What are the Newest Rides at Universal Orlando?

What are the Newest Rides at Universal Orlando?

What are the Newest Rides at Universal Orlando?

This is your complete guide to all the new rides at Universal! Families visiting Universal Orlando for the first time in a few years will be delighted to know that there are several new Universal rides now open in the park, and more to look forward to like Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift. There is also the brand-new park, Universal Epic Universe that brings 11 new attractions to Universal Orlando

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

If you are ready to learn all about Universal Orlando’s new rides, read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal crowd calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What’s New at Universal Orlando?

Universal Orlando has brought a lot of exciting news for new rides coming to the parks. Universal Studios Orlando new attractions include the brand-new Dreamworks Land, which opened in June of 2024 and includes the newest ride, the Trolls Trollercoaster, and bringing themes like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda to the parks.

The most exciting news for Universal Orlando is the opening on an entirely new theme park called EPIC Universe! This park has immersive lands like How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo, Classic Monsters, and more!

What are the Newest Rides at Universal Orlando?

• Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift – opening 2027, this is a 360-degree spinning coaster with a 170-foot spike replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit!
• DreamWorks Animation Land – Opened June 2024
  • Trolls Trollercoaster: Guests of all ages can take a ride on the iconic Caterbus to escape evil spiders while aboard this family-friendly rollercoaster
  • Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp: Inspired by the hit ‘Kung Fu Panda’ films, this all-new play area brings the Panda Village to life. Within both wet and dry play areas, guests can help the pandas wash and dry their laundry with water cannons, dump buckets, and giant fans. Other highlights include an interactive gong and oversized merry-go-round noodle bowls from Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.
  • Shrek’s Swamp Meet: Guests can visit Shrek’s Swamp Meet to interact with characters like Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey, just outside of Shrek’s cottage.
• All of Epic Universe 
  • Super Nintendo World: From the world of Nintendo, featuring attractions:
    • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
    • Yoshi’s Adventure
    • Mine Cart Madness
  • Dark Universe: Explore the eerie and mysterious realm of Universal Classic Monsters with attractions:
    • Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
    • Curse of the Werewolf
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: With the brand new ride – Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a dark ride that immerses you in a pivotal scene from the series, and Le Cirque Arcanus, a captivating stage show with themes from Fantastic Beasts. This will be half in Paris and half at the British Ministry of Magic
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Fly into the world of Vikings and dragons with:
    • Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a multi-launch coaster
    • Dragon Racer’s Rally, a dual sky fly attraction
    • Fyre Drill, a boat ride that promises adventure at every turn.
  • Celestial Park – Serving as the central hub that will connect the four thematic lands but also integrates the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, enhancing the immersive experience with its celestial-themed attractions:
    • Stardust Racers: A thrilling dual-track roller coaster by Mack Rides, offering a unique dueling experience.
    • Constellation Carousel: A celestial-themed carousel ride, reminiscent of the SeaGlass Carousel in New York.
    • Astronomica: A splash pad area designed for playful water-based interactions, perfect for families and children.

Related post: Harry Potter Early Park Admission

New Rides at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida has been the park clutching onto nostalgic themes, allowing guests to remember the classics. Over the years, Universal has been renovating older areas and replacing them with more modern content leading to Universal Studios new rides. The Universal Studios new attractions started with Villain-Con Minion Blast, and we are so excited for the new high-speed coaster, Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift.

What are the New Universal Studios Florida Rides?

• Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift – opening 2027
• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – Opened 2023
• Trolls Trollercoaster: Guests of all ages can take a ride on the iconic Caterbus to escape evil spiders while aboard this family-friendly rollercoaster.

Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift

This new coaster opening in 2027 puts you in the driver’s seat of an all-new, high-speed coaster adventure inspired by the Fast & Furious films. It will have 360-degree drifting ride vehicles inspired by Dom’s Dodge Charger and a towering 170-foot vertical spike that launches you nearly 17 stories into the air.

• Height Requirement: Has not yet been announced
• Express Pass accepted: Has not yet been announced
• Single Rider: Has not yet been announced
• Child Swap: Has not yet been announced
• Locker required: Has not yet been announced
• Test seat available: Has not yet been announced

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast

An interactive, blaster game experience that will invite guests to put their villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains. Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity, and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way.

• Height Requirement: Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion. Persons under 40″ (102cm) must experience this attraction from an adjacent stationary seat.
• Express Pass accepted: yes
• Single Rider: no
• Child Swap: yes
• Locker required: no
• Test seat available: not required

Trolls Trollercoaster 

Trolls Trollercoaster is apart of the new DreamWorks Land in Universal Studios Florida features beloved characters from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. Highlights include: Shrek’s Swamp Meet with interactions with Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey, Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp with water play areas and interactive experiences and DreamWorks Imagination Celebration and Character Zone for meet and greets.

Trollercoaster was rethemed from Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster and is a family-friendly Trolls-themed coaster.

• Height Requirement: Must be at least 36″ (92cm). Children under 48” (122 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Express Pass accepted: yes
• Single Rider: no
• Child Swap: yes
• Locker required: no
• Test seat available: yes

Related Pages: Complete Guide to Families Visiting Universal Orlando With Kids!

New Rides at Islands of Adventure

We haven’t seen any big Islands of Adventure new rides in a few years due to the two huge installations in 2019 and 2021. With Universal Studios Florida and Epic Universe under construction, new experiences at Islands of Adventure have been halted for now.

New Rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Jurassic World Velocicoaster

Velocicoaster is one of the best new rides in Orlando, as it is a massive, high-speed coaster that is unlike any other. This ride is not for the faint of heart. With barrel rolls, extreme drops, and two intense launch sequences, this coaster is bound to get your adrenaline pumping. Velocicoaster opened its gates in June of 2021 and has become one of the most popular Universal attractions since. If you are a Jurassic Park lover, you cannot miss this new rollercoaster in Universal Studios.

• Height Requirement: Must be at least 51” (130cm).
• Express Pass accepted: yes
• Single Rider: yes
• Child Swap: yes
• Locker required: yes
• Test seat available: yes

The future of Islands of Adventure

The future of the Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure has been up for debate since the closure of Poseiden’s Fury in 2023. We may soon hear an announcement about what will replace this attraction/land.

Related post: Discount Harry Potter World Tickets

New Rides at Epic Universe

The only thing more exciting than Universal Orlando adding new rides is the debut of an entirely new theme park — and that park is Universal Epic Universe. This groundbreaking destination officially opens with five immersive lands, each packed with next-level attractions, cutting-edge technology, and beloved characters. Epic Universe represents the future of theme park design, blending storytelling, thrills, and innovation on a massive scale.

From high-speed coasters and dark rides to family adventures and interactive experiences, Epic Universe offers something for every type of guest.

What Are the New Epic Universe Rides?

• Constellation Carousel
• Stardust Racers
• Curse of the Werewolf
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
• Dragon Racer’s Rally
• Fyre Drill
• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
• Battle of the Ministry of Magic
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
• Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness
• Yoshi’s Adventure

Constellation Carousel

Constellation Carousel is a beautifully themed, space-inspired carousel featuring a unique figure-eight ride path instead of a traditional circle. Riders glide through a celestial dreamscape filled with stars, planets, and glowing constellations, making it a relaxing attraction perfect for all ages.

• Height Requirement: Supervising Companion required for children under 48” (122cm) in height. Hand-held infants are not permitted.
• Express Pass accepted: yes
• Single Rider: No
• Child Swap: Yes
• Locker required: No
• Test seat available: Not required

Stardust Racers

Stardust Racers is a dueling, multi-launch roller coaster that sends two trains racing side by side through high-speed twists, launches, and near-miss moments. Think VelociCoaster energy — but with a cosmic theme and even more interwoven track elements for an epic head-to-head experience.

• Height Requirement: Must be at least 48″ (122cm)
• Express Pass accepted: yes but only one ride (must choose a side)
• Single Rider: yes
• Child Swap: yes
• Locker required: yes
• Test seat available: yes

Curse of the Werewolf

This dark and thrilling coaster takes riders deep into a shadowy forest with eerie sets, sudden turns, and 360-degree spinning vehicles.

• Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 40”-48” (102cm-122cm) in height.
• Express Pass accepted: yes
• Single Rider: yes
• Child Swap: yes
• Locker required: no
• Test seat available: yes

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

A next-generation dark ride similar in style to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, this attraction uses omnidirectional ride vehicles and lift technology. Guests follow Dr. Victoria Frankenstein as she recreates legendary monsters like The Mummy, the Wolf Man, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon — with chilling results.

• Height Requirement: Minimum Height 48” (122 cm).
• Express Pass accepted: yes
• Single Rider: yes
• Child Swap: yes
• Locker required: yes
• Test seat available: yes

Dragon Racer’s Rally

Train to become a dragon racer in this high-flying, aerobatic ride where guests control how wildly their dragon spins and dives. Riders can choose gentle glides or intense barrel rolls as they soar through the sky in the How to Train Your Dragon land.

• Height Requirement: Minimum Height 48″ (122 cm).
• Express Pass accepted: no
• Single Rider: No
• Child Swap: Yes
• Locker required: yes
• Test seat available: yes

Fyre Drill

Fyre Drill is a family-friendly, interactive splash battle ride. Guests ride Viking-style boats and use water cannons to blast targets and compete in friendly fire-fighting challenges. Expect lots of laughs, teamwork, and a good chance of getting soaked!

• Height Requirement: None
• Express Pass accepted: TBD
• Single Rider: No
• Child Swap: Yes
• Locker required: No
• Test seat available: Not required

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

A family multi-launch coaster similar in style to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Join Hiccup and Toothless as they take you on a soaring journey over Berk with smooth launches, sweeping turns, and immersive storytelling.

• Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 40”-48” (102cm-122cm) in height.
• Express Pass accepted: TBD
• Single Rider: TBD
• Child Swap: TBD
• Locker required: Likely required
• Test seat available: TBD

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry of Magic

Join Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a thrilling mission inside the British Ministry of Magic. This dark ride combines large-scale sets, motion-based vehicles, and intense action — delivering a next-level Wizarding World experience.

• Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 40”-48” (102cm-122cm) in height.
• Express Pass accepted: yes
• Single Rider: yes
• Child Swap: yes
• Locker required: no
• Test seat available: yes

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Already a hit in Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan, this ride brings augmented reality racing to Epic Universe. Guests wear AR visors and race through iconic Mario Kart courses, throwing shells, collecting coins, and competing for the win.

• Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 40”-48” (102cm-122cm) in height.
• Express Pass accepted: TBD
• Single Rider: No
• Child Swap: Yes
• Locker required: No
• Test seat available: Yes

Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness

Inspired by the Donkey Kong video games, this boom-style coaster features exciting jumps, sudden drops, and wild turns that make riders feel like they’re flying off the track. It’s fast, fun, and full of jungle adventure.

• Height Requirement: Minimum Height 40″ (102 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 40”-48” (102cm-122cm) in height.\
• Express Pass accepted: Yes
• Single Rider: yes
• Child Swap: yes
• Locker required: no
• Test seat available: yes

Yoshi’s Adventure

A slow-moving, omnimover-style dark ride perfect for families. Guests ride with Yoshi through the Mushroom Kingdom, enjoying sweeping views and colorful scenes from the Mario universe.

• • Height Requirement: Minimum Height 34” (87 cm). Supervising Companion required for children 34”-48” (87cm-122cm) in height.
  • Express Pass accepted: yes
  • Single Rider: No
  • Child Swap: Yes
  • Locker required: No
  • Test seat available: Not required

 

Related post: All EPIC Universe Rides Coming to Universal’s New Theme Park

Recent Ride Closures & Openings

Universal Orlando has opened some of the best new attractions in all of Orlando in the past few years. Universal has been expanding at a rapid pace with many new rides (even a whole theme park) opening within the past 5 years! Here is a summary of everything that has opened:

• 2027: Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift
• 2025: Epic Universe grand opening
• 2024: Dreamworks Land, Trolls Trollercoaster
• 2023: Villain-con Minion Blast
• 2021: Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• 2019: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

With the opening of new attractions also means that we had to say goodbye to some fan favorites through the years:

• 2027: Fast & Furious: Supercharged Closure
• 2025: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Closure
• 2023: Poseidon’s Fury Closure
• 2022: Shrek 4-D Closure
• 2021: Fear Factor Live Closure

Our favorite ride and must do is still Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Islands of Adventure and of course, visiting the new Epic Universe. Epic Universe is filled with the most immersive technology and attractions that you just have to see to believe! We highly suggest visiting Epic Universe to experience the 11 new rides.

New Rides at Universal FAQ

Q: What is the newest ride at Universal Orlando?

A: The newest rides in Universal Orlando are the all new 11 rides in the new park, Universal Epic Universe.

Q: What new rides are coming to Universal Orlando?

A: In 2027, guests can look forward to a brand new high-speed roller coaster, Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift opening in Universal Studios Florida.

Q: What rides are closing at Universal Orlando?

A: Fast & Furious Supercharged will be closing in 2027 to make way for the new Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster.

Q: Does Epic Universe have Express Pass?

Yes, Epic Universe will offer Universal Express Pass for select attractions, allowing guests to skip the regular standby lines. However, not every ride will accept Express, and availability may vary by attraction and time of year.

Q: What are the Epic Universe rides?

Epic Universe features a mix of thrill rides, dark rides, and family attractions across five immersive lands. Highlights include Stardust Racers, Monsters Unchained, Battle of the Ministry of Magic, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness.

Q: Is Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure still new?

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened in 2019, so it’s no longer considered “new” by theme park standards. That said, it remains one of the most popular and in-demand rides at Universal Orlando.

Q: What replaced KidZone at Universal?

KidZone at Universal Studios Florida was replaced by DreamWorks Land. This new area features attractions and experiences themed to Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda, including the Trolls Trollercoaster and character meet-and-greets.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!