Credit: Edited by ITMUniversal Orlando Resort is home to some of the most intense and exhilarating roller coasters in the world, each designed to give you the ultimate adrenaline rush.
While some people look for speed, height, or theming when deciding which coaster to ride, a scientific way to evaluate a coaster’s intensity is by looking at its G-force. G-force measures the gravitational pressure exerted on riders during acceleration, turns, and drops. The higher the G-force, the more intense the ride feels.
Here’s a look at the rankings for Universal Orlando coasters, by G-force.
5. Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios Florida) – 3.5 Gs
At number five on the list, Revenge of the Mummy kicks things off with a solid G-force of 3.5 Gs. While not the tallest or fastest coaster at Universal Orlando, it manages to provide a thrilling experience through a blend of dark ride elements and coaster segments that ramp up the tension and excitement.
The ride starts as a dark, eerie journey through the cursed tomb of Imhotep, the main villain from The Mummy franchise. But soon, riders are launched into action, propelling them at speeds of up to 40 mph in total darkness.
One of the standout aspects of Revenge of the Mummy is its ability to create sudden bursts of intensity. As the coaster drops and twists through the darkened temple, riders feel the force of the Gs, especially during moments of rapid directional changes and sharp turns.
These elements make the G-forces on this ride feel more concentrated, particularly during the middle and final segments. Adding to the ride’s intensity are the fire effects, surprise launches, and the sheer unpredictability of what’s coming next, given that the ride takes place in near-total darkness.
Revenge of the Mummy combines its coaster elements with special effects, creating a thrilling, immersive experience that still delivers enough G-force to appeal to thrill-seekers. For those who enjoy dark ride experiences but still want a significant dose of adrenaline, this ride strikes the perfect balance, making it a must-ride at Universal Studios Florida.
4. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Islands of Adventure) – 3 Gs
Next up at No. 4 is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a family-friendly coaster that doesn’t shy away from thrills. With a max G-force of 3 Gs, it may not reach the same levels of intensity as some of the other coasters in this ranking, but it’s a ride that surprises with its variety of elements, from multiple launches to backward sections and even a 17-foot free-fall drop.
Hagrid’s takes riders on a journey through the Forbidden Forest, where they encounter a range of magical creatures. What sets this coaster apart from the rest is how seamlessly it integrates story and coaster thrills. As you board the motorbike or sidecar, you’re in for an adventure filled with sharp turns, fast launches, and unexpected surprises, all while feeling a moderate amount of G-force.
One of the most exciting moments on the ride comes during its backward launch segment. As the train comes to a halt, riders are suddenly launched backward, which adds to the disorienting thrill of the ride. This backward segment, along with the free-fall drop, creates some of the most intense moments of G-force throughout the ride.
While Hagrid’s doesn’t reach the breakneck speeds or intense G-forces of some of Universal’s more extreme rides, it more than makes up for it with its immersive theming and variety of thrilling elements. For families or Harry Potter fans looking for a well-rounded experience with just the right amount of intensity, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the perfect ride.
3. The Incredible Hulk Coaster (Islands of Adventure) – 4 Gs
With a max G-force of 4 Gs, The Incredible Hulk Coaster ranks third in our list, offering one of the most intense roller coaster experiences at Universal Orlando. This ride has been a staple at Islands of Adventure since 1999 and continues to thrill guests with its high speeds, rapid launches, and multiple inversions.
The Hulk begins with an iconic launch sequence that shoots riders from 0 to 40 mph in just two seconds, straight into a zero-G roll. This launch is one of the most intense moments on the ride, as it delivers a sudden burst of G-force right from the start, giving riders little time to prepare for what’s to come.
The rest of the ride continues at a blistering pace, reaching speeds of up to 67 mph and featuring seven inversions, including loops, corkscrews, and a cobra roll.
The high G-forces are most noticeable during the inversions, where riders are pushed deep into their seats as the coaster twists and turns through the air. These moments are punctuated by brief periods of airtime, where riders feel momentarily weightless before being pulled back down by the ride’s intense G-forces.
What makes The Incredible Hulk Coaster so memorable is its relentless intensity. There’s no rest period once you’re launched out of the tunnel—every second of the ride is packed with speed and G-force, making it one of the most exhausting yet exhilarating coasters at the park.
Even after its full refurbishment in 2016, which made the ride smoother and added an on-board soundtrack, The Hulk remains a top contender for thrill-seekers looking for high G-forces and fast-paced action.
2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios Florida) – 4.18 Gs
Just edging out The Hulk is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, with a maximum G-force of 4.18 Gs. This ride is a standout for a number of reasons, one of which is its vertical lift hill that climbs 167 feet before dropping riders into a thrilling descent. Rip Ride Rockit is a unique experience because it allows riders to choose their own soundtrack, making each ride feel personal and different from the last.
While the ride doesn’t feature any inversions, it makes up for it with sharp turns, sudden drops, and a non-inverting loop that creates intense lateral G-forces.
The first drop alone is enough to make your stomach flip, but it’s the moments after—when the ride twists and turns through a series of tight corners—that you really feel the 4.18 Gs. These sharp directional changes create sustained pressure, making you feel the full weight of the G-forces.
One of the defining elements of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is its non-inverting loop, which delivers strong lateral Gs. Unlike a traditional loop where you’re flipped upside down, this element keeps you upright while still creating the sensation of extreme gravitational pressure. This unusual feature gives the ride its distinct character and adds to the overall intensity.
Despite its multiple brake runs, which can slow the ride down at certain points, Rip Ride Rockit still delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience. The combination of high speeds, sharp turns, and high G-forces makes it a must-ride for anyone looking for intense thrills at Universal Studios Florida.
1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure) – 4.38 Gs
At the top of our list is the newest and most intense ride at Universal Orlando, Jurassic World VelociCoaster. With a maximum G-force of 4.38 Gs, this coaster not only boasts the highest G-force in the park, but it also delivers one of the most exhilarating and well-rounded ride experiences you’ll find anywhere in the world.
VelociCoaster takes riders on a high-speed chase through a velociraptor paddock, featuring two launches, a 155-foot top hat, and a terrifying 140-foot drop.
The ride’s G-forces are most noticeable during key elements like the zero-G stall, where riders hang upside down for several seconds, and the “Mosasaurus Roll,” an inversion over the water that delivers some of the most intense G-forces on the ride.
The dual-launch system propels riders to 50 mph and then to 70 mph, making VelociCoaster the fastest coaster in the park. The second launch, which occurs mid-ride, is where you feel the ride’s maximum G-force of 4.38 Gs. As you’re catapulted over the top hat, the drop creates a sudden sensation of freefall, followed by intense G-forces as the coaster whips through tight turns and inversions.
In addition to its high G-forces, VelociCoaster also delivers several moments of negative G-force, or “airtime,” where riders feel as though they’re floating out of their seats. These moments are perfectly balanced with the ride’s high-speed sections, making it a full-spectrum experience of both positive and negative G-forces.
What makes VelociCoaster truly exceptional is its ability to blend these intense forces with smooth transitions and immersive theming. The ride isn’t just about raw power—it’s about creating an experience that feels thrilling from start to finish.
The combination of speed, height, and G-force make VelociCoaster the most intense ride at Universal Orlando and a must-ride for anyone looking for the ultimate coaster experience.
Ultimate Breakdown of Universal Orlando Coasters
Universal Orlando offers a wide range of coaster experiences, but when ranked by G-force, the most intense rides stand out for their ability to deliver heart-pounding thrills. Jurassic World VelociCoaster takes the crown as the most intense coaster in the park, with a maximum G-force of 4.38 Gs.
However, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster follow closely behind with G-forces of 4.18 and 4 Gs respectively, offering their own unique brand of intensity.
Each ride is designed to push riders to their limits, with high-speed launches, sharp turns, and a range of inversions that challenge even the most experienced thrill-seekers.
Whether you’re someone who enjoys the narrative-driven thrills of Revenge of the Mummy or prefer the raw power of a ride like VelociCoaster, Universal Orlando has something for everyone. By ranking the coasters based on their G-force, we get an objective look at which rides deliver the most intense, gravity-defying experiences.
Each of these coasters has its own unique charm, but if you’re seeking the ultimate rush, there’s no doubt that Jurassic World VelociCoaster reigns supreme as the most intense ride at Universal Orlando.
Whether you’re a casual rider or a coaster enthusiast, these attractions will leave you breathless and craving more, making Universal Orlando a must-visit destination for anyone who loves thrills, speed, and heart-pounding excitement.
Outside of the five coasters mentioned above, there are three others that guests can enjoy: The Flight of the Hippogriff (Islands of Adventure) and the Trollercoaster (Universal Studios Florida) provide a much more family-friendly experience, while Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Universal Studios Florida) is a must-do for all fans of the Wizarding World.