Planning a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood but not sure which rides are actually worth it (or the wait)? I’ve been there, literally!
I’ve visited Universal in Singapore and Orlando, but this was my first time exploring the Hollywood park. Most of my earlier memories are a blur except one: when my mom got tricked into riding Revenge of the Mummy in Singapore. She thought it was a kiddie ride, and let’s just say, she didn’t talk to us for a while after that. 😂
This time, I brought my thrill-loving cousin Renz and my brave little niece Sofia. We each had different comfort levels with rides, so we set out to try as much as we could, from kid-friendly attractions to heart-pounding coasters.
If you’re visiting with a group of mixed ages (or courage levels), this guide ranks the rides from best to skip-worthy, based on our real experiences.
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Best Universal Studios Hollywood Rides by Category
Here’s a quick look at which rides stood out the most from family favourites to full-on adrenaline rushes.
| Category | Ride | Why We Chose It |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Ride | Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | The perfect mix of thrill, storytelling, and immersive effects |
| Best Roller Coaster | Revenge of the Mummy | Indoor thrills, sudden drops, and intense speed |
| Best Simulator Ride | Transformers: The Ride 3D | Stunning visuals, fast-paced action, and classic characters |
| Best Family Ride | The Secret Life of Pets | Adorable animatronics and kid-friendly pacing |
| Best Ride for Kids | Flight of the Hippogriff | A Harry Potter-themed coaster with no loops |
| Best Ride for Movie Fans | Studio Tour | Go behind the scenes of real Hollywood sets and special effects |
| Best Ride for Gamers | Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge | Interactive gameplay with AR tech that feels like you’re in the game |
Top 10 Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood Ranked (Best to Skip-Worthy)
Renz and I ranked the rides separately, and while we didn’t always agree on the exact order, our picks were pretty close. Some rides were instant favourites, while others felt more like “do it if you have extra time.”
We’re counting them down from #10 to #1, not necessarily from bad to best, but from “you can probably skip this if you’re short on time” to “you have to ride this.” These rankings are based on our real experiences as a group of mixed-age visitors.
Let’s count them down!
📌 Note: This guide only includes actual rides at Universal Studios Hollywood, meaning attractions with ride vehicles or motion elements. We didn’t include WaterWorld or the Ollivanders Wand Experience, since they’re technically shows (though still worth seeing!). Also, Jurassic World – The Ride was closed for maintenance during our visit, so we weren’t able to include it in our rankings.
10. Kung Fu Panda Adventure
Renz: #10 | Gail: #10
Thrill Level: Low
Best For: All ages, tired feet, and AC breaks
A 4D theatre-style ride starring Po and the gang. It’s visually fun but felt more like watching a movie than going on a ride.
What to Expect:
- Moving seats, wind effects, and big-screen action
- Family-friendly story with DreamWorks characters
Renz’s Take: It’s entertaining, but more sit-down movie than a ride.
Gail’s Take: Honestly, I welcomed the air conditioning. Not thrilling, but a good break.
Kids Take: Sofia enjoyed it, especially the seat movements. Her younger brother, (2 years old) sat with his mom. They turned off the seat motion for safety.
Kung Fu Panda Adventure may not be the most thrilling ride in the park, but it delivers a fun, family-friendly experience for everyone.
💡 If you get motion sickness easily, pack Dramamine or a motion patch. They saved me more than once.
9. The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
Renz: #9 | Gail: #9
Thrill Level: Low
Best For: Toddlers, preschoolers, and anyone who loves cute animals
This gentle slow-moving ride follows a puppy’s journey to finding a forever home.
What to Expect:
- Animatronic dogs, fun scents, water spritzers
- Interactive queue (perfect for impatient kids)
Renz’s Take: It was adorable! The kids loved it!
Gail’s Take: I loved the queue! The ending made me smile.
Kids Take: They both enjoyed the ride and loved seeing the animated dogs.
A must-do if you’re with little ones.
8. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Renz: #7 | Gail: #8
Thrill Level: Mild
Best For: Younger kids, Minion fans
A motion simulator that shrinks you down into a Minion. Cute, chaotic, and very yellow.
What to Expect:
- Virtual adventure with Gru and the girls
- A dance party on the way out!
Renz’s Take: Funny and fun, and exciting.
Gail’s Take: An experience for kids. Great for younger visitors.
Sofia’s Review: Loved it! Especially the post-ride dance party.
Skip if you’re looking for thrills. Worth it for laughs or a midday break.
7. Harry Potter – Flight of the Hippogriff
Renz: #8 | Gail: #7
Thrill Level: Mild
Best For: Potterheads, coaster beginners
An outdoor roller coaster with views of Hogwarts Castle. Not scary, just fast and fun.
What to Expect:
- No loops, very kid-friendly
- Queue features Hagrid’s hut and Buckbeak!
Renz’s Take: It’s a fun ride, but it’s too short to rank higher for me
Gail’s Take: Renz and I are both Harry Potter fans, so we absolutely would ride this. I wish it lasted longer, I blinked, and it was over. But still, we’d ride again for the views!
Sofia’s Review: She was nervous at first, but we pointed out the Hogwarts castle, and she giggled all the way through. And before you know it, we were going down and sideways and then just like that, it was over. No time for her to get scared.
Great ride for younger kids or first-time coaster riders.
While you’re in Hogsmeade, check out these too:
✉️ How to send a real postcard from Hogsmeade’s Owl Post
📸 The best Harry Potter Instagram captions for your magical moments
6. Studio Tour (Hollywood Backlot)
Renz: #6 | Gail: #6
Thrill Level: Moderate
Best For: Movie fans, tired legs, and anyone who wants the full Universal experience.
This iconic tram tour takes you through real movie sets, plus a few surprising ride elements (King Kong 3D?! Yes, please).
What to Expect:
- Behind-the-scenes peeks at sound stages and backlots
- Immersive 3D like King Kong and Fast & Furious
Renz’s Take: We took this tour years ago. I like the 3D elements of King Kong and the earthquake/flood simulation.
Gail’s Take: I honestly thought it would just be a calm tour of filming sets, but it turned out to be way more interactive than I expected! The King Kong part was wild, and yes, Norman Bates actually chased our tram (did not see that coming).
Both kids rode this, the little one actually fell asleep, and Sofia was a little scared at first, but ended up enjoying it too. It’s not super intense, but it definitely has its moments.
A must for movie lovers. It’s an hour long.
5. The Simpsons Ride
Renz #4 | Gail # 5
Thrill Level: Moderate
Best For: Simulator fans, Springfield superfans
You’re on a Krustyland adventure with Homer and the gang, chaotic in every direction. Might trigger motion sickness for some.
What to Expect:
- Motion simulator + visual gags + in-your-face humour
Renz’s Take: Funny and enjoyed the ride.
Gail’s Take: It’s like being inside a cartoon on caffeine. I enjoyed it, but there were parts that felt a bit dizzying for me.
Sofia had fun too!
Great for fans of The Simpsons. Maybe not for those who just ate a chili dog.
⭐ Want to skip the long lines in the Wizarding World?
See Universal Express Pass options
4. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Renz: #2 | Gail: #4
Thrill Level: Moderate
Best For: Gamers, families
Nintendo fans, this is YOUR moment! Remember staying up late playing Mario Kart with your cousins or friends? This is like that, but in real life and SO much cooler.
Located in the brand-new Super Nintendo World, this ride combines classic kart racing with interactive AR gameplay. It’s part ride, part video game!
This was actually the first ride we did for the day (we had early access), and the line filled up fast. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the whole park, for good reason.
What to Expect:
- You’ll wear an AR visor that lets you aim and shoot at Team Bowser
- Ride vehicles follow a slow-moving track, but the real excitement is in the gameplay
- You collect coins, steer, and try to beat Bowser’s team as a group
Renz’s Take: I ranked this #2 because it’s such a unique experience. I was looking forward to this! Felt like being inside Mario Kart. The tech was amazing!
Gail’s Take: It’s an amazing ride, but I found the augmented reality lens hard to adjust to, which made it a bit harder to focus. Still, the ride is visually stunning.
Sofia enjoyed the ride. She had fun collecting the coins.
Go early! This one fills up fast. Take your time exploring Super Nintendo World. It’s a must-see!
3. Transformers: The Ride 3D
Renz: #5 | Gail: #3
Thrill Level: High
Best For: Action movie fans, immersive ride lovers
This 3D motion simulator combines live-action sequences, stunning visuals, and intense motion to create an immersive battle between Autobots and Decepticons.
What to Expect:
- Giant screens and set pieces that move around you
- Appearances from Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron
- Intense scenes that simulate falling, flying, and being caught mid-battle
Renz’s Take: Top-tier visuals and non-stop action. Loved it! Highly recommend to Transformers fans.
Gail’s Take: I appreciated the storytelling and the impressive 3D technology. It’s definitely worth a try, especially for Transformers fans. It was a fun ride. Seeing Optimus Prime and Megatron battle it out, and you’re there as if you’re in the middle of the action was exciting. I admit, I let out a scream lol.
Worth the wait. Use the single rider line if you’re short on time.
2. Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
Renz: #3 | Gail: #2
Thrill Level: High
Best For: Roller coaster fans, thrill-seekers
Dark, fast and full of surprises. You won’t know what’s coming next, in the best way. Not for the faint of heart. But definitely worth riding.
What to Expect:
- High-speed indoor roller coaster
- Dark ride with sudden drops and turns
- Creepy scenes and mummy curses
Renz’s Take: This ride is intense! The speed, the sharp turns, and the dark atmosphere make it one of my top picks. It’s a roller coaster that keeps you guessing.
Gail’s Take: I remember riding this decades ago when it had a fire element (Universal Studios Singapore) before the plunge. It’s no longer there, but it’s still awesome. I especially loved the air simulation that made it feel like spiders were crawling on my feet during the spider scene. So creepy, but so cool!”
1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Renz: #1 | Gail: #1
Thrill Level: High
Best For: Older kids, teens, and adults especially Harry Potter fans
This ride easily claimed the top spot for both of us. It combines state-of-the-art visuals, immersive storytelling, and a thrilling adventure through the Wizarding World. You fly with Harry, dodge dragons and battle Dementors.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is a must-do.
What to Expect:
- A unique ride that blends motion simulation, real sets, and animatronics
- Encounters with dragons, Dementors, spiders, and the Whomping Willow
- The queue winds through Hogwarts Castle, you’ll see talking portraits, Dumbledore’s office, the House Points counter and more easter eggs.
Renz’s Take: Hands down the best. The effects, the storyline, everything was next-level. I loved every second of it!
Gail’s Take: This ride is pure magic. You really feel like you’re flying alongside Harry. I may or may not have screamed when the Dementors showed up, and yes, I’d still ride it again in a heartbeat.
Use the Single Rider line, it was nearly empty when we went, and saved us tons of time. There are big spiders during the ride, something to keep in mind if you have arachnophobia.
Need a Hogwarts-ready outfit? Here are the Best Harry Potter costumes for Universal Studios.
Best Time to Ride Each Attraction
Since wait times vary, adding the best time to ride will help visitors plan their day efficiently.
| Ride | Best Time to Ride |
|---|---|
| Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge | First thing in the morning or late at night |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | Morning or use the Single Rider Line |
| Revenge of the Mummy | Anytime (Single Rider Line available) |
| Transformers: The Ride 3D | Mid-morning or late afternoon |
| The Studio Tour | Midday to take a break from walking |
Best Photo Spots You Don’t Want to Miss
Universal Studios Hollywood has tons of iconic backdrops, from magical castles to chaotic ride exits, here are the can’t-miss photo ops around the park:
- Hogwarts Castle at golden hour: The lighting makes it extra magical
- The shark from Jaws on the Studio Tour
- Mario warp pipe entrance at Super Nintendo World
What to Pack for a Day at Universal Studios Hollywood
Don’t get caught off guard, the weather can shift, lines can be long, and there’s a lot of walking. Here’s a quick list of essentials that made our visit smoother and more comfortable:
- Refillable water bottle (hydration is key!) – Stay hydrated all day without buying overpriced drinks. I use a lightweight bottle that keeps water cold for hours. Perfect for long queues and sunny walkways.
- Portable phone charger or power bank – Don’t let your battery die mid-day when you need it for photos or the Universal app. A slim power bank keeps you going from rope drop to closing.
- Light jacket – Beat the evening chill with a packable jacket that folds into your bag. Ideal for shaded queues and cooler nighttime shows.
- Hat and high-SPF sunscreen – Protect your skin during outdoor queues.
- Small sling bag or belt bag – Hands-free is the way to go at Universal. A compact sling bag keeps everything secure and easy to access, even on ride lockers.
- Extra socks – Save yourself from soggy feet after Jurassic World splashes or unexpected drizzles. Dry socks = happier walking for the rest of the day.
- Motion sickness medication – Enjoy the simulator rides without feeling woozy.
- Cooling towel or portable fan – especially in summer. A mini fan or cooling towel makes a huge difference on hot Hollywood days.
- Wet wipes (disinfecting wipes and facial wipes) and hand sanitizer -Clean up quickly after popcorn, butterbeer, or touching ride restraints. Great for staying fresh between rides.
✅ Tip: Pack light but smart. A few well-chosen items can make a long day at the park way more comfortable.
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Rides to Skip (Unless You Have Extra Time)
Not all rides are created equal, especially when you’re short on time. These aren’t bad, but if the lines are long or your feet are tired, you might want to prioritize other attractions:
- Kung Fu Panda Adventure: Cute and family-friendly, but more like a 4D movie
- The Simpsons Ride: Hilarious, but not ideal for anyone prone to motion sickness
- The Secret Life of Pets: Great for younger kids, less exciting for older ones
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best first ride of the day?
Definitely start with Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. The line gets long FAST. We had early access and still saw it fill up within minutes. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Forbidden Journey is also a magical way to kick things off.
Is Universal Studios Hollywood good for young kids?
Yes! There are several rides and experiences perfect for little ones, like The Secret Life of Pets and Kung Fu Panda Adventure. My niece Sofia (5) had a blast.
Is the Studio Tour worth it?
Yes! especially if you’re a movie fan or need a break from walking. It’s not thrilling in the roller-coaster sense, but it’s iconic, informative, and has some surprising effects like King Kong and Fast & Furious.
What if I get motion sickness?
Some simulator rides can trigger motion sickness. If you’re sensitive, ride on an empty stomach, sit in the middle seats, or skip the more intense ones.
What rides have single rider lines?
Single rider lines are a game-changer. We used them for: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Revenge of the Mummy. Single Rider access is based on availability and may change without notice. It’s not always open, so check the app or ask a Team Member when you get to the ride.
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
Absolutely! Universal Studios Hollywood delivered a day full of thrills, laughter, and unforgettable moments and not just for the kids. Whether it was flying through Hogwarts or screaming through the dark on The Mummy, every ride offered something different. And thanks to a little pre-planning, we avoided most of the stress.
As someone who’s been to Universal parks in Singapore and Orlando, I can say this one has its own charm and character. It may be smaller, but it’s packed with magic, movie moments, and memories waiting to happen.
Plan smart, pace yourself, and don’t forget to take in the little details, that’s where the real magic hides.
If you’ve been to Universal Studios Hollywood (or are planning a trip soon), I’d love to hear your favourite ride or must-do tip! Feel free to leave a comment in my Facebook page or share this post with a fellow theme park fan.
