Universal Studios Hollywood: Must-Rides & Express Pass Review
Maximize your day at Universal Studios Hollywood! From Super Nintendo World to the Studio Tour, here are the absolute must-rides and Express Pass tips.
Universal Studios Hollywood Must-Rides Attraction Guide & Express Pass Review All rights reserved, J's Records |
When planning my Los Angeles itinerary for 2026, the absolute highlight I couldn't wait for was our day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Known for its massive, authentic movie studio scale, incredible thrill rides, and mind-blowingly immersive themed lands, it was at the very top of my LA bucket list.
I actually splurged on the Universal Express Pass and spent the entire day maximizing every single minute, from rope drop straight through to park close.
Today, I'm breaking down my absolute favorite rides at Universal Studios Hollywood and explaining exactly why that Express Pass is worth its weight in gold.
If you're heading to Universal Studios Hollywood soon, make sure to save these insider tips!
⬇️
Book Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets with Express Pass
Click Here for the Best Price [Link]
Why You Absolutely Need the Express Pass
Plus How to Book at the Best Price
The Universal Express Pass grants you one-time priority access to almost every ride and attraction in the park. Yes, it's roughly twice the price of a standard general admission ticket.
I hesitated at first because of the cost, but after watching countless YouTube vlogs and reading reviews, the consensus was clear: trying to conquer this massive park without an Express Pass is exhausting.
LA gets incredibly hot, often pushing past 90°F in the summer, and the California sun is intense. Standing in unshaded outdoor queues is draining. During peak seasons, popular rides easily hit wait times of over an hour. Many people who skip the Express Pass end up deeply regretting it once they're in the park.
Furthermore, because Universal Studios Hollywood is built on a literal mountain with an Upper and Lower Lot, navigating the sheer scale of the park while battling long lines will drain your energy fast.
To save time and actually enjoy my vacation comfortably, I hunted down the lowest price for the Express Pass.
👇🏻 Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass
Book at the Lowest Price Here
Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket - Klook
I managed to grab them during a promo period for a great rate. Even better, if you use the discount code: 세시간전26001 at checkout, you get an additional discount, making it way cheaper than buying anywhere else.
You just scan your Express Pass right at the ride entrances. Being able to hop onto any ride I wanted, exactly when I wanted, meant I experienced everything without stressing over the clock.
It genuinely felt like buying back my vacation time!
I didn't regret spending a single penny on it. I highly recommend it.
Ultimate Must-Ride Attractions
Here are the attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood that completely blew me away.
Make sure to screenshot this list so you don't miss out on the best rides!
v SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ - Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
v Transformers™: The Ride-3D
v Jurassic World - The Ride
v The Simpsons Ride™
v The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
v The World-Famous Studio Tour
And finally, the WaterWorld live show!
That's quite a list, right?
Every single one of these is thrilling, incredibly realistic, and totally unskippable.
This is exactly why that Express Pass is a lifesaver.
⬇️
Book Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets with Express Pass
Click Here for the Best Price [Link]
The moment you step through the warp pipe into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, it feels like you've been digitized into the actual video game.
The level of detail in the environment is insane. While Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge isn't a high-speed coaster, the augmented reality and physical sets make it unbelievably immersive.
Seeing the game unfold right in front of your eyes is so realistic; I was literally cheering out loud the whole time. The land itself is massive, so you have to explore every corner.
It feels even grander and more detailed than the one in Osaka! Also, if you buy a Power-Up Band, you can punch the ? Blocks and hear the classic coin sound. Definitely try it out!
Transformers and Jurassic World were also phenomenal. Some people worry about motion sickness with 3D rides, but I felt totally fine.
The pacing is fast, the practical effects are spot-on, and the screens blend so seamlessly with reality that you forget you're on a ride.
The biggest thrill for me was definitely Revenge of the Mummy! There are sections that will absolutely make you scream, and my heart was pounding out of my chest by the end.
If you love the rush of a good roller coaster, this is a non-negotiable. Top-tier thrills!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Simpsons Ride are located on the Upper Lot.
The atmosphere in these themed areas is unmatched. It feels like they plucked Hogsmeade and Springfield straight out of the screen. The intricate details are everywhere, and the motion simulation rides are incredibly active and dynamic.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was so good I instantly wanted to ride it a second time!
You also cannot miss the 1-hour Studio Tour. It's a real, working Hollywood backlot—something you won't find at any other theme park in the world.
You board a studio tram and cruise through actual movie sets, massive city facades, and experience the incredible King Kong 360 3-D. When you drive into the soundstages, the special effects surround you, making it so realistic it's almost intimidating.
At one point, there's a massive flash flood, and it's not a screen—actual water rushes toward the tram! It leaves you wondering, "How on earth did they engineer this?"
Fair warning: if you sit on the edges, you might get splashed! The Studio Tour is an absolute must-do. Do not skip it.
Once you've hit all the major rides, your feet will probably need a break. That's the perfect time to catch the WaterWorld show. It plays out like a high-octane theatrical stunt show, and the production value is off the charts.
It's hard to believe this is included with admission. It was wildly entertaining!
💡 Pro Tip
The green seats are the Splash Zone.
If you don't want to get soaked, sit further back. I watched comfortably from the upper rows, and the sheer quality of the stunts made it the perfect grand finale to our day.
Beyond what I've covered today, Universal Studios Hollywood has so much more to offer.
But the attractions on this list are the undisputed heavy hitters. If you visit Universal, these are the experiences you need to check off your list.
Because there is so much ground to cover, the Express Pass is crucial. Bypassing the standby line once per ride means massive savings on both time and physical energy!
👇🏻 Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket with Express Pass
Book at the Lowest Price (Discount Code: 세시간전26001)
Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket - Klook
Even if the upfront cost makes you pause,
I highly recommend making the investment so you can effortlessly conquer every single attraction!
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