Monday Top 10: The Best Universal Attractions

By Robert Niles: This week we honor the best attractions from around the world of Universal Studios theme parks. With five parks around the world, Universal isn't the biggest theme park chain out there, but Universal's the clear leader in industry buzz over the past few years, with its Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands helping Universal claim more market share in Florida and Japan (and soon, Southern California, too). But longtime theme park fans know that Universal's more than Harry Potter, with some world-class attractions that have helped revolutionize the industry.

10. Studio Tour

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal's original attraction — the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood — only hangs on to the number-10 slot in our reader ratings, but with a new Fast & Furious 4D experience, as well as a nighttime version of the tour, on the way for 2015, we're expecting the Studio Tour to make another run up this list.

9. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida

Other than Potter, the Minions might be the Universal theme parks' hottest franchise. The Florida original is dragging the new and improved Hollywood installation down to number nine, though. With Super Silly Fun Land next door and double the capacity with a second theater (which means, half the wait), Hollywood is the place to see Universal's new stars.

8. WaterWorld

Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan

Universal's top show is one of the best shows in the industry, proving to skeptics that even a dog of a film can yield a top-quality theme park attraction, in the hands of the right creative team.

7. Revenge of the Mummy

Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Hollywood

We're considering this as one attraction for today's list, but Universal's three Revenge of the Mummy rides offer very different experiences, from the Hollywood insider-y Brendan Fraser version in Florida, to the impressive facade and dark ending in Singapore, to, well, the Cliff's Notes version in Hollywood.

6. Incredible Hulk Coaster

Islands of Adventure

Universal's top coaster offers what's general lauded as the best start to any coaster in the world: a two-second launch up a 150-foot tunnel, leading into a zero-g roll, then twisting up into a cobra roll.

5. Transformers: The Ride 3D

Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida

All the action of a Transformers movie crammed into one five-minute, 3-D package. Transformers is the same ride in all three locations, and a big hit with fans, wherever they see it around the world.

4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Japan

The history of Universal's theme parks can be broken into two ears: Before Potter and After Potter. Universal's original Harry Potter ride enabled the company to operate on a prolific new level, ultimately leading to the construction or refurbishment of the three attractions that top it on this list.

3. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Universal Studios Florida

The centerpiece of Diagon Alley, Escape from Gringotts offers a milder ride than Forbidden Journey, though fans love its mix of effects and thrills.

2. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Japan

Newly enhanced with 4K projection, Spider-Man reminds fans why so many of us fell in love with this ride when it debuted with the park in 1999.

1. Hogwarts Express

Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure

A pitch-perfect recreation of the trip between London and Hogwarts Castle, Universal's Hogwarts Express captures the top honor from our readers. Bring the whole family — there's no height restriction on this ride. Enjoy your Butterbeer or Dragon Scale as you ride between Universal Orlando's two theme parks while imagining your really steaming through the Scottish highlands, just like a real witch or wizard.

What are your favorite things to do at a Universal theme park?

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