This article is your complete guide to the water rides at Universal Orlando! At this point in time there are three water rides at Universal Orlando, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park River Adventure. Families visiting will also be happy to know that they are all located in Islands of Adventure Park.
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Yes, Universal Orlando Resort has three main water rides, all located in Islands of Adventure Park, which are Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and Jurassic Park River Adventure. Of course, these rides are different from all of the water rides found at Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park. On top of the three rides mentioned above, there are also several attractions and lands that have unique water features for little ones to splash around or guests to cool down, including a brand new play area in the newly opened Dreamworks Land.
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Location: Islands of Adventure – Toon Lagoon
Height Requirement: Minimum height of 42″
Starting at number three is Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, which is a typical river rapids attraction located in Toon Lagoon. Hop aboard a circular, 12-seater raft boat with Popeye as your guide to chase after that blowhard Bluto. This is one of the three Islands of Adventure water rides that we feel have a cute, although outdated, storyline to follow as you float along. Bluto has kidnapped Olive Oyl, yet again, which sends you on a mission through rushing rapids, twists, turns, and even … a humongous octopus!
While all three of the water rides at Universal Islands of Adventure are entertaining, Popeye’s is at the bottom of our list for a couple of reasons. First and from experience, you will get VERY wet, like beyond wet. If you’re okay spending hours wet and forget to bring a change of clothes, this ride can be very off-putting. When it comes to thrill, the other two water rides at Universal are just slightly more thrilling, and Bilge-Rat Barges is the most family-friendly option available.
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Location: Islands of Adventure – Toon Lagoon
Height Requirement: Minimum height of 44″
Coming in at number 2 is Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, which is a thrilling, water-coaster attraction with flume-type boats. Also located in Toon Lagoon, this water ride in Islands of Adventure celebrates the classic Canadian Mountie, Dudley Do-Right rather high-thrill experience. This story takes you along the rescue of damsel Ness Fenwick, who has been stolen away by Snidely Whiplash, with some impressive drops and a ton of cheeky humor.
As for storyline and overall conception, Dudley Do-Right is probably the weakest of all three of the water rides in Universal Orlando. The only reason this attraction is above Bilge-Rat Barges is that we just find it more thrilling and the perfect amount of water. It is easy to overlook how outdated Dudley Do-Right is with a high-speed 75-foot drop, multiple splash factors and even the chance to get sprayed by spectators on the overlook bridge.
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Location: Islands of Adventure – Jurassic Park
Height Requirement: Minimum height of 42″
Coming in at number one is the iconic, half tour, half survival journey through the Jurassic Park River Adventure attraction. This water ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure stands out not just for its thrill but also for its immersive storytelling. Guests boarding the tour boats anticipate a serene journey through Jurassic Park, safely distanced from the dinosaurs in the water. However, the real excitement begins when the boat is unexpectedly knocked off course, leading straight into the facility housing the most ferocious of creatures.
The Jurassic Park River Adventure is a highlight among water rides at Universal Orlando. Its appeal lies in the intricate animatronics and a narrative that resonates with the original films that captivated audiences worldwide. For those seeking pure adrenaline, the ride culminates in an 85-foot drop, plunging directly into the waters surrounding the dinosaur facility. If you’re exploring Universal Studios Orlando water rides, prepare to be drenched most anciently. We wholeheartedly recommend setting aside time for this unparalleled aquatic adventure.
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While the classic water rides mentioned above are the most popular choices to cool off in the Florida heat, guests can enjoy other water experiences while at Universal. Especially since there are no Universal Studios Florida water rides, Universal had to come up with immersive and fun experiences that can also provide relief in Orlando heat in the other parks. So, if you’re looking at how to stay cool in Florida without getting on a water ride in Universal, then check out these other experiences in the parks. It’s also one of the best areas for visiting Universal Orlando with Kids!
Guests can now enjoy two new splash areas within the brand-new Dreamworks Land. Guests can now enjoy the Kung Fu Panda Splashpad, which is located directly to the left of the entrance, as well as Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp area, which is both a wet and dry experience in which visitors can help wash and dry pandas with huge buckets and water cannons.
Toon Lagoon is a miniature water park, will all of the elements inside of it having to do with water. This entire area will bring you back to the Sunday funny pages with very fun and cartoon-like buildings and attractions. Other than the attractions we’ve already mentioned, there is also Me Ship, the Olive, which is a multi-level play area with climbing elements, slides, and water cannons.
So, if you haven’t had enough on either of the Toon Lagoon Island of Adventure water rides, make sure to pop over to the interactive play area to truly soak thoroughly.
If you have a really little one with you that you want to introduce to Universal water rides, try One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. This attraction is an interactive circle ride, very familiar to the iconic Dumbo attraction in Walt Disney World. The only difference is that you get to use your lever to avoid streams of water being sprayed by silly fish.
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Now that we’ve learned all about the best water rides in Universal Orlando and other water experiences, let’s talk about the best tips and tricks.
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There are NO water rides at Universal Studios Orlando Florida Park. However, there are two new splash areas located within the new Dreamworks Land.
Yes, there sure are! The three main Universal Orlando water rides included on this list which are Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and Jurassic Park River Adventure are all included in Islands of Adventure theme park at Universal Orlando. The main one that you are guaranteed to get soaked on is Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls with the other two rides being hit or miss as to just how wet you will get.
Yes, there are three different water rides in Islands of Adventure which is located in Universal Studios. There are other water experiences located both in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure like splash pads and interactive play areas.
There are technically only three water rides in Universal Studios, all of which are located in Islands of Adventure. Those Universal water rides are Jurassic Park River Adventure, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, and Dudley-Do Right’s Rip Saw Falls.
Guests who go on Jurassic Park River Adventure will get wet especially if they are seated in the front two rows towards the right side.
Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.
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!
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