If you have kids that don’t like roller coasters, you are not alone! Not all kids, both big and small, enjoy or can tolerate roller coasters or large thrill rides when visiting the Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks.
If you don’t prefer roller coasters, suffer from motion sickness or are enjoying Universal Studios with toddlers doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time! These are the best non-roller coaster rides at Universal Studios Orlando theme parks.
Rides such as Jurassic Park River Adventure and Doctor Dooms FearFall are roller coaster-like rides, that are not on this list of non-roller coaster rides. While technically not roller coasters, these attractions do have huge drops which is why many people avoid roller coasters in the first place.
Many of rides are motion based simulation attractions and because these are non-roller coaster rides does not mean that they are not thrilling rides. Many of these rides, while not inverting you upside down, they can still cause motion sickness.
To avoid simulated rides, be sure to see our favorite Guide to the Worst Rides at Universal Studios for Motion Sickness.
There are specific height requirements for many of these attractions, even though they are not roller coasters. We have provided the minimum height requirements for each ride, however we suggest you validate favorite ride’s requirements using the guide to Universal Studios height requirements.
It should be noted, all rides except Pteranodon Flyers in Islands of Adventure are part of Universal Studios Express Pass option.
Universal Studios Florida Non-Roller Coaster Rides
Here’s a quick list of all Universal Studios Florida rides that are not roller coasters. More details are found in the explanations below, arranged by each land.
- Hogwarts Express: King’s Cross Station
- Transformers: The Ride – 3D
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride
- Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (Coming in Summer 2023 to the new Minion Land)
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- E.T. Adventure
- Fast and the Furious Ride
- Men in Black Alien Attack
- Kang & Kudos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Production Central
At the entrance of the theme park, you will first come to the land known as Production Central. There are some really well-known rides here, but don’t feel that you need to stop here on your way into Universal Studios. Chances are that most other guests will also stop here first, making the lines long.
Transformers: The Ride
Ride along with Bumblebee and Optimus Prime on this motion-simulated ride featuring the Transformers. Transport yourself to another fantasy world where you will try to save the planet from Megatron and his cronies as a NEST recruit.
Be sure to take time to meet the Transformers characters outside the ride.
Height Requirement: Minimum 40″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Minion Land
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride
Until Minion Land is officially created, this ride is technically found in the Production Central land.
Join Gru, the minions and Gru’s daughters on a motion-simulated ride through Gru’s house and laboratory. You will wear 3D Minion goggles on this one.
Height Requirement: Minimum 40″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Illumination’s Villain Con Minion Blast
Guests will be transported to Villain-Con, which is the worldwide criminals convention when you join Jean Clawed, Belle Bottom, and Illumination’s Minions with the Vicious 6 to blast your way to supervillain stardom. A new type of interactive attraction using your E-Liminator X Blaster. Download the Universal Orlando Resort app to experience an enhanced game on this attraction and throughout Minion Land.
Height Requirement: Hand-held infants are not permitted. Supervising companion required for those under 48″ in height.
New York
This land celebrates the iconic feels of New York City, both past and present. You will be surrounded by New York-style architecture and NYC entertainment.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Though much of New York at Universal Studios is supposed to be reminiscent of years gone by, this ride celebrates the modern-day host of the Tonight Show.
When you hop onboard this motion-simulator ride, get ready for crazy antics like you will find on the late-night talk show. Race around New York City, dive into the ocean, soar to the moon, and see Hashtag the Panda and the Ragtime Gals.
Height Requirement: Minimum 40″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion; Safety restraints accommodate guests with a waist size of 40″ or smaller.
San Francisco
Enjoy the charm of old-time San Francisco in this land. There is only one ride in San Francisco land, so it is more about the atmosphere here and not the thrills.
Fast & Furious
If you are a fan of the movie franchise, then you will love seeing movie props and vehicles from the films at this ride in the re-creation of the crew’s headquarters.
A motion-simulator ride, you will feel the intensity of the popular movies with things blowing up, cars flipping and music blaring.
Height Requirement: Minimum 40″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Hollywood
This land celebrates the movie magic of Hollywood, California.
E.T. Adventure
A perfect ride for kids and toddlers that can meet the height requirement, E.T. Adventure is similar to Peter Pan’s Flight at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Fly through the air on a gentle journey with E.T. as you try to save his planet. One of the cool things about this ride is that you can hear E.T. thank you for your hard work at the end by saying your name (when the technology works, it often is broken).
Height Requirement: Minimum 34″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
One of the most colorful lands in Universal Studios, you will have fun just walking around and meeting characters or enjoying foods and drinks (such as Duff Beer) that come from the TV show.
Related Post: How to Save Money on Universal Studios Food
Kang & Kodo’s Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
A spinning ride on a flying saucer with laser beams, the object of this ride is to spin around a giant alien and try to hit Springfield residents. You will fly in air about 10 feet high and spin about 13 mph.
This ride is similar to The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Height Requirement: Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
World Expo
Men in Black: Alien Attack
Similar to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, this ride challenges you to shoot as many aliens as you can as they try to take over New York.
Want to score lots of points? Look for the alien sitting on a bench and reading a newspaper. Once you hit that alien, he will reveal an alien Steven Spielberg behind the newspaper! And then shoot that alien to get lots of points!
Height Requirement: Minimum 42″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
One of the two Harry Potter lands, Diagon Alley is a bit more about enjoying the atmosphere rather than ridding rides.
Hogwarts Express
You must have a park to park ticket to enjoy the Hogwarts Express, a train that will transport you from Universal Studios theme park to Islands of Adventure.
This departure point at Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station has a fun secret. Watch people in front of you disappear through the wall! Be sure to watch for the photo ops and then send your family or friends ahead of you to get video or pictures!
Not only a way to get between the two different Harry Potter lands, this gentle train ride makes you feel as if you are traveling through the British countryside with Harry and his friends.
Height Requirement: Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Islands of Adventure Non-Roller Coaster Rides
Islands of Adventure theme park in Universal Orlando Resort is where you will find more thrill rides than at Universal Studios Florida. You will need to skip more rides in this theme park than the other.
Here’s a quick list of all Islands of Adventure non-roller coaster rides. More details are found in the explanations below, arranged by each land.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station
- Pteranodon Flyers
- Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Storm Force Accelatron
- Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-rat Barges
- Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Cat in the Hat Ride
- High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train
- One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Blue fish
- Caro-Seuss-El
Marvel Super-Hero Island
All of the super heroes you know and love have a home in Marvel Super Hero Island. This is one of the first lands you will come to as you enter Islands of Adventure.
If you are interested in meet-and-greets with Marvel super heroes, this land is where you can get photos with the larger-than-life Universal characters.
Amazing Adventures of Spider Man
Height Requirement: Minimum 40″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Storm Force Accelatron
Similar to the tea cup ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, you will be spinning around to help Storm win the battle against Magneto by using her powers of thunder and lightning.
Height Requirement: Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Toon Lagoon
This family-friendly land is perfect for both kids and adults. If you want classic character interactions, this is where you will find old-fashioned Universal characters such as Popeye and Betty Boop.
Toon Lagoon is where you will find two water rides at Universal Studios. In fact, most of the attractions in this land are water-based, including splash pads designed for small children.
Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls
If you are ready to get soaked to escape the Florida heat, then head to Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls! You are guaranteed to get soaked on this log flume ride, similar to Disney’s Splash Mountain, that drops 75 feet.
Height Requirement: Minimum 44″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Popeye and Pluto’s Bilge-rat Barges
Another ride where you better get ready to get wet, this large raft ride accommodates a group of people as you are tossed about in your raft over raging rapids. This ride is similar to Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Height Requirement: Minimum 42″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Skull Island
There is only one ride in this land and there’s nothing else so you might not be hanging around Kong’s home for too long.
Skull Island – Reign of King Kong
Step back in time to the 1930s as part of an expedition exploring Skull Island. You will be surrounded by unusual creatures and prehistoric beasts for the entire 3-D experience.
This is a surprisingly scary and violent ride, even though it is not a traditional roller coaster.
Even though the height requirement is less than most coasters and thrill rides, younger kids probably shouldn’t be doing this one. Beware.
Height Requirement: Minimum 36″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Jurassic Park
If you have ever wanted to explore Jurassic Park like in the movies and novels, this is your destination! More than just rides, you can immerse yourself in a dinosaur-themed land at the restaurants and kid-friendly experiences.
Pteranodon Flyers
Adults can only ride this attraction with a child, so if you are traveling with kids don’t pass up this rare opportunity!
Sit in swinging seats (themed as prehistoric flying reptiles) suspended on an aerial track as you glide over Jurassic Park.
Height Requirement: Minimum 36″; Children between 36″-56″ must accompany guests over 56″ tall. Guests 36″-56″ need to be with a supervising companion
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
The second of the Harry Potter lands at Universal Orlando, Hogsmeade has more rides than Diagon Alley. This is where you will find Hogwarts Castle towering over the land.
Hogwarts Express
This ride is also found in Diagon Alley. However, the experience is different each way that you go.
Seuss Landing
This kid-friendly land is all about Dr. Seuss stories and characters. The colors and theming are so fun and happy, even adults will want to spend some time in this fanciful island, even if you don’t ride the rides!
Caro-Seuss-El
A merry-go-round with Dr. Seuss characters is perfect for small children! The fun part is that you can control the movements on the characters that you ride by making the eyes blink, the heads turn or the ears wiggle! This is so much fun for little ones!
Height Requirement: Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
Glide over Seuss Landing and see all of the colorful and nonsensical details throughout the land. This slow-moving train ride glides along elevated tracks.
Height Requirement: Minimum 36″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
Cat in the Hat
A gentle ride that journeys through the famous Cat in the Hat storybook as you are sitting on a “couch.” There are gentle bumps and thrills that are exciting for kids, but not too intense.
Height Requirement: Minimum 36″; Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, board a fish to take a flight through the air. You control whether the ride vehicle goes up or down.
You may get wet on this one if you don’t listen to the song instructions! So put on your listening ears!
Height Requirement: Guests 48″ and under need to be with a supervising companion