Jurassic World VelociCoaster: Height, Speed, G-Forces & More

Jurassic World VelociCoaster is Universal Orlando’s most intense thrill ride, featuring a 155-foot top hat, 70 mph launches, extreme G-forces, and lap-bar inversions—here’s everything you need to know before riding.

Photo by Jon Self

Jurassic World VelociCoaster isn’t just another roller coaster — it’s a full-throttle, heart-pounding experience that has redefined what a theme park thrill ride can be. From its towering 155-foot top hat and blistering 70 mph launches to lap-bar inversions that send riders upside down over the water, this attraction at Universal Islands of Adventure delivers nonstop intensity from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a first-time visitor wondering if you can handle the hype, here’s everything you need to know before riding Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

If you love big airtime, face-melting launches, and dinosaurs that look like they could steal your lunch, Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is the ride you came for. Opened in 2021, this Intamin-built launch coaster quickly became the park’s headline thrill: a 155-foot top hat, two magnetic launches, four inversions, and a top speed that will have you questioning whether your lunch was a good idea.

Jurassic World Velocicoaster: Quick Facts (At a Glance)

Park: Universal Islands of Adventure (Jurassic Park area).
Opened: June 10, 2021 (soft openings in spring 2021).
Height (top hat): 155 feet.
Biggest drop: ~140 feet at an 80° angle (the top-hat drop).
Top speed: 70 mph (after the second launch).
Inversions (loops): 4 (includes a zero-g inverted stall and a barrel/heartline roll over the lagoon).
Height requirement: 51 inches (130 cm) minimum.
Restraint type: Single lap-bar (not over-the-shoulder harness).
Universal Express: Yes — VelociCoaster accepts Universal Express (added in 2023).

Jurassic World Velocicoaster Overview

Located at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster is widely considered one of the best roller coasters in the world. Even if you aren’t a “coaster enthusiast,” this ride is a masterclass in combining high-speed thrills with immersive cinematic storytelling.

The Story: A “Hunt” in the Paddock

The ride is themed around the Jurassic World film franchise. The premise is terrifying but straightforward: Claire Dearing (the park manager) has authorized a new “attraction” that allows guests to race through a predator paddock. While Claire is enthusiastic about the “carnivore expansion,” Owen Grady (the raptor trainer) is much more skeptical, warning in the pre-show videos that putting a roller coaster in a cage with apex predators is a recipe for disaster.

The Ride Experience

What makes VelociCoaster unique is its “two-part” structure.

The Paddock (First Half): The ride begins with a sudden launch, accelerating you from 0 to 50 mph in just two seconds. You twist and turn through a dense “raptor paddock” filled with rockwork, jungle foliage, and glimpses of the raptor pack (Blue, Charlie, Delta, and Echo). The on-ride photo will be taken in this section of Jurassic World Velocicoaster.
The High-Speed Chase (Second Half): Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a second launch boosts you from 40 to 70 mph in 2.4 seconds. This propels the train up a 155-foot “Top Hat” tower, followed by a harrowing 140-foot drop at an 80-degree angle.

Why It’s Special

The Restraints: Unlike many older coasters, there are no over-the-shoulder harnesses. You are held in by a secure lap bar, which provides a terrifying sense of freedom and “airtime” (the feeling of floating out of your seat).
The Mosasaurus Roll: The grand finale is a heart-pounding barrel roll that spins you 360 degrees just inches above the park’s central lagoon.
Innovation: It features 12 “airtime” moments and four inversions, all while maintaining a smooth-as-glass ride experience.

Whether you are there for the dinosaurs or the adrenaline, VelociCoaster is the “apex predator” of theme park attractions. It is relentless, beautifully themed, and a must-see for anyone visiting Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort guests often have many questions about Jurassic World Velocicoaster. The remainder of this resource seeks to address those.

How Tall is Jurassic World VelociCoaster?

Jurassic World VelociCoaster stands at a towering height of 155 feet. This peak is reached at the ride’s most iconic element: the “Top Hat.” After a high-speed second launch that propels riders to 70 mph, the train soars up this vertical spire, providing a brief moment of weightlessness and a panoramic view of the park before plunging back down.

The descent from this height is equally impressive, featuring a 140-foot drop at a steep 80-degree angle. This makes it the tallest and fastest launch coaster in Florida. Beyond its physical stature, the ride is famous for its “Mosasaurus Roll,” a heart-pounding barrel roll taken just inches above the park’s central lagoon.

What Are the Height Requirements?

Guests must be at least 51 inches (130 cm) tall to ride VelociCoaster. That requirement is part of Universal’s official ride standards. Visitors should think of it as Universal Orlando Resort, ensuring riders are adequately secured by the lap bar and meeting safety parameters. If you’re planning for kids or shorter family members, note that 51″ is a higher minimum than many family coasters; this is a serious thrill ride.

How Do the Lockers Work?

VelociCoaster uses Universal’s ride-specific locker system with a clever dual-facing locker design inside the attraction’s building:

Small/complimentary lockers at the ride: Before boarding, guests place loose items into lockers located along the indoor queue. These are free for the duration of your time in line and the ride cycle; they’re intended for phones, wallets, sunglasses, small bags, and similar items. The lockers are keyed/scanned to your ride boarding pass or ticket and open on the opposite side after you exit the ride, so you don’t go back through the queue to retrieve items. Discover Universal’s official guide specifically calls out the ride’s first-of-its-kind dual lockers at Universal Orlando for VelociCoaster.

Metal detectors & compulsory storage: For safety, VelociCoaster is one of the Universal Orlando Resort coasters with metal detectors and a strict “no loose articles on the ride” policy. Everything must be stowed.

Larger lockers/paid lockers: If you need a bigger locker (for larger bags or families), Universal Orlando Resort has rental locker options elsewhere in the park, and large/extended lockers carry a fee. Guests can also find larger ride lockers inside the “Discovery Center” area near the entrance to Jurassic World Velocicoaster. If you only have a phone and keys, the ride lockers will usually do the trick. (If you’re unsure, bring as little as possible or leave bulky items at your hotel or the park’s central lockers.) Photos and POV videos are tempting but forbidden on the train. Taking items with you will only cause you to be sent back once reaching the metal detectors. The dual-sided lockers make exiting painless: you walk off the ride, and the same locker opens from the exit side, so you don’t have to backtrack.

How Fast is Jurassic World Velocicoaster?

VelociCoaster reaches a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour after its second launch. The ride actually uses two LSM (linear synchronous motor) launches: the first blast accelerates you rapidly to get things started, and the second pushes the train up to its 70 mph top speed and into the top hat. Those launches combined with tight transitions, inversions, and long airtime moments are the heart of the experience.

Does Jurassic World VelociCoaster have Express?

Yes, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster does accept Universal Express Pass. While it originally opened without an Express line in 2021 to manage initial crowds, Universal Orlando Resort officially added the attraction to its Express Pass lineup in February 2023.

How Express Access Works

Availability: You can use both the Standard Express Pass (one-time skip) and the Unlimited Express Pass at this attraction.
Wait Times: Using Express typically reduces your wait by at least 50% compared to the posted standby time. However, because it is one of the park’s most popular thrill rides, the Express line can still reach 20–40 minutes during peak hours.
Specific Signature Collection Hotels: If you stay at certain Universal Orlando Resort hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, or Royal Pacific), your included Unlimited Express Pass is valid for Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

When Did It Start Operating at Universal Islands of Adventure?

Jurassic World VelociCoaster soft-opened to select guests and media in May 2021, with the official public opening on June 10, 2021. Construction progress and a topped-out top hat in mid-2020 to 2021 were widely documented, and the ride’s publicity ramped up just prior to the soft-openings.

What Are the Ride Restraints Like?

VelociCoaster uses contoured lap bars. These are not the typical over-the-shoulder cages you see on older inverted or looping coasters. Here’s what to expect:

Lap-bar design: The lap bar on VelociCoaster is robust and contoured. It comes down across your lap/upper thighs and locks into place. The seat and bar together cradle you closely; riders report that the system feels very secure even during inversions. Universal’s official materials and the ride’s spec sheet list the restraint as a lap bar.

Why lap bars? Lap bars allow for freer upper-body movement, more airtime sensation, and a more exposed feeling through inversions, which many thrill seekers prefer. Since Jurassic World VelociCoaster inverts riders under lap bars, the designers had to ensure the restraint and seat geometry prevent ejection and keep the rider secure through high-G sections and inversions.

Test seat & attendants: Universal Orlando Resort provides a test seat at many attractions for guests to check comfort/fit. If the lap bar won’t close for you, attendants will direct you accordingly. The “you must fit within the ride’s restraints” rule applies: attendants will not force a ride if the restraint won’t secure properly. Guests can find the test seat to the right of the attraction entrance, behind barriers to provide some privacy while testing in the seat.

Rider sensation note: Some riders find going upside down under a lap bar more thrilling (and more exposing) than a shoulder harness, but rest assured: the bar is engineered for the forces the coaster produces. Additionally, it provides a far more comfortable experience than over-the-shoulder restraints.

What is the Most Intense Part of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster?

There are a few contenders, and what feels “most intense” can be subjective, but these moments stand out:

The second launch + climb into the 155-ft top hat — The second LSM launch accelerates you to 70 mph in ~2.4 seconds, and you immediately climb the top hat. The launch’s quick surge combined with the exposed ascent (and that view for a heartbeat) make this a huge adrenaline spike.
The 140-ft, 80° drop off the top hat — Immediately after the top hat comes the steep, near-vertical drop — powerful positive Gs and intense speed. Many riders highlight this as the single most stomach-punching moment.
The zero-g inverted stall & Mosasaurus Roll over the water — The long zero-g stall (where riders hang inverted while feeling weightless) and the subsequent heartline roll over the lagoon provide unusual sensations: a suspended upside-down feeling and then a dramatic, high-speed inversion right over water. For thrill fans who love sustained sensations rather than a single punch, these are the highlights.

If you had to pick one sentence: the second launch into the 155-ft top hat and the ensuing 140-ft 80° drop are commonly called the ride’s single most intense sequence.

How is Jurassic World VelociCoaster for Plus-Size Guests?

Universal Orlando Resort’s policy across thrill rides is consistent: there are no posted weight limits, but rides must fit within the safety restraints. Whether a guest can ride depends on body shape and how the lap bar and seat fit. Here’s what matters and the practical approach:

Test seats are your friend: Universal Orlando Resort provides test seats at many major attractions (including those with more restrictive restraints). Universal’s rider safety materials, and guest guides all recommend using those test seats before joining a line. If the lap bar will not close comfortably and securely, attendants will not allow the ride.
Lap bar geometry: Since Jurassic World VelociCoaster uses a lap bar rather than a bulky over-the-shoulder harness, many larger guests find the lap bar more forgiving, but not always. Some riders report success being larger and riding VelociCoaster; others do not fit.

Practical tips for plus-size riders:

Try the test seat at the attraction entrance before waiting.
Wear thinner, less bulky clothing (heavy coats increase girth).
Sit down squarely, feet forward, and have attendants help you close the lap bar if needed.
If the attendant says you don’t fit, don’t argue — the decision is safety-based. Universal does offer many other attractions that are more accommodating (and you can ask attendants for other ride choices and ADA/accessible options if needed).

Bottom line: Many plus-size guests can ride VelociCoaster, but it’s not guaranteed. It comes down to how your body fits the seat and lap bar. The test seat is the best single predictor.

How Many Loops are on Jurassic World VelociCoaster?

Four inversions (commonly referred to as loops or “upside-down” elements). The ride’s inversion package includes: a lengthy zero-g inverted stall (which counts as an inversion), a heartline/360° barrel roll over the lagoon (the “Mosasaurus Roll”), and other twisting inversions through the layout.

Ride Experience (What To Expect, Step-By-Step)

If you’re a detail person, here’s how the ride typically plays out:

Steps

Queue & pre-show — The queue is heavily themed: dinosaur paddock vibes, mock research windows, and pre-show videos narrated by Jurassic World characters. There are animatronics and several photo/FX moments that build the story of being chased by velociraptors. The queue takes you inside the Discovery Center-adjacent building before you reach the metal detectors and locker area. The queue shown above is the indoor portion of the queue. On busy days, guests may start in the outdoor queue portion.
Lockers & metal detectors — You’re required to store loose articles in the ride lockers and pass through metal detectors — this is enforced for the safety of the riders and the animals (sorry, no phone POVs). The lockers open on the exit side so you can retrieve items without re-entering the queue.
Boarding & first launch — Trains leave the station, dart through a paddock section, and out of the building to the first launch. The first launch is punchy and sets the tone.
Mid-course elements — The ride snatches you through tight S-bends, airtime hills, and near-misses with raptor set-pieces. This portion mixes speed and tight transitions; many riders call this a “non-stop assault of forces.”
Second launch + top hat + 140-ft drop — The second launch propels you to top speed and up the 155-ft top hat, followed by the dramatic drop. That’s often the biggest collective gasp.
Zero-g stall + Mosasaurus Roll over the lagoon — After the drop, you move into a long zero-g inverted stall (hanging upside down with weightlessness sensation), more overbanked turns, and finally a high-speed heartline roll that crosses the water, which many riders describe as a cinematic finale.
Brake run & unload — Return to the station, retrieve your locker items from the opposite side, and walk away trying to process what just happened. When your vehicle enters the final area, make sure to listen to the dialogue between Claire and Owen about a tiny problem over at another attraction.

Tips for Riding Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Arrive early or use Express Pass if you have it — the ride’s wait times can balloon on busy days. Express was added in 2023 and can save many hours.
Test the seat if you’re unsure about fit — do it before joining the standby line.
Stow everything — metal detectors + locker policy means phones, hats, loose change, and glasses must be secured. If you want a photo, Universal’s on-ride photographers capture the moment.
Front row or back row? Fans debate this, but the front gives the most exposed, sensory experience (no track in front of you), while the back often feels the most forceful and gives a stronger whip through airtime moments.
Expect airtime — the ride features around a dozen brief airtime moments; secure loose items and brace for weightless pops.

Safety & Accessibility Notes

If you do not fit the restraint, you will be refused; Universal’s official rider guidance is clear: guests who cannot be secured by the restraint will not be allowed to ride. There are test seats and attendants to help.
Pregnancy, heart conditions, and similar medical concerns: Jurassic World VelociCoaster is an intense coaster. People with certain health issues are advised not to ride — check Universal’s official ride safety notices or ask Guest Services for details.
Accessibility: Transfer-accessible options exist for some guests; contact Guest Services or ask an attendant for the accessible boarding process.

Jurassic World Velocicoaster – Who Should Ride?

If you love modern, high-intensity coasters and want both extreme launches and technical elements (airtime + inversions) wrapped with solid theming, Jurassic World VelociCoaster is an essential Orlando experience. It’s one of those coasters that appeals to thrill-hounds and casual fans alike because the intensity is married to clever design and a cinematic presentation. If you’re sensitive to G-forces, prone to motion sickness, or unsure about the lap bar fit, try the test seat first or consider a front-row ride for the most immersive (but more exposing) experience.

The Adventure of a Lifetime Awaits

From the high-speed thrills of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster to the immersive magic of the newly expanded Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort has officially entered a new era of entertainment. With three incredible theme parks and the tropical escape of Volcano Bay, there has never been a more exciting—or complex—time to plan your visit. Whether you’re racing through the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Nintendo World or sharing a Butterbeer in the shadow of Hogwarts, these are the moments that turn a simple trip into a lifelong memory.

Planning the perfect Orlando getaway doesn’t have to be a full-time job. By choosing to book with a Universal Family Vacations, you gain more than just a ticket—you gain a dedicated partner who knows every shortcut, secret, and savings opportunity. From securing Early Park Admission to navigating the best use of your Universal Express Pass, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun. We monitor for the latest promotions and handle the dining reservations, ensuring your only job is to decide which coaster to ride first. Best of all, our services are free to use. Universal Orlando Resort pays us after your stay.

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