Every Epic Universe Ride, Ranked

The enjoyment one gets from a theme park largely depends on its collection of attractions, particularly the rides. While the performances and parades might be vibrant and engaging, the theming may provide an immersive experience, and the food could even appear to have real maggots (though it’s just a clever imitation), if the rides don’t deliver excitement, the park may struggle to thrive.

I’m thrilled to share my experience with Universal’s latest Orlando theme park masterpiece, Epic Universe! After a seven-year labor of love, this property is a dream come true for any movie buff like myself. It’s divided into five captivating lands; four are inspired by iconic franchises (How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, Harry Potter, and Nintendo), while the central hub, Celestial Park, seamlessly connects them all via magical portals that transport you to each land. Each of these realms houses at least one or two blockbuster-worthy centerpiece attractions. Simply put, Epic Universe is a must-visit for any theme park enthusiast!

On May 22, 2025, Epic Universe officially debuted, boasting an initial lineup of 11 thrilling rides. It’s not just about the roller coasters though; it also offers two captivating stage shows. One is a delightful musical adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, titled The Untrainable Dragon, and another, Le Cirque Arcanus, is an awe-inspiring magical performance inspired by the Harry Potter prequel film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Each ride in this park promises fun, with some truly extraordinary ones showcasing cutting-edge technology and breathtaking attention to detail.

After experiencing every ride at the Epic Universe during its press preview, I’ve compiled a list that ranks the opening day rides in order of preference. The initial pair are particularly fun; the top three are absolute must-dos, no exceptions.

Every Epic Universe Ride Ranked

11. Fyre Drill

As a thrill-seeker, I’d say stepping into Fyre Drill feels like merging a water gun battle with a Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters shooting gallery experience! In this exciting ride, each passenger gets their own handle-activated water cannon aboard a leisurely moving boat. The aim: Soak the targets as they float by. Aim accurately (or perhaps inaccurately, depending on your point of view), and you’ll trigger an array of mists, splashes, and soaks!

Fyre Drill is an ideal way to beat the summer heat, and there’s nothing quite like hitting a far-off target with a burst of water. However, be warned that while it’s similar to rides in other parks, if you prefer to stay dry (or just want to avoid getting soaked), remember to pack a poncho!

10. Constellation Carousel

A carousel seems essential for an enjoyable amusement park, and the one in Epic Universe is intriguing. While it maintains the same vintage Victorian style as Celestial Park’s other attractions, the ride interior deviates from the traditional carousel design. Instead of horses mounted on poles revolving above, the animals and vehicles move independently up and down from the base that spins beneath them. It offers a fresh perspective on a classic theme park feature.

9. Dragon Racer’s Rally

8. Yoshi’s Adventure

Come on, check out that charming ride vehicle! Who wouldn’t want a spin atop that cute dinosaur if they were a fan of Nintendo games? This gentle omnimover takes you on an adventure with Yoshi as he guides you through a warp pipe and past various animated scenes. As riders, it’s your mission to locate three differently colored eggs scattered around, and then press the corresponding buttons on the console in front of you. If you manage to find them all, you receive a golden egg in Universal’s Super Nintendo Land app.

Although this ride is mainly designed for younger children, its vibrant setting and interactive game element (which aren’t overly challenging, even small kids can find the eggs easily) make it an engaging experience that keeps your interest longer than one might expect from such a tranquil attraction.

7. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

This marks the third iteration of Universal’s Mario Kart ride, following its debuts in Japan and Hollywood. The core ride remains unchanged from its West Coast counterpart, but the queue line offers an abundance of Nintendo-themed surprises. As for the ride itself, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, the thrill of climbing aboard a life-sized (yet seating four) Mario Kart is a delightful experience in its own right. Instead of delivering a high-speed coaster ride, Universal has emphasized the gaming aspect of the franchise by transforming their Mario Kart into a dark ride. Competitors aim to score the highest points by firing shells at digital characters that appear through an augmented reality visor. While it may take some time to master this interactive experience, once you get the hang of it – and particularly if you embrace the competitive spirit – it’s a blast!

6. Mine Cart Madness

Instead of the nostalgic vibe at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo Land, Epic Universe offers a distinct extension inspired by the classic “Donkey Kong Country” video game series. One of its highlights is Mine Cart Madness, a ride that transports guests on an exhilarating journey through ancient temple ruins. The track appears worn and even damaged in places; a fake track overlays the actual one the mine cart follows. This clever design creates a convincing experience, particularly for younger visitors, as this cutting-edge, brand-new attraction successfully simulates the thrill of an unstable mine cart hurtling through ancient tunnels, complete with sudden jolts and unexpected drops.

5. Curse of the Werewolf

On this whirling roller coaster, you’ll be hurled through Darkmoor’s forest. The independent rotation of each car within the train adds an exciting element of unpredictability, as no two rides are ever identical. The thrill of uncertainty is amplified by animatronics and sound effects that create a chilling ambiance. Don’t forget to look up when you pass through the large tunnel!

4. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

Finding the perfect roller coaster for kids can be quite challenging. From my own parental perspective, if a ride appears too terrifying, they lose interest. On the other hand, if it seems overly basic or sluggish, they feel cheated. It’s all about striking that ideal balance of excitement without being excessively intense.

The Wing Gliders from Hiccup captures this delicate balance beautifully. With its high speed, a prolonged flight segment over water accompanied by splash effects, and numerous unexpected launch elements, it offers just the right dose of thrills. The soothing voice of Jay Baruchel as Hiccup (or an exceptionally convincing doppelganger) further assures riders that they’re in for a treat and everything will turn out fine. True to his word, he delivers an exhilarating experience.

3. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Initially, Universal Studios introduced a distinctive form of dark ride with synchronized vehicles and lifelike screens integrated with practical effects and animatronics in their first Spider-Man attraction at Islands of Adventure. This innovation was further advanced by the first Harry Potter attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and combined with an indoor roller coaster in the second one, Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts.

At Epic Universe, the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry takes this concept to a new level. Guests climb into large elevators that seem to soar up, down, and around the Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter movies, where they join the franchise’s main trio of heroes in battling the villain Dolores Umbridge (played by Imelda Staunton). This attraction showcases some of Universal’s most convincing illusions to date, and its entrance, which transports you from 1920s Paris to 1990s London before entering the grand hall of the Ministry of Magic, is a breathtaking sight. The entrance’s reveal is more awe-inspiring than many rides found at other amusement parks.

2. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

In this reimagined setting, you’ll find an abundance of spine-chilling dark rides, one of them being Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. With years of expertise from their Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios has crafted a genuinely terrifying (yet wittily macabre) attraction filled with monstrous entities and sudden jumps that will make your heart race.

Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by an eerie replica of the Frankenstein Manor. As you navigate through its damp-laden chambers, you’ll pass by luminescent equipment and crates filled with organs and lab rats. Your journey culminates in the laboratory of Victoria Frankenstein, who aims to restore her family’s honor by capturing Dracula. Here, visitors become unwitting participants in her latest experiment, which, as expected, takes a disastrous turn in the most heart-stopping fashion, leading to encounters (and frightening moments) with all of the classic Universal Monsters. The ride, along with its surrounding castle and queue, is incredibly detailed. It’s as if a vintage horror enthusiast has stumbled into their ultimate dream – or worst nightmare ever.

1. Stardust Racers

In Epic Universe, although the four themed lands are the primary attractions, the park’s standout roller coaster, and arguably its best ride overall, is situated outside these areas, in the central Celestial Park. Unlike other rides, Stardust Racers doesn’t have a movie or TV connection (though it does feature a Flux Capacitor as an Easter egg). This coaster is cutting-edge, with twin tracks that launch simultaneously and weave together, going over and under each other. Each track offers the same exhilarating experience, and the added thrill of racing against another train makes it even more exciting. When the two vehicles spin around each other, you’ll feel so close that you might want to give a friendly wave to riders on the other train! (For an extra dose of excitement, try sitting in the front row.)

Amazing Theme Park Rides Based on Movies That Were Never Built

Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition

Initially, Disneyland had envisioned a much grander Indiana Jones attraction called The Lost Expedition, which was intended to transform the Adventureland area significantly. This proposed pavilion would have accommodated two rides: a roller coaster inspired by the mine-car finale from ‘Temple of Doom’, and a dark ride in jeeps that showcased Indy’s most iconic moments, including elements from the existing Jungle Cruise. However, due to changes in plans, most of the designated land for The Lost Expedition was eventually used to construct Splash Mountain instead.

Indiana Jones Ore Car Attraction

Let’s take a peek at the “Ore Car Simulator,” which was intended to be part of the Lost Expedition complex, had the Indiana Jones land been constructed. However, it so happened that only one Indiana Jones mine-train roller coaster was built by the Disney empire: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, found at Disneyland Paris. This roller coaster marked the first loop in any Disney park. (I remember taking a ride on it as a teenager once, but the carriage got stuck during the ride, making for an uncomfortable experience.)

Indiana Jones Jungle Cruise

As a follower, I can’t help but imagine myself standing before what could have been a magnificent attraction, the “River Idol,” had it been integrated into the reimagined Jungle Cruise themed around Indiana Jones lore. It truly seems as though it was plucked straight from an Indy movie set.

The Hauntington Hotel

Prior to Orlando’s popular interactive attractions such as Toy Story Midway Mania and Men in Black Alien Attack with their shooting galleries, Six Flags had conceptualized a Ghostbusters ride known as Hauntington Hotel. Riders would have traversed a haunted building, blasting targets using car-attached proton packs. The ride’s designer, in an interview at 2600connection.com, stated that it was completely created, designed, engineered, and had a prototype ready for installation in Texas. However, Six Flags’ parent company sold its theme parks division, which led to the project’s demise under new ownership. This could be considered one of the greatest disappointments in history.

Nostromo

For about eight years, the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland was home to an attraction named ExtraTERRORestrial: Alien Encounter. Riders were literally strapped down to their seats while a menacing E.T. “materialized” in the center of the room, and then proceeded to touch and breathe on them while the lights were out. When Alien Encounter opened it starred a creepy alien; when it was conceived it starred *the* creepy alien — as in H.R. Giger’s iconic xenomorph from Ridley Scott’s classic 1979 film. Astonishingly, someone at Disney thought it was a good idea to insert a little acid-blooded horror into the Happiest Place on Earth. Eventually, Disney came to their senses and abandoned the ‘Alien’ aspect (and the original name for the attraction, Nostromo, after the ship in the film), but not the overall concept. After terrifying children for almost a decade (I was one of them; this thing was pure nightmare fuel), Alien Encounter finally closed in 2003. The site now houses a toned-down version starring Stitch from ‘Lilo & Stich.’

The James Bond Live-Action Stunt Show

In the early planning stages of Universal Studios Florida, I found myself captivated by a breathtaking vision conceived by ‘Star Wars’ artist Ralph McQuarrie. This vision was for an action-packed stunt show, themed around the iconic figure of James Bond, and bearing the distinctive imprint of longtime James Bond production designer Ken Adam. The show would have featured a colossal rotating roof, which would open to reveal screens displaying some of 007’s most formidable enemies, eagerly watching as he faced his demise and the launch of a nuclear warhead. Regrettably, this project never took flight, but over time, Universal Studios has showcased stunt shows based on ‘Conan the Barbarian,’ ‘The A-Team,’ ‘Miami Vice,’ ‘Spider-Man,’ and ‘Waterworld.’

Mel Brooks’ Hollywood Horror Hotel

Initially, the Tower of Terror wasn’t based on ‘The Twilight Zone,’ but rather a joint venture between Disney and Mel Brooks. However, Brooks eventually withdrew from the project, leading to the incorporation of ‘The Twilight Zone’ elements. Earlier concepts for this attraction, often referred to as “Hotel Mel,” encompassed both a ride and a functioning hotel in one building, with guests solving a murder mystery through clues scattered across the grounds. It is said that Brooks lost interest and moved on to make ‘Life Stinks,’ around the same time that Imagineers came up with the idea of adding haunted elevators that seem to leap out of their shafts. Despite the Tower of Terror being an excellent ride, it’s hard not to feel a bit disappointed knowing we almost had an entire Mel Brooks hotel, making one think that life indeed stinks.

Batman Island

At Comics101.com, you’ll find a sequence of articles detailing the initial concept for Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure: Originally, instead of Marvel Super Hero Island, there was an entire area dedicated to Batman. This themed section was designed in the early 90s during the height of Tim Burton’s Batman movie popularity. It would have included a Batmobile ride, a Bat-jet attraction, and a live action stunt show featuring Batman, Robin, and Superman. However, as is common with such projects, plans changed, and Batman was replaced in the park by characters from Marvel like Spider-Man and Hulk.

Batwing: Batman vs the Penguin

Noteworthy features of Batman Island might have incorporated a suspended roller coaster, offering visitors a chance to select between two distinct tracks: the Batman or Penguin route. Each track would offer unique experiences, special effects, and pyrotechnics. In the bottom left corner, you can spot Shreck’s Department Store, a tribute to Christopher Walken’s character in ‘Batman Returns.’ Regrettably, this ride was never realized. However, the idea of opposing roller coasters found its place at Islands of Adventure, manifested in the Dueling Dragons ride (renamed Dragon Challenge and situated within its Harry Potter realm).

Dick Tracy’s Crime-Stoppers

1990 saw the release of Warren Beatty’s ‘Dick Tracy’, with anticipation running high for a blockbuster hit. Disney had plans to leverage this success by creating a theme park attraction, which would have allowed visitors to embark on a thrilling chase through Chicago with Dick Tracy (a type of dark ride). Each vehicle was designed to be armed with tommy guns that could be used to shoot targets throughout the ride. However, when ‘Dick Tracy’ failed to become a full-fledged franchise, this idea was scrapped. The design for these vehicles is reminiscent of those used in the Indiana Jones Adventure, and the concept of shooting galleries can still be found in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Ride

Visitors to this attraction inspired by the 1993 stop-motion Christmas movie would have climbed aboard spectral coffins for a spooky ride reminiscent of Peter Pan’s Flight, but with a unique, eerie, and Tim Burton-esque twist. However, Disney’s proposal did not resonate with Tim Burton, who jointly owned the characters’ rights. Consequently, the idea was scrapped. Instead, every year, Disney reimagines the Haunted Mansion in California as “Haunted Mansion Holiday,” incorporating characters from the movie during the festive season.

Godzilla Bullet Train

Since the 1970s, there were initial plans to incorporate a bullet train ride within the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. Visitors would have found themselves seated in a vehicle, looking out at screens replicating a voyage through the Japanese countryside. However, a more intriguing take on this concept involved introducing Godzilla into the mix; he would rise from the ocean to attack the train as it traveled through Tokyo Harbor. It’s said that the project never progressed beyond discussions with Toho, the studio owning Godzilla, as they felt a colossal, destructive monster didn’t align with the peaceful, natural ambiance of Epcot. Regrettably.

The Great Muppet Movie Ride

For over two decades, The Muppets have been a significant part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, showcasing their MuppetVision 3D movie. Originally, plans were in place for the Muppets to play a more prominent role within the park, even featuring a parody of Hollywood Studios’ famous Great Movie Ride called The Great Muppet Movie Ride. This attraction would have seen Jim Henson’s beloved characters reenacting iconic movie scenes. However, this collaboration between Disney and Henson was halted when their merger deal failed after Henson’s passing in 1990. Yet, Disney acquired the Muppets in 2004, so perhaps their ultimate theme park attraction is still on the horizon.

Jurassic Park Jeep Safari

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park features a River Adventure ride which is like a log flume and isn’t much like the Jurassic Park films (except for the animatronic dinosaurs). The initial idea was to incorporate more Jurassic Park attractions, such as a Jeep Safari that would have followed the movie’s narrative closely. This ride would have taken visitors on a remote-controlled tour through the park, encountering brontosauruses, evading T-Rexes, and engaging with raptors. However, DisneyAndMore.Blogspot.com reports that this idea was rejected as being too similar to the River Adventure for both attractions to coexist peacefully.

Jurassic Park Jeep Safari

Take a look at this detailed shot of the Jurassic Park Jeep Safari vehicle – it has a distinct feel reminiscent of the iconic 8-seater DeLoreans from ‘Back to the Future’.

Baby Herman’s Runaway Buggy Ride

Disney capitalized on the success of ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ by creating one theme-park ride (Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin in Disneyland). However, their initial vision encompassed more attractions. One proposed ride, Baby Herman’s Runaway Buggy Ride, would have allowed guests to act as Baby Herman’s stunt double in a risky scene, riding in buggy vehicles fashioned like baby carriages. As per JimHillMedia.com, the plan was for guests to wear baby bonnets throughout the ride, enhancing the illusion and promoting sales of adorable photos taken during the experience. Regrettably, disagreements between Disney and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment over control of Roger Rabbit hindered the development of this proposed ride, as well as other planned attractions.

Toontown Trolley

Similar to the Baby Herman ride, disagreements about the character Roger Rabbit halted plans for a simulator ride similar to Star Tours, which would have given guests a tour through Toontown, the home of the cartoons in ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit.’ Originally, these rides were intended to be part of an entirely new Disneyland area called Hollywoodland. However, this area was later reimagined as Mickey’s Toontown. Unfortunately for Roger, he didn’t make the cut.

Toontown Trolley

Check out this new concept art for the Roger Rabbit trolley ride! It’s quite vibrant and psychedelic, I imagine the children, especially those on a sugar high, would find it fascinating.

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2025-05-22 16:57