Disney World and Universal Studios: Your Guide to Rides

Some of y’all are probably visiting Florida this summer. I just did, and as always, it was magical! Now, even though it will be crowded with lots of newlyweds, strollers, and leash kids, I’m here to help you make the most of your time! I’m going to start with Disney, park-by-park, giving you the inside scoop of the best rides. And then I will tell you of the wonderful Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Sit back, and take note!

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Magic Kingdom

1. Space Mountain is where it’s at! Since it will be hot, enjoy the wait for this ride; the whole thing is indoors. It’s fast, and it’s fun. Get ready for loops, turns, and drops galore! Don’t feel like waiting an hour to ride? There’s a singles line, and you get to by-pass everyone else. I think the longest I waited in that line was about 10 minutes.

2. Splash Mountain is a wet and wild ride! What starts off as a seemingly slow ride on water, ends up with a big splash! You will more than likely be drenched at the end of this ride. I actually got stuck on this ride when I went, so I didn’t get to the 52 foot drop, but I got a free fast-pass for any ride that didn’t expire until the end of May. This also has a singles rider line.

3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the last ride worth waiting for. Unfortunately, it’s being remodeled right now. I wish someone would have told me that when I ran up to it…

Epcot

1. Mission: Space isn’t a roller coaster, but you’re in for a treat. I don’t really know how to explain it, but you should definitely go to Epcot for this ride.

Hollywood Studios

1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is probably my favorite Disney ride. This is also indoors, so it’s a great way to beat the heat! If you have a need for speed, this ride is for you! I don’t think I waited longer than 5 minutes in the singles line either. Ride it! You won’t be disappointed.

2. Tower of Terror used to scare the crap out of me scares the crap out of me. I can do without the whole pre-fall shenanigans. But once you’re at the top and you drop, that rush is amazing! And no two times are ever the same, so you can never brace yourself for a fall.

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Islands of Adventure

1. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is so exhilarating! The park had barely opened, but the line was already almost an hour, so we hit up the singles line, and got on in no time! So many loops!

2. Dragon Challenge in Harry Potter world was formerly the dueling dragons. It’s still fun though, watching your feet dangle in the air.

Universal Studios

1. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was a blast! You get to pick a song to listen to while you ride. How cool is that? I got stuck on this one as well, luckily, it was right before we were about to get off anyway. I still got a free express pass though, so I road it again later.

Those are the must-ride rides of Disney World and Universal Studios! Sure, there are plenty more that are fun, but you can’t leave the parks without getting on the ones listed above. Also, I highly recommend going right before college starts, when the grade-school children are back in school. Or if you can wait longer, go as soon as you get out for Christmas break, that way it won’t be as hot. But if you’re going in the summer, stay cool and drink water throughout the day. Enjoy the magic!