Theme Park Scope

Five years ago today, Universal Orlando unleashed a predator unlike anything theme park fans had ever experienced.

On June 10, 2021, Jurassic World VelociCoaster officially opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, forever changing the coaster landscape in Central Florida. What began as Universal’s most ambitious roller coaster project quickly became one of the most celebrated attractions in the world — and five years later, it remains just as thrilling as the day it debuted!

Since opening in 2021, Jurassic World VelociCoaster has become a must-do attraction for thrill seekers visiting Universal Orlando Resort. Located in Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure, the coaster sends riders racing alongside a pack of Velociraptors through high-speed launches, near-misses, inversions, and one of the most breathtaking maneuvers ever built on a roller coaster.

The attraction reaches speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and features a heart-pounding top hat that launches riders 155 feet into the air before sending them hurtling back toward the lagoon below. Of course, no discussion of VelociCoaster would be complete without mentioning the famous over-water inversion that still leaves riders questioning gravity five years later.

But VelociCoaster’s success goes far beyond its statistics.

The attraction perfectly blends storytelling, theming, and thrills in a way that feels uniquely Universal. From the moment guests enter the queue and come face-to-face with Blue, Delta, Echo, and Charlie to the final launch overlooking Islands of Adventure, the experience feels like stepping directly into the world of Jurassic World.

Over the past five years, VelociCoaster has earned countless awards, developed a passionate fan base, and become the attraction many guests plan their entire Universal Orlando vacation around.

In an industry constantly chasing the next big thing, VelociCoaster has managed to remain at the top of countless “best roller coaster” lists while continuing to draw massive crowds day after day.

Even with the arrival of new attractions across Orlando, VelociCoaster remains one of the most talked-about rides in the theme park world and a defining part of the Islands of Adventure experience.

Five years later, the screams are still loud, the launches are still intense, and that final inversion still feels impossible.

Here’s to five years of outrunning raptors. Happy Anniversary, VelociCoaster. And if you’ve somehow never ridden it before, consider this your sign to finally join the hunt.

Stay tuned to Theme Park Scope for more Universal Orlando news, attraction anniversaries, theme park history, and the latest updates from around the parks.