Universal Studios Hollywood Rides

USH finally has a real outdoor coaster and it's about time. 72 mph, launched, spinning cars, four inversions — a Cedar Point-caliber Intamin machine in a Fast & Furious skin. Soft opening as of July 27, 2026; confirmed specs here, firsthand verdict pending.

Revenge of the Mummy is better than anything at Disneyland. I said what I said. It's a launched indoor coaster that goes from 0 to 45 mph in the dark and most people walk past it because it looks old from the outside. Those people are wrong and I feel sorry for them.

Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is the most technically impressive mild-thrill ride I've ever been on, and I say that as someone who thinks screen rides are usually a cop-out. The AR headset and physical set design work together in a way that genuinely surprises. Bring your competitive instincts — there is an actual score and you will want to beat everyone in your kart.

The queue through Hogwarts castle is worth the wait even if you never got on the ride. But you should get on the ride. Just know going in that this is one of the more motion-sickness-prone attractions in any theme park — not because it spins but because it combines physical movement with fast-moving screens in a way that can scramble your head if you're at all susceptible.

The Studio Tour is unlike anything else at Universal Studios Hollywood and it's not something you can replicate anywhere else in the world. You are riding through an actual working movie studio. The King Kong 360 3D sequence is legitimately spectacular and Jaws lake still runs. Give it the 60 minutes it asks for — this is a must-do, not just a filler.

You will get wet. I'm not talking a light mist — I'm talking soaked from the waist down on a warm day. The 84-foot drop at the end is one of the biggest splashdowns in California and the T. rex finale is genuinely impressive. Wear shoes you're okay destroying or rent a locker.

I'll say this straight — I am not the target audience for a 34-inch dark ride about stray puppies, and I still think this thing is genuinely well built. 64 animatronics, a queue that's better designed than half the actual rides here, and zero scares. Easy win for families.

DreamWorks Theatre is a motion-simulator show wearing a theater's clothing — 360-degree projection, physical effects, moving seats that sync with the screen. No height requirement, so anyone in your group can ride. Ask for stationary seats if you want the visuals without the motion.

Don't overlook this one because it's labeled a family coaster. Flight of the Hippogriff has genuine airtime on its final helix and the views over Hogsmeade are legitimately beautiful. It's also one of the faster-moving lines in the Wizarding World — a bonus on busy days.

Transformers: The Ride-3D does exactly what it says it does — it throws you into a 3D battle sequence with the Autobots and the screen work is excellent. My honest issue is that it's essentially the same ride system as Forbidden Journey with a different IP, and the motion sickness risk is real. If you've already done Forbidden Journey and you're feeling fine, do this one. If your stomach was unhappy on Journey, skip it.

The Dumbo of Super Silly Fun Land — kids pick a bug, pull the lever, and fly as high as they want. No height requirement (under 48 inches needs a supervising companion), no Express, and zero reason for an adult-only group to wait for it.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is the right choice for families with kids who aren't yet tall enough for the bigger rides. The theming is genuinely charming and the Minion dance party at the end is the kind of thing young kids will talk about for weeks. Adults with motion sensitivity should sit this one out — it is gentler than Simpsons but not gentle.

The Simpsons Ride has the best writing of any ride in the park — the queue videos alone are funnier than most actual comedy attractions. The bad news: it is also one of the most effective motion sickness machines in any park, anywhere. The dome screen combined with the aggressive simulator motion is relentless. Know what you're signing up for.