit me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for even more vacation fun and tips. Contact me at elizabeth@theaffordablemouse.com to start planning.
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