Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
About this ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey uses a robotic arm ride system to simulate a broomstick flight through the Wizarding World alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The queue through Hogwarts castle is one of the best-themed walk-throughs in any theme park — you pass through Dumbledore's office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, and the Gryffindor common room before boarding. The ride itself blends physical set pieces with large-format screens to simulate Quidditch, a Dementor attack, and a Whomping Willow encounter.
Best time to ride
First thing in the morning before the Wizarding World crowds build — Hogsmeade gets packed by 10 a.m. on busy days. If you have Express Pass, save it for mid-afternoon when the standby line is at its worst. The single rider line is not available on this attraction.
Insider tips
- Walk slowly through the Hogwarts castle queue — the themed environments are extraordinary and most guests rush past details that took Imagineers years to design.
- The castle's moving portraits and talking paintings are worth stopping for, but the line behind you will not always agree, so move with the flow.
- Sitting in the center of the four-person row reduces the intensity of the motion effects versus the outer seats.
- If motion sickness is a concern, eat a light meal at least 90 minutes before riding and pick up Sea-Bands at any nearby pharmacy — they genuinely help some guests.
- The ride vehicle has no lap bar — guests are secured by a bar that comes down over the shoulders. If you have a larger chest or torso, test the accessibility seating option at the front of each car.
- The butterbeer cart outside the attraction is exactly as good as everyone says. Hot butterbeer in the winter version of the park is outstanding.
What to know before you ride
- High motion sickness risk — combines physical movement with wraparound screens.
- No lap bar — over-the-shoulder restraint only. Larger guests should check the accessibility vehicle option.
- Minimum height: 48 in / 122 cm.
- Dementor and giant spider effects may frighten younger or more sensitive guests.
- The queue requires significant walking through the castle — not suitable for guests with severe mobility limitations without alternate entry.
Motion Sickness Warning — High Risk
This ride combines physical movement with immersive wraparound screens in a way that commonly triggers motion sickness. If you are prone to nausea on simulators or screen-heavy rides, sit toward the center of the vehicle, keep your eyes on the physical environment when possible, and consider motion sickness medication before boarding. This is not a ride to push through if you feel unwell — it escalates fast.
Good for
Sarah's Take
“Forbidden Journey is a technical marvel and the Hogwarts castle queue alone justifies the wait. My issue is the motion sickness factor — this ride takes out more guests per hour than almost anything else in Southern California theme parks, and Universal doesn't warn people forcefully enough. If you have any sensitivity at all, pre-medicate. The ride itself is genuinely brilliant when your stomach cooperates.”
— Sarah "Screamscape" Jenkins, Universal & Coaster Specialist
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More rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
View all →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.
rating
3.8
/ 5.0
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.
rating
3.6
/ 5.0
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.
rating
4.8
/ 5.0