Universal Studios Hollywood Rides: Lots & Tips

To help everyone plan the perfect Universal Studios Hollywood RIDES itinerary, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the park’s attractions. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know — height requirements, thrill levels, and which rides are truly worth the wait in line.

How Many Rides Does Universal Studios Hollywood Have?

Currently, Universal Studios Hollywood features 8 major rides, divided between the Upper Lot and Lower Lot.

👉 Important Note: The park’s highly anticipated new outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, has officially been announced to open in Summer 2026.

Here’s your ultimate guide to all the must-know highlights and ride breakdowns.

Upper Lot Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Rides

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Fly alongside Harry Potter through Hogwarts Castle and the Forbidden Forest. This isn’t a traditional roller coaster. Your seat is attached to a robotic arm that twists, tilts, and lifts you through massive 3D screen scenes.

• Height Requirement: Minimum 48 inches (122 cm).

This is one of the rides most likely to cause motion sickness in the entire park. It can be pretty intense for anyone who doesn’t normally ride coasters.

The Secret Life of Pets

Guests become a little stray puppy riding through New York City in search of a forever home. It’s surprisingly heartwarming and family-friendly.

• Height Requirement: Minimum 34 inches (86 cm).

As soon as you enter the park, check the official app to see whether virtual line reservations are required.

The Simpsons Ride

Eight guests sit inside a motion simulator vehicle that shakes and swings wildly in front of a giant dome screen, creating the feeling of free-falling, crashing, and racing through a chaotic Simpsons-themed amusement park.

• Height Requirement: Minimum 40 inches (102 cm).

If you’re sensitive to motion simulation or screen-based rides, be extra careful with this one.

Flight of the Hippogriff

A relatively mild outdoor family coaster. It’s not very fast, but the highest point gives you a great view of Hogwarts Castle.

• Height Requirement: Minimum 39 inches (99 cm).

The ride itself is extremely short. It’s over in less than a minute. If the wait time is longer than 30 minutes, it’s probably not worth it.

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Lower Lot Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Rides

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

The signature attraction inside Super Nintendo World. Guests wear AR goggles and ride in real karts while steering through drifts, firing green shells, and competing against Team Bowser in an interactive race.

• Height Requirement: Minimum 42 inches (107 cm).

If you want to collect coins and track your scores, it’s worth buying a Power-Up Band and linking it to the app.

Jurassic World – The Ride

A classic water ride with a massive splashdown. You’ll escape from the terrifying Indominus Rex before plunging down an 84-foot drop.

• Height Requirement: Minimum 42 inches (107 cm).

It’s smart to bring a poncho ahead of time, or ride between 1–3 PM when the sun is strongest so your clothes dry faster.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride

An indoor high-speed launch coaster and easily one of the most intense rides in the park.

• Height Requirement: Minimum 48 inches (122 cm).

The ride has very strict loose-item rules. Backpacks, cameras, and even Harry Potter wands must be stored in the free lockers near the entrance before boarding.

Transformers: The Ride 3D

You’ll board a motion-based ride vehicle and race through collapsing skyscrapers alongside Optimus Prime and Megatron. It’s an incredibly immersive 3D dark ride experience.

• Height Requirement: Minimum 40 inches (102 cm).

This ride is located very close to Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic World, so it’s easy to group all three together and save time.

10 Insider Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood Rides

1. Knock Out the Lower Lot Rides First

I suggest heading straight to the Lower Lot at park opening and finish Jurassic World, Revenge of the Mummy, and Transformers within 30 minutes.

2. Take Motion Sickness Medicine Ahead of Time

Don’t try to tough it out. I took a Dramamine before riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and a lot of American visitors swear by it too.

3. Sit on the Left Side for the Studio Tour

Trust me on this one — the left side of the tram gives you the best views of the Jaws shark and the Psycho house.

4. Protect Your Shoes and Bags on Jurassic World

Before riding Jurassic World, I covered my shoes and bag with a poncho. That final splash can absolutely soak you if you’re sitting near the front.

5. Revenge of the Mummy Has Strict Locker Rules

The staff checks very carefully. Even our phones and Harry Potter wands had to go into the free lockers before riding.

6. Use the Single Rider Line for Mario Kart

I used the free Single Rider line and saved over an hour compared to the regular standby line.

7. Look Down if You Start Feeling Dizzy

When I felt motion sick on the 3D simulator rides, lowering my head and looking at the floor helped a lot.

8. The Power-Up Band Is Worth It

I spent about $40 on a Power-Up Band, and it made Mario Kart way more fun since you can track your score in real time.

9. Use Child Switch if You Have Kids

When a child isn’t tall enough for a ride, families can use the free Child Switch system so parents can take turns riding without waiting twice.

10. Bring Plenty of Water and Sun Protection

The California sun can be brutal, especially while waiting in outdoor lines. I was really glad I brought water and sunglasses!!!

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