The Best Guide To Universal Studios Hollywood Rides- 2024

Heading to Universal Studios Hollywood and wondering what to expect? Universal Studios Hollywood rides are amazing! There is so much to do in this awesome theme park. With lots of themed areas to explore, you’re going to want to take your time so you can see and do it all! This complete guide to Universal Studios Hollywood rides and attractions will cover everything you need to know including minimum height requirements.

Make sure you check out my guide to the best places to eat at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Although Universal Studios Hollywood is much smaller than Universal Studios Orlando, it still has plenty of things to see and do. The Universal Orlando Resort has three parks, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Volcano Bay. Universal Studios Hollywood has just one park.

Both theme parks have the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but you’ll have to travel to Florida if you want to experience attractions such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Escape from Gringots, and Diagon Alley. In Florida, you can ride the Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross station to Hogsmeade station. In California, you’re only able to take a picture in front of the Hogwarts Express.

Although much smaller than its counterpart in Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood still has so much to offer! Including a brand new Super Nintendo World and attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.

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Universal Studios Hollywood Rides and Attractions

Here’s a list of attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. I’ve separated them into Upper Lot and Lower Lot and included lots of helpful information about each attraction.

Upper Lot

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Experience Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and join Gru, his daughters, and the mischievous Minions on a heartwarming and thrilling ride.

• Motion Simulation
• Minimum Height 40″ (102 cm)
• Children 40-48″ (102-122 cm) must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older)
• Service Animals
• Open Captioning
• Must Transfer From Wheelchair
• Must Transfer From ECV

DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kun Fu Panda

Join Master Po and more from DreamWorks’ blockbuster franchise on a thrilling journey of awesomeness destined to stimulate your senses, exercise your wit, and unlock the hero within through the power of kung fu.

• Motion Simulation
• Service Animal
• Closed Captioning
• Service Animals
• Accessible in ECV
• Accessible in Wheelchair
• Closed Captioning

The World-Famous Studio Tour

Approximate Run Time: 60 minutes. Visit 13 city blocks on 400-plus acres of historic studio lot in the largest set construction project in studio history, built with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself. Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, this attraction takes you on a tour through famous movie sets and the following experiences.

• Accessible in Wheelchair
• Must Transfer From ECV
• Service Animals
• Closed Captioning

Fast & Furious- Supercharged

Ride along with the all-star cast from the hit movies on an exhilarating high-speed chase that exceeds 120 miles per hour and catapults you into the high-stakes underworld of fast cars and international crime cartels.

• 3-D / 4-D Experience

King Kong 360 3-D

Visit Skull Island and prepare to be caught in the middle of a terrifying struggle between a 35-foot T-Rex and the 8th wonder of the world – King Kong.

• 3-D / 4-D Experience

Jaw-Dropping Celebrity Sightings

There’s something in the water…Come face-to-face with Amity Island’s most famous resident – “Jaws”

A Crash Course in Set Design

Encounter the smoldering wreckage of the Boeing 747 from Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds.

Flight Of the Hippogriff

Flight of the Hippogriff™ is a family-friendly roller coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch and then swoops past Hagrid’s hut.

• Must be 39″ (99 cm) tall
• Children 39-48″ (99-122 cm) must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older)
• No Service Animals
• Must Secure Prosthetic Limbs
• Accessible in Wheelchair
• Must Transfer From ECV
• Ride Vehicle Test Seat
• Child Switch

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This is a must for any Harry Potter Fan! Get ready to soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter™ and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure, coming face-to-face with an array of magical creatures.

• Minimum Height 48″ (122 cm)
• Must Secure Prosthetic Limbs
• Must Transfer From Wheelchair
• Must Transfer From ECV
• Assistive Listening
• No Service Animals
• Ride Vehicle Test Seat
• Child Switch

Silly Swirly

Silly Swirly will soar and spin guests around for a 360-degree view of Super Silly Fun Land aboard a fleet of uniquely styled ride vehicles.

• Under 48″ (122 cm): Supervising Companion Required
• Must Transfer From ECV
• Must Transfer From Wheelchair
• Service Animals
• Assistive Listening

The Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash

Join Max, Duke, Gidget and Snowball on a journey through the streets of New York City as you get ready to be welcomed into your new home.

• Kid Friendly
• Minimum Height 34″ (86.4 cm)
• Under 48″ (121.9cm): Supervising Companion Required
• No Service Animals
• Accessible in Wheelchair
• Closed Captioning

The Simpsons Ride

Grab a seat with The Simpsons™ on a virtual reality roller coaster ride.

• Minimum Height 40″ (102 cm)
• Children 40-48″ (102-122 cm) must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older)
• Must Transfer From Wheelchair
• Must Transfer From ECV
• Service Animals
• Open Captioning

WaterWorld

Join an adventure that surges to life with jumping jet-skiers, perilous plunges, firefights, massive explosions, and an in-your-face plane crash you need to see to believe.

• Accessible in Wheelchair
• Accessible in ECV
• Service Animals
• Assistive Listening

Lower Lot

Dino Play For Kids

 Excavate giant dinosaur fossils at a discovery dig site, and explore a full-size T. rex skull and dinosaur eggs.

Jurassic World- The Ride

Enter the immersive land of Jurassic Park and come face-to-face with the Indominus rex as she stalks you through the jungle.

• Must Transfer From Wheelchair
• Must Transfer From ECV
• No Service Animals
• Child Switch

Raptor Encounter

Dare to come face-to-face with Blue, the most beloved Velociraptor from the Jurassic World franchise. And meet the newest additions to the Raptor Encounter: a big, friendly Triceratops and Baby Raptor!

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Everywhere you look you’re in the game on this groundbreaking ride with cutting-edge technology. Compete as an individual and as part of a team while you play along with your favorite Super Mario™ characters.

• Height Requirement
• Minimum Height 40” (102 cm)
• Supervising Companion Required
• Under 48” (122 cm) Requires Supervising Companion
• Ride Type
• 3D & 4D Ride
• Accessibility
• Child Swap Available
• Single Rider Available

Revenge of the Mummy- The Ride

If you dare, face heart-pounding special effects and unexpected twists at every turn at you escape the Mummy’s revenge in life-like horror.

• Thrill Ride
• Minimum Height 48″ (122 cm)
• Must Secure Prosthetic Limbs
• No Service Animals
• Must Transfer From Wheelchair
• Must Transfer From ECV
• Ride Vehicle Test Seat
• Child Switch

Transformers: The Ride- 3D

Fight alongside Optimus Prime and try to survive as you protect the Allspark from Decepticons over four stories tall. 

• Minimum Height 40″ (102 cm)
• Children 40-48″ (102-122 cm) must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older)
• Must Transfer From Wheelchair
• Must Transfer From ECV
• Service Animals
• Open Captioning
• Single Rider
• Child Switch

Know Before You Go

There are a few things you need to know before you visit Universal Studios Hollywood. These things will make your visit run a bit more smoothly.

Motion Sickness

There are quite a few at Universal Studios Hollywood that utilize 3D/4D technology. These types of motion simulator attractions can cause motion sickness for some guests. If you or someone in your group is susceptible to motion sickness, make sure you take some type of motion sickness medication first thing in the morning to avoid getting sick later in the day. If your motion sickness is severe, you may need to skip certain attractions.

Universal Express Pass

The Universal Express Pass is a special ticket that allows you to skip the standby line once per attraction per day. This pass can save you a lot of time waiting in long lines for the most popular rides. It is expensive and not absolutely necessary. If you add it to your vacation, you’ll save time in line on most Universal Studios Hollywood rides, but don’t feel like you have to have it. You’ll have a great time on your visit either way.

Here’s more information about the Universal Express Pass from the Universal Park website:

• Includes ONE-TIME (per day) express access to each ride (excluding Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge – opening early 2023), attraction, and seated show, and one-time (per day) reservation-free entry into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ (opening early 2023) when reservations are required to enter the land
• 1-Day General Admission to Park (Valid on Selected Date Only)

Universal CityWalk

Make sure you save some time to enjoy the Universal CityWalk. Here you’ll find lots of great shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater! There are lots to see and do at Universal CityWalk. My favorite place to eat here is The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen! It’s pretty delicious. Reservations may be required for the Chocolate Emporium, but there are lots of other great places to eat that don’t require a reservation.

Hopefully, this guide to Universal Studios Hollywood rides and attractions was helpful to you as you’re planning your visit! Keep in mind, Universal Studios Hollywood is quite a bit smaller than Universal Studios Orlando. If you’re looking for rides like Jurassic World Velocicoaster or the Incredible Hulk Coaster, you’ll have to go to Florida. However, Universal Studios Hollywood is still well worth your time and I know you’ll enjoy your visit!

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