Are you ready to take on some of the BEST rides at Universal Studios Hollywood?
As much as I love Universal Orlando Resort, I have started to grow more of a soft spot for the original big sister park, Universal Studios Hollywood.
She may be smaller, but she still packs a punch with her shows, attractions and rides.
Think of it like this:
Disneyland is the original and smaller, but still much beloved and has plenty to offer.
Walt Disney World is bigger but the baby sister with plenty of room for growth.
This is how you could look at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Today, I will be bringing a special focus on big sister Universal Studios Hollywood and the best attractions offerings at the park, specifically:
- Why We Love It
- Brief History
- Ride Stats
- Tips for the Attractions
- The Thrilling Rides and a Few Family-Friendly Attractions
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
1. Jurassic World: The Ride
I have touched base on how epic this water-based ride is in a full depth article, but I can briefly touch on it here!
Jurassic World: The Ride encompasses the beauty of how technology and storytelling mesh to create a truly immersive, thrilling attraction.
This Universal Studios Hollywood ride was originally similar to the Jurassic Park water ride.
The difference in these two are what allow for excellent and unique experiences.
Why We Love This Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
Jurassic World: The Ride touches on the story of the Jurassic World film.
It takes aspects of the film to allow you to feel as though you’re right in the midst of the action that they have seen on screen years before.
Universal Creative worked closely with the director and producer of the 2015 film to perfectly blend elements of the ride and film as one, to present to Spielberg for approval.
A key highlight of the ride is the Mosasaurus, in which Industrial Light and Magic worked with Universal Creative to craft the realistic tank that utilizes 4 high definition screens on either sides of the boats.
The attraction features updated and larger animatronics that move far smoother than its predecessors as well. Making it one of the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Jurassic World: The Ride (Stats)
This water attraction has a 3 chain lift hill system, a stomach dropping 84 foot drop at its climax and lasts a total of 7 minutes.
As you explore Jurassic World, you may even run into a T-Rex or an Indominus along the way.
Get up to 21% off of your Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets with Groupon TODAY!
2. The Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash
This popular family friendly dark ride is based on the “Secret Life of Pets” animated franchise.
The Secret Life of Ride follows a group of domesticated pets and their adventures outside of their apartment complex.
This animated media franchise has earned $1.3 billion in revenue from its films, so it only makes sense that the vibe from this wacky, silly, fun loving movies would be a perfect fit for Universal Hollywood’s Super Silly Fun Land area.
Why We Love This Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
The ride’s queue is themed after Katie’s apartment, and features animatronics of Max and Duke explaining the ride’s plot, which involves the park guests, now “transformed into puppies,” getting ready to be adopted.
This Universal Studios Hollywood ride is a highly immersive dark ride with a wide assortment of special effects and over 60 animatronics of characters from the franchise.
Afterwards, you then exit through the gift shop, themed to a pet adoption center.
It had a delayed opening due to the recent pandemic but opened nonetheless to rave reviews.
One particular complaint you will find amongst guests is the ability to fit comfortably but there is a tester seat available prior to going through the queue line.
Occasionally, the attraction does use a virtual queue system via the app so check on it when you arrive at the park.
3. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
This next one is the main attraction of the brand new Super Nintendo World’s Mari Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
The ride is an Augmented Reality (AR) dark ride that is based on the Mario Kart 8 video game.
I am a fan due to the intricate theming, detailed sets and innovative technology that Universal Creative managed to bring to life with the help of Nintendo.
Making it one of the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Some have criticized it a bit due to the fact that it’s a slow moving dark ride based on a vide game where speed is key and the AR can be a bit disorienting.
This version is the second in existence, with the first being created at Universal Studios Japan.
Several more versions will be opening at Epic Universe in Orlando and Universal Studios Singapore.
Why We Love This Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
You will be taken through various race courses from Mario Kart 8 including:
- N64 Royal Raceway (Nintendo 64)
- GBA Mario Circuit (Gameboy Advance)
- 3DS Piranha Plant Slide
- Dolphin Shoals
- Twisted Mansion
- Cloudtop Cruise
- Wii Grumble Volcano
- Rainbow Road
If your team can collectively gather 100 points, Team Mario wins! However, if you don’t Team Bowser wins.
How long does the Mario ride last at Universal Studios?
The attraction lasts 4 minutes and seats 4 rides per car.
Because the ride is very popular and new, you can expect wait times of up to two hours unless you have an Express Pass or gain early entry into the land for an additional fee.
Save up to 65% off exploring the attractions in Los Angeles with Groupon TODAY!
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (The Castle Ride)
In late 2011, Universal announced that it would open The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016, and that one of the attractions would be Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
On April 7, 2016, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade opened at Universal Studios Hollywood with the rides Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey and Flight of The Hippogriff debuting with the new section.
Unlike its Florida sister, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey featured 3D HD Technology, in which guests wore 3D “Quidditch” glasses.
Although the 3D effects were removed only eight months later on December 4, 2016, the ride was updated with 4K 120 FPS on March 28, 2017.
Why We Love This Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
The attraction features a Robocoaster G2 ride system and the ride itself was designed by Universal Creative in collaboration with Warner Bros Recreation Group.
It is considered one of the crown jewels of most Universal Parks, and for Hollywood, it is no exception.
The attraction is a credit to the Wizarding World and truly places you in the world of Harry Potter in the most magical way possible making it one of the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Most people, like myself, are impressed by the queue line alone as the care to detail when you’re walking through Hogwarts Castle is extremely immersive.
The ride may not be comfortable for some due to the restraints and seating, but a test seat is available.
Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey seats 4 per vehicle and lasts about 4 minutes in total.
5. Universal Hollywood Studio Tour
Otherwise known as the Backlot Tour, this attraction is the signature ride at the park, paying homage to its roots as a film studio.
To this day, the park is attached to the working film studio that you’ll get to see up-close!
Back when it was just a film studio, Universal Studios gave behind the scenes tours starting at 25 cents in 1915.
They started to use trams in 1964 and has since evolved and adapted to utilize today’s growing technology.
The Universal Hollywood Studio Tour remains popular to this day because it actually goes backstage to some of the lots used in:
- Past and present various films
- Music videos
- Commercials
It also showcases famous sets and special demonstrations of special effects.
Why We Love This Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
This includes Psycho, Flash Flood, Jaws, Earthquake, Jurassic Park, Nope, Fast and Furious and more!
You will see soundstages from War of the Worlds, Back to the future, Desperate Housewives, The Princess Diaries 2, the Good Place, Pirates of the Caribbean along with many familiar others.
There have been times I have ridden and personally have seen them shooting for shows like Bel Air and The Voice!
The tour does last about 45 minutes to an hour with no bathroom breaks so just be mindful before boarding.
However, it is unique as each experience offers something special, different and leaves an awesome impression!
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
6. Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
Imagine that it’s 1926…You are placed deep into caverns of the Egyptian tomb of Imhotep!
You’re super excited to discover the dark corridors of the past…
However, you been to notice that something’s just not right and you accidentally awaken the spirits who have been a deep slumber.
The curse is real, alive and have been awakened by your presence!
Why This is One of The Best Universal Studios Hollywood Attractions
True fans of the 1990s remake of the classic universal monsters’ film, “The Mummy,” will absolutely love this ride at Universal Studios.
This roller coaster will have you running for your life through the pitch black tomb from Imhotep!
And throughout the darkness, you’ll encounter treasures untold, fire, cursed undead soldiers and much more!
Will you escape this cursed tomb and survive with your soul intact?
There is a Single Rider Line available. You will have to utilize lockers to stow your belongings, so they will be safely kept.
There is plenty of opportunity to get on and off the ride efficiently while still getting the thrills you seek.
Revenge of the Mummy is a follow-up version for the original and still popular coaster at the Universal Orlando sister park.
If you’re familiar with that version, it’s a true treat to try Hollywood’s version and compare as there’s a little secret experience at the end of this ride.
7. Transformers the Ride: 3D
If you’ve ever wanted to be in a Michael Bay movie, then here’s your chance!
This ride isn’t like a roller coaster, so you won’t be flipping around or going upside down.
But what you will do is have a blast on a thrilling adventure with the Transformers, all from a cool ride vehicle only found at Universal parks.
This attraction made its debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2012. Almost a year before Orlando’s version opened!
What to Expect on Transformers the Ride 3D
You’ll enter the queue that will make you feel as if you’ve discovered some top secret military base. A base also known as NEST (Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty).
The storyline of Transformers the Ride 3D focuses on having you retrieve The AllSpark at its special location in order to keep it away from the Decepticons.
You’re gonna love this Universal Studios Hollywood ride!
It’s on a twelve-person vehicle with 60-foot screens and loads of special effects like blasts of air, simulated movement, fog, smoke, and much more!
Making it one of the best rides at Universal Studios in California.
Get up to 21% off of your Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets with Groupon TODAY!
My Final Thoughts on the Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
I hope you enjoyed this list of some of the very best attractions that Universal Studios Hollywood offers its visitors ranging from dark rides to water rides!
There is more on the horizon with the upcoming rumored Fast and Furious coaster and more to enjoy still with the adventurous Waterworld Stunt Show.
As you can see, there’s so much for you to do at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Let us know what you are most looking forward to on your next visit in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.