Best Rides at Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens

Orlando Area Attractions at These Theme Parks Match Disney’s Best

Nov 23, 2009 Jason Parent

Disney World isn't the only thing happening in Orlando, Florida. Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens have lots to offer.

When people think Orlando, they often think Walt Disney World. Surely, Disney has some great rides. But there are some other kids on the block, namely: Universal Studios, Orlando; Universal Studios: Islands of Adventure; SeaWorld; and Busch Gardens (in Tampa). Each offers unique entertainment, often geared toward teens and young adults. Below is a list fo some of the best rides these theme parks offer vacationers.

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Universal's Islands of Adventure Theme Park

"The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman” ride at Universal's Islands of Adventure (IOA) is a top-notch thrill ride offering non-stop fun for all ages. The ride combines 3-D action, excellent cartoon graphics, interactive environments, and lots of motion without the motion sickness. The ride’s line sets up the premise. Some of Spidey’s top villains – Doctor Octopus, Carnage, Hydroman, and Electro – are wreaking havoc on the city. Riders work for J. Jonah Jameson’s newspaper, the Daily Bugle. While out in the Bugle’s new high-tech vehicle, trying to get the scoop, the villains attack. It is up to Spiderman to save the day in modern-day thrill ride fashion.

Men in Black Alien Attack, Universal Studios Florida Theme Park

Universal Studios’ “Men in Black Alien Attack” (MIB) ride is both novel and highly interactive. In it, riders sit in a car with a gun in front of them (read giant laser pointer). As the ride progresses, the goal is to shoot everything and anything that the rider passes, accumulating points as he or she does so. The highlight of MIB is a portion where riders can shoot other cars to make them spin while collecting tons of points. But if one really wants to show off, he/she can turn around and shoot his/her own car’s target, which is much easier to hit and causes a whole lot of spinning (and point accumulation).

Journey to Atlantis, SeaWorld Theme Park

Most flume-type rides have little to offer. A big drop that is fun but leaves riders’ clothes clinging and smelling foul is their high point. While SeaWorld’s Journey to Atlantis has this in common with the others, it is a much more complete ride experience. An incoherent story plays in the background, supposedly having something to do with the lost city of Atlantis. It is irrelevant; the artistic scenery followed by a fast-paced flume ride that has a few pleasant surprises are the ingredients that make Journey to Atlantis enjoyable.

Shrek 4-D, Universal Studios FloridaTheme Park

Universal Studio’s “Shrek 4-D” attraction features theater-style seating, surround sound, and interactive 3-D action. Viewers watch an amusing cartoon movie, the events of which follow the first Shrek film. They are drawn in further by scents, airwaves, and seat motions, all of which add to the fun.

SheiKra, Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay Theme Park

A high-flying, ingenious roller coaster, the “SheiKra” ride at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida is amongst the best roller coasters in the world. It tops the parks other great roller coasters, with unique, horizontal-row seating. The ride will ensnare park goers for a lightning quick burst of fun.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Universal's Islands of Adventure Theme Park

Most roller coasters start of slow. Riders hear that oh-so-familiar cranking noise as they slowly move up a sky-high hill. "The Incredible Hulk Coaster” at IOA does away with that slow-paced nonsense. Once riders are locked in and ready to go, they are jettisoned at torpedo speed from the starting point. From there on out, it’s twists, turns, dives, and loops, all from a hanging position beneath the coaster’s track.

Certainly, Seaworld, Busch Gardens, and the two Universal Studios parks have more great rides that others may prefer. Here are some honorable mentions: “Manta” (SeaWorld); “Kraken” (SeaWorld); “Montu” (Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay); "Rhino Rally" (Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay); “The Simpsons Ride” (Universal Studios Florida); “Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-rat Barges” (Universal's Islands of Adventure); “Dueling Dragons” (Universal's Islands of Adventure).

For the best rides in Orlando that Disney has to offer, see Best Disney Rides in Orlando, Florida. For some great rides that no longer exist, see Great Orlando Theme Park Rides of Time's Past.

The copyright of the article Best Rides at Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens in SE U.S. Travel is owned by Jason Parent. Permission to republish Best Rides at Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Incredible Hulk Coaster, Universal Studios Florida	SeaWorld Has Shamu, but It also Has Great Rides	SheiKra, Roller Coaster, Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
Men In Black Alien Attack, Universal Studios	Shrek 4-D, Universal Studios Florida