Your guide to Universal Studios Hollywood rides and attractions

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

The park mixes movie stuff with theme park rides. You’ve got coasters, simulator rides, live shows, and areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ where you feel like you’re in the films. There’s also the Studio Tour, which takes you through real movie sets. The park’s split into two parts—the Upper Lot and Lower Lot—so it helps to have a plan so you’re not walking back and forth too much.

Most rides work for different ages, but some have height limits or can be a bit much for younger kids. We’ll get into that below. Crowds can be big, especially on weekends or holidays, so getting there early or grabbing Express Tickets can save you a lot of waiting around.

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.

Planning your day around the rides

Start in the Lower Lot since it’s smaller but has big rides like Jurassic World and Mario Kart. Get those done early, then go to the Upper Lot for the Studio Tour and Harry Potter stuff. Save shows for the afternoon when you might want to rest your legs.

The Studio Tour takes about an hour, so plan it when you’ve got some time—midday is good since parts are indoors and you can sit. If you’ve got Express or VIP tickets, you can move around more freely since you’re not waiting as much.