I recently spent a few days at three Universal theme parks. We spent the majority of time walking around to enjoy the sights, eating, and waiting, but we also enjoyed a few of the rides and show (aided by an app that shared wait times). Here are my rankings.
7. Hogwarts Express: It’s a big ask to make people feel like they’re on the train to Hogwarts. I don’t mind the use of screens to show what’s happening “outside” the train, and I thought it was clever to use of silhouettes to make it seem like people are in the hallway. But it didn’t capture the feeling of heading to Hogwarts for the first time. I almost would have preferred cozy train that takes us around the park (even if it looks like the park instead of like Hogwarts) while we’re served chocolate frogs.
6. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: This one of the oldest Harry Potter rides, and it felt outdated and disorienting due to the heavy use of projected video screens that were quite close to our faces. Honestly, the biggest downside is more of my own regret–we raced through the queue, thinking that we’d eventually get to a long line of people that was never there, and in doing so we missed out on the impressive set decoration of Hogwarts Castle. I almost wish they had simply recreated Hogwarts (sorting hat, moving staircases, secret rooms, etc) and let people walk through it for 20 minutes rather than turning it into a ride.
5. Yoshi’s Adventure: This was an incredibly charming ride through Super Nintendo World. It’s designed for kids, so it’s very slow (you could literally walk faster than Yoshi), but it was really adorable while it lasted.
4. Le Cirque Arcanus: This combination of human and animatronic show was really impressive (especially when the stage lifts to reveal a massive set), and I really enjoyed the experience of walking into a tiny tent and finding myself in a much bigger series of tents–including a preshow that felt like it might be the show. That was magical.
3. Flight of the Hippogriff: This is my style of roller coast. Short and just thrilling enough to not turn my stomach upside down. The line moves quickly–I probably could have gone on it multiple times in a row with minimal wait. Both the line and the ride weave through thick green bushes and trees, which was a nice break from the sets and crowds.
2. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: This is a longer and more intense version of the Hippogriff ride, set in the How to Train Your Dragon world of Berk. Everything about it was well designed to make you feel like you were on a dragon riding through Berk. I like how it winds through almost every part of Berk, making for great excitement and anticipation when you’re walking around.
1. Monster’s Unchained: While it may not be as exciting of an IP as dragons or Mario, this ride is incredible. It’s essentially a much more modern version of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, but every aspect of it is immersive (the line, the preshow, and the ride itself). The animatronics are incredible, and while there are a few screens, they’re much farther from your face than the Harry Potter screens, and the projection quality is much better. My only regret is that I worried about my phone sliding out of my pocket, as you spend a lot of time tilted backwards to look at the ceiling. The wait time for this ride isn’t long, and I’d do it again if I had the chance. Highly, highly recommended.
What’s the best or most memorable theme park ride/show you’ve experienced?
When my husband and I went to Universal years ago I really enjoyed the Lost Continent area (the Greek themed land, although AFAIK it’s being removed for more Potter?) There was a temple walkthrough with a guide that was sort of 90s cheese but fun.
I liked the Hagrid motorbike roller coaster when it was new because of the freefall drop midway through, very clever. I’m unlikely to ride it again though because of the IP
Your Monsters Unchained comment struck me as interesting because I’ve always preferred attractions that are “original” or lesser known vs a popular IP. The designers always seem to have a lot of fun with looser restrictions on what they can and cannot do. See: Haunted Mansion at Disney or Expedition Everest. Imaginative.
The Harry Potter worlds were an ethical struggle for us too. Most of us grew up adoring the books and movies, only for JK Rowling to take such a turn for the worst in recent years.