Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood: Your 2023 In-Depth Guide

January 20, 2023

Are you ready for a fantastical day of movie-making magic and action-packed attractions that will leave you gripping your seat? Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Follow along as we do a deep dive into the best Universal Studios Hollywood rides!

A spell-binding day of wonderment awaits you! First, explore the dinosaur-laden land of Jurassic World™, then onto the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. There's sweeping excitement at this amusement powerhouse, with heart-stopping Universal Hollywood roller coasters like the Mummy's Revenge℠ and kid-friendly rides like the Flight of the Hippogriff™ and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™. 

Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

To help plan your day, we have an overview of the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood. Wondering how many rides are at Universal Studios Hollywood? There are 12 rides, one studio tour, and two shows! We'll spill the tea on the best and the scariest rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.

With descriptions in tow, you can know in advance if it's something you want to do. For instance, some lines can be up to an hour's wait and you wouldn't want to waste precious time when you could be spending it elsewhere. Keep reading as we share the best Universal Studios Hollywood rides 2023.

Pro Tip: Universal Studios Hollywood height requirements for most roller coasters are between 39" and 42", with a waistline of 40" or less. If in doubt, you can always try the seat tester provided at the attraction's entrance.

The Mummy Ride™ Universal Studios Hollywood

On the lower lot, this fab movie ride propels you back in time to an adventure of epic proportions. In the dimly lit cavern, you travel at speeds of 45 mph into complete darkness on the chase for the Mummy's revenge. This is one of the Universal Hollywood rides that may not be for small children with jaw-dropping special effects and winding sharp turns.

Related Post: In-Depth Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood Horror Nights

This is an actual roller coaster, not a 3D simulation ride. Express passes are permitted here as lines can be up to an hour or more during popular times.

Pro Tip: Universal guests can pay extra for the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass to enter attractions faster. The UEP doesn’t require guests to select return times but allows visitors one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and show.

photo credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

Harry Potter Ride™ Universal Studios Hollywood

If you're a Harry Potter fanatic, you'll be happy to know one of the best Universal Studios California rides, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, is just inside the celebrated Hogwarts. As guests wait in line, they walk the familiar halls of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hogwarts Castle, past Dumbledore's office, the Room of Requirement, and Gryffindor Common Room.

This motion simulation ride takes you high above the castle grounds on a thrilling journey with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Guests must be 48" tall for this unique adventure! And if you're wondering how long are the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood, they usually run for 4 to 4.5 minutes per ride.

Fun Fact: Coming in 2023, the whole family can enjoy  SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, with three new epic rides, Mario Kart, Yoshi's Adventure, and a Donkey Kong mine cart roller coaster.

Related Post: Upcoming Events at Universal Studios Hollywood

Another imaginative delight to the senses is the Flight of the Hippogriff™. Here visitors enter the Care of Magical Creature grounds, where Hagrid teaches how to ride this supernatural beast. Onboard, rides careen through a pumpkin patch and dive past Hagrid's home on this family-friendly roller coaster. It's perfectly thrilling for youngsters and jubilant riders of all ages. The minimum height requirement is 39".

Interesting Fact: Throughout history, Universal Studios Hollywood's backlot has been damaged by nine fires. Some were due to natural brush fires, while others were accidental or caused by arsonists.

Photo Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

Jurassic Park® Ride Universal Studios Hollywood

You'll find Jurassic Park the Ride as you enter Jurassic World™ on the lower lot. With fierce predators around every bend, you can expect an immersive experience before you even hop on the coaster. In addition, Jurassic World hosts a raptor encounter, a dino play area, and the Jurassic Café.

Related Post: Insider’s Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood™

Jurassic World The Ride Universal Studios Hollywood recently underwent a major renovation, and the improvement is worth the lengthy wait time. Of all the best rides Universal Hollywood has to offer, this is arguably the most heartstopping. The staggering 84-foot drop leaves most fans breathless, as does a head-on confrontation with the stalking Indominus Rex. Children between 42-48" must ride with a companion.

People splashing in the water on the Jurassic World ride at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, USA

photo credit: Visit California via Facebook

The Simpsons Ride™ Universal Studios Hollywood

Enter Krustyland™, a marvel world where Krusty the Clown entertains the masses, and the  Simpson family rules supreme. Located on the upper lot, this iconic 3-D simulated ride won’t disappoint Simpson fans that it’s not a roller coaster. Instead, the creative geniuses behind this ride's design bring to life the show inside the theater.

Guests experience unseen Simpson footage and other interactive activities while waiting in line. Altogether, a trip to the Simpsons Ride is definitely one of the most entertaining Universal Studios California rides 2022. This ride requires young guests between 40-48" to ride with a supervising companion. Those over 48 inches are free to ride unaccompanied.

Pro Tip: If you're prone to motion sickness, you might want to take over-the-counter medication or avoid this ride altogether.

exterior view of the simpsons ride krustyland at universal studios hollywood californiaTransformers the Ride 3D™ Universal Studios Hollywood

A list of the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood 2022 is not complete without the Transformers Ride. The thrilling Transformers—the Ride 3D is a fan favorite that journeys into a futuristic, machine warzone. Riders face off with Optimus Prime as they battle Decepticons over four stories.

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This awe-inspiring ride uses flight simulation technology and 3D-HD media to create a profoundly innovative world. Those over 48" are free to ride unaccompanied, but those between 40-48" must ride with a companion.

Photo Alert: Inside the queue, visitors can take pictures with the robotic marvels; Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, and Decepticons.

Despicable Me™ Ride Universal Studios Hollywood

Still wondering how many rides are at Universal Studios Hollywood 2022? There are 12 exciting rides, including one that's full of yellow google-eyed banana-lovers. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ is one of the Universal LA rides that is a computer-animated, simulated ride attraction with a cartoonish fun vibe. Join Gru and his daughters alongside the playful Minions on a dreamy trip through his supervillain lab. The virtual coaster, Minion Ride Universal Studios Hollywood elicits laughter and thrills for the whole family.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of the Child Switch Off program. If you have children who cannot ride a ride, one adult can wait with the child in the attraction's Child Switch room. Then, when the other party returns, you can switch and take a companion with you.

The times at Universal Studios Hollywood are spent with family! We have more tips for entertaining tiny tykes in Hollywood with our Parents Guide on Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids.

a mother and daughter posing with the Minion characters

photo credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

King Kong Ride™ Universal Studios Hollywood

Another dramatic, enthralling ride is the award-winning King Kong Encounter 360-3D. Created by film director Peter Jackson, it's the world's largest 3-D experience, only found on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour (upper lot).

Your heart can't help but race during the captivating battle between a 35-foot T-Rex and the lord of the jungle, King Kong.

photo credit: Overplanner.com via Facebook

Other Universal Studio Hollywood Rides

See how many rides at Universal Hollywood you can experience in a day!

Iconic signature rides include the Jaws Ride Universal Studios Hollywood. This attraction opened in 1976 following the blockbuster hit movie and takes place on several sets from the film in the Studio Tour.

Another dreamy film classic turned ride is the Back to the Future Ride Universal Studios Hollywood. Inspired by the Back to the Future franchise, the dynamic motion simulator ride had a great run before The Simpsons Ride replaced it in 2007. Another cult favorite, the ET Ride Universal Studios Hollywood, has also been removed, though it still resides at Universal Studios Florida.

Related Post: 8 Remarkable Things to Do in Hollywood at Night

In addition, there are Universal Studios Hollywood new rides 2023 to look forward to! The Secret Life of Pets: Revenge of Pets Off the Leash, a brand new ride, is now open!

Though there are no slides or water rides at Universal Studios Hollywood, you may welcome a brief splash on a hot summer day. Chances are, if you’re sitting up close in the front seats at the incredible WaterWorld™ attraction, you might get a cooldown!

photo credit: Theme Park Connect via Facebook

Universal Studio Hollywood Insider Tips:

  1. Buy your tickets in advance naturally through Tripster for the best online rate.
  2. Eat a hearty breakfast before you arrive.
  3. The early bird gets the best parking spot! Get to the park before the park's opening.
  4. Hydrate at the park by bringing your own water (2-liter bottles allowed) or purchase a Universal Souvenir cup.
  5. Wear sunscreen and a hat for protection against those nasty UV rays.
  6. The park no longer requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19, though guests still need to wear masks for inside shows and rides.
  7. Extra hand sanitation stations are available throughout Universal.
  8. The following items are prohibited: weapons, alcoholic beverages, drugs, hard-sided coolers, suitcases, segways, hoverboards, and drones.
  9. Small snacks, baby formula, and food required for special dietary needs are allowed.
  10. Selfie sticks are permitted.

Pro Tip: Universal does not offer refunds for rainy days. So, make sure to watch the weather report before heading out.

Universal Studios Hollywood Hotels

Just like choosing rides, finding a hotel can be challenging! Fortunately, Tripster has options all over Los Angeles. Whether you want to stay in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or by the beach, take a look at these fantastic lodgings.

photo credit: Active
Hollywood Hotel - The Hotel of Hollywood via Facebook

Universal Studios Hollywood Backstory

In Universal City, California, Universal Studios Hollywood is a key Los Angeles attraction, part film studio and part theme park. The "Entertainment Capital of LA" is one of the oldest and most famous working Hollywood film studios. The coasters and attractions are split between upper and lower lots, connected by an escalator. The lower level has three thundering rides: Jurassic World™, Revenge of the Mummy℠ , and 3D Transformers™.

Since Universal Studios Hollywood has the best theme park rides and leading screen-based attractions in town (think War of the Worlds dramatic set show), the choices can be overwhelming. With twelve electrifying rides, one enthralling studio tour, and two fabulous shows, you're set for a day of unadulterated fun, laughs, and megawatt thrills.

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood™: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals

Your time is valuable at the park, and you must spend it wisely! So, we've highlighted each attraction and provided insider tips to help you make the most of your day and get the most bang for your buck!

Six to seven hours should be enough for the most sublime Universal Studio Hollywood experience. However, with Tripster's Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets, you can breeze past the line, knowing you've received the best online rate!

Keep reading for the top Universal Studios Hollywood™ rides ranked in awesomeness, along with answers to the most researched questions such as how many rides are there at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Universal Studios entrance and red carpet with palm trees lining it at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, USA

photo credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

Book Your Universal Studios Hollywood Ride Adventure Today!

Now that you know how many rides at universal studios Hollywood you want to experience, it's time to book your tickets and play your stay!

The dazzling lights of Hollywood get even brighter riding the attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. If you buy your discounted tickets through Tripster—you'll experience bold, innovative roller coasters, 3-D technology, and amazing simulated rides.

There's also the nearby Universal CityWalk® with a collection of shops, restaurants, and a seven-story IMAX theater. If one day of rides isn't enough at Universal, you can always explore Disneyland® Theme Parks, Boomers  Los Angeles, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood for an even more spectacular Los Angeles vacation.

Which is Your Favorite Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Leave us a comment below!


close up of Erin smiling on a sunny day

Written By Erin

Erin Poche` is a Utah-based writer and editor for Tripster and contributing writer for BeyondType1. She also writes and edits for an indie publisher of fanta ...

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