Universal Rides That Make Fun of Disney

Theme park enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between two of Orlando’s premier destinations: Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Both offer world-class attractions and immersive experiences, but their target audiences differ slightly. While Disney caters to families with young children, Universal leans into thrills and humor that appeal to a more grown-up crowd.

Universal doesn’t shy away from acknowledging its mouse-eared rival. In fact, Universal has made a tradition of subtly (or not so subtly) poking fun at Disney through their attractions. From playful parodies to cheeky references, Universal manages to bring a lighthearted rivalry to life in ways that often delight theme park fans.

Here’s a closer look at some of the best moments when Universal Orlando Resort took a playful jab at Disney.

1. The Simpsons Ride

Location: Universal Studios Florida

If there’s one franchise that thrives on parody, it’s The Simpsons. This irreverent animated series spares no one, including Disney. In The Simpsons Ride, the fictional “Krustyland” theme park is a not-so-subtle jab at Disneyland, complete with tongue-in-cheek references to Disney attractions.

The exterior of The Simpsons Ride at Universal Orlando, which is decorated with lights and carnival games — Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

As you wait in the queue, you’ll spot clever parodies of iconic Disney rides, including:

The Haunted Condo (a nod to The Haunted Mansion)
The Sea Captain’s Queasy Time Lagoon (The Jungle Cruise)
Captain Dinosaur’s Pirate Rip-Off (Pirates of the Caribbean)

The ride itself takes guests on a chaotic journey through Krustyland, with extended scenes parodying Pirates of the Caribbean. The familiar animatronic style and ride elements pay homage to Disney classics while giving them a comedic twist. Interestingly, The Simpsons is now owned by Disney following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox, leaving fans curious about how long these parodies will remain.

2. Shrek 4-D

Location: Universal Studios Florida (Now Closed)

Although this attraction is no longer in operation, Shrek 4-D left its mark as a playful jab at Disney. The Shrek franchise itself is known for parodying fairy tale tropes, including those popularized by Disney. The attraction’s queue featured posters spoofing beloved Disney rides, such as:

Donkbo, a flying donkey parody of Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Lord Farquaad’s Enchanted Tick Room, referencing Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Inside the theater, the show begins with a Tinkerbell-like fairy appearing to sprinkle magical dust over the screen, only to be humorously launched away by a champagne cork—a classic example of Shrek’s irreverent humor.

Although Shrek 4-D has been replaced by Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, its legacy as a fun jab at Disney remains unforgettable.

3. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

Location: Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a thrilling log flume ride that pays homage to old-school cartoon humor. However, it also sneaks in some cheeky references to Disney attractions.

Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls water ride at Universal Islands of Adventure — Credit: Universal

At the ride’s finale, guests encounter the villain Snidely Whiplash, locked inside the “Alottapoopoo Island Prison.” A nearby beaver holds the keys in its mouth, which Snidely tries to retrieve—a parody of the jail scene from Pirates of the Caribbean. Earlier in the ride, guests experience a dark tunnel sequence where they narrowly avoid being hit by a train—a playful nod to the infamous train scene from Disney’s Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

4. Jurassic Park River Adventure

Location: Islands of Adventure

Even the iconic Jurassic Park franchise couldn’t resist a dig at Disney. In the film series, Ian Malcolm quips, “Yeah, but, John, if The Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don’t eat the tourists.” Universal carried this humor into the queue for Jurassic Park River Adventure. In a faux “making-of” video about Jurassic Park, a narrator cheekily paraphrases Walt Disney’s famous quote:
“I hope we never lose sight of one thing—that it all started with a mosquito.”

Guests ride Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal Studios — Credit: Universal Studios

The ride itself includes a visual gag that eagle-eyed Disney fans will spot. Near a raft attacked by a dinosaur, you can see a pair of Mickey ears floating in the water—a darkly humorous nod to Disney’s ubiquitous merchandise.

5. Twister: Ride It Out!

Location: Universal Studios Florida (Now Closed)

Though replaced by Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Twister: Ride It Out! once delivered a sneaky jab at Disney. In the attraction’s queue, guests walked through a tornado-ravaged house where a car had smashed through the roof. If you looked closely, you could spot a pair of Mickey ears crushed under the car’s spinning tire.

While this was a subtle Easter egg, it reinforced Universal’s playful sense of humor and willingness to poke fun at its competitor.

Why Universal’s Disney References Resonate

Universal’s playful jabs at Disney often come across as good-natured fun rather than mean-spirited competition. These parodies appeal to fans who appreciate both resorts and enjoy spotting Easter eggs that showcase the creative rivalry between the two.

For Universal, these references serve as a reminder that while Disney may reign as the family-friendly entertainment giant, Universal offers a refreshing, irreverent take on theme park storytelling.

Disney vs. Universal: The Ultimate Rivalry

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort have long been friendly competitors, each offering unique experiences that cater to different tastes. While Disney shines with its magical ambiance and family-centric attractions, Universal thrives on thrill rides and humor that often skews toward an older audience.

Universal’s ability to reference Disney in its attractions adds an extra layer of charm for theme park enthusiasts. Whether it’s through visual gags, ride parodies, or subtle Easter eggs, these moments create a fun crossover experience for guests who visit both resorts.

Final Thoughts

Universal Orlando Resort’s playful pokes at Disney highlight the creative rivalry that keeps both destinations fresh and exciting. From The Simpsons Ride to Jurassic Park River Adventure, these attractions demonstrate Universal’s ability to celebrate its competitor while maintaining its unique brand of humor.

Whether you’re team Disney or team Universal, there’s no denying the joy of discovering these clever nods on your theme park adventures.

Have you noticed any other Disney references at Universal? Let us know in the comments below!