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11 Universal Studios Hollywood Rides That Are Worth The Wait, Ranked

Pack your visit with these must-see attractions.

by Rachel Chapman
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What do you get when you combine a working movie studio with a theme park? Universal Studios Hollywood. On any given day in the park, you can drink Butterbeer in Hogsmeade, travel to Jurassic Park, and see some of your favorite TV shows filming on the backlot. For your next trip to Universal City, you may want to know what Universal Studios Hollywood attractions to prioritize first.

Rachel Chapman

The California version may be smaller than its Florida sister, but there are still a ton of rides and roller coasters at Universal Studios Hollywood. Having a ranking of the best Universal Studios Hollywood rides and attractions can only help you schedule the perfect day in the park. When you’re not taking pics with minions or eating a giant donut from The Simpsons, it’s worth the wait to stand in these 11 queues.

Rachel Chapman

11. DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda

Since Universal Studios Hollywood lacks the space, a lot of their attractions utilize screens and while it may not be a ride-ride, the DreamWorks Theatre is an entertaining break from the heat. It also features your favorite DreamWorks characters from Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, and even Trolls.

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10. The Simpsons Ride

This is another screen-related attraction, but it’s more of a ride than the DreamWorks Theatre show. It’s worth the wait if you’re a Simpsons fan, but the food options in the land are more entertaining and the true highlight of the area.

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9. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

This is yet another screen simulator ride, but themed to the Minions. If you’re a fan of those adorable yellow characters, this is a must-see. Other than that, it’s probably not worth the wait.

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8. Transformers: The Ride 3D

While it does use screens, the Transformers attraction is more of a ride. It’s full of action and is very similar to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction at Islands of Adventure in Orlando.

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7. WaterWorld

WaterWorld is a show and not a ride, but it is a top attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. For the best time, grab a snack to enjoy while watching some unbelievable water stunts performed right in front of your eyes.

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6. Flight of the Hippogriff

Despite it’s short length, the Flight of the Hippogriff gets major brownie points for being a true roller coaster with no screens. It’s a must-do for Harry Potter fans and even the queue has some fun things to see, like Hagrid’s Hut.

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5. The Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash

The newest ride to Universal Studios Hollywood is not to be missed. Inspired by The Secret Life of Pets, this dark ride takes you on a journey through NYC as if you’re a pet. The highlights include the Insta-worthy queue and final scene where you’re adopted.

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4. Jurassic World — The Ride

The old Jurassic Park water ride was recently refurbished to fit in with the newer Jurassic World series, and the changes just made an already iconic attraction even better. You will get wet, so just plan to ride when you’re cool with being soaked for a bit.

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3. Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride

You don’t even have to be a fan of the current Brendan Fraser renaissance to know that The Mummy ride at Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the best. This is an actual roller coaster and not some motion simulation attempt at one. It’s thrilling and even takes you backwards at one point.

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2. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The crème de la crème of Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The queue through Hogwarts castle is worth the wait alone to see all the hidden details and Easter eggs. However, it’s also fun flying through Hogwarts and confronting dementors, a dragon, and the Whomping Willow.

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1. The World-Famous Studio Tour

The one ride you must go on at Universal Studios Hollywood is the backlot tour. It’s what makes the theme park so unique and special. Since it takes you through the working lot, you never know what sets and TV shows you’ll get to see. There are even ride aspects within the tour that make it thrilling and fun.

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