Dinosaurs at Universal Orlando

Are there dinosaurs at Universal Orlando? There are a LOT of dinosaurs at Universal Orlando! If you are planning a Universal Orlando vacation with a dinosaur-loving kid, you’re in luck!

You’ll find so many dinosaurs in Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure. Here you can ride dinosaur-themed attractions, meet dinosaurs up close, dine in some Dino-themed restaurants, and explore the Discovery Center.

You’ll even find a dinosaur-themed suite at one of the best Universal Orlando hotels! This guide to dinosaurs at Universal Orlando will cover rides, meet-and-greets, hidden gems, and even dinosaur-themed hotel rooms!

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder. I’m also the mom of one of the biggest dinosaur fans that I’ve ever met! Contact me for more information. I’d love to help you book your Universal Orlando vacation!

If you’re flying into Orlando for your vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the absolute best rates on rental cars; you don’t pay until you pick it up, and cancellation is free.

Dinosaurs at Islands of Adventure

The main dinosaur-themed area at Universal Orlando is Jurassic Park, located inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This land is fully themed around the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies, with lush landscaping, dinosaur sounds, and detailed theming that makes it feel like you’ve stepped into the movies. *Cue Jurassic Park Music*

Jurassic Park is a great area for families because it offers a mix of thrill rides, kid-friendly attractions, interactive experiences, and shaded areas for breaks.

If your dinosaur fan is a little one and needs a stroller, we recommend Orlando Stroller Rentals

Dinosaur Rides at Universal

Jurassic Park is home to three rides, one of which is one of the most popular rides at Universal Orlando.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Jurassic World VelociCoaster is one of the most intense rides at Universal Orlando and a must-do for older kids, teens, and adults. This high-speed roller coaster launches riders through the raptor paddock with multiple inversions and top speeds that make it one of the best coasters in Florida.

There is a height requirement, so this ride is best suited for families with older children who love thrills. To see height requirements for all rides, check out a complete list of rides at Universal Orlando.

Even if this ride is a bit much for your dinosaur fan, walking through the queue is a must! You can utilize Child Swap, where they play Camp Cretaceous for those who don’t want to ride.

Pteranodon Flyers

Pteranodon Flyers is a gentle suspended ride designed specifically for younger kids. Children must ride with an adult, and the height requirements are very specific, making this attraction feel extra special for families with small kids. In fact, there is no way for an adult to ride this without a young child!

Because it has limited capacity, wait times can be long, so try to head here early or late in the day if this is a must.

Jurassic Park River Adventure

Jurassic Park River Adventure is a classic water ride that takes guests through dinosaur exhibits before ending with a thrilling drop. While it looks calm at first, it does feature loud dinosaur encounters and a big splash at the end.

Kids who are sensitive to loud noises or large animatronics may find parts of this ride scary, but many families love it as a shared experience.

*Please note that as of Spring 2026, this ride is currently undergoing renovations. We are expecting that this may be turned into a Jurassic World theme (like the ride at Universal Studios Hollywood), but Universal has not officially announced that yet. 

Meet Dinosaurs at Universal Orlando

Yes, you can meet dinosaurs at Universal Orlando!

The most popular meet-and-greet is the Raptor Encounter, where guests can come face-to-face with Blue, the Velociraptor. There are also sometimes baby dinosaurs that you can meet. Just a warning, this can be a bit intense for some!

I highly recommend the PhotoPass! Universal offers 1-, 3-, and 5-day options. I love looking back at these photos over the years as my kids get older. Ask me about this when you’re booking your vacation with me!

In addition to scheduled meet-and-greets, families can also find roaming dinosaur meet-and-greets, especially inside the Discovery Center.

Camp Jurassic: Dinosaur Playground for Kids

Camp Jurassic is a large outdoor playground designed for younger kids. It features climbing structures, caves, slides, and dinosaur-themed play areas. There are also water features, which are perfect for a hot day!

The Discovery Center

The Discovery Center is one of the most overlooked attractions in Jurassic Park and a true hidden gem for families. We talk about it more in our things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies blog post.

Inside, kids can explore interactive exhibits, view dinosaur eggs, and participate in hands-on activities. You can even watch a baby dinosaur hatch! If you’re lucky, you might get to name it! This is so much fun and you’ll get a certificate and can come back later to check on the baby dinosaur.

It’s also one of the best places in the land to cool off, making it a great stop during hot Florida afternoons. Between the dinosaur exhibits, giant statues, and air conditioning, it’s truly a hidden gem in Islands of Adventure.

Dining in Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park offers several dining options that suit both carnivores and herbivores.

Burger Digs is a quick-service restaurant serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries, with outdoor seating and views of the VelociCoaster.

Thunder Falls Terrace offers rotisserie chicken, ribs, and rice bowls. This location has some of the best seating in Jurassic Park and is a solid choice for families looking for more filling meals. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Universal Orlando.

Pizza Predatoria is a convenient option for families with kids who love pizza.

Outside of Thunder Falls Terrace, there’s a great photo op.

Photo opportunities in Jurassic Park

Honestly, there are too many photo opportunities to count! Some are even automatic with your PhotoPass, meaning no photographer is needed.

Dinosaur Hotel Rooms at Universal

Families who want to extend the dinosaur theme beyond the parks can stay in the Jurassic Park Kid Suite at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

This suite features a separate kids’ room themed around Jurassic Park, complete with dinosaur décor. The layout gives parents their own space with a king bed and sofa bed, while giving kids a fun themed Jurassic World room with two twin beds.

Staying onsite at Loews Royal Pacific means you also get Free Unlimited Express Passes, Early Park admission, and access to the Universal Water Taxis. It’s also a quick walk to the park. 

We have a video of the Jurassic World Kid Suite on YouTube, as well as complete tours of all the Universal hotels and many different hotel room options. 

Other Dinosaur Fun at Universal Orlando

In the past, the Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios featured Jurassic World-themed floats. This is just about the only opportunity you’ll have to see dinosaurs in Universal Studios!

We also have to give an honorable mention to the dinosaurs in the Skull Island: Reign of Kong ride, which is conveniently right next to Jurassic Park in Inside Adventure.

Before we go, don’t forget that when you stay at some of the premier Universal Orlando hotels – Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, or Loews Portofino Bay, you receive an Unlimited Express Pass for every day of your stay. And yes, it is for every member of your travel party!

Dinosaurs at Universal Orlando

So, now you know almost everything about dinosaurs at Universal Orlando. Now it’s time to plan a trip and explore it for yourself. If you love dinosaurs and don’t mind a bit of a drive, check out our review of Dinosaur World Florida.

If you’re ready to plan your family’s trip to Universal Orlando or need a little help figuring it all out, contact me today! I’d love to help you plan the perfect Universal vacation for your family.

We have lots more Universal Orlando and Epic Universe tips on the blog. Check them out!

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• Express Passes at Universal Orlando (Everything you need to know)
• The Legend of Zelda at Universal Orlando (what we know so far)
• 10 Cheap Souvenirs in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• 15 Genius Universal Studios Hacks
• A Guide to Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World
• Universal Orlando Planning Guide
• 2026 Universal Mardi Gras Menu

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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