Universal Studios Hollywood Rides Guide

How to Use This Guide

Each attraction below notes wheelchair and ECV compatibility, transfer requirements, and any AAP considerations. Universal publishes a Riders Guide PDF at universalstudioshollywood.com that details current height requirements and accessibility notes - confirm with that before visiting. This guide summarizes the key operational details from the verified research date.

One principle that applies across nearly all USH rides: ECV users will need to transfer to a standard manual wheelchair for most attractions. The nature of ride vehicles - motion simulators, moving platforms, boats, coasters - does not accommodate ECVs. Park team members can provide a manual wheelchair for transfers during rides.

Upper Lot Attractions

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The entire Wizarding World area is accessible by wheelchair and ECV. The theming is dense, the queue areas have character, and the interactive wand experience is walk-up. The land itself deserves an hour even for guests who are not riding.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The main Harry Potter ride uses a moving loading platform with a 30-second boarding window. Guests must be able to transfer into the ride vehicle (a four-person "enchanted bench") independently or with party assistance. Power wheelchairs and ECVs cannot be accommodated.

For guests who cannot ride: the Forbidden Journey: Wingardium Leviosa stationary theater is available. Ask a team member for the theater entrance - it is a genuine substitute experience, not a waiting room. Guests in wheelchairs are accommodated in the theater without transfer.

AAP note: Forbidden Journey has consistently long lines. This is the first ride most guests prioritize on AAP return times. Ask for a return time here early in the day.

Flight of the Hippogriff

A compact steel coaster in the Wizarding World. Guests must step into the ride vehicle compartment. Transfer required from wheelchair or ECV. The queue is accessible by wheelchair to the load area.

AAP applies: return times available. The ride has moderate wait times compared to Forbidden Journey.

Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge

An augmented-reality attraction using augmented reality headsets and moving karts. Wheelchair-accessible queue with accommodations for transfer at the vehicle. Team members assist with transfer. AAP return times available.

DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda

A 4D film experience. Wheelchair accessible throughout - guests can remain in their wheelchair during the show in designated areas. No transfer required. A comfortable option for guests who need a rest break that is still engaging.

The Simpsons Ride

A motion simulator attraction. Transfer required into the ride vehicle. The queue area is fully wheelchair accessible. AAP return times available. Motion-sensitive guests should know this is an active simulator.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Motion simulator. Guests must be able to step into the compartment independently or with party assistance. Transfer required for ECV users. The pre-show holding area accommodates wheelchairs. AAP return times available.

WaterWorld (Live Show)

A live stunt show with water effects. Designated wheelchair and ECV parking areas are available with companion benches. Guests can remain in their mobility device or transfer to bench seating. Team members assist guests with disabilities to enter before general seating opens. No transfer required for the show itself. This is one of the most accessible experiences in the park for guests who cannot transfer.

Lower Lot Attractions

Jurassic World: The Ride

A water flume ride. Guests transfer into the boat from the loading dock. Transfer required from wheelchair or ECV. The queue is wheelchair accessible, and team members are stationed at the load area to assist. ECV users will need to transfer to a manual wheelchair for the queue approach to the boat loading area. Expect to get wet.

AAP applies. This is a high-demand ride, especially in the afternoon. Use return time early in the Lower Lot visit.

Transformers: The Ride-3D

A motion simulator/dark ride combination. Requires a small step into the vehicle. Team members store the wheelchair during the ride. Accessible queue throughout. AAP return times available.

The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

An indoor dark ride. Accommodates standard manual wheelchairs and stroller-wheelchairs throughout the queue and boarding area. Electric wheelchairs, ECVs, and other power-driven mobility devices cannot be accommodated in the ride vehicle. A transfer point is available. AAP return times available.

The Studio Tour

The Studio Tour is a 60-minute tram ride through Universal's working studio backlot. It is one of the most accessible attractions at the park: it is a seated, tram-based experience, and guests can remain in their wheelchair for much of the tour.

For the portion of the tour that accesses the Lower Lot backlot area (and for guests who cannot use the main tram loading area), a shuttle with a wheelchair lift is available. Inform team members at the Studio Tour queue that you need the accessible boarding option. The tour includes the Bates Motel and Psycho House, King Kong 360 3-D, the fast-and-furious finale, and a working backlot with active soundstages.

ECV users will need to transfer to a manual wheelchair for the tram vehicle. Standard manual wheelchairs are accommodated directly on the tram.

Mobility Device Tips for the Two-Lot Layout

The escalator system between the Upper and Lower Lots is long. An elevator is available for guests who cannot use escalators - it is located adjacent to the escalator bank. Ask any team member or check the park map for the current elevator location, as signage can be easy to miss on your first visit.

If you are using an ECV: most guests using ECVs park them at the top of the escalator and use a manual wheelchair (available from park team members) for the Lower Lot. The Lower Lot paths are wide enough for manual wheelchairs but the escalator route is the primary connection. Plan this transfer before you descend.