From Super Nintendo World to Jurassic World, explore the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood with our complete guide to every must-do attraction.
Universal Studios Hollywood is home to some of the most exciting attractions in California, combining blockbuster movies, immersive worlds, and cutting-edge ride technology; making it a must on many USA bucket lists. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the very best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood, from heart-pounding thrill rides to family-friendly adventures. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to experience the park’s newest attractions, these are the rides you won’t want to miss.
Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
1. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Located inside Super Nintendo World, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge combines augmented reality, practical sets, and interactive gameplay to put you behind the wheel in a race against Team Bowser. Using a special AR visor, you’ll throw shells, collect coins, and compete for the highest score while travelling through iconic Mario Kart tracks. The ride is unlike anything else at Universal Studios Hollywood, making it a must-do for Nintendo fans and first-time visitors alike.
2. Jurassic World – The Ride
Jurassic World – The Ride is one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s most thrilling attractions, taking guests on a boat journey through the world of dinosaurs.
The adventure begins peacefully before everything goes spectacularly wrong, leading to encounters with Velociraptors and the terrifying Indominus Rex. The ride finishes with an exhilarating 84-foot drop that delivers an unforgettable splash, making it one of the park’s biggest adrenaline rushes. Whilst in the Jurassic park land, make sure to enjoy the Raptor experience, one of the best shows at Universal Studios Hollywood.
3. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Step inside Hogwarts Castle before boarding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, one of the park’s most immersive dark rides. Combining robotic ride technology, practical sets, and large projection screens, you’ll soar alongside Harry Potter through Quidditch matches, the Forbidden Forest, and encounters with Dementors and dragons.
Even the detailed queue through Hogwarts is considered an attraction in itself, making this one of the highlights of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Plus, this area is home to some of the best food at Universal Studios Orlando and of course, butterbeer!
4. Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
If you’re looking for speed, Revenge of the Mummy is one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s best roller coasters. This indoor launch coaster sends riders racing through an ancient Egyptian tomb filled with mummies, fire effects, scarab beetles, and unexpected twists. With sudden accelerations, backwards sections, and excellent theming throughout, it’s one of the park’s most exciting attractions for thrill seekers.
5. The World-Famous Studio Tour
No visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is complete without the legendary Studio Tour. Lasting around an hour, this iconic tram ride takes guests behind the scenes of a real working movie studio, passing famous film sets and backlots that have appeared in countless movies and TV shows.
Along the way you’ll experience spectacular attractions like King Kong 360 3-D, Earthquake, and the famous Jaws encounter. Because filming changes regularly, every tour is slightly different, making it one of the most unique theme park attractions in the world.
6. Transformers: The Ride 3D
Transformers: The Ride 3D combines motion simulation, massive projection screens, and detailed physical sets to place guests in the middle of an epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The fast-paced action, explosive special effects, and seamless blend of practical scenery and 3D technology create an incredibly immersive experience that remains one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s most popular rides.
7. The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
Perfect for families, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash is an exclusive attraction that can only be found at Universal Studios Hollywood. This charming dark ride follows Max, Duke, and their friends through New York City as guests become adorable rescue puppies searching for their forever home. Packed with impressive animatronics, colourful sets, and plenty of heartwarming moments, it’s one of the park’s most beautifully themed attractions.
8. Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff is a family-friendly roller coaster located beside Hogwarts Castle. After passing Hagrid’s hut, riders take a short but enjoyable flight around the grounds while catching fantastic views across Universal Studios Hollywood. Although it isn’t the most intense coaster in the park, its smooth ride, magical setting, and accessibility make it an excellent first roller coaster for younger visitors.
9. The Simpsons Ride
Fans of Springfield will love The Simpsons Ride, a motion simulator that throws guests into a hilarious adventure with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Packed with jokes, familiar characters, and over-the-top cartoon action, the ride perfectly captures the humour of the long-running television series while delivering plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
10. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a fun-filled simulator attraction where Gru transforms guests into Minions before sending them on a chaotic adventure through his laboratory. Filled with slapstick comedy, colourful animation, and appearances from all your favourite characters, it’s a fantastic family ride that’s especially popular with younger children and fans of the Despicable Me movies.
Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood FAQ
Many visitors consider Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge to be the best ride at Universal Studios Hollywood thanks to its unique augmented reality technology and interactive gameplay. For thrill seekers, Jurassic World – The Ride and Revenge of the Mummy are also among the park’s top attractions.
Jurassic World – The Ride is widely considered the scariest ride due to its thrilling dinosaur encounters and dramatic 84-foot drop. Revenge of the Mummy is another intense attraction, featuring high speeds, darkness, fire effects, and sudden launches.
If you’re arriving at park opening, head straight to Super Nintendo World to experience Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, as it often has the longest waits. After that, make your way to Jurassic World – The Ride and Revenge of the Mummy before crowds build.
The longest queues are usually for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World – The Ride, and The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. Visiting early in the morning or later in the evening can help reduce your wait.
If you’re visiting during weekends, holidays, or peak travel seasons, Universal Express can be well worth the extra cost. It allows you to skip the regular lines on most attractions, helping you experience significantly more rides in a single day.
Yes! Universal Studios Hollywood has several family-friendly attractions, including The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Super Silly Fun Land. Be sure to check the height requirements before your visit.
The newest major attraction is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which opened alongside Super Nintendo World. It combines physical sets with augmented reality to create one of the most innovative rides in the park.
Yes. Jurassic World – The Ride features an exciting 84-foot (25.6-metre) drop, making it the biggest drop on any ride at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood has around a dozen major rides and attractions, alongside live shows, interactive experiences, character meet-and-greets, and the famous World-Famous Studio Tour.
One day is usually enough to experience the park’s biggest attractions if you arrive early and plan your route. However, during busy periods, you may need Universal Express or early entry to fit everything into a single day. Take advantage of the many parking at Universal Studios Hollywood options and spend at least a day at this incredible theme park.
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