Transformers: The Ride 3D Review

Hey, Optimus Prime, Spider-Man called. He wants his ride back

Have you been to the Amazing Spider-Man ride in Islands of Adventure? If you know what I am talking about, then let me tell you that the Transformers in Universal Studios is very, very similar to what you experienced with our friendly neighborhood superhero. This is a 3D dark ride where you board a vehicle, put on 3D glasses and help the Autobots face the Decepticons in short story bits full of explosions and bad writing which would leave Michael Bay proud.

The most important question is: is this ride fun? Yeah, absolutely. I don’t think it’s as good as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man in Islands of Adventure, but few things in life are.The 3D visual effects are an improvement over Spider-Man, even if I still think that Spidey does a better job with practical effects. Your vehicle moves across a set track as giant robots fight around you destroying everything in sight. How can this not be entertaining?

Universal Studios Transformers character.webp — You can also take pics with the Transformers next to the entrance

A lot of the bits used in the Islands of Adventure attraction are repeated here, even the closing climax where the vehicle is falling off the top of a building and guests are saved at the last second by one of the Autobots. Both rides are so similar that there are multiple polls all over the internet comparing them and asking guests which one they prefer. Spoiler: Spider-Man wins every time.

The Good

Have you seen the Transformers movies directed by Michael Bay? They are all about giant robots, lots of explosions, and intense fighting scenes. I am glad to say that you get most of that in this ride. You get to see Bumblebee, Megatron, Sideswipe, and many of the classic Transformers characters battling in fun set pieces. The visuals are great, even if they are primarily limited to digital screens and 3D effects.

There are some cool set pieces here as well, from a chase across the city with Optimus Prime yelling the classic “Autobots, move out!” to a giant robot that tries to suck you in, with a giant fan blowing in your face to simulate what's happening on screen. This ride definitely moves faster and shakes more than the Spider-Man ride, so if you enjoy something more action-packed, you will probably have a great time with these giant robots.

Universal Studios Transfoemrs 3D Ride queue.webp — Universal Orlando©

The Bad

The worst thing about the Transformers ride is that it’s just way too similar to the Spider-Man ride. From the set pieces to some of the effects used, it’s disappointing to see so much being reused for this attraction. Seriously, even at the end, you get the exact same set piece as in Spider-Man, where your vehicle falls off a building and is saved at the last second. Coming here after going to Islands of Adventure and riding the superior Spider-Man attraction is certainly a big disappointment.

I also wish this ride used more practical effects. There is nothing as cool as the Green Goblin scene in the Spider-Man ride, or Hydro-Man exploding into a jet of water and splattering guests. Come on, guys, we are talking about the Transformers, inspired by Michael Bay! There should be at least seventeen different fire and explosion effects in the queue alone, and double that amount as soon as your vehicle leaves the station.

This is still a good ride, with impressive visual effects and CGI. It's worth visiting at least once. I just wish Optimus Prime hadn’t copied Spider-Man’s homework so much.

Universal Studios Transformers Ride 3D.webp — Universal Orlando©

Will Kids enjoy it?

Well, the Transformers ride does feature one thing that kids (and adults) love to see: giant robots fighting each other for about 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Transformers might not have the charm of Spider-Man and his cast of excellent supervillains, but it does have nice effects and some cool setpieces. If your kids love dark rides and motion simulators, they will probably have a great time here as well.

It's hard to say if this ride is scarier than Spider-Man for the little ones. It doesn’t feature the Green Goblin trying to blow you up with grenades, but some of the giant robots on screen can look rather intimidating. Your vehicle takes some unexpected turns and spins at least twice, much like the Spider-Man ride. Towards the end, there's also a simulation of a free-fall, which might be intense for younger riders.