You’ve finally booked the tickets. The bags are packed, the sunscreen is ready, and you’re staring at the map of Universal Studios Hollywood wondering how on earth you’re going to fit everything into one day. Honestly, it’s a lot. Most people think they can just wander in and "wing it," but that's a quick way to spend four hours in a single line while your feet scream for mercy.
Universal isn't like its massive Orlando sibling. It’s built on the side of a mountain, literally. You’ve got the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot, connected by a series of massive escalators that offer a great view but take way longer than you’d expect. If you want to conquer all rides at Universal Studios Hollywood, you need to know which ones are worth the sprint and which ones are just "okay" fillers.
The Lower Lot: Where the Heavy Hitters Live
Basically, if you’re a thrill-seeker, you head down the Starway escalators first. This is where the park keeps its most intense hardware.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
This is the shiny new crown jewel of Super Nintendo World. It’s not a high-speed coaster, so don't go in expecting 70 mph. Instead, you're wearing augmented reality (AR) goggles. You’re literally throwing shells at Koopalings while steering through a physical set that looks exactly like the game.
Pro Tip: Your score actually matters. If you have a Power-Up Band, tap it on the steering wheel to track your coins. Most people forget to actually "steer" when the AR prompts tell them to, which kills their score.
Jurassic World – The Ride
This isn't your childhood Jurassic Park. They updated this a few years back to match the Chris Pratt films, and the Mosasaurus tank sequence at the start is genuinely stunning. The water effects are great, but the finale is the real draw. You’re caught between a T-Rex and an Indominus Rex right before a 84-foot drop.
You will get wet. Maybe not soaked to the bone, but if you're in the front row, expect a face full of lagoon water.
Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
Short. Fast. Pitch black.
The Mummy is a psychological trip. It’s an indoor coaster that hits about 45 mph, but because you can’t see the track, it feels way faster. There’s a moment where the ride stops, "beetles" crawl over the walls, and then you’re launched backward. It’s one of the best-themed rides in the park, though it’s over in about two minutes.
Transformers: The Ride 3D
If you get motion sickness easily, be careful here. This ride uses a flight simulator on a track combined with massive 3D screens. It’s chaotic. Megatron is in your face, Bumblebee is catching your car—it’s a lot of sensory input.
The Upper Lot: Family Vibes and Movie Magic
The Upper Lot is much more spread out. It feels more like a traditional theme park, whereas the Lower Lot feels like a dense cluster of adrenaline.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Located inside Hogwarts Castle, the queue for this ride is almost better than the ride itself. You walk through Dumbledore’s office and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. The ride system uses a robotic arm (KUKA arm) that pivots you in every direction while you "fly" with Harry.
It’s notorious for causing nausea. If you're sensitive, maybe close your eyes during the screen transitions and focus on the physical animatronics like the Whomping Willow or the Dementors.
Flight of the Hippogriff
This is a "kinda" coaster. It’s meant for kids or people who aren't ready for The Mummy. It’s short—about 60 seconds—but it gives you a killer view of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade from the top of the lift hill.
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
This is probably the most impressive "dark ride" Universal has built in years. It’s not a screen-fest. It’s filled with over 60 sophisticated animatronics. You’re "transformed" into a stray puppy (using gesture-tracking tech) looking for a home.
It’s cute. It’s whimsical. And honestly? The air conditioning in there is top-tier.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
This is a "stationary" simulator. The room moves, but you aren't actually traveling along a track. It’s a heart-warmer about Gru and the girls, but be warned: the line moves slowly because the pre-shows are long.
Silly Swirly Fun Ride
Basically a Dumbo-style spinner. It’s in Super Silly Fun Land. Great for toddlers, mostly a skip for everyone else unless you really want a 360-degree view of the park.
The One Ride You Cannot Skip
The World-Famous Studio Tour. This is the heart of Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s not just a ride; it’s a 60-minute journey through a working movie studio. In 2026, they’ve really leaned into the nostalgia for the 60th anniversary, but the staples are still there.
- King Kong 360 3-D: Peter Jackson’s massive 3D tunnel where you’re caught in the middle of a fight.
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged: A high-speed finale that uses similar tech to Kong.
- Earthquake: The "Big One" set recently got a refresh and it’s still terrifying to see a subway station collapse around you.
- Jaws: Yes, the shark still jumps out. Yes, people still scream.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (The New Beast)
Opening recently, this is the first "proper" high-speed outdoor coaster the park has ever had. It’s a "drifting" coaster, meaning the cars spin 360 degrees independently while you're flying along the track. It’s located near the Upper Lot entrance and has completely changed the skyline of the park. It hits over 70 mph—easily making it the most intense ride on the property.
How to Actually Do All This Without Losing Your Mind
If you want to hit every single one of these, you have to be smart.
- Start at the Bottom: Most people stop at the first thing they see on the Upper Lot. Don't be "most people." Sprint (safely) to the Lower Lot the moment the gates open. Knock out Mario Kart and Jurassic World before 10:00 AM.
- The Single Rider Hack: Rides like Mario Kart, Forbidden Journey, and The Mummy have Single Rider lines. If you don’t mind sitting next to a stranger, you can turn a 90-minute wait into a 15-minute wait.
- The Studio Tour Timing: Do not do the Studio Tour at noon. It’s an hour long and the trams can get hot. Go around 3:00 PM when you need a break from standing.
- Download the App: The wait times on the boards in the park are sometimes laggy. The official app is usually more accurate and tells you when a ride is temporarily down.
Universal Studios Hollywood is unique because it’s a blend of a high-tech theme park and a historical landmark. You’re walking where Hitchcock walked, but you’re also being chased by a CGI Megatron. It’s weird, it’s loud, and if you plan it right, it’s the best day you’ll have in LA.
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Your Game Plan for Success
- Morning: Lower Lot (Super Nintendo World, Jurassic World, Mummy, Transformers).
- Midday: Secret Life of Pets and Minion Mayhem.
- Afternoon: Studio Tour and Harry Potter.
- Evening: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (the lights on the track are incredible at night).
Check the weather before you go. Even though it's Southern California, the "Jurassic World" soak-down hits a lot harder when it's 65 degrees than when it's 90. Pack a portable charger, too—using the AR goggles and the app will absolutely murder your phone battery by lunchtime.