Universal Studios Hollywood Rides Guide 2026

Universal Studios Hollywood is not a huge park, but do not let that fool you into thinking there is not much to do. The park packs rides, shows, a real working movie studio and some incredibly detailed themed areas onto a hillside. The escalators between the Upper Lot and Lower Lot are no joke, so having a plan will save you a lot of time and unnecessary backtracking.

I have visited Universal Studios Hollywood several times, and I think the park works best when you understand what makes it different from Disneyland or Universal Orlando. There are fewer rides, but several of them are major attractions. The Studio Tour alone takes about an hour, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD can easily take much longer than you expect if you want to play the games and explore the land.

This 2026 Universal Studios Hollywood rides guide covers the current attractions, height requirements, the difference between the Upper and Lower Lots and the brand-new coaster arriving this year. I have also included the things I would prioritize if you only have one day.

Hungry? You can also check out my guide to the best places to eat at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Quick Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood

• Upper Lot: Studio Tour, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Land, The Secret Life of Pets, The Simpsons Ride, DreamWorks Theatre and WaterWorld
• Lower Lot: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Jurassic World, Revenge of the Mummy and TRANSFORMERS
• New in 2026: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster

The Upper and Lower Lots are connected by a long series of escalators. It can take ten minutes or more to travel between them when the park is busy. I try to finish everything I want on the Lower Lot before heading back up instead of bouncing between the two areas all day.

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You can also call 1-855-GET-AWAY and tell them Melissa from Mix In Some Magic sent you. Make sure you compare the details carefully because regular admission, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Early Access and Universal Express are separate products.

Universal Studios Hollywood Upper Lot Rides

Most guests enter through the Upper Lot. This part of the park has the Studio Tour, Harry Potter attractions, family rides and the major shows. It is also where you will find the entrance to the escalators that take you down to the Lower Lot.

The World-Famous Studio Tour

The Studio Tour is the attraction that makes Universal Studios Hollywood completely different from every other theme park. The tram takes you through a real working studio backlot, and the exact route can change depending on what is filming. You may see recognizable sets, the War of the Worlds airplane crash, Jaws, King Kong 360 3-D and other special effects.

Plan on about an hour for the tour, not including the wait. I would not leave this until the final hour of the day because it can close earlier than the rest of the park. Check the official app for the last departure time.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Forbidden Journey is inside Hogwarts Castle and combines physical sets, screens and a robotic ride system. The queue through the castle is part of the experience, so take time to look around. The minimum height is 48 inches.

This ride can be rough for anyone prone to motion sickness. I love the theming, but I would not stack it back-to-back with several other screen-heavy attractions.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Flight of the Hippogriff is a short outdoor family coaster that passes Hagrid’s hut. The minimum height is 39 inches, and children between 39 and 48 inches need a supervising companion. It is a good first coaster, but the ride is very quick, so I would not wait an hour for it.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Minion Mayhem is a motion-simulator attraction featuring Gru, his daughters and the Minions. The minimum height is 40 inches, and children under 48 inches need a supervising companion. It is cute, but the motion and large screen may bother guests who get queasy.

Silly Swirly and Super Silly Fun Land

Silly Swirly is a gentle spinner with no listed minimum height, although guests under 48 inches need a supervising companion. The nearby Super Silly Fun Land has dry and wet play areas. If you have younger children, this is a great place to let them move around after several attractions with long waits.

The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

The Secret Life of Pets is one of the best family rides in the park. It is a traditional dark ride filled with physical sets and adorable characters, which makes it a nice break from Universal’s many screen-based attractions. The minimum height is 34 inches, and children under 48 inches need a supervising companion.

The Simpsons Ride

The Simpsons Ride is a chaotic motion simulator set inside Krustyland. The minimum height is 40 inches, and children under 48 inches need a supervising companion. This is probably the attraction most likely to cause motion sickness, even for people who are normally fine on rides. I would skip it if simulators make you feel miserable.

DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda

This indoor theater attraction combines a large screen with moving seats, wind, water and other effects. There is no listed minimum height requirement, and the theater provides a welcome air-conditioned break. It is not my first priority on a busy day, but it is a fun option when waits for the bigger rides are high.

WaterWorld

WaterWorld is a live stunt show with jet skis, fights, explosions and an airplane that crashes into the set. Even if you have never seen the movie, the show is worth your time. Check the schedule early because there are only a few performances each day, and arrive before showtime if you want a good seat.

The seats in the splash zone are not a cute little mist situation. You can get soaked. Choose accordingly.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift

Major 2026 update: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster. The ride uses vehicles that rotate 360 degrees as they race along an elevated track and curve over the hillside near the park entrance.

Universal has announced that Hollywood Drift will open in summer 2026, but an exact public opening date and final rider requirements were not posted when this guide was updated. Do not build your trip around a rumored date. Check Universal Studios Hollywood’s official site shortly before your visit.

Universal Studios Hollywood Lower Lot Rides

The Lower Lot has several of the park’s biggest rides packed into a small area. I usually head down early, finish everything I want there and then return to the Upper Lot. The only reason I would intentionally make the escalator trip more than once is if wait times changed dramatically.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is much more than one ride. The land includes Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, interactive Key Challenges, Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, character greetings, Toadstool Cafe and themed shopping. The land is small and can feel very crowded, especially in the middle of the day.

A Power-Up Band is optional. You do not need one to enter the land or ride Mario Kart. The band lets you collect coins and keys, track scores and unlock the Bowser Jr. challenge. It is fun, but it takes time, so decide whether your goal is to experience the full land or focus mainly on the ride.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Mario Kart uses augmented-reality visors, physical sets and interactive gameplay. You steer, aim shells and try to earn points while moving through Bowser’s Castle. It is not a fast thrill ride, and guests expecting a traditional racing coaster are sometimes surprised by that.

The minimum height is 40 inches, and children under 48 inches need a supervising companion. Your score usually improves once you understand the controls, so do not feel bad if the first ride is a little confusing.

Jurassic World – The Ride

Jurassic World starts as a boat ride past enormous dinosaurs before things go very wrong. The final section includes the Indominus rex, a T. rex and a large drop. The minimum height is 42 inches, and children under 48 inches need a supervising companion.

You may get wet, and sometimes you get very wet. It depends on your seat and luck. The nearby Raptor Encounter is also worth checking if you want to meet Blue or another dinosaur.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride

Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor coaster with a launch, darkness, special effects and backward movement. The minimum height is 48 inches. This is one of my favorite rides in the park, and it is a great attraction to repeat if the wait is short.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D

TRANSFORMERS combines a moving ride vehicle with huge 3-D screens and physical effects. The minimum height is 40 inches, and children under 48 inches need a supervising companion. It is loud, fast and more intense than it looks from outside. It can also cause motion sickness.

DinoPlay

DinoPlay is an interactive play area for children near Jurassic World. Universal currently lists it as temporarily closed, so check the official app before promising it to younger kids.

My Universal Studios Hollywood Ride Priorities

If I had one day and wanted the best overall experience, these would be my priorities:

1. The World-Famous Studio Tour
2. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
3. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
4. Jurassic World – The Ride
5. Revenge of the Mummy
6. The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
7. WaterWorld
8. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift once it officially opens

Your list should change depending on your family. With young children, I would prioritize The Secret Life of Pets, Minion Land, Silly Swirly and the play areas. Thrill seekers will care much more about Hollywood Drift, The Mummy, Jurassic World and Forbidden Journey.

Universal Studios Hollywood Height Requirements

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: 48 inches
• Flight of the Hippogriff: 39 inches; supervising companion required under 48 inches
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: 40 inches; supervising companion required under 48 inches
• Jurassic World – The Ride: 42 inches; supervising companion required under 48 inches
• Revenge of the Mummy: 48 inches
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: 40 inches; supervising companion required under 48 inches
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D: 40 inches; supervising companion required under 48 inches
• The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash: 34 inches; supervising companion required under 48 inches
• The Simpsons Ride: 40 inches; supervising companion required under 48 inches

Measure children before the trip and review Universal’s official height-requirement page. Requirements are enforced, and they may be updated when new attractions open.

Universal Express Pass

Universal Express allows you to use the Express entrance once at participating rides, attractions and seated shows. Universal Express Unlimited allows repeat Express access. Prices vary by date and can be expensive, but it may be worth it on a very busy day or when park hours are short.

Do not confuse Express with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Early Access. Early Access is a separate ticket that lets you enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD before the scheduled park opening on participating dates. Check the inclusions on your exact product before you buy.

Important Tips Before You Go

Start With the Lower Lot

If SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and the Lower Lot thrill rides are priorities, head down early. Waits for Mario Kart and Jurassic World can build quickly. Finish the Lower Lot before riding the escalators back up.

Check Show and Tour Times

WaterWorld and the Studio Tour do not work like attractions that operate continuously until closing. Check showtimes and the last Studio Tour departure in the app when you arrive, then build them into your day.

Use Child Switch

If a child cannot or does not want to ride, ask a Team Member about Child Switch. Your group can wait together, then eligible adults can switch without everyone starting over in the full queue.

Prepare for Motion Simulators

Universal Studios Hollywood has several screen-heavy attractions. The Simpsons Ride, Forbidden Journey, TRANSFORMERS and Minion Mayhem are common trouble spots for motion sickness. Space them out, look away from the screen if needed and do not force yourself onto every ride just because it is included.

Use Test Seats

Several attractions have test seats near the entrance, including Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Mario Kart, Revenge of the Mummy and The Secret Life of Pets. Restraints vary, so trying the seat before waiting can save frustration.

Download the Official App

The Universal Studios Hollywood app shows current wait times, showtimes, park hours and the map. Park hours can change by date, and individual attractions may close before the park. Check the official calendar and temporary-closure list shortly before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do Universal Studios Hollywood in one day?

Yes. Most visitors can experience the highlights in one full day with a good plan. A busy day, short park hours or spending several hours playing inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD may make Universal Express or a second day helpful.

How many rides are at Universal Studios Hollywood?

The exact count depends on whether you include shows, play areas and the Studio Tour as rides. The park currently has nine attractions with published height requirements, plus Silly Swirly, DreamWorks Theatre, the Studio Tour, WaterWorld and other experiences. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift joins the lineup in 2026.

Is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD included with admission?

Yes, regular access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Mario Kart is included with theme park admission. The separate Early Access ticket provides entry to the land before the scheduled park opening on participating dates. A Power-Up Band is optional and costs extra.

Is Universal Studios Hollywood good for young children?

There are things for younger children, including The Secret Life of Pets, Silly Swirly, Minion Land, DreamWorks Theatre and play areas. However, many major rides have height requirements or intense effects. Check every child’s height before buying tickets and make sure the park has enough attractions they will enjoy.

Is Universal Studios Hollywood the same as Universal Orlando?

No. Hollywood is one theme park built around a working movie studio. Universal Orlando is a multi-park vacation destination in Florida with Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe and Volcano Bay. You can compare the Florida rides in my Universal Orlando rides guide.

My Final Thoughts

Universal Studios Hollywood is very doable in one day, but the day goes much better when you plan around the park’s unusual layout. Start with your biggest Lower Lot priorities, avoid unnecessary escalator trips and make time for the Studio Tour. It is the one experience you cannot duplicate at another Universal park.

You do not need to ride everything to have a great day. Choose the attractions your family is actually excited about, leave time to explore Hogsmeade and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and check the schedule instead of assuming every attraction runs until closing.

When you are ready to book, compare Universal Studios Hollywood tickets and hotel packages with Get Away Today, or call 1-855-GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you.