Throughout 2020 Universal Orlando have been hinting about a new roller coaster coming to their Islands Of Adventure park. Universal finally announced recently that this thrilling new ride, which many have already seen being built at the park, will be opening in Summer 2021 with the name Jurassic World VelociCoaster!

It is the first roller coaster to be themed around the Jurassic World franchise and will take riders into the chase of a hunt, racing alongside a pack of velociraptors. Speeding through the jungle, rising high above the terrain, twisting and soaring above land and water, VelociCoaster is like no other. It will send riders 155ft in the air, before plunging them into an 80-degree drop, featuring the deepest drop yet on a Universal coaster. Prepare for two launches, with the fastest sending riders flying at up to 70mph in 2.4 seconds! There’s also a 360-degree barrel roll hovering just inches above the Islands of Adventure lagoon.

VelociCoaster is located right in the centre of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, within the Jurassic Park area. Guests will be able to see it across the lagoon as they walk in through the park’s main entrance.

What else is within the Jurassic Park area of Islands of Adventure?

At Universal Orlando guests can have the chance of stepping into Jurassic Park and be a part of the movie series. Stand in awe in this magnificent land, which is 65 million years in the making, however beware of danger that lurks behind every corner. Only here can you live the adventure of coming face-to-face with giant creatures of the Earth’s past, encounter raptors roaming every day, or take a daring raft expedition through jungles teeming with dinosaurs. There’s something for every Jurassic Park fan here, from thrilling escapes to the more educational paleontology expeditions. There’s so much to explore and you’ll want to experience it all.

Raptor Encounter

Dinosaur Experience and Photo Op

At the Raptor Encounter guests can see Blue in her new habitat and have a photo with her, if you dare! Blue is intelligent, but also one of the most dangerous. Here guests can learn some interesting facts about the clever carnivore and her natural habitat. Then, if you’re brave enough, you can try to slowly approach her to snap a quick photo. Are you daring enough to get up close to this fan-favorite dinosaur?

Jurassic Park River Adventure

Water Ride with Lots Of Thrills

On this unforgettable river raft ride, you’ll get to see dinosaurs in their natural habitats, as you drift through the jungle. The scenic water cruise soon takes an unexpected turn into an ominous “restricted area” of Jurassic Park. This is where they keep the other, more dangerous creatures. Suddenly you come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex and the only way to escape is to take the pitch-black plunge before you, which is an 85ft drop! When built, the ride's 85ft plunge was the largest theme park water descent ever constructed.

Pteranodon Flyers

Kids Ride which Glides Over Jurassic Park

This ride is actually quite relaxing if you don’t mind heights, and you get a great view over Jurassic Park! The little adventurers in your group will love this dinosaur attraction, taking them on a slow flight beneath the 10ft wings of a Pteranodon, a prehistoric flying reptile. While the seat does swing gently from side to side, there are no sudden or scary movements, making it perfect for younger guests not ready for big kid thrills.

This ride was designed for little ones. That’s why it’s recommended that anyone taller than 56” does not try to ride it unless they’ll be accompanying a child between 36–56”.

Dino Fact - The wingspan of an average adult male Pteranodon was 18ft long.

Jurassic Park Discovery Center

Interactive and Educational Activity Centre (temporarily closed)

At the Discovery Center you can learn all about dinosaurs, watch raptor eggs hatching and experience more hands-on adventures. Aimed at children and adults it provides a variety of informative exhibits and entertainment to unearth the mysteries of our planet's prehistoric past. Test your DNA to see what kind of dinosaur you would be, experience how they view and hear the world, and get involved with a hilarious Jurassic trivia game. Towering fossils of a massive T. rex and other creatures that once dominated the earth are also on display for guests to see. Fans of the movie series will notice that the Discover Center is modelled very closely to the “Welcome Center” in the films.

Camp Jurassic

Kids Play Area (temporarily closed)

The kids will have a roaring good time at this play park, a multi-level prehistoric playground built on a recreation area. Explore secret caves and wander through a mysterious amber mine, climb dinosaur capture nets, play on themed slides, and make it across swaying suspension bridges. Survey the lava pit chamber, walk the Thunder Lizard Trail as the ground rumbles with the roar of dinosaurs, and join in a water cannon fight in the containment paddock. There’s non-stop dino fun at this play area!

Jurassic Park Jeeps

Photo Op

As you walk around Jurassic Park you’ll come across jeeps, as seen in the films. These jeeps within the Universal Park are the actual jeeps from the first movie, so you won’t wan to miss a photo opportunity to share with friends and family. Watch out for dinosaurs lurking around the vehicles though!

As you can see, there’s so much to explore within this one area of Islands of Adventure. It’s certainly a place not to miss and with the arrival of a new roller coaster, we can’t wait to get back to the park. Keep an eye on our social media channels, where we’ll give further updates on the rides 2021 opening date.