Universal Studios Hollywood is a working movie studio and theme park rolled into one. It’s got rides, shows, and tours that let you feel like you’re part of the movies. Whether you’re after fast coasters or just want to check out film sets, there’s tons of stuff to do here for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about the rides and attractions, plus some tips to help you plan your day.
The park mixes movie stuff with theme park rides. You’ve got coasters, simulator rides, live shows, and areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ where you feel like you’re in the films. There’s also the Studio Tour, which takes you through real movie sets. The park’s split into two parts—the Upper Lot and Lower Lot—so it helps to have a plan so you’re not walking back and forth too much.
Most rides work for different ages, but some have height limits or can be a bit much for younger kids. We’ll get into that below. Crowds can be big, especially on weekends or holidays, so getting there early or grabbing Universal Express ticket can save you a lot of waiting around.
Start in the Lower Lot since it’s smaller but has big rides like Jurassic World and Mario Kart. Get those done early, then go to the Upper Lot for the Studio Tour and Harry Potter stuff. Save shows for the afternoon when you might want to rest your legs.
The Studio Tour takes about an hour, so plan it when you’ve got some time—midday is good since parts are indoors and you can sit. If you’ve got Express or VIP tickets, you can move around more freely since you’re not waiting as much.
Yeah, there are a few options. Flight of the Hippogriff has a 39-inch height minimum, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem lets kids under 40 inches ride with an adult. Super Silly Fun Land is also good for toddlers—it’s a play area with no height limits.
It depends. On a regular weekday, waits for big rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey might be 20-40 minutes. On busy days—like summer or holidays—it can be over an hour. The park’s app shows real-time waits while you’re there.
No, they don’t allow food or drinks on rides for safety reasons. There are places to eat nearby, and you can use lockers to stash stuff while you ride. Water bottles are fine to carry around, just not on the ride itself.
Most are, but it varies. The park has a Guest Assistance Pass if you need it, and many rides have accessible entrances or modified setups. The Studio Tour tram, for instance, has wheelchair-accessible cars. Check with Guest Services when you arrive or look at the park’s accessibility guide online.
Outdoor rides like Jurassic World: The Ride or Flight of the Hippogriff might be closed due to heavy rain or lightning. Indoor ones, like The Simpsons Ride or Revenge of the Mummy, usually keep going. The park doesn’t close completely unless it’s really bad, but you can ask staff if you’re unsure.
Most rides don’t allow cameras or phones out while you’re on them—it’s a safety thing. Some have on-ride photos you can buy afterward, like at Jurassic World: The Ride. You can take all the pictures you want outside the rides, though.
Yeah, there are benches and seating areas around the park. Shows like WaterWorld or the DreamWorks Theatre are good for sitting down for a bit. You can also find quieter spots in places like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ to take a breather.
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood Express Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience Tickets
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