I get it, waiting in line for an attraction is not always the most exciting part of the theme park experience. But what if I told you that it can be a lot more fun than you expect?
At Universal Studios Hollywood, we’re all about bringing your favorite movies and shows to life. That means immersing you in the world of a beloved franchise, way before you even reach the ride vehicle — and that begins with the queue!
The queues at each attraction provide essential backstory and worldbuilding, helping us take on the role of the main character as we prepare for our upcoming adventures. So whether you’re exploring Hogwarts castle or discovering the remains of an ancient Egyptian tomb, here is a list of some of my favorite attractions that have queues I’d happily hop in line for.
PRO TIP: Even if you decide you don’t want to experience the ride, you can still see all of the cool things inside the queue. Just let a team member know you’re not riding, and they’ll help you find the nearest exit once you’ve made it to the end of the line.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Have you ever wanted to explore the corridors of Hogwarts castle? Well, at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you can! Professor Albus Dumbledore has invited us (Muggles, witches, and wizards alike) into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! The queue for this attraction winds through some memorable rooms from the “Harry Potter” films, including the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Professor Dumbledore’s office, and the Gryffindor common room.
Check out all the amazing relics along the way, including the Mirror of Erised, the Mandrakes, and the hourglasses keeping track of Hogwarts house points. Be sure to peep into the Pensieve in Professor Dumbledore’s office, where he stores memories. And don’t be surprised if the portraits in the corridors start to move and speak throughout the experience, including the portrait of the Fat Lady.
Want to learn more? Check out Discover Universal’s attraction guide to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
If you want to know what your cats, dogs and bunnies do when you’re not at home, check out the queue for Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. You will assume the role of adorable little puppy (awwww!) hoping to be adopted as you navigate through Katie’s apartment building in New York City on adoption day.
There are so many Easter eggs in this queue! Look through the bulletin board in the lobby to see the “Missing” posters for some of our mischievous friends (who are really just wandering around the halls). Peek through the doors’ mail slots in the hallways for a fun surprise and encounter some of your favorite characters: Norman, Gidget, Chloe, Max, Duke, Snowball, and more. You’ll even catch Buddy getting his mixer massage in the kitchen — just like in the movie!
Want to learn more? Check out the Discover Universal attraction guide to Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Bowser has challenged Mario to a race! The queue of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge takes us through Bowser’s Castle where you’ll come face-to-face with a large Bowser statue, a hallway full of racing trophies, and Bowser’s Study, with its abundant array of books and other items to explore. You’ll also enter a factory room where it looks like Bowser’s cooking up a plan to use various items to keep Team Mario from winning!
Want to learn more? Check out the Discover Universal attraction guide to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown
After completing three Key Challenges around the Mushroom Kingdom with your Power-Up Band, you’ll be granted access to Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. While in the queue, you’ll see a statue of Bowser Jr. himself, some Bowser family portraits, and a giant stash of Bowser Jr.’s toys. Some of my favorite details are Bowser Jr.’s drawings, which he’s scribbled directly onto the walls.
Want to learn more about your Power-Up Band? Check out Discover Universal’s guide right here.
TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE 3-D
Listen up, recruits! As soon as we step foot inside TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE 3-D, we become a part of N.E.S.T. (Non-biological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty), a government initiative formed as part of their alliance with the Autobots. As you meander through the queue, you’ll explore the inside of a N.E.S.T. military base and learn more about the Autobots (your fellow allies) and the Decepticons (those you’re training to fight against). From the orientation videos playing on the screens, to the “restricted areas” you get to walk through, you’ll really feel like you’ve been recruited for a very important mission.
Don’t forget to check out the AllSpark fragment on display, a powerful source of energy for the Autobots that must be kept safe at all costs. So when the lights start flashing and we’re informed that there’s been a security breach, get ready! Recruits, retrieve that AllSpark!
Want to learn more? Check out the Discover Universal attraction guide to TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE 3-D.
Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
Want to explore some ancient Egyptian ruins? OK, but I’m warning you — you might unleash an unstoppable evil and doom us all. As you wait in line for Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, you’ll walk amongst boxes containing ancient artifacts and a giant sphinx, before making your way inside Imhotep’s tomb. Here, you’ll see the Book of the Dead, a hole in the wall that tempts you to reach inside (be careful!), and an abandoned archeological dig. And don’t worry, I’m sure all the skeletons in the queue have been dead for a long, long time… right?
Next time you find yourself waiting in line, remember to take in all of the sights and sounds. Here at Universal Studios Hollywood, you’re in the movie — take some time to explore the worlds you usually only see on screen.
Want to learn more? Check out Discover Universal’s attraction guide to Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride.
Still not convinced waiting in line is for you? Consider shortening your wait time with a Universal Express Pass.
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