If you love the Jurassic World movies as much as we do, then I’m sure you were ecstatic to learn that Universal Studios Hollywood has transformed their Jurassic Park ride into a new incredible Jurassic World ride called Jurassic World- The Ride… and we’re obsessed!
Universal Studios Hollywood recently hosted us to check out the new ride. My dino-loving son couldn’t have been more excited and was counting down for days!
Today I’m sharing our top 10 reasons why we LOVE the new Universal Studios Jurassic World ride and share some of the new features of the ride and surrounding attractions. Let’s get started!
Top 10 Reasons We Love Jurassic World- The Ride at Universal Studios
#1 The Incredibly Realistic Mosasaurus
The first few minutes of the new Jurassic World ride are my absolute favorite. As you enter Jurassic World by boat, you make your way into a giant aquarium, which is made up of state-of-the-art giant high definition screens on either side of you that truly make you feel like you are in Jurassic World.
The large shark that swims past in the beginning is quickly gobbled up by a hungry aquatic Mosasaurus, who tries to break through the glass as he spies his next meal passing by- you!
We were blown away by the technology and how clear and real it all looked. We even got wet as he moved and the water splashed out on us from his giant “tank.” Which leads me to…
#2 Allll the Splashes
It was a hot August day when we rode the Jurassic World ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, so I truly appreciated all the splashes and sprays from the dinosaurs throughout the ride!
From beginning to end, there is a good chance that you will get wet. My daughter was completely drenched two seats down from me and I stayed practically dry, so you can’t really predict how wet you will get. But if it’s a hot sunny SoCal day (which there’s a good chance it is), then it will probably be welcome.
#3 New and Improved Dinosaurs
The Jurassic World movies brought with them some new favorite dinosaurs, and lucky for us, Jurassic World- The Ride now features some of our favorites from the movies.
My dino-loving son was especially thrilled to see his favorite Blue, as well as the intimidating Indominus Rex. All of the new dinosaurs move in a very realistic and smooth way, allowing us to be transformed into the awe-inspiring yet dangerous Jurassic World.
#4 My Fave Jurassic World Actors are Back
Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and BD Wong are all back again and featured in different elements throughout the ride. While waiting in line you can watch interviews with them and learn more about the dinosaurs and features of Jurassic World, just as if you were really there in the park.
You’ll also hear Claire and Owen’s voices during the ride, instructing you to “stay calm” and that help is on the way once things take a turn for the worse. It’s a fun little touch that makes the ride even more authentic and familiar.
#5 Get Up Close and Interact Three Different Dinosaurs
How often is it that you get to come face to face with a Velociraptor, a life-size Triceratops, and a Baby Raptor?
You can do all of this at the new Raptor Encounter outside of the ride throughout the day, and the kids were mesmerized!
Juliet the Triceratops was very impressive and life-sized, and let the kids gently touch her.
My kids also got to gently pet the Baby Raptor who was cradled safely in the arms of her handler. The raptor’s eyelids were getting heavy as she started falling asleep while being gently touched by the eager kids who surrounded her.
You can still interact with Blue too, which makes for an amazing photo opp! Of course my son insisted we see all three dinosaurs, and we gladly obliged. 😉
#6 Get a Taste of the Tropics at the New Jurassic Cafe
The Costa-Rican inspired cuisine at the New Jurassic Cafe is surprisingly delicious. We ordered the mahi-mahi, the chicken, and a couple of Isla burgers, and everything was absolutely fantastic!
The Costa-Rican rice and beans, salad, and plantain chips that came on the side were just as flavorful as the main dishes, and we happily sampled each other’s food to get even more tastes!
#7 Cool Down with a Fruity Tiki Drink
You’ll love the refreshing fruity cocktails at the new tropical thatch-roofed Isla Nu-bar.
Here you can order from a nice list of cocktails (we ordered ours virgin) that are served in collectible tiki cups with a pineapple leaf and a gorgeous edible purple orchid bloom.
Our virgin mai tais were excellent and very refreshing on a hot summer day!
#8 Fun Interactive DinoPlay for Kids
The new and improved play area is a perfect pit stop for kids of all ages! There are all sorts of activities that get the kids moving and exploring like mini paleontologists.
Giant dinosaur fossils, an overhead bridge, a life-size T-rex skull, dinosaur eggs, and more will keep the kids active. When we got a little warm we loved heading over to the misters to cool down!
Another perk of the DinoPlay area is that there is only one entrance and exit into the area (minues the emergency exits). It’s all pretty well contained so you if you’re near the exit you won’t have to worry about your kids wandering off on the other side, since the other side is enclosed.
#9 Learn How to Play the Jurassic World Song
Okay, while this isn’t a major feature like some of my other top Jurassic World choices, I thought this was such a cool thing! I didn’t even notice the metal chimes in the DinoPlay area, but my daughter called me over and told me to come see what she can do.
She said that she had been practicing as she picked up the handle and smiled. John Williams’ iconic Jurassic Park tune filled the air and a giant smile crossed my face. Heads turned and we saw others smile too, and the line suddenly grew behind my daughter while others wanted to try their hand at playing that contagious melody.
There is a little guide on the right hand side to show how to play the song if your kiddo (or even you) want to learn it too!
#10 The Giant Waterfall Escape
We love the anticipation that builds as we head towards our impending doom to the waterfall at the end of the Jurassic World ride. Although I know it’s coming, it still gets my heart racing every single time and I can’t help but close my eyes and scream with delight when I finally plummet down that colossal 84-foot waterfall.
It’s just one of the many reasons I find myself drawn to the new Jurassic World ride at Universal Studios Hollywood and eagerly awaiting my next adventure there.
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