Universal Studios theme parks are world-famous, offering something for everyone.
With attractions ranging from exhilarating roller coasters to immersive movie-themed experiences, it’s a dream vacation for many.
But have you ever wondered how much it costs to build those rides? And what are the most expensive rides at Universal Studios?
Universal Studios attractions don’t come cheap. Some rides cost tens of millions of dollars to plan and build. Here are the most expensive rides at Universal Studios Theme Parks:
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures – $300 million
- Jurassic Park River Adventure – $110 million
- Transformers: The Ride 3D – $100 million
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong – $100 million
- The Simpsons Ride – $30 million
For clarity, this article lists the most expensive rides at Universal Studios in terms of building costs. Rides are included in the park tickets, so you don’t need to pay.
Top Five Most Expensive Rides at Universal Studios Theme Parks
The following are the top five most expensive rides at Universal Studios Theme Parks:
1. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is at Universal Hollywood and Universal Orlando. It first opened to much acclaim in 2010. The area contains various attractions based on the iconic book and film franchise.
While the emphasis is on Hogwarts Castle, the most sought-after ride is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It’s also the most expensive ride ever built at Universal Theme Parks.
From 2019 till mid-2022, it held the record for the most expensive roller coaster ever built at $300 million, surpassing Disney Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest’s record of $100 million.
2. Jurassic Park River Adventure
The Jurassic Park water coaster is one of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios. The spectacular success of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park in the early 1990s spurred Universal to create this visually appealing ride.
It was launched in the summer of 1996, costing $110 million. It is still one of the most expensive rides ever built at Universal Studios, costing twice as much as the film.
Following a visually beautiful and seemingly smooth voyage that takes you past giant animatronics and tranquil dinosaurs, your boat comes crashing down on a steep slope from roughly 86 feet as you successfully avoid the vicious tyrannosaurus.
3. Transformers: The Ride 3D
With high-speed thrills and immersive effects, Transformers: The Ride 3D employs modern 3D technology to immerse guests in a conflict between the Autobots and the Decepticons. This ride cost Universal $100 million to build.
Experienced wearing 3D glasses, the Transformers look larger than life, and the effects seem realistic.
It’s a simulator, but the entire car moves and you feel like you’re in the movie.
4. Skull Island: Reign of Kong
In 1986, Universal Studios debuted King Kong in its Hollywood Park, and the first King Kong ride at Universal was King Kong Encounter.
Universal’s Kong animatronic was quite outstanding at the time. It was 30 feet tall, the tallest structure ever built by the park.
Flash forward to 2021, and Universal Studios in Orlando has reintroduced Skull Island: Reign of Kong after a 14-year absence.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong reportedly cost $100 million to build. The ride transports riders on a frightening voyage through the jungle.
5. The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons is the longest-running show in TV history. It takes an in-depth, sarcastic look at American culture. And it’s one of my favorite shows too!
The Simpsons Ride was launched in Orlando, bringing the famous characters to the park.
It’s a humorous attraction that is said to have cost $30 million.
It takes guests on tour through Krustyland, the iconic TV show’s imaginary amusement park, with lots of laughter on the way.
Conclusion
Universal Studios has built some of the world’s most exciting and immersive theme park attractions.
Of course, these experiences are not cheap to create. Many of the attractions cost millions of dollars.
The park is jam-packed with thrilling rides that will provide a memorable experience. But if you want to ride the most expensive rides ever built at Universal Studios, try Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or Jurassic Park River Adventure.
If you’re visiting Universal Studios, check out the above five rides!
