Fulfill your geeky dreams and fantasies at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida—this famous theme park is a haven for nerd culture. It features rides and attractions that will make you feel as you've just jumped into your favorite movie, comic, or cartoon.
If you're planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando, you just can't miss out on these geeky attractions. And if you aren't planning a trip, I hope this guide convinces you to do so.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
There's a reason why Universal Studios in Orlando is one of the best geeky travel destinations. Diehard Harry Potter fans come here to have an authentic wizard experience. Even non-Harry Potter addicts will have an amazing time visiting a place that immerses you in a completely different world.
As you stroll through Diagon Alley, you'll find yourself surrounded by quaint restaurants and shops that mimic the areas found in Harry Potter movies. Have lunch at Three Broomsticks, explore the halls of Hogwarts, and don't forget to try some tasty Butterbeer while you're there.
Some of the rides at Harry Potter World include Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, the Flight of the Hippogriff, and the incredibly thrilling Dragon Challenge. If you can't make it to those rides, definitely don't miss out on the following highlights.
Hogwarts Express
If you really want to spice up your Harry Potter experience, make sure to catch the Hogwarts Express. You'll have to purchase a Park-to-Park admission pass to ride the Hogwarts Express, but it's well worth it.
Hop on the old-fashioned train at Hogsmeade Station, and travel to King's Cross Station (or vice versa). This is your chance to bolt through Platform 9¾ and experience a not-so-normal train ride.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
As you wait in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you'll get a tour of Hogwarts (which is a nice distraction from waiting in line for so long). This attraction swoops you onto an airborne broomstick, as you join Harry and his friends on a mission to defeat the Dementors.
This ride can be spooky for some—especially if you don't like heights or giant spiders. Since it's a flight simulator, it'll seem like you're actually flying, and you'll definitely feel the adrenaline that comes along with it.
Coming Soon: Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
On June 13th, 2019, Universal Studios is set to release a brand new ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It's called "Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure," and yes, you'll get to ride on Hagrid's iconic motorbike.
This two-seat rollercoaster will allow you to witness some of the most exquisite creatures found in the Fantastic Beasts spin-off movie series.
Marvel Super Hero Island
Despite the fact that Disney purchased Marvel in 2009, Universal Studios has secured the rights to X-Men, Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and Spider-Man. So don't expect these characters to disappear from the park anytime soon.
When you walk into Super Hero Island, you'll notice that all the architecture looks a little flat—literally. Universal Studios constructed the buildings to resemble the two-dimensional art in comic books. Here's a look at some of Super Hero Island's most noteworthy attractions.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Whether you're a Spider-Man fan or not, you can't miss out on the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. It puts you in the place of newspaper reporter that's tasked with getting a report on the breaking news—Sinister Syndicate has stolen the Statue of Liberty. As you hop in a vehicle called the "Scoop," you and other park guests embark on a journey to catch up with Spider-Man and get in on the action.
You'll feel every bump and turn that's shown on the screen in front of you in this 3D dark ride. The car's movement and video are synced up almost too perfectly, making it feel totally real.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
As you can see by the video shown above, this ride is reserved for people with an iron stomach and a taste for adrenaline. I am definitely not one of those people, so I don't have firsthand experience with this particular ride.
What I do know is that the ride begins with a shock—riders get launched from zero to 40 mph in a span of only two seconds. That heart-stopping beginning is just a precursor to the thrills to follow. With seven loops (some that reach over 100 feet high), and underground tunnel travel, I hope your stomach is as strong as the Hulk himself.
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park has been a staple at Universal Studios since 1999. As soon as you step through its gates, you'll find yourself walking among a wild jungle full of luscious plants and of course, dinosaurs. If you're feeling daring, you can do a little meet-and-greet with a deadly raptor.
Jurassic Park: The Ride
Not only will the Jurassic Park ride give you a huge adrenaline rush, but it provides you with some refreshing splashes of water that feels nice after walking around in 80-degree weather.
After you board a river raft, you'll encounter all sorts of dinosaurs in their natural habitat. The ride ends with a bang, as you plummet 85 feet at a sharp 51-degree angle.
Coming Soon: Super Nintendo World
Universal Studios in Japan plans to unveil its Super Nintendo World sometime in 2020. However, American Nintendo fans must be patient—the date for Orlando's Nintendo World reveal hasn't been announced yet.
Since the Orlando park is bigger than the Japanese Universal Studios, we know that the Orlando version has the potential for more rides and attractions. Rumors of a Legend of Zelda area, Mario Kart ride, and Nintendo-themed shops have been circling, but nothing's set in stone for Orlando quite yet.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Universal Studios in Orlando is a nerd's paradise. From Harry Potter to Marvel, and Jurassic Park, it has almost everything to satisfy your geeky cravings. When Super Nintendo World gets released, Universal will really become the one-stop-shop for all fandoms.
Unfortunately, it's impossible for a theme park to capture every single interest that we have. Let's hope that these theme park ideas that we wish would take off will someday become a reality.