If you are planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, knowing what rides and attractions await you is crucial.
This park is known for its incredible movie magic and high-tech simulator rides. We will break down every major ride currently operating, from the immersive experience of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to the new favorite, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
We will also make sure you know the height requirements and features of each attraction so you can plan the perfect day for your entire group.
Navigating Universal Studios Hollywood: Upper vs. Lower Lot
Universal Studios Hollywood is unique because it is built on the side of a large hill. This design divides the park into two distinct areas: the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot.
The Lower Lot holds some of the most intense and popular rides, but getting to it requires taking four separate escalators down the hill. If you have mobility issues, you can speak with a team member about vehicle transportation options. Understanding this layout is key to planning your walking path efficiently.
Thrills and Magic on the Upper Lot
The Upper Lot holds the majority of the lands and attractions. This area is home to iconic locations like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Springfield.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This land is one of the biggest reasons people visit Universal Studios Hollywood. It features incredibly detailed theming and two major rides.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This attraction is the headline ride for the land. It takes you right inside Hogwarts Castle. The queue itself is an immersive experience. You walk through famous areas of the castle, including the Grand Staircase, Dumbledore’s office, and the Greenhouse, where students learn Herbology.
This ride is a simulator attraction. It uses a mix of screens, movement, animatronics, and well-built sets.
- Rider Warning: This ride relies heavily on rapid movement and screens. It can cause motion sickness or nausea. If you easily get sick from motion simulators, you should take anti-nausea medicine beforehand.
- Height Requirement: Riders must be 48 inches tall.
- Bags and Loose Articles: Due to the rapid movements, you cannot take bags or loose articles onto the ride. You must use the complimentary lockers provided nearby. Lockers are free for the first 90 minutes. After that, they cost $5 per hour.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff is a small and short roller coaster. The ride is themed after Hagrid and his friend Buckbeak.
This coaster is an entry-level experience that is great for young children who are starting to enjoy roller coasters. Since the ride is very short, you may want to skip it if the line is long.
- Height Requirement: Riders must be 39 inches tall. Children under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion who is at least 14 years old.
- Bags: Bags and loose items are permitted on this ride. You should place them on the floor or in the provided bag storage area in your row.
The Studio Tour
The Studio Tour is the ride that started it all at Universal Studios Hollywood. It began as a simple tour of the film studio and eventually grew into the major theme park you see today.
This attraction is a gentle ride that takes about one hour to complete. It travels through the back lot, showing you sets and soundstages used for filming movies and TV shows. Since many of the sets are still active, the tour often changes its route to avoid interrupting filming.
Along the tour path, you will experience unique attractions, including the King Kong 360 experience and an earthquake sequence.
- Height Requirement: There is no minimum height requirement, making it a great experience for the whole family.
- Tip: Since the tour lasts an hour, it is strongly recommended that you use the restroom before getting in line.
Springfield U.S.A.
Springfield is the land based on The Simpsons show. While the area offers a lot of food and games, it features only one ride.
The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride is another motion simulator attraction. It often has a minimum wait time of about 20 minutes just because of the pre-shows required to explain the backstory before the ride begins.
The story centers on Sideshow Bob trying to harm Homer and his family. The attraction starts as a simulated roller coaster.
- Rider Warning: The video quality for this ride is a bit old. The low resolution and blurry images can make motion sickness worse. Guests who do not usually have motion sickness sometimes get headaches on this ride. If you easily get sick, you might want to avoid this attraction unless you are a huge fan of The Simpsons.
- Height Requirement: Riders must be 40 inches tall.
Minion Land
Minion Land is home to two attractions based on the Despicable Me movies.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
This is a motion simulator attraction that is fun for many guests. Like The Simpsons Ride, the minimum wait is usually 15 minutes because of the necessary pre-shows.
In the ride, Gru turns guests into minions so they can work for him. However, things quickly go wrong, resulting in a chaotic and funny experience.
- Height Requirement: Riders must be 40 inches tall.
- Motion Sickness: This ride is generally less intense than some other simulators at the park.
Silly Swirly
Located at the exit of Minion Mayhem in the Super Silly Funland area is Silly Swirly.
This ride is a Dumbo-style spinning attraction. It is a great option for smaller children and usually has a very short line, even on busy days. Super Silly Funland also has a small water play area for young children.
- Height Requirement: There is no minimum height requirement for Silly Swirly.
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash is one of the park’s newer rides, having opened in 2021.
This attraction is a slow omni-mover attraction. You ride through beautifully themed scenes full of detailed animatronics based on The Secret Life of Pets movie. The story puts you in the role of a stray dog navigating the city before finally getting cleaned up and adopted.
- Height Requirement: This ride has the lowest height requirement in the park at 34 inches. Since this is an omni-mover, similar to attractions like Haunted Mansion, some guests find it surprising that it has a height minimum at all. This ride is a must-see.
Upper Lot Shows and Entertainment
Beyond the rides, the Upper Lot features two massive shows that offer a chance to relax or watch intense action.
Kung Fu Panda Adventure
This is an interactive show that takes place in a large theater. It features motion-activated seats. While it is not a true motion simulator, the seats rumble and move slightly, and the room turns into a giant movie screen that moves around.
- Accessibility: Accessibility seats are available that do not move, which turns the experience into a standard movie theater show.
- Wait Time: The theater holds many people, so the wait is usually only 10 to 20 minutes. This makes it a great attraction to visit on hot or busy days when you need a quick rest.
Waterworld
Waterworld is Universal Studios Hollywood’s biggest and best show. It is an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled stunt show based on the 1995 movie starring Kevin Costner. The show uses impressive props and pyrotechnics, featuring intense scenes and funny moments.
- Planning Tip: Check the Universal Studios Hollywood app on the day of your visit for scheduled show times. You should plan to show up at least 30 minutes early to get the best seats.
- Splash Zone: Seats in the designated splash zone are clearly marked. If you sit here, you will get wet. You may get completely soaked, so avoid these seats if you want to stay dry.
Looking Ahead: Future Rides
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Construction for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is highly visible outside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This new attraction is set to open sometime in 2026.
The ride is expected to feature groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of the ride vehicles. Keep watching for more news about this intense attraction as its opening approaches.
Thrills on the Lower Lot
The Lower Lot houses the park’s biggest thrill rides and Super Nintendo World. You access this area using a series of long escalators.
Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
This indoor coaster is arguably Universal Studios Hollywood’s most intense roller coaster right now (until Hollywood Drift arrives).
The ride is entirely indoors and mostly takes place in the dark. It starts with some sets and animatronics, but quickly turns into a high-speed roller coaster. Halfway through, the vehicle stops at a dead end before traveling backwards through the track. It is a fun and thrilling experience, though it is over quickly.
- Height Requirement: Riders must be 48 inches tall.
- Lockers: Lockers are required for loose items and bags. The locker rules are the same as those for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Transformers: The Ride 3D
This is another motion simulator attraction, this time featuring 3D glasses and effects. The ride involves many explosions and scenes where Autobots fight Decepticons. While there are a few physical sets, the ride relies heavily on screens.
- Rider Warning: This is a very intense visual experience. It can be highly nauseating for many guests.
- Height Requirement: Riders must be 40 inches tall.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World features immersive theming that stands out in the park. The land is perfect for fans of Mario.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
This is the newest ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. The queue for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is massive and immersive. You will want to take your time walking through to see all the details.
The ride vehicle is an oversized Mario Kart that fits four people. Before riding, you receive a helmet-style apparatus. This allows a video screen visor, which is attached to the ride vehicle, to connect magnetically to your headgear. This visor is what allows you to see your opponents and shoot shells to earn points during the race.
The ride moves slower than many guests expect. You do not need to know how to play the game perfectly to enjoy it.
- PowerUp Band: To get the most out of the experience, you can buy a PowerUp Band. These bands allow you to earn extra points through the Universal app and track your scores and achievements. You can buy them in Super Nintendo World or at Nintendo gift shops in the park and CityWalk. The bands are not required to ride.
- Height Requirement: Riders must be 40 inches tall.
Jurassic World – The Ride
Jurassic World – The Ride is a massive water attraction. It is similar to the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, but many find this one to be even better.
The ride starts as a slow-moving boat tour, featuring impressive animatronics and epic scenes. Eventually, the dinosaurs escape, and things quickly become chaotic. The ride’s climax is a massive Indominus Rex just before you take the final 85-foot drop.
- Height Requirement: Riders must be 42 inches tall.
- Getting Wet: You will likely get wet on this ride. To lessen the chance of getting completely drenched, ask to sit in the back two rows of the boat.
Planning Your Trip and Key Services
Universal Studios Hollywood offers several services designed to help you make the most of your visit, especially when lines are long or your party includes small children.
Using Child Swap
Universal Studios offers a convenient Child Swap service at every ride.
Unlike some parks where the non-riders have to wait separately, Universal allows the entire party to wait together in the main line. When you reach the front, the individuals who are sitting out go to a Child Swap room. After the first group finishes the ride, the adults swap places in the room. The second group can then board the ride immediately without needing to go through the line again.
Express Pass Options
Every ride at Universal Studios Hollywood features a dedicated Express Pass line.
- Express Pass: This is an add-on feature that allows entry into every ride through the Express Line once per day. The cost starts at a minimum of $90 per person but changes based on the day you visit.
- Express Pass Unlimited: For an additional $50 per person on top of the daily Express Pass cost, you can purchase the Unlimited option. This allows you to ride using the Express Line multiple times.
Conclusion: Ready for Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a fantastic mix of highly immersive themed rides, classic movie sets, and intense roller coasters. From the low-height fun of Silly Swirly to the high-speed thrills of Revenge of the Mummy, there is something for everyone.
By understanding the park’s division into the Upper and Lower Lots, knowing the height requirements, and taking advantage of services like Child Swap and Express Pass, you can navigate the park efficiently and spend more time enjoying the magic. Make sure to check showtimes for must-see performances like Waterworld to round out your perfect day at the movies.