4 Worst Rides At Universal Studios Hollywood

We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Universal Studios Hollywood multiple times over the past decade, and during that time, we’ve been on all of the rides available at the theme park.

However, there are some rides that we wouldn’t go on again and that I don’t think are worth wasting time queuing for during your visit.

The reason for skipping these rides usually comes down to either the simulation of the ride making us feel incredibly sick or the ride being very underwhelming.

Of course, these are just our opinions.

Some people, for example, love The Simpsons ride and have no issues with the simulation (I envy you because I love The Simpsons show).

While others (such as myself) find that they spend the second half of the ride with their eyes closed praying that the ride is going to stop soon.

1. The Simpsons Ride

Situated inside the immersive Krustyland area, you’ll find The Simpsons Ride.

This five-minute simulation ride launched in 2008 and has a height restriction of 1.02 metres.

Since 2008, motion simulation has come an incredibly long way which is why you’ll find that other motion-simulated rides at Universal Studios in Hollywood don’t make you feel as sick as this one which in terms of technology is now incredibly outdated.

However, if you can push past the feeling of motion sickness or find that it doesn’t affect you when on this ride, then you’ll benefit from one of the best storylines and incredible experiences that any ride in the park has to offer.

Depending on the number of visitors at Universal Studios Hollywood during your visit, you’ll generally find that wait times for The Simpsons Ride range from between 20 minutes to 90 minutes.

However, this ride is Express Pass eligible and allows pass holders to save time in the queue and move directly to the front of the line.

Personally, I don’t get sick easily. So the fact that this ride (and The Transformers Ride – more on that later) make me feel sick is always worrisome.

However, since you’re probably not going to know how this simulation ride affects you, you’ll likely have to experience it first-hand to determine if it’s something your body can tolerate.

2. Silly Swirly Fun Ride

The Silly Swirly Fun Ride is designed for young children and is one of the only rides with a maximum height requirement at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Situated inside the Super Silly Fun Land, the 12 uniquely-styled ride vehicles provide riders with an incredible 360-degree view of the land below.

Therefore while there’s nothing inherently wrong with the structure of the ride itself, it’s probably one you’re going to want to miss if your child meets the height requirements of 1.02 metres.

That’s because this height requirement then allows guests to go on more thrilling and exciting rides inside Universal Studios Hollywood, such as The Simpsons Ride, The Transformers Ride & Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem.

3. Transformers: The Ride 3D

Much like The Simpsons Ride, The Transformers Ride 3D is an older motion simulation ride that opened back in 2011.

As a result, it can make some guests feel incredibly motion sick. Personally, I didn’t find this one quite as bad as The Simpsons as the motions are much less aggressive.

However, it did still take 20 minutes or so for my stomach to calm back down afterwards.

Side Note: I found The Forbidden Journey which is also a motion simulation ride to be much better than both The Transformers and The Simpsons. 

I mainly put this down to the developments in motion simulation between 2008 / 2011 and 2016 when The Forbidden Journey launched at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Therefore I think it's important not to let these two rides put you off riding motion simulation at the theme park altogether. 

That being said, if you’re able to push past the motion sickness or believe that the motion sickness won’t affect you, then you’re in luck as with or without previous knowledge of The Transformers storyline, you’ll be able to follow the ride’s plot easily and should enjoy the experience.

This ride has a minimum height requirement of 1.02 metres and lasts approximately five minutes.

However, wait times for the ride can often exceed 90 minutes during the peak season, so it’s worth heading to this ride as soon as the park opens if it’s one you know you want to go on during your visit.

4. Fast & Furious – Supercharged

While the three previous rides on this list are more of a personal opinion, it’s safe to say that 99.99% of people agree that the Fast & Furious – Supercharged is the most underwhelming ride at Universal Studios Hollywood.

However, unlike at Universal Studios in Orlando, this ride is actually embedded inside of the Universal Studios Backlot tour.

Therefore you don’t queue separately for this ride, and it’s more of a two for one kind of experience.

And since the Universal Studios Backlot tour is simply the best experience at Universal Studios in Hollywood, you’ll probably find yourself going on the Fast & Furious ride – even if you don’t want to.

Pro Tip: How To Avoid Motion Sickness On Rides

While there are several motion simulated rides at Universal Studios Hollywood that might make you feel sick, you might still want to experience the ride for yourself at least once.

In which case, I’ve found a couple of handy tips and tricks that could help to minimise the impact of motion sickness on rides.

Antihistamines

These over the counter motion sickness remedies vary by brand but can ease the sickness feeling.

However, keep in mind that these tablets may cause drowsiness – not ideal for a day at a theme park!

Sea-Bands

Sea-Bands are acupressure bands pressed on a point in the wrist that is related in Chinese medicine to nausea.

Whether they work or have a placebo effect, they’re harmless and worth trying as there are no side effects.

Aromatherapy

It’s been found that in some cases, simply sniffing the essential oil of peppermint on a tissue before the ride can help reduce the feeling of motion sickness.

However, carrying about this liquid all day and remembering to take some in the queue of the ride could prove difficult.

Ginger

Another substance that’s kind to the stomach is ginger, so it’s worth taking some ginger biscuits along to nibble on while waiting in line.