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Writer's pictureMelanie Niarhos

My Least Favorite Attractions at Universal Orlando Resort

As huge fan of Universal Orlando Resort and a former Team Member, I have spent countless hours exploring the nooks and crannies of the Universal parks, hotels, and City Walk. While my favorite thing is to grab some snacks and enjoy the atmosphere, I am also a lover of all rides big and small. I grew up going to theme parks and amusement parks around the country. I have braved the coasters of Cedar Point, gone ziplining over Dollywood, and rode past the animals at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Not many rides can scare me away, but there are some rides at Universal, like any other park, that I would rather not do, and some that I avoid entirely.



Fast n Furious

Universal Studios Florida


This ride has a bad reputation, but if you are a Fast and Furious fan I do recommend you ride it. The ride isn’t terrible. You are riding a “party bus” that moves between different rooms with wrap-around screens. It is immersive but a little silly of a premise. It has the same ride system as Kong, but I prefer Kong 1000%. I think Fast and Furious would’ve been better as a test track style ride, but Universal Studios simply lacks the space. 



The Simpsons

Universal Studios Florida


I normally don’t have a problem with most rides, but this ride makes me so sick. The older 3D screens lack clarity, so the blurriness mixed with the motion of the vehicle makes me extremely dizzy and nauseous. The ride itself is a vehicle that stays in one spot but moves around to match the motion of the screen. If you are even slightly prone to motion sickness or have difficulty with 3D rides, avoid this one like the plague. 


exterior of Krustyland from over the water


Poseidon’s Fury 

Islands of Adventure


This is not actually a ride but a walkthrough experience. You go into an ancient temple and end up face to face with the gods. There are lots of screens, lights, and water effects as you move through different rooms in the temple with your tour guide. The show is fun and has a good premise, but some of it feels outdated and cheesy. I would love to see it revamped with more modern technology.


stone trident sculpture


Rip Ride Rockit 

Universal Studios Florida


I honestly think this ride just needs to be replaced with a newer version. I love the premise of picking your own music, but the ride itself is increasingly headache-inducing as it gets older. It needs a major face-lift like Hulk, which used to give me major headaches but is now incredibly smooth with the track updates. 


Rip Ride Rockit initial drop photo


E.T. Adventure

Universal Studios Florida


Yes, I really don't love E.T. I'm sorry, but the ride is just weird. There are too many creepy animatronics, and while I appreciate that they tried to expand the universe of the movie, I just wish they didn't look so scary or actually were in the movie. I still ride it constantly, but really those animatronics are nightmare-inducing. That ride will never go away though since it’s Steven Spielberg’s pride and joy.


entrance to E.T. Adventure


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