Universal Orlando Resort just did something we didn’t see coming: it temporarily broke one of its own rules.
The Pteranodon Flyers ride, nestled within the Jurassic Park section, has long had an unusual requirement. To board the ride, guests must stand at least 36 inches tall but no taller than 56 inches — unless accompanied by a child who meets those criteria.
The rule isn’t about safety, though. Instead, it was born out of necessity: Pteranodon Flyers operates with only three “birds” on the track at a time, accommodating just six riders total. According to a former Universal attractions operator, who worked on the ride for over a decade, “It isn’t a weight issue, it’s a load issue. You can’t put more than three birds on the track without causing delays, ride stops, or other technical issues.”
The tight capacity led to another problem. When adults were previously allowed to ride without children, lines spiraled out of control, sometimes stretching for hours around the Camp Jurassic area. “The line would get backed up and end up winding all around,” the same operator recalled, noting that wait times sometimes exceeded four hours for a ride that lasts just 80 seconds.
So, when Universal lifted the height restriction for a brief window on March 13, it wasn’t just a perk — it was a theme park unicorn. The surprise came as part of an exclusive experience for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders (UOAPs). Guests were alerted via a push notification in the resort’s app:
“We love our Annual Passholders (UOAPs)! As a token of our appreciation, please join us in front of UOAP Lounge (located in the Toon Lagoon area of Universal Islands of Adventure TM) between 7:00 – 7:15 PM today (3/13/25). The first 50 annual passholders to show their pass and this app message will receive a special ticket to experience Pteranodon Flyers* (P-Flyers) after 8:00 PM (no child is required to ride with you for this experience only). Thank you for visiting us today, and have a fantastic evening.”
Universal Orlando Resort Breaks Its Own Rules (Briefly)
For Universal fans without kids, this was a golden ticket moment.
The opportunity to ride Pteranodon Flyers without tracking down a child to “borrow” for the experience — something guests have joked about for years — turned the evening into an exclusive, blink-and-you-miss-it event.
This move adds to Universal’s reputation for showing love to its most loyal guests. The park’s annual passholder program often rolls out surprise perks, from Passholder Appreciation Days to special ride previews. It’s a stark contrast to Disney’s recent approach, where many feel annual pass benefits have dwindled since the pandemic.
Why It Matters
For die-hard theme park fans, these moments go beyond just scoring a ride on Pteranodon Flyers. They represent a kind of recognition — an acknowledgment that the most dedicated guests aren’t just part of the crowd; they’re part of the park’s identity.
Universal’s playful approach to “breaking the rules” — even for a limited time — builds loyalty and fuels the kind of buzz money can’t buy.
It’s unclear if Universal plans to repeat this stunt or if this was a one-time-only event. For now, the Pteranodon Flyers rule remains intact — but for one brief evening, a lucky few got to experience a ride usually just out of reach.
Have you ever dreamed of riding Pteranodon Flyers without a kid in tow? Let’s hear your thoughts.
