The 10 WORST Rides for Motion Sickness at Universal Studios Florida
Nothing ruins a day of fun more than motion sickness. (Ask me about my cruise out of Cape Canaveral.) Luckily, there are some ways around it, the best one being to prevent it entirely.
Universal Studios is notorious for nausea because they have some of the most intense rides of all time! But that doesn’t mean motion-sick-prone people can’t enjoy the parks. If you simply avoid these ten worst rides for motion sickness at Universal Studios Florida, you can steer clear of tummy troubles for the duration of your day!
10 Worst Universal Rides for Motion Sickness
These are the rides that perpetually plague people with bouts of motion sickness, sometimes even getting to those who claim to have iron stomachs! It’s unfortunate to see several of the more popular rides on this list, but we have to call it like it is.
Keep in mind that just because these rides often cause motion sickness doesn’t mean you can’t try them. If there’s one you’re dying to ride, simply proceed with caution before boarding; watch a ride-through video to gauge what it’s like, take a Dramamine or some gingerroot to settle your stomach, and go before you’ve eaten lunch. (I’ve had the best luck with Dramamine, but I’m not a licensed medical professional, so definitely look into what medication might work best for you!)
That being said, the only way to guarantee a motion sick-free day at Universal Studios Florida is to stay off of these suckers. Sigh. The struggle is real.
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1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
One of the worst rides for motion sickness in Universal’s Islands of Adventure is, sadly, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. (I guess they call it “forbidden” for a reason.)
This scenic dark ride can feel like a roller coaster, but you’re actually being held above the track by a robotic arm which allows for unique pivoting motions. However, this state-of-the-art movement (which simulates flying) combined with up-close, on-screen action might be enough to send your tummy into a tailspin.
However, the queue for this ride is also an amazing, immersive tour of Hogwarts. For diehard Potterheads who have some time to spare, it could be worth checking out the queue, snapping some selfies, then ducking out before the ride begins.
2. The Simpsons Ride
Another ride infamous for motion sickness at Universal Orlando is the Simpsons Ride. This virtual reality coaster is part of Springfield: Home of the Simpsons in Universal Studios Florida.
The ride vehicle bumps along in time to the animated mayhem and even includes a pretty hefty drop. This discombobulation has left many riders feeling queasy, but don’t worry – there are still plenty of Simpsons things to enjoy in Springfield, even if you skip out on this ride!
3. Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon
It’s hard to resist the special guests and witty humor of The Tonight Show, but you might want to change the channel because this is one of the worst rides for motion sickness.
This is a 3D motion simulated ride that takes you on a zany chase through New York City with current Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. While the concept is fun, the simulated high speeds, twists, and turns can quickly leave you feeling sick. (This ride is a theater-style motion simulator and requires 3D glasses.)
It’s not worth braving this one unless you’re a big fan of Jimmy and The Tonight Show.
4. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
It kills me to say you should avoid anything related to Spider-Man (unless we’re talking about Doc Ock – he’s dangerous)…but that’s what I have to do. If you’re in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and looking for a good time, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man might put a damper on that.
Part of Marvel Super Hero Island, this 3D simulation ride will have you join up with Spider-Man as he swings from skyscraper to skyscraper, and at one point, you’ll free fall off of one. This free fall is toward the end of the ride and is, perhaps, the most considerable motion sickness trigger of the entire experience. If you know it’s coming and can steel yourself for the drop. You might be able to risk it for this ride!
5. Storm Force Accelatron
Another motion sickness culprit located in Marvel Super Hero Island is Storm Force Accelatron. This ride will spin your stomach into oblivion.
Essentially a super-hero version of a teacup ride, your ride vehicle travels in a circle while you spin it using a central wheel. You can certainly keep your personal spinning slow (if your fellow riders agree to it), but sometimes speed doesn’t make a difference – it’s simply the spinning itself that gets to a person. (That’s how I am, anyway!)
Unfortunately, this makes Storm Force Accelatron one of the worst rides for motion sickness at Universal, and it’s one ride I would not even attempt.
6. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
It’s hard to believe that Universal’s cutest ride could cause so much trouble… but then again, it is called Minion Mayhem. Getting into mischief is what these little guys do best!
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is another theater-style simulation ride where you are sitting in a ride vehicle in front of an IMAX screen. Your seat will dip, sway, serve – and even drop – in time to the story unfolding on the screen, but these motions can definitely trigger motion sickness in sensitive individuals.
However, the Minion ride has switched from 3D to 2D, which seems to have quelled some of that sickness! There’s also a stationary, wheelchair-accessible ride area if you want to experience the story without any motion.
7. TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D is incredibly immersive, really putting you in the heart of the story. While this is super cool, sometimes those sensations are a little too real, making it an iffy ride option for the motion sick prone.
The combination of wearing 3D glasses and physically moving from scene to scene in a swift and jerky fashion are the main motion sickness triggers for this ride. That being said, this ride is often lauded as one of Universal’s best, so if you think you can risk it (or really love Transformers), it might be worth taking a Dramamine and still giving it a go.
8. Revenge of the Mummy
Revenge of the Mummy is an iconic roller coaster for Universal Studios Florida – but it’s also incredibly intense! It’s indoors, but don’t let that fool you. With sequences of low lighting, you can’t see where you’re going, which can make those twists and turns extra jarring. This roller coaster does not (thankfully) go upside down, but there is a portion where you move backward, and there are also some sudden stops. I’m not sure why, but it’s those jerky start-stop motions that get to me the most!
9. Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
Yet another Harry Potter ride makes our list, and yet again, it’s a ride that has you wearing 3D glasses. However, rather than a simulator, Escape from Gringotts is a proper indoor roller coaster. A significant drop, a number of spins, and those 3D elements form a recipe for potential motion sickness.
Located in Diagon Alley, this Harry Potter attraction also has an outstanding queue Potterheads might find worth a look even if they don’t plan on riding!
10. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
This is such a bummer to put on the list because a musical roller coaster is dope. However, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t warn you this one is bound to get your stomach flip-flopping.
The Hollywood Rip Ripe Rockit has an ingenious non-inverted loop, so you never go upside down (phew!), but there’s an ENORMOUS vertical drop at the beginning and several smaller drops throughout. If the feeling of falling (or being held at a 90-degree angle) gets your stomach churning, definitely sit this one out.
Oh, and FYI…
You’ll notice the majority of the worst rides for motion sickness are 3D simulators. There’s something about simulation that just messes with the senses! But real drops, high speed, and inversions can still leave you reeling, too. Although we haven’t heard as many complaints with these roller coasters, we’d still advise caution with the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure if you are prone to motion sickness.
If you’d still like to brave these coasters, sitting in the middle is usually best, and some folks recommend sitting in Hagrid’s sidecar rather than on the motorbike proper!
Hopefully, knowing about the worst Universal rides for motion sickness will help you avoid any unnecessary unpleasantness during your time at the parks. Here’s wishing you clear skies and settled stomachs!
Which Universal ride is the worst for triggering your motion sickness? Warn us about it in the comments below!
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