Ride reviews

[MNNHFLTX]

Thought I would comment a bit on some of the rides at Universal, especially now that I've had the chance to go on Transformers 3D and Despicable Me. I really thought Despicable Me was fun and entertaining, my 21-y.o. son thought it was cute to do one time but not worth standing in a long line for (which there usually was). Transformers 3D was okay but somewhat underwhelming. Unless you are a rabid fan of the movies it feels kind of repetitive--enter scene, machine transforms into robot, tries to smash car, good robot beats back bad robot, wash, rinse, repeat. The young boy behind us was really getting into it, but it reminded me too much of the Spiderman ride, except not as colorful.

Mummy is still a great combination of visual effects and rollercoaster ride. If the new Gringott's Bank ride is anything like this I know it will be a hit. Love, love, love Forbidden Journey; I think I made my son go on it with me five times! And he rediscovered how much fun Dragon Challenge is, back from the days when it was Dueling Dragons.

Hulk was a blast although it was rougher than I remembered and Rip Ride Rockit was a little smoother than I remembered. We did our old favorites, Twister and Disaster, both nice attractions to escape the heat of the afternoon for a little while.

We even did the water rides on our last day, not caring that we would get wet at that point. I don't think we had done them in over ten years and it was a lot of fun, especially as we practically had the rides to ourselves (it was towards the end of the day).

So, what are your favorite attractions? And which ones do you think they should retire?

[2Epcot]

It's been a very long time since I've been to Universal Orlando. Despicable Me just opened here at Universal Hollywood, but I haven't been on it yet. I have been on Transformers 3D here many times after it opened a couple of years ago. I also thought it was just OK. I still feel Spider-Man is a better ride overall.

[texas211]

I agree. Just got back from Hollywood. Transformers is pretty good, but nearly as good as spiderman. As someone said previously, Spiderman is more colorful in every meaning of the word.

The one thing Hollywood has, the backlot tour is incredible. Loved the king kong, and jaws still lives!

[Disney OB RN]

The Transformers ride was new to me this trip, and the ride stopped working after about one minute: It stayed stopped for around 3 minutes, then restarted with no sound initially: it finally got back on track. As we exited the ride, a member was waiting with Universal Express passes for any ride (except Despicable Me), including Transformers that we were able to use. They apologized & were very professional.

[Crow]

Spidey was my fav. haven't been on transformers. HP was good, but not as great as all say I think. the queue is good. Hulk is good.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Basing this off my October trip last year, starting with Universal first... I'm sure I am missing something, just basing this off of what I did last year...

Mummy: still love it.. Didn't at first when it opened, but it has grown on me.. Very fun coaster...

MIB: Best shooter attraction in Orlando.. yes, sorry it beats the Wii game in DHS and the card board cheap out Buzz Lightyear..

Simpsons: Fun attraction... A silly fun... Dunno if it is better than Back to the Future, but when you enter Springfield and Krustyland, the attraction actually adds extra life there... The whole area very well done...

E.T.: LOVE!!!! Still a fan of the little alien, so the attraction means something to me... If they ever get rid of it, and I hope they don't, I'll miss it but will get over it cause chances are Universal will make something better... But rumors are for a sprucing up for ET, and it is welcome...

Terminator: Still a fun show but very dated, especially since Terminator is now getting a reboot...

Transformers: Excellent attraction... Thrilling, fun, and wonderful... as much as I loved it, I don't think it's better than Spiderman... But isn't far off...

Shrek: needs to go... Now... Like yesterday... last month, last year...

Despicable Me: Cute attraction... Enjoyed it... But I don't think I'd wait 45 minutes again for it...

Twister: Update or get rid of...

Disaster: Pretty cool still... Walken hologram is pretty well done... Feels like ti needs an update though... Since it takes place in San Fran, I don't know.. Maybe an update with GODZILLA since the movie is a success???

[Wells]

Just one note of interest, Universal has installed metal detectors at the entrance to some of their more intense rides such as Rip, Ride and Rockit and the Hulk. No items including change, keys or cell phones are allowed to be taken on these attractions and free lockers are available. The reason for this is that these rides pass over area walkways and in the past, items have fallen from the trains and injured guest. people taking "selfies", not securing other items and some mouth breathers deliberate trying to hit passers by with coins and other objects have led to this change. This is also the reason that the Dragon Challenge (formerly Dueling Dragons) no longer launch both trains simultaneously. Just another case of a few jerks ruing it for everyone else! ......OK, I'm through ranting now