Ahh, the THRILL of a Universal vacation.

Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are home to some of the most exciting, immersive attractions in the world. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Universal has something to offer! Whether it’s heart-racing coasters, attractions that bring your favorite movies to life, or immersive lands that make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the story.

While many people assume Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort are similar, the two destinations offer unique experiences that make them each worth visiting. But where should you start? What are the must-see, must-do rides and attractions at each park? And how do you know which rides are best for kids or which are truly worth the wait?

This is your guide to Universal’s best rides and attractions across all of its theme parks in California and Florida, beginning with the original: Universal Studios Hollywood.

Use the jump links below to skip ahead to our breakdown of each park (it’s okay, we don’t mind; we’ve already moved on to planning our next trip).

Universal Studios Hollywood

Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood: Best Rides and Attractions

Universal Studios Hollywood is where the magic of movie-making meets theme park thrills. As the birthplace of Universal Parks & Resorts, this park combines real working studio backlots with cutting-edge rides and attractions inspired by blockbuster films.

With its famous Studio Tour, immersive lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and high-energy thrill rides, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers an experience unlike any other. Here are our picks for the best rides and attractions:

Studio Tour

No visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is complete without taking the world-famous Studio Tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this behind-the-scenes journey takes you through working sets and soundstages!

Jurassic World – The Ride

Prepare to get soaked on this updated version of the classic Jurassic Park attraction. Face off against the ferocious Indominus Rex, navigate treacherous waters, and try to avoid becoming a dino’s next meal.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Step into Hogwarts Castle and experience this spellbinding dark ride that takes you through the world of Harry Potter. Soar alongside Harry, dodge Dementors, and feel the magic come to life. This is going to sound crazy but even if you can’t do the ride itself, the queue is worth the walk through if the standby wait is reasonable. No detail was left out and the inside of the castle is an absolute must-see for any Potterhead!

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Super Nintendo World is the newest addition to Universal Studios Hollywood, and this interactive, augmented reality ride lets you race through iconic tracks alongside Mario, Luigi, and friends.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride

One of the coolest indoor roller coasters, Revenge of the Mummy throws you into complete darkness inside an ancient tomb filled with scarabs and fire. No big deal.

The Magic Continues: Best Rides at Universal Studios Florida

If Universal Studios Hollywood is where the movies are made, Universal Studios Florida is where you get to live the movies. Located in Orlando, this park is packed with high-energy attractions, immersive lands, and experiences that transport you into your favorite films.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

This is seriously one of the coolest rides out there. A great mix of 3D motion simulation and roller coaster thrills, this attraction takes you inside Gringotts Bank as you try to get away from Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange. Similar to what we said earlier about the Hogwarts Castle queue, the same goes for this attraction. Remember that scene in Deathly Hallows Part 2 when Helena Bonham Carter pretends to be Emma Watson pretending to be Helena Bonham Carter to break into Bellatrix’s vault? You’ll feel like that when you walk through the standby queue 😉

E.T. Adventure

Calling all millennials! Live out your childhood dream of flying on a bike like E.T. in one of the park’s last original rides. While not as high-tech and thrilling as some of these new attractions the kids these days are getting down with, it’s a trip down memory lane for sure.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

On this animated simulator, you’re recruited for Gru’s latest scheme where you'll become an actual Minion. But when things don't go as planned (but you planned for that, right?), you’re launched into a trip through his super villain lab.

Thrills and Adventures: Best Rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is home to some of the most exhilarating rides in any theme park!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

This coaster takes you through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s motorbike or sidecar. No loops, no huge drops, just whizzing by magical creatures at intense speed, some surprises and multiple launches!

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

If you crave serious thrills, this one’s for you. Florida’s tallest and fastest launch coaster sends you racing through the raptor paddock at breathtaking speeds, packed with drops, inversions, and some serious airtime.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Get ready for a burst of gamma-powered energy as you’re launched straight into loops and corkscrews.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

This ride throws you right into the middle of a chaotic battle between Spidey and some of his biggest enemies. One minute you're soaring between skyscrapers, the next you're dodging blasts from the Sinister Six. With a mix of 3D effects, motion simulation, and some wild surprises, it’s an absolute blast (pun intended) whether you’re a die-hard Spider-Man fan or just along for the ride.

Epic Universe (Coming May 2025)

Universal Orlando Resort is completing a $6 billion expansion with Epic Universe, a brand-new theme park set to open in May of 2025. This highly anticipated park will feature multiple immersive lands, including:

Super Nintendo World – Featuring four attractions based on Super Mario and Donkey Kong.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – Orlando’s third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Dark Universe – A shockingly immersive land inspired by Universal’s classic monsters. Think Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolf Man.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk – A family-friendly area themed to the beloved animated series.
Celestial Park – The park’s central hub with attractions, dining, and entertainment.

Epic Universe is expected to bring cutting-edge attractions, advanced ride technology, tons of character meets, immersive dining, and an all-new hotel experience to Universal Orlando.

Cool Off in Paradise: Universal’s Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay isn’t just a water park—it’s a full-on tropical getaway with thrills, relaxation, and a giant volcano at its center. If you’re up for some excitement, Krakatau Aqua Coaster will have you zipping through dark twists and turns inside the volcano itself. Prefer something a little more laid-back? The lazy rivers and sandy beaches make it easy to kick back and soak up the island vibes. Whether you're chasing big drops or just want to float the day away, Volcano Bay has something for every kind of water-lover.

Which Universal Park is Right for You?

Whether you’re drawn to the movie magic of Universal Studios Hollywood, the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Islands of Adventure in Orlando, or the tropical paradise of Volcano Bay, there’s no wrong way to experience Universal’s incredible parks.

So, which park is at the top of your must-visit list? Let us know in the comments below!