There is nothing like zipping through the air on some of the craziest rides around. That’s exactly why our Facing Fears Together trip, included a day at Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure. As part of the event we were treated to the VIP Tour of both parks. As this event was all about facing fears, we knew it had to include rides that may leave you shaking in your boots…and some that are just plain fun!
We dove right into the newest addition, Diagon Alley. For Harry Potter fans, like myself, this is like putting yourself in the story.

Photo Credit: Life With 4 Boys
Let your wand choose you (thanks to Life With 4 Boys for capturing my wand choosing me), duel the likes of Voldemort and Bellatrix in “Harry Potter and The Escape From Gringotts“, enjoy butterbeer ice cream, stop into the Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezies, or do your own magic with the new interactive wands. You might even catch a performance from Celestina Warbeck, see Kreacher peek out, or view fire spewing from a dragon.
To truly get your adrenaline and fear going, be sure to turn down Knockturn Alley. Known for it’s dark wizard presence, this area, is truly creepy. It’s cold, dark, and full of dark arts and objects! If you have a park-hopper pass, be sure to take the Hogwarts Express between both parks. Make sure you go both ways, so you can experience what the ride offers, because one way is different than the other. You’ll get to see some friends you might remember from the books and movies! Now, if wizarding isn’t your style and you are more of a ride kind of guy or gal, then you’ll want to take on Rip Ride Rockit

Photo Credit: Plum Crazy About Coupons
You see my mom and I in the front (thank you to Plum Crazy About Coupons for snapping this photo). This ride takes you straight up at a 90 degree angle, seriously all you see is sky. It’s my absolute favorite ride and I still get a bit anxious going up! Before you get started be sure to pick a song you love from the list, I like to stick with hip-hop or rock, they seem to fit the ride perfectly. The funny thing about this ride, is it doesn’t even go upside down, just straight up and lots of almost upside downs!
Saving the world, might be more your thrill style! In which case, you will most definitely want to jump on Transformers: The Ride 3D. You’ll joint the autobots as they battle Megatron and the other decepticons to save the all spark…and humanity from destruction! If you get motion sickness on 3D rides, this one might not be for you. I’ll admit, I love this ride, but sometimes my stomach….not so much!
The Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor coaster, where you are running for you life. To save yourself from becoming a mummy (or getting cursed) you will race through treasures, fire, darkness. It’s my daughters favorite!
For those who want to really get a thrill, take on The Hulk and Dr. Dooms Fearfall. The Hulk is a fast paced coaster, I will warn you, there is a little (or not so little to be honest) surprise during the ride. What? Well, now what fun would it be if I told you, you’ll just have to experience it for yourself. The coaster lives up to the name for sure.
Right down the “road” from The Hulk is Dr. Dooms Fearfall. This is another favorite of mine. You will sit in a row of four and anxiously await your launch. It shoots you up to the sky from 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. The ride is so much fun and while it’s a thrill, it isn’t a scary one…but I still scream bloody murder every single time. I think it’s the anticipation of the launch. It’s definitely a must ride!
Of course all good theme park days must include lunch! Thankfully, the food at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, is amazing. While I love all the food, my favorite is definitely Mythos. A bit more on the upper class, when it comes to theme park eats, this restaurant offers delicious meals. I have yet to have a bad meal any time I have visited. I change up my meals, this time I got the fish tacos, but always get a bowl of the tomato basil soup.
A few other rides you will want to check out if you are going to check out either of these parks are:
Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey. Join Harry and his friends as you fly through the skies, face dementors, giant spiders and much more!
The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. You will join Spiderman as you head to get the story, but you’ll get so much more than a story, you’ll help him save the world!
Jurassic Park River Ride. Beware of the escaped dinosaur. As you go on tour of Jurassic Park, your relaxing tour of the park takes a turn for the worst, and all you have to do is make it out alive…and dry. If you do not want to be drenched, I highly suggest getting a poncho…and don’t sit in the front! **You can see what I mean in the photo Mary captured**

Photo Credit: Plum Crazy About Coupons
I could go on and on, both parks have so much thrill to offer those who love that kind of thing, but they also offer something for the not-so-into-thrill-rides kind of people. We had such a great time and I am really looking forward to heading back to visit soon! What are your favorite thrill rides?
Toni Patton
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Looks like you had a blast, Toni! I’m heading down to Orlando the end of May for a work conference and may just have to hit Universal! Thanks for the tips!