Here’s my opinion: If you’re interested in taking photos for Instagram and want to put a Mickey Mouse hat to good use, then go to Disney World. But if you want great photo opportunities and some real thrill rides, Universal’s Islands of Adventure is the theme park for you!

There’s tons of rides that will make you scream at the top of your lungs, or at least gawk in amazement at some cool visual effects. Since long lines are inevitable, it’s useful to know which attractions are too good to skip. So, here are my picks for the best rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure! (Keep in mind that I prefer rides that aren’t too CGI-heavy. Give me something real, baby! If you can relate, carry on.)

10. Flight of the Hippogriff

Okay, let us take a moment to mourn the Dueling Dragons…

Done? I’m not. But hey, at least we still have the Flight of the Hippogriff! It’s a small roller coaster in Hogsmeade that’s surprisingly fast for its size. Will it fill the hole in your heart Dueling Dragons left behind? Nope! But if you need your coaster fix and the Hulk wait time is 90 minutes, this is your only other option.

9. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

I remember how excited I was to try this ride when it first opened. What could be more magical than a Harry Potter ride inside Hogwarts Castle? The decorations on the way to the ride are so detailed that it’s hard not to feel like a wizard.

However, while the ride is fun and has some realistic-looking props, it’s mostly virtual. The constantly spinning images on the screens might even bother those susceptible to nausea.

8. Hogwarts Express

This is another Harry Potter experience that every fan should have, and it’s also a fun way to get to Universal Studios from Islands of Adventure (note: you will ned a park-to-park pass). The best part is watching the magical train come into the station. Once on the ride, passengers are treated to a unique virtual performance.

As long as you maintain a suspension of disbelief, you’ll have an entertaining time. I wouldn’t wait more than 30 minutes to ride it though; you might as well just walk to Universal Studios.

Also, there’s no Honeyduke’s Express, which is a total letdown. If there was a sweet old lady pushing a trolley of buyable candies, I’d put this ride higher on my list.

7. Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges

This water ride is way more unpopular with guests than I think it deserves. It has some fun drops and props, so if you’re comfortable with getting wet, why not take it for a spin?

And yes, you will get soaking wet without a poncho. Even with a poncho, you’ll have to deal with some dank shorts for a while. Luckily, the blazing Florida heat and some trips to the bathroom hand dryers will solve the clammy clothing dilemma.

6. Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Skull Island is definitely my favorite Islands ride in terms of presentation. It’s also the newest attraction in the park.

This is another ride with a lot of virtual parts, but the incredible detail of the props leading up to and on the ride make up for the CGI onslaught. The line for Skull Island has a lot of photo-ops, so make sure to bring your smartphone along!

5. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

Think Tower of Terror, but actually scary. Sounds fun? Well, why wouldn’t it be?

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall has been around forever, but don’t be fooled — it’s not a doozy just because it’s old. I always get super nervous the moment before getting catapulted into the air, triple-checking beforehand that my harness is secured and my shoes are tied.

Overall, Doctor Doom is underrated. Give the ride of the self-proclaimed “Supreme Leader of the World” a chance!

4. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman

I don’t usually love virtual rides, but this one is special. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is what every 4-D experience should strive to be. There’s a perfect mixture of CGI and practical effects, making you feel like you’re flying through the streets of Manhattan with Spidey. It’s pure fun and will have you saying, “I want pictures of Spiderman!”

3. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

Now this one is criminally underrated. Yes, you will get wet, but it’s 100% worth it. The lines are almost always short, and you won’t get as soaked as on Popeye’s.

There’s some charming props, exhilarating turns, and heart-pounding drops. I’ll usually go on it more than once when visiting!

2. Jurassic Park River Adventure

Based on the epic movie franchise, the Jurassic Park ride is another Islands classic, and there’s a reason why it’s stayed put for so long. There are almost no CGI effects, which proves that high quality props can still immerse riders and scare the bajeebies out of them!

Going on this ride, especially at night, makes me feel like I’ve stepped foot on Isla Nublar. This is a water ride at its best, and I hope Universal keeps it forever.

P.S. Ask to wait for front row seats. You won’t regret it.

1. The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Is anyone really surprised by this one? The Hulk is an insanely fast roller coaster with huge loops that make you see Islands from every angle. Not for the faint of the heart, the Hulk is incredibly intense, and it recently got renovated with a brand new design and “story.”

This coaster shows what theme parks are all about, and is the main reason why I keep coming back to Islands for more! No matter what, ride the Hulk in the front row. The experience is unforgettable.