Spider-Man, Spider-Man, has one of the best dark rides a superhero can…
I love, love this ride.
This really is one of the best dark rides in the world and one of the best attractions in Universal Orlando. Spider-Man stars in one of the most iconic dark rides and 3D motion simulators in any theme park. Yeah, I know, we love to use the word iconic when talking about theme parks, but trust me when I say this ride deserves the recognition.
This is not just a very charming ride, but a good one too – it won an award for best dark ride for 12 years in a row before Disney came up with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The charm starts with the queue, which shows the classic Spider-Man cartoon and sets up the story as guests walk through the Daily Bugle and listen to J. Jonah Jameson.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man opened way back in 1999, and it still manages to impress. It’s clear that the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man served as inspiration for many other dark rides that came later on, like Transformers 3D, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and even Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. This is an awesome 3D dark ride full of setpieces, easter eggs, great villains and a healthy dose of charm.
The Good
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man does everything right, and updates throughout the years just made it better. A lot of people don’t know about it, but the visuals got completely updated in 2012 and now look more realistic than ever.
The 3D animations are top notch, sure, but I really love how the practical effects go hand to hand with what you are seeing in front of you. Green goblin, for example, might throw a grenade at the 3D screen only for a (not real) oil tank to explode and (real) fire come out at a distance close enough that you will feel the warmth on your skin. You will be fighting against classic Spidey villains like Electro and Doctor Octopus, and each one of them has a creative way to interact with your vehicle.
The setpieces are fantastic as Spider-Man battles one villain after another. Hydro-Man spits water at you, Scream leaps onto your vehicle and attempts to claw you, and Electro does what he does best by electrifying your vehicle. Dr. Octopus wields an anti-gravity gun, which is used several times throughout the ride to create some awesome visual effects.
I also appreciate that this ride is thrilling without being too intense. Your vehicle doesn’t spin wildly or jolt you from side to side. While there may be a few bumps along the way, they're not enough to cause a headache. I also really like the sharp visuals and high-quality textures. Many 3D rides struggle with maintaining vibrant colors, but Spider-Man and his “friends” look fantastic even with 3D glasses on.
Will Kids enjoy it?
Yes! Bring your kids here if you can. This is an extremely charming ride, and one of the best motion simulators out there. I’d easily put it ahead of similar rides like Transformers 3D and Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
This ride isn’t scary, but it can be intense for younglings. There are a bunch of supervillains appearing, after all, with some of them trying to electrify your vehicle or just… blow you up. Not nice, supervillains! There are also spots where your vehicle will suddenly turn to the sides or spin around. Young guests might get spooked by it and the 3D effects, so keep an eye out for them.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man FAQ
Where is The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man located?
The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man is located in Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando.
What is the height requirement to ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man?
You must be at least 40″ to ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man.
Is The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man scary for children?
No, it's not. Even if it features a lot of villains from the Spider-Verse, this is a charming ride above all else.
Do we recommend The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man?
Yes, we recommend this ride to everyone.
