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A breakdown of the rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood

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.

What to expect at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles has a mix of roller coasters, motion-simulation rides, interactive attractions, live shows, and behind-the-scenes studio experiences. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, and Illumination's Minion Land bring popular movie and game franchises to life, while the World-Famous Studio Tour takes you through a real working movie studio.

The park is divided into the Upper Lot and Lower Lot, connected by a series of escalators known as the Starway. Some of the biggest thrill rides are on the Lower Lot, so plan your route to avoid unnecessary trips between the two areas.

Most rides work for different ages, but some rides have height limits, use motion simulation, sudden movements, or special effects that may not suit everyone.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.

Best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

RideRide typeThrill LevelWhat makes it worth riding

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift 🏎️

Outdoor roller coaster

🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢

A high-speed outdoor roller coaster with drifting-inspired movements and thrilling turns.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 🪄

Motion simulation / dark ride

🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢

An immersive adventure through Hogwarts featuring simulated flight, detailed sets, and magical effects.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride 💀

Indoor roller coaster

🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢

An intense indoor roller coaster with fast launches, dark tunnels, and supernatural effects.

Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge 🏁

Interactive augmented-reality ride

🎢 🎢 🎢

An interactive racing experience with augmented reality, themed environments, and virtual items.

World-Famous Studio Tour 🎬

Guided tram tour

🎢

A tram tour through a working movie studio featuring famous sets and special-effects experiences.

Jurassic World – The Ride 🦖

Water ride

🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢

A dinosaur-themed water ride featuring the Mosasaurus encounter and a dramatic finale.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D 🤖

3D motion simulator

🎢 🎢 🎢 🎢

A motion-simulation adventure featuring the Autobots, 3D visuals, and action-packed scenes.

The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash 🐾

Family dark ride

🎢

A family-friendly dark ride with animatronic characters and scenes inspired by the film.

Upper Lot attractions

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is an outdoor, high-speed roller coaster that opened on September 16, 2026. Inspired by the Fast & Furious film franchise, it features high-speed launches, inversions, and vehicles that rotate to create the sensation of drifting through turns. The ride has a minimum height requirement of 51 inches (129.5 cm). If you're looking for one of the park's most intense rides, put this one on your list.

The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

Join Max, Duke, Gidget, and Snowball on a family-friendly dark ride inspired by The Secret Life of Pets. You'll travel through New York City as a stray puppy looking for a home, passing detailed sets, animatronic characters, and familiar scenes from the films. It's a good option if you're visiting with younger children. The minimum height requirement is 34 inches (86.4 cm).

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Turn into a Minion for a motion-simulation adventure with Gru and his daughters. The ride combines animated scenes, movement, and comedy as you take part in a chaotic Minion training session. It's a popular choice for families, although the motion simulation may not suit visitors who are sensitive to movement. The minimum height requirement is 40 inches (101.6 cm). Children who meet the park's companion requirements may be able to ride with an adult.

Super Silly Fun Land

Super Silly Fun Land is a colourful play area inspired by Despicable Me. It features interactive play zones, carnival-style games, and the Silly Swirly ride, which spins through the air. It's a useful stop if you're visiting with younger children who need a break from the bigger rides. Check individual ride requirements and operating status on the day of your visit.

The Simpsons Ride™

Join Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie on a simulated trip through Krustyland. The Simpsons Ride uses a large domed screen, motion simulation, and 3D-style visuals to create the sensation of a chaotic roller coaster without a traditional coaster track. It has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches (101.6 cm). If you prefer actual roller coasters, note that this is a simulator ride rather than a conventional coaster.

Ollivanders™

Visit Ollivanders in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ to watch a wand-selection experience inspired by the Harry Potter stories. A wand may choose a wizard during the interactive presentation, and you can browse character wands and other merchandise afterward. This is a show and shopping experience rather than a ride, making it a good addition to your Harry Potter-themed visit.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

Enter Hogwarts Castle and join Harry and his friends on a magical adventure. This ride combines moving seats, large-scale sets, and projected scenes to simulate flying through the wizarding world. You'll encounter familiar characters and creatures along the way. The minimum height requirement is 48 inches (122 cm), and the ride's motion and effects may be intense for some visitors.

Flight of the Hippogriff™

This family-friendly roller coaster takes you past Hagrid's hut and around the pumpkin patch near Hogwarts Castle. It's a shorter, gentler coaster than many of the park's major thrill rides, making it a good introduction for younger visitors who meet the height requirement. Riders must be at least 39 inches (99.1 cm) tall to ride with a supervising companion, or 48 inches (122 cm) to ride alone.

Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge

Head into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ for Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, an interactive attraction inspired by the Mario Kart games. Wear augmented-reality goggles, race through themed environments, collect coins, and throw shells as you compete against Team Bowser. The ride combines physical sets, screens, and interactive gameplay. The minimum height requirement is 40 inches (101.6 cm). Allow extra time to explore the themed land around the attraction.

Lower Lot highlights

Jurassic World – The Ride

This water ride takes you through the world of Jurassic World, with dinosaurs, a close encounter with the Mosasaurus, and a dramatic finale featuring the Indominus rex. Expect splashes and a large drop, so you may get wet. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches (106.7 cm), and children under 48 inches (122 cm) must ride with a supervising companion.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride

Enter an ancient Egyptian tomb and race through dark corridors while escaping mummies and other supernatural threats. This indoor roller coaster combines fast launches, sudden turns, darkness, and special effects. It is one of the park's more intense rides and has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches (122 cm).

DinoPlay for Kids

DinoPlay is a dinosaur-themed play area designed for younger visitors. Children can explore interactive features, climb, and engage with dinosaur-inspired structures. It offers a break from the park's more intense attractions, particularly for families with children who are too young for some rides.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D

Join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in a battle against Megatron in this motion-simulation attraction. You'll board a N.E.S.T. vehicle and move through a series of action-packed scenes featuring 3D visuals and special effects. The minimum height requirement is 40 inches (101.6 cm), and children under 48 inches (122 cm) must ride with a supervising companion.

2026 closure notice: Jurassic World – The Ride is temporarily closed for refurbishment and is scheduled to reopen on November 21, 2026. Check the official park calendar before your visit in case the schedule changes.

Studio Tour and shows

World-Famous Studio Tour

The World-Famous Studio Tour takes you through a working movie studio on a tram, with an approximate duration of 60 minutes. You'll see backlot streets, filming locations, and special-effects experiences, including the Jaws encounter, King Kong 360 3D, and the Flash Flood experience. The tour is included with park admission, although its route and individual experiences may vary.

WaterWorld

WaterWorld is a live stunt show featuring high-speed action, dramatic stunts, explosions, and water-based effects. The performance is inspired by the Waterworld film and is a good way to take a break between rides. Some seating areas can get wet, so choose your seat with that in mind. Showtimes vary by date, so check the park schedule when planning your day.

DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda

DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda is an immersive theatre experience starring Po and other characters from Kung Fu Panda. It combines a large screen, motion effects, and themed storytelling. It's a good option for families and visitors looking for a break from roller coasters.

Tips for making the most of the rides and attractions

  • Start early or stay late: The park usually opens at 9 AM and gets busier around noon. To avoid long waits, hit rides like Jurassic World: The Ride or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey first. If you stay until closing, lines often get shorter, too.
  • Use the single-rider line: Some rides, like Revenge of the Mummy or Jurassic World: The Ride, have single-rider lines that can save you time. You won’t sit with your group, but it’s quicker if you don’t mind splitting up for the ride.
  • Get Express Tickets for faster access: If you don’t want to spend half your day in line, grab Express Tickets when you book online. They give you one-time faster access to each ride and show, which can cut waits down a lot—especially on busy days. Check out our skip-the-line tickets page for details.
  • Know the height rules: If you’ve got kids, check height requirements before you go. They’re posted at each ride, but knowing ahead helps you plan. For example, Flight of the Hippogriff works for smaller kids, but Revenge of the Mummy has a stricter 48-inch limit.
  • Bring a small bag: Lockers are near bigger rides—some are free for a short time, but they’re small. A backpack or fanny pack is best since loose items aren’t allowed on rides. If you’ve got bigger stuff, there are paid lockers near the entrance.
  • Stay hydrated and take breaks: Between the Upper and Lower lots, there’s lots of walking to do. There is an escalator, but it’s still a hike. Grab water or snacks when you can, and use shows like WaterWorld to sit down for a bit.

Plan your day around the rides

Morning: Start with major rides

Arrive before your chosen park opening time and check live wait times. Prioritise Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Revenge of the Mummy, and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, and Jurassic World.

Late morning: Explore the Upper Lot

Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and try Flight of the Hippogriff if it suits your group. Continue to The Simpsons Ride and Illumination's Minion Land.

Afternoon: Take the Studio Tour and catch a show

Set aside around 45–60 minutes for the World-Famous Studio Tour. Fit in WaterWorld or DreamWorks Theatre around the scheduled showtimes, and leave time for lunch and breaks.

Frequently asked questions about Universal Studios Hollywood rides and attractions

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.