Universal Studios Hollywood is the original Universal theme park. Located in Universal City, California, this destination offers a mix of classic movie magic and modern thrills. Unlike its counterpart in Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood is still, first and foremost, a real working movie studio.
The park expanded over time, especially after Universal Studios Florida opened. Today, the park splits into two main areas: the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot. This layout offers something for everyone, from high-intensity roller coasters to slow, detail-rich dark rides and popular shows.
If you are planning a trip, knowing which rides deliver the best experience is key. We have counted down the top seven best attractions you need to see at Universal Studios Hollywood.
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Counting Down the Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
Number 7: The Studio Tour
The Studio Tour is the heart and soul of Universal Studios Hollywood. For many years, this tour was the main attraction at the park. The current version of the tour started in 1964 and has changed many times since then. The tour usually takes about an hour of your time. A visit to Universal Studios is not complete without riding the Studio Tour.
The tour gives you a look at the projects currently filming on the lot. You might even spot a celebrity during your ride. The Studio Tour is truly a movie studio experience with extra ride attractions built in. It shows classic movie-making techniques at their best.
Classic Highlights of the Tour
Several segments on the tour are long-time favorites and true classics:
- Psycho: This segment features Norman Bates.
- The Flash Flood: This shows the power of movie special effects.
- Jaws: The close encounter with the animatronic shark remains a favorite part of the tour.
One of the most impressive sequences is the Earthquake attraction. Here, the set becomes a San Francisco subway station. You experience an 8.3 magnitude earthquake that causes the station to flood. This set debuted in 1989. Even though it is over 30 years old, these practical effects are still excellent. This classic segment was removed from the Orlando park, but it continues to entertain guests in California.
Newer Attraction Experiences
More recent parts added to the tour include King Kong and Fast & the Furious Supercharged. Both of these rely on 3D glasses and large screens. These segments are short parts of the overall tour experience. Fast & the Furious Supercharged, in particular, replaced the Disaster attraction at Universal Orlando. Some people feel it is underwhelming as a standalone experience.
Despite the weaknesses in the newer segments, the entire Studio Tour gives you the most value for your money. This single attraction is often considered worth the price of admission alone. It is a necessary experience for anyone visiting Universal Studios Hollywood.
Number 6: Dreamworks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda Adventure
You can find the Dreamworks Theatre in the Upper Lot. This attraction, the Kung Fu Panda Adventure, opened in 2018. It is unique to the Hollywood park.
The experience starts with a great pre-show. This show acts as the ultimate Dreamworks crossover. It features characters from many classic Dreamworks films. A great detail is that all of the original character voices were used. The pre-show mixes physical sets with large Universal screens very well. It is enjoyable even before you enter the main theater.
Once you enter the theater, be ready for the seats to move. This attraction has a motion simulator feel. However, it is not as intense as a traditional motion simulator ride. This motion helps enhance the film experience, which does not use 3D glasses. The attraction also uses wind and water effects to add to the excitement.
The main film lasts about five minutes. If you do not like motion, you can ask for non-motion seats. For the first half of the film, you see the action only on the screen in front of you. Then, the entire theater suddenly becomes the canvas for the action. This surprise uses clever projection mapping. This technique heightens the attraction and makes it a must-do at the park.
Number 5: Transformers The Ride 3D
Down in the Lower Lot, you will find Transformers The Ride 3D. This ride opened in 2012. It is a motion simulator dark ride. It definitely falls on the thrilling side of the park’s offerings.
As you move through the queue area, you enter the headquarters of N.E.S.T. You learn quickly that the headquarters has been attacked. Your mission is to recover a remaining piece of the All-Spark. You must evacuate and transport this important piece out of the base. Luckily, an Autobot ride vehicle is waiting for you. Then the high-speed escape begins. Remember to grab your 3D glasses before you board the vehicle.
The show scenes inside the building are massive in scope and scale. The ride takes place across two different levels inside the show building. While it is a screen-heavy attraction, the ride uses a mix of effects to make it real. It combines physical set pieces with special effects like wind, smoke, and even hot air. This creates a fully sensory and immersive experience.
The action-packed chase is high-speed and lasts for about four and a half minutes. It always delivers a great ride. After the adventure, you are congratulated for your bravery in saving the planet.
Number 4: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
The star attraction inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This ride opened with the land in 2016. It offers an exhilarating dark ride experience with many surprises.
As you approach the ride, you see the iconic Hogwarts Castle. This immediately signals that you are in for a special experience. Once you enter, the queue is filled with rich detail. You will see many familiar settings and characters from the Harry Potter films. This fully immerses you into the magical world.
Ride Mechanics and Experience
When you see the ride vehicles in the loading area, they may look gentle. Do not be fooled. Once the ride begins, this dark ride features a true dose of thrill. It creates the powerful sensation of flying.
The unique ride system uses a vehicle suspended on a robotic arm. This robotic arm twists and swoops you through the scenes. You pass through a combination of elements:
- Physical sets
- Animatronics
- Projected dome scenes
The ride may even feature a couple of jump scares. You fly with Harry Potter through key scenes from the books and movies. A great feature of this attraction is that it does not rely on 3D glasses. This design often creates a better ride experience for many guests.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is packed with magic. Even if you are not a dedicated Harry Potter fan, the special effects are impressive. The level of detail is incredible. This is one ride that often leaves guests wondering, “How did they do that?”
Number 3: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
The newest ride at Universal Studios Hollywood is Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. This attraction opened in April 2021 in the Upper Lot. It is currently the park’s only slow-moving dark ride.
You begin by entering a new York apartment building. Inside, the queue features many fun details to explore. You meet favorite characters from the film, such as Max and Duke. You will also see Snowball.
Once you board your cardboard box ride vehicle, the story begins. You are turned into a fluffy puppy. You then start a journey through the streets of New York. The goal is to prepare yourself to be adopted.
Focus on Practical Effects
The ride features vibrant sets and a fun story. It is a refreshing experience because it is a Universal dark ride that does not rely heavily on screens. It uses more animatronics and physical sets to tell the story. Screens are used as just one element to help the story. They do not act as a crutch for the entire experience.
While the animatronics may not be the most high-tech figures, they successfully bring the adorable animals to life. This ride has a unique charm unlike the other rides at the park. It adds necessary variety to your day at Universal Studios Hollywood. For this reason, Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash deserves its spot as one of the best.
Number 2: Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
Head back down to the Lower Lot to find Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride. This attraction opened in May 2004. It is an enclosed steel roller coaster that acts as a dark ride hybrid. This ride has thrill written all over it.
When you enter the queue, you find yourself in an abandoned archaeological dig site. This site turns out to be Imhotep’s burial chamber. As you board your mine cart, the ride starts gently. It looks like a tame dark ride exploring the tomb and the treasure room.
However, the experience suddenly changes. Before you know it, you are launched forward. The ride reaches top speeds of 40 miles (64 kilometers) per hour. Then the car comes to a halt. You are sent backwards until the end of the ride sequence.
This Hollywood version has a different track layout than The Mummy ride in Florida. However, it still offers a thrilling journey through the dark. It features tons of unexpected twists and turns. Be aware that you must store your bags in a free locker before you enter the queue. Revenge of the Mummy is scary, dark, and truly delivers on the thrill factor. It was marketed originally as California’s fastest and scariest indoor roller coaster. That title still feels true today.
Number 1: Jurassic World The Ride
The top spot goes to Jurassic World The Ride, located in the Lower Lot. This ride brings guests face-to-face with massive prehistoric dinosaurs.
Before becoming Jurassic World in 2019, this attraction was known as Jurassic Park The Ride. It originally opened in June 1996. It was the very first Jurassic Park ride in the world. Even with the updates, the ride remains a Universal classic.
The Updates and New Features
After boarding your raft, you are taken up the lift hill. You then enter the Mosasaurus Aquarium Observatory. This is one of the new, reimagined sections of the ride. This section uses screens combined with water effects. This is a clever and effective combination.
Many of the original ride elements and animatronic dinosaurs were kept intact during the update. However, things take a serious turn once your raft enters the Predator’s Cove.
Another new area is the Tyrannosaurus Rex Kingdom, found up the lift hill. Here, you encounter a massive Indominus Rex animatronic. This huge dinosaur is a definite highlight of the ride.
The Iconic Finale
All of this action leads up to the ride’s iconic finale. This is the massive 85-foot drop. Your raft reaches a top speed of 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour during the drop. You should expect to get a little wet on this ride. Unless you are sitting in the very front row, you likely will not get completely soaked. Jurassic Park was already a fantastic attraction. The addition of the Jurassic World updates makes it, arguably, the best ride at the entire park.
Conclusion: Your Universal Hollywood Adventure Awaits
Universal Studios Hollywood offers visitors a diverse and exciting theme park experience. From the classic movie sets you see on the Studio Tour to the terrifying speed of Revenge of the Mummy, there are adventures for every member of the family. The park successfully balances its history as a working studio with modern, high-tech attractions like Jurassic World and Transformers The Ride 3D.
Whether you seek the magic of Hogwarts or a relaxing journey through New York with the Secret Life of Pets, these seven rides represent the very best Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer. Make sure to plan your day to experience these incredible attractions during your next visit.