Top things to do in Universal Studios Hollywood for first-time visitors
Being a California local, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of those parks I keep coming back to, whether it’s for a new ride like Mario Kart or simply because it’s a fun theme park to revisit.
It’s smaller than other major theme parks, but there’s a lot packed into it, which can make it tricky to decide what’s really worth your time. If this is your first visit, it can be hard to figure out what you should prioritize and what you can skip without regret.
This post covers the top things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood based on our visits and what consistently stands out. These are the rides, shows, and experiences I recommend focusing on so you can make the most of your day without feeling overwhelmed.
Below are my top recommendations for your visit to Universal Studios:
➡️Get your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets in advance:
- Universal General Admission Tickets
- Universal Express Tickets – get express lane access!
➡️ Stay at Hilton Universal City– right across the street from Universal Studios and walk to the park! This is where we always stay.
1. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Mario Kart is the newest ride at Universal Studios Hollywood and the main draw inside Super Nintendo World. It’s a 4D ride where you board a kart, wear special headgear, and race through Bowser’s castle while collecting coins and competing against Team Bowser.
We rode this first thing in the morning, which is definitely the best way to do it since wait times build up quickly later in the day. The ride itself is fun, especially the Rainbow Road section at the end, but I’ll be honest, it did not quite live up to the hype for us. The headgear was a bit heavy and uncomfortable, and our whole group felt that some of the other rides at Universal, like Harry Potter and Transformers, were more exciting overall.
That said, Super Nintendo World is beautifully done and really does feel like stepping into a Mario video game. Even if you only ride Mario Kart once, walking through the land, checking out the details, and taking photos is absolutely worth it. For first-time visitors, this is still a must-do, just one you’ll want to knock out early and move on.
2. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, I truly believe, is one of the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood and a must-do for first-time visitors. The ride takes you through Hogwarts and drops you right into the Harry Potter world, flying through familiar scenes with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
For me, one of the best parts is the walk through Hogwarts before you even get on the ride. I love slowing down in the queue to take in the talking paintings, Dumbledore’s office, and all the castle details. It really feels like part of the attraction, not just waiting in line.
The ride itself is immersive and a bit intense, similar to a mild indoor roller coaster. Even though I’m not a big roller coaster person, I still highly recommend not skipping this one. Wait times can get long as the day goes on, so it’s best to prioritize it earlier if you can.
3. Studio Tour
The Studio Tour is one of the most unique things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood and something you won’t find at any other theme park. This hour long tram ride takes you through a real, working movie studio, with a live narrator sharing studio history and pointing out the sets along the way.
You’ll pass famous backlot areas along with immersive segments like King Kong, the War of the Worlds crash site, and Jaws. The special effects sections, including the flash flood and the San Francisco earthquake, are especially well done. Even after multiple visits, this ride never feels repetitive.
I like saving the Studio Tour for later in the day because it’s a great way to rest our feet while still experiencing a lot. We usually grab popcorn or a snack before boarding, which makes it feel like a nice break from walking and standing in lines.
4. Transformers: The Ride-3D
Transformers is one of the more intense rides at Universal Studios Hollywood and our family’s favorite. It’s a fast paced 3D ride that combines motion, visuals, and practical effects as you join Optimus Prime and the Autobots in the middle of a battle against the Decepticons.
The ride is immersive and surprisingly thrilling without being a traditional roller coaster. Even after multiple visits, it still holds up and feels exciting every time. If you enjoy action heavy rides, this is one you should not skip.
Because it’s located in the Lower Lot, I like pairing Transformers with Mario Kart and the other thrill rides early in the day before lines build up.
5. Revenge of the Mummy
Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor roller coaster in the Lower Lot and one of the most intense rides at Universal. The ride is fast, dark, and full of sudden turns and drops as you race through an ancient Egyptian tomb trying to escape the mummy.
I’ll be honest, this one was a little too intense for me, but my kids love it and always ride it more than once. If you enjoy thrill rides, this is a must. It’s best done earlier in the day while you’re already in the Lower Lot.
6. Jurassic World – The Ride
Jurassic World is a water ride in the Lower Lot with impressive animatronics and a slow build that leads to a big finale. The ride starts off calm as you float through Dinosaur Land, but things quickly escalate when you come face to face with the Indominus rex and the T rex.
The highlight is the massive drop at the end, which sends you straight into the water and gets you very wet. This ride is a lot of fun on a hot day and feels refreshing in the afternoon, but we skip in cooler weather as we don’t want to get wet. Carrying a poncho is a good idea.
7. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is one of our family’s favorite rides at Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s a fun, high-energy simulator ride that’s easy to enjoy as a group, with lots of Minion chaos and humor mixed in.
The ride isn’t intense, which makes it a nice break from the thrill rides, and it works well for a wide range of ages. If you’re visiting with kids or just want something light and entertaining, this is an easy one to add to your day.
8. The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride is a motion simulator based on the long running TV show and is a fun ride even if you didn’t grow up watching The Simpsons, like me. The ride takes you on a fast, over the top adventure through Springfield with plenty of jokes and familiar characters along the way.
It’s not a thrill ride in the traditional sense, but it is quick and a bit chaotic, which fits the theme well. If you’re already in the Upper Lot, it’s an easy one to add, especially if the wait time isn’t too long.
9. WaterWorld
WaterWorld is a live stunt show and features high dives, jet skis, explosions, and plenty of action, and it really does feel like watching a movie come to life.
It’s a nice break from rides and a good way to rest your feet. If you sit close to the stage, expect to get wet. We like saving this for later in the afternoon or evening, once most of the rides are done.
10. Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World is visually impressive and really does feel like stepping straight into a video game. The bright colors, layered design, and moving elements make it fun to explore.
After doing Mario Kart, it’s worth slowing down here to wander around, take photos, and soak in all the details. If you can, try to come back at night to see it lit up once the must-do rides are done.
11. Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter still stands out as one of the best themed lands at Universal Studios Hollywood, and honestly, I think it’s even better than Super Nintendo World. From the moment you walk in, you really do feel transported straight into the movies.
The snow covered facades, detailed shopfronts, and display windows with moving objects make this area fun to explore slowly. There are wand magic spots scattered throughout Hogsmeade where you can interact with the environment, along with the Hogwarts Express train engine, which is a popular photo stop.
Do not miss the themed restroom in this land, which is modeled after the girls’ bathroom from the movie and includes ghostly sounds inside. This is also where you’ll find The Three Broomsticks, a themed tavern style restaurant, along with carts selling Butterbeer, which is non alcoholic and worth trying at least once, even if it’s just for the experience.
12. Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is right outside the park entrance and is worth spending some time in at night once you’re done with the rides. The bright lights, big screens, and energy remind me of a mini Times Square, and it’s a fun place to walk around in the evening.
CityWalk is also a great spot for dinner since it has a wide range of restaurants and quick food options. I like saving souvenir shopping and sit-down meals for CityWalk so we don’t lose valuable time inside the park during the day. There’s also a movie theater with comfortable reclining seats, which is a nice way to wind down after a long day at the park.
If you have more time
If you have more than one day, lighter crowds, or extra time toward the end of the day, these are also worth adding. If not, you can skip them without feeling like you missed the highlights.
- Flight of the Hippogriff – A short, kid-friendly roller coaster in the Wizarding World
- The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash – A slow moving, indoor ride that’s great for younger kids
- Kung Fu Panda Adventure – A short theater-style experience and a good place to rest
- Ollivanders Wand Experience – A fun interactive show inside the Wizarding World
- Super Silly Fun Land – A play area and kiddie ride near Minions, best for toddlers
- DinoPlay – A dinosaur themed play area in the Lower Lot
- Character meet and greets – You’ll spot Minions, Transformers, dinosaurs, and more throughout the park
Where to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood
If you want an easy start to the day, I highly recommend staying within walking distance of the park. We usually stay at the Hilton Universal City, which is right across the street from Universal Studios Hollywood. Being able to walk to the entrance in under ten minutes makes early mornings much easier, and the park view rooms on higher floors are especially fun.
Final takeaways
Universal Studios Hollywood has a lot packed into a relatively small space, but can have long ride wait times, which is why knowing what to prioritize makes such a big difference. This list focuses on the most popular and top things to do, so you can enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed or trying to do everything in one day.
If you’re planning to visit for just one day, I’ve shared exactly how we structure our visit in my Universal Studios Hollywood one day itinerary, including ride order and when to move between the Upper and Lower Lots. I also put together a separate guide with tips to maximize your time at Universal Studios Hollywood, covering tickets, arrival strategy, and small details that can save you time and stress.
With the right plan, Universal Studios Hollywood is a really fun park to experience, and I can’t wait to go back again when the new Fast and Furious roller coaster opens in 2026.
