The 9 Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood You Shouldn't Miss Out On

If you’re taking a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, the first thing  to do is look up guides for the park. Why? Cos even though you wanna  experience everything the park has to offer, it simply has too many things in store! From merch stores filled to the brim, to countless restaurants and stalls, to beautifully-designed attractions, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most popular theme parks in the world for a reason. 

Whether you’re travelling with friends or  family, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. If you’re wondering which Universal Studios rides you definitely can’t miss out on, we’ve compiled a list of nine  best Universal Studios rides in Hollywood that are guaranteed to bring fun, laughter, and excitement to your vacation. 

Among all Universal Studio rides, the world-famous Studio Tour is a definite must-ride to complete your Universal Studios Hollywood experience. Get the inside scoop on movie-making secrets, as well as an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the TV and movie sets you’ve only seen on screen. Hold on tight as you experience real special effects with burning fire, shark-infested waters, and a 3-D King Kong. 

This attraction is exclusive to the Hollywood location as Universal Studios Hollywood is a real, working film studio with dozens of your favorite shows and movies filmed right in the lot. The VIP Experience gives you exclusive access to walk along some of the busiest sets in show business. You’ll also be stopping by the Property Department, which contains thousands of set pieces and decorative items that have been used in the biggest blockbuster films and TV shows. Who knows? You might just get lucky and spot a famous face on your tour!

Come on down to the colourful town of Springfield for a virtual reality roller coaster ride inside Krustyland, a theme park run by Krusty the Clown. While inside, you’ll find out that you and the Simpson family have been picked to be one of the first people to try out the newest and most extreme ride in Krustyland, the Thrilltacular: Upsy-Downsy Spins-Aroundsy Teen-Operated Thrillride. 

All seems fine and dandy, until the ride is hijacked by Krusty the Clown’s nemesis, Sideshow Bob. It turns out you weren’t on the Thrilltacular at all, but the Tooth Chipper! Prepare to get tossed up, down, and all-around as the Simpsons try to save you and themselves from the killer attractions in Krustyland. We recommend keeping an eye out for exciting cameos by your favourite Simpsons characters along the way to really immerse yourself in the hit TV show experience.

A fan-favourite and staple among all the Universal Studios rides and locations, the Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride is a must for first-time guests and usual visitors alike. This indoor roller coaster is based on The Mummy film franchise and your journey begins with an exploration at a 1944 archeological dig in an Egyptian tomb. But as you board the unsuspecting minecart, you’ll receive a warning about the mummy buried in the tomb having an evil curse that sucked out the souls of people—if only you’d found out sooner, right?

Make a high-speed escape through the tomb of the mummy, Imhotep, and his evil wrath. Careful, the way out is blocked by mummy warriors, scarab beetles, and a backwards ride through the tunnels, which the ride is most popular for. There’s never a dull moment on this horrifically fun adventure, except maybe when you’re waiting in line to ride the coaster again.

Dive into the world of talking creatures in The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash ride. What happens when Max and his friends encounter a litter of stray puppies (that’s you!)? They’ll help you find a loving and fur-ever home, of course! Explore New York City, take a trip to the groomers, and head to the pet store for the adoption fair! Kids will surely love this slow yet immersive adventure where they’ll get to encounter their well-loved characters from the animated film series. 

The ride’s set is extremely well-dressed and detailed with NYC and animal references fused together. You’ll find cats hanging from clotheslines, dogs doing yoga, and more pets playing with firecrackers for an explosively good time. 

Hold onto your magic wands on this one-of-a-kind flying adventure in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Your journey begins in the grand halls of Hogwarts Castle, where you’ll visit some of the most popular rooms in the school, such as Dumbledore’s Office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor Common Room, and more. Then, you’ll make your way to the Room of Requirement to meet up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and from there your enchanted bench will begin flying!

The adventure takes several wrong turns when Hagrid’s pet dragon, a giant sentient spider named Aragog, and a group of Dementors crash the trip. From the Quidditch field to the Forbidden Forest, to the Chamber of Secrets, this ride is filled with just as many twists and turns as the books and films! Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is one of those Universal Studios rides both Potterheads and muggles are guaranteed to enjoy.

 

Based on the 1995 film of the same name, WaterWorld is a thrilling stunt show that actually isn’t a ride at all, but makes it a must to complete your Universal Studios Hollywood experience. Universal Studios itself considers WaterWorld to be it’s #1 show, and experienced park goers would agree. 

The live show’s storyline begins where the movie ends, but the show is just as exciting even if you have yet to see it. Here’s what you need to know: the community of Atollers is once again being attacked by a group of pirates, called the Smokers. The action-packed fight begins with breathtaking stunts and jaw-dropping special effects. Expect land, water, and overhead stunts on seaplanes and jet-skis, along with pyrotechnics and a massive explosion at the end—all of which will leave you wondering how the actors can manage to do another show. 

What could be cooler than dinosaurs? Getting to see them up close at Jurassic World, obviously. Tour the dinosaur observatories and enclosures, where you may or may not get splashed by some playful baby dinos. However, the fun trip takes a turn for the worst when you find out that the Indominus Rex and the Tyrannosaurus Rex have broken out of their enclosures. Blue the Velociraptor appears to attempt to help you get to safety, when you get caught in between the two rival dinosaurs. You might want to hold on tight because you’re in the splash zone for this epic battle. 

Jurassic World — The Ride is another fan-favourite and you’ll see why! This gripping coaster doesn’t only include splashing, but a giant dinosaur looming over your head leading into a 28-yard drop as well. Apparently, riders love the adrenaline rush from narrowly escaping massive dinosaurs and certain doom, and we’re sure you will too. 

Join Gru, Margo, Agnes, Edith, and a whole lot of minions on a super silly, fun ride through Gru’s laboratory. Here’s the sitch: you’ve been recruited by Gru to undergo minion training for his latest scheme. Prepare to be sprayed by the Minion Gun, after which you’ll turn into one of the cute yellow creatures.  You’ll then be tested on “strength, speed, and the ability to not die” on a series of challenges to truly see if you have what it takes to be a minion to a super villain. There might be a few mishaps along the way, but don’t worry you’ll turn back into a human at the end…or will you? 

This motion simulator adventure is both heartwarming and exciting for the entire family with immersive graphics and an engaging storyline. If you’ve loved the movies, you’ll love this ride too. 

If it’s your first time at Universal Studios Hollywood or any other location, you absolutely have to experience the Transformers 3D ride at least once. For this adventure, you’ll find out you’ve been recruited by the Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty (NEST) to help Optimus Prime and the Autobots keep the AllSpark safe from the Decepticons. Your mission is to navigate the way to safety for Evac, the vehicle you’re riding on. 

A battle for the history books occurs all around and you observe the chaos in 3D. Put on your brave faces as Megatron, Devastator, and Starscream all attempt to capture you and Evac. This ultra-immersive movie and ride experience will have you cheering and gripping your seat all at once for an unforgettable ride. 

Can’t keep your excitement at bay? Book your tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood on Klook right now! Decide how you want to experience the theme park with General Admission, Express, and VIP Tickets available. Take advantage of the Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free package to make sure you have enough time to try out all the rides, and make your own list of Universal Studios best rides. Tell your friends and family what they should ride, or keep the list for your next visit!

You can’t have your Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary planned, but not your trip to the U.S.A ready. For all the details you need to know before you go, check out this comprehensive guide.