We’ve only been to Universal Orlando twice with our tween girls, but, they know right away what they like and don’t like. The following rides are located at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks, both of which are great for all ages.
1) Despicable Me – There is no doubt that this is the favourite all around for my tweens. They love the Despicable Me movies and the ride was awesome!
2) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – The Hogwarts Castle is amazing. I loved wandering through the castle and shops of Hogsmeade. You do not have to be a Harry Potter fan to appreciate this attraction and you don’t have to go on the ride to walk through the castle. My youngest absolutely loved the Forbidden Journey. She can’t wait to go back. And if you’re not riding, grab some Butterbeer while you wait!
3) Pteranodon Flyers – For anyone who loved the Jurassic Park movie there is nothing so exciting as walking through the gates and hearing the theme music, but most children/tweens will probably pass on the Jurassic Park River Adventure. (I loved it) Our girls headed straight for the Pteranadon Flyers. This might seem like a mild ride to most, but it’s not childish at all. Parents, you can admit it. You actually want to try it don’t you? I did, and found out that parents are allowed, but only if they are accompanying a child!
4) Storm Force Acceleration – This one made me sick just looking at it but for some reason tweens are immune to getting dizzy. They loved spinning in circles on this ride and it is perfect for tweens that are more nervous of the larger rides.
5) Shrek 4-D – Even if you aren’t a big fan of the Shrek movies, you’re whole family will love this one. With the 4-D sensory effects added in, you feel completely immersed in the show, and it’s hilarious!
6) The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman – Now in high-tech 3-D, this is definitely one of the most fast paced, thrill rides on this list. It is incredible! An absolute must for any Spidey fan and any tween who loves thrill rides.
7) Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges – There is nothing better than a water ride on a hot day in Orlando. Everyone loves cooling down. Don’t want to be soaked afterward? You can rent time in a drying machine after you ride!
8) Camp Jurassic – While actually a play area and not a ride, I couldn’t leave this out. What child could resist such a huge playground with caverns and water features? Not mine! Here’s a hint…make sure you plan out a meeting spot for your family. This place is huge and you can easily lose track of tweens, who like to run off on their own!
9) E.T. Adventure – I’ll be honest. This was closed when we were at Universal Studios and we were really sad. We all really wanted to do it and I know my girls would have loved it. Don’t miss your chance.
10) Flight of the Hippogriff – This smaller roller coaster is a great family friendly roller coaster, which is pretty mild compared to the bigger ones in the park. Learn the proper way to approach a Hippogriff before you take the ride.
11) Honorary Mention goes to the Hogwarts Express- It hasn’t opened yet but there’s no way we would miss this train from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley. It just looks so cool!
I also want to add that I highly recommend purchasing the Universal Express Pass or staying on site. Line ups can get very long for the most popular rides. It’s well worth the extra cost to really enjoy your visit and be able to get on your favourite rides multiple times. We all know how tweens LOVE repetition!
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