When Universal Epic Universe was just concept art and hype, we ranked the rides we were most excited for (check out that blog here). Now we’ve ridden every single one. Some met expectations. Others blew us away!
This list is based on what stood out: the thrills, the storytelling, the ride tech, and those unforgettable moments that had us laughing, screaming, or saying, “We’re doing that again.”
The Ultimate Ride Ranking for Epic Universe
#11 | Fyre Drill (How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk)
Anticipated Ranking: #10
Fyre Drill is beautifully themed and fits right into the playful chaos of Isle of Berk. It’s colorful, interactive, and absolutely made for those sweltering Florida days! This attraction is slow and not actually very competitive, but you will get soaked. A great choice for younger kids or anyone who is looking to cool off.
#10 | Constellation Carousel (Celestial Park)
Anticipated Ranking: #11
Yes, it’s a carousel—but it’s stunning. Especially at night, when Celestial Park lights up around you. The seating is clever and unique, allowing multiple riders per creature, so you can enjoy a romantic ride with someone special or sit close to your little one who might be nervous about riding alone. It also lets parents enjoy the ride with their kids, instead of just standing beside them like on a traditional carousel. Peaceful, nostalgic, and elevated.
#9 | Yoshi’s Adventure (SUPER NINTENDO WORLD)
Anticipated Ranking: #9
Yoshi’s Adventure is exactly what it promises: slow, charming, and full of Mushroom Kingdom whimsy. The queue is adorable, the views from the ride are fun, and the glowing egg hunt adds a bit of interactive magic. For kids and Nintendo enthusiasts, it’s sweet and satisfying.
#8 | Mine-Cart Madness (SUPER NINTENDO WORLD)
Anticipated Ranking: #7
There’s no denying this ride lives up to its name—you’ll feel every bump, jolt, and twist like you’re racing through a Donkey Kong jungle in a rickety mine cart. It’s rougher than it looks and more intense than the height requirement suggests. But the theming is fantastic and the queue is full of playful details. Clever effects, like the “track jump,” make it feel straight out of the game. Donkey Kong fans will love the chaos and character-packed fun.
#7 | Dragon Racer’s Rally (How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk)
Anticipated Ranking: #8
Soaring above Berk with spinning wings is just plain fun. You can control how much you flip, which makes it accessible for both cautious and adventurous riders. It’s a great middle-ground attraction that blends playful fun with just the right touch of excitement. I was a little nervous going in, but it wasn’t as scary as I expected. I actually really enjoyed it!
#6 | Curse of the Werewolf (Dark Universe)
Anticipated Ranking: #4
Short? Yes. But so worth it. This ride is enjoyable, eerie, and even more exciting than I expected. The spinning coaster track gives it a surprising amount of intensity, and the werewolf theming is perfectly creepy without being too scary for most. The free-spinning cars make every ride different, giving it great re-ride value.
#5 | Stardust Racers (Celestial Park)
Anticipated Ranking: #3
This coaster means business—fast, sleek, and absolutely bursting with adrenaline-pumping moments. If you’re a coaster enthusiast, prepare to meet your new favorite. The track not only adds drama to the park’s skyline but also delivers a wild mix of maneuvers, from classic inversions to fresh surprises like the Celestial Spin, where you’re face-to-face with the other vehicle mid-ride. It’s intense, no doubt, but totally worth it even if you’re usually hesitant about big coasters; this one’s worth braving at least once.
#4 | Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (SUPER NINTENDO WORLD)
Anticipated Ranking: #6
This ride is all about the theming. Both the queue and ride are packed with incredible physical props and detail. The ride system can take a moment to get the hang of, but once you do, it’s a total blast. It’s not a high-speed attraction, but it’s immersive, interactive, and fun in a way only Mario Kart can pull off. If Nintendo was your childhood, this one’s a dream come true.
#3 | Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk)
Anticipated Ranking: #5
This story coaster hits the sweet spot—fun and fast with just the right dose of thrill for all kinds of riders. How to Train Your Dragon fans will enjoy spotting Easter eggs and dragon facts throughout the queue, but once you’re on the ride, it’s pure joy. The kind of attraction you finish and immediately say, “Let’s go again.” I think this one surprised me the most. I thought it would be good, but it’s great!
#2 | Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic)
Anticipated Ranking: #2
The queue alone is worth your time—it’s immersive, detailed, and honestly breathtaking. Once the ride starts, the story kicks in fast, and it’s packed with movement, effects, and some truly impressive animatronics. I won’t spoil anything, but several moments drew full-audience gasps from our ride vehicle. You’ll want to experience it again just to catch everything you missed the first time!
#1 | Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (Dark Universe)
Anticipated Ranking: #1
Not to brag, but I called it—this was my most anticipated ride, and it absolutely delivers. The animatronics are massive, detailed, and shockingly lifelike, and the ride strikes a perfect balance between scary, thrilling, and genuinely fun. The story is strong, the vehicle motion is smooth, and there’s even unexpected humor and character depth woven in. It’s dark, exciting, beautiful, and brilliantly designed. Not just the standout at Epic Universe—this is one of the best theme park experiences anywhere.
Universal Epic Universe: Best Rides by Category
- Best Coaster Thrill: Stardust Racers
- Most Immersive Storytelling: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment & Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
- Best Ride for Younger or Hesitant Riders: Yoshi’s Adventure & Constellation Carousel
- Best Ride to Cool Off on a Hot Day: Fyre Drill
- Most Visually Stunning: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment & Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Most Innovative Ride System: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
- Best Nighttime Ride Experience: Stardust Racers & Constellation Carousel
- Best (Almost) All-Ages Ride: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
The Epic Universe Ride Rankings Recap
Epic Universe didn’t just meet expectations—it launched them into orbit. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a dark ride lover, or someone who just appreciates great theming and detail, there’s something here that will stick with you long after the day is over.
Start planning your visit to Epic Universe today with discounted admission to Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, available through Orlando Informer.
What have been your favorite moments at Universal Epic Universe? Share your favorite experiences and connect with 180,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.
