For most of us, a trip to Universal Studios Beijing probably seems unlikely. Not only does this Chinese park offer a location that most Americans will never make it to, but its ride lineup of "contemporary classics" means that most of us can ride its anchor attractions without an overseas flight. But those who've made the trek suggest that Jurassic World Adventure might be worth the journey...

The premise is simple. Entering through the modernized Discovery Center that stands across the lagoon like a park icon, guests find themselves preparing for a tour across Isla Nublar. In the spirit of Jurassic World - which amps up the thrill, spectacle, and technology of the dino-excitement versus the low-key "nature preserve" we saw in the older Jurassic Park films – our means of transportation is a scientific successor to the dated Jeep tours of yesteryear. 

Instead, we're headed for the ATLAS – an All-Terrain Luxury Autonomous System – programmed to drive us through the habitats of Jurassic World. (Yes, you'll recognize the vehicle as the iconic "SCOOP" developed for the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. But trust us, this is a whole different ride.) The ATLAS promises us the ultimate tour of the island, stopping by all the high profile enclosures... including that of the mutant Indominus rex. What could go wrong!?

The adventure begins with the ATLASes seemingly exiting the Discovery Center for a look out across the valley of Isla Nublar just as the sun sets over the horizon. So far, we might seem to be on track for another Spider-Man clone. But this introduction is really one of the few screens on the ride. Pretty quickly, a lightning strike cuts the park's lighting, leaving the ATLAS to navigate its way through the exhibits just as the moon rises.

Unfortunately, something does go horribly wrong (who could've guessed?!) leaving riders at the mercy of the escaped Indominus rex. In what should be a hint of how grand the Jurassic World Adventure is, the first animatronic we encounter here is the creature that serves as the jaw-dropping finale of Hollywood's river ride. Ramming the vehicle with its snout, the Indominus rex locks onto our scent.

The vehicle heaves, spins, and slams through the island as it tries to regain its GPS signal. After a few close encounters with some of the park's dinosaurs seeking shelter from the impending storm, riders encounter what must be one of the most stunning, unbelievable, and paralyzing animatronic encounters in history: the Indominus rex literally chasing the retreating vehicle, stomping and snapping as the ATLAS reverses through the jungle. And that's not even the finale.

The ride's climax sees guests literally pass in between the Indominus rex and the iconic T. rex, with the two closing the gap the vehicle passed through as they fight, leaving guests to seek shelter back in the Discovery Center just in time for a surprise victor... and a definitive end to one of the monstrous predators.

Look, Jurassic World Adventure may not have the scale of Rise of the Resistance, the story of Indiana Jones Adventure, or the subtlety of Journey to the Center of the Earth. But there's no question that this is one epic ride filled with exceptional animatronics and jaw-dropping moments. To our thinking, Jurassic World Adventure definitely belongs in the "Top 10 Modern Dark Rides in the World" list. But just as importantly, the people who've actually been on it insist that it belongs near the top.

What do you think? Is Jurassic World Adventure a ride that would convince you to visit Universal Studios Beijing? Should this ride make its way back to Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood? Or do you prefer the old-school, slow-moving magic of the River Adventure rides? Besides, if the U.S. Universal parks did get this dark ride, wouldn't that be one-too-many escapes for the Indominus rex? Is it time for Universal to try a Jurassic ride where nothing goes wrong? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!