Are you heading to Universal Orlando with your family sometime in the future? Then get stoked because you’re going to have an amazing time exploring this exciting resort. However, if you’re traveling with kiddos in your group, you’ll first want to familiarize yourself with the different Universal height requirements for rides spread between each of Universal Orlando’s three parks.
Why? Because unlike nearby Walt Disney World, which is a mecca for family-friendly attractions, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are known more for their heart-pounding thrills, like high-speed roller coasters and intense simulator rides, than kid-friendly fun. The same goes for the rip-roaring waterslides at the resort’s water park, Universal’s Volcano Bay.
But, don’t worry! Just because you’re visiting with children doesn’t mean your family won’t still have a great time at the Universal Orlando Resort. As long as you know which Universal rides your kids are tall enough for, and which ones could cause some heartbreak and vacation chaos if they’re still too small to go on, your trip to Universal Orlando can still be a roaring success.
Luckily, we’re here to answer all your pressing Universal Studios height requirements questions (like “What is the height restriction for the VelociCoaster?” and “How tall do you have to be to ride the Harry Potter rides at Universal Orlando?”) and give you the lowdown on each attraction’s restrictions with this handy-dandy comprehensive guide.
So, pull down on the lap bar, buckle up and let’s get started!
You Must Be This Tall to Ride: FAQs About Universal Orlando Height Requirements
Before we dig into the details (so many numbers!), let’s first go over a few commonly asked questions about Universal Orlando height restrictions.
How tall do you need to be for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure rides?
Just like at Walt Disney World, where height requirements range from as short as 32 inches (82cm) or taller to as much as 48 inches (122cm) or taller, restrictions for rides at Universal Orlando also vary greatly. The Universal ride with the lowest height requirement is E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios Florida, clocking in at an easy 34 inches (87cm) minimum—which is awesome because it’s really fun and a true classic.
On the other side of things, the ride with the tallest height restriction, at 54 inches (138cm), is The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. We really feel for too-small kiddos with this one. As the name of the coaster says, it truly is incredible. That said, the vast majority of Universal height requirements fall within the 36 inches (91cm) to 48 inches (122cm) range.
Can you be too tall to go on a ride at Universal Orlando?
Actually yes! Minimum height requirements aren’t the only ride restrictions you’ll need to be aware of at the Universal Orlando Resort. Some attractions have a maximum allowed height, too. In fact, unless you’re accompanying your child, kids are actually the only riders allowed on Pteranodon Flyers at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
No kidding, this height maximum frustrated my sister and I to no end. The ride looks so fun that we may or may not have pondered asking some parents if we could borrow their child for a bit just so we could go on. And no, since you’re wondering, we never actually asked anyone.
Here are all of the Universal rides with maximum height requirements:
Universal Studios Florida
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Must be no taller than 79 inches (201cm)
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Pteranodon Flyers – Designed for kids between 36 inches (92cm) and 56 inches (143cm); so, if you’re taller than this, you must be accompanied by a short-enough child to ride
Universal’s Volcano Bay
- Runamukka Reef – Designed for kids below 54 inches (137cm)
- Tot Tiki Reef – Designed for kids below 48 inches (122cm)
How strict is Universal Orlando on height requirements?
Since height-related ride requirements are put in place for your safety and security, Universal Orlando is very strict when it comes to these restrictions. So, while it may be tempting to put little lifts in your kiddo’s shoes, trying to squeak out a few more centimeters can put your child at risk. In other words, just don’t do it.
Are there any rides at Universal Orlando without a height restriction?
Yes! Although the vast majority of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure rides do have a minimum height requirement, there are a handful that don’t have any restrictions at all. They include:
Universal Studios Florida
- Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Caro-Seuss-el
- Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Storm Force Accelatron
Universal’s Volcano Bay
- Kopiko Wai Winding River
Can you try out an attraction’s seat before you ride?
As anyone who has ever visited Universal Studios before can attest, ride vehicles there aren’t exactly what we’d call comfortable. Depending on your height or body shape, you might not feel safe riding or, worse still, even be able to fit securely. Fortunately, along with a height requirement sign, many Universal Orlando attractions offer test seats near the entrance to the ride so you can check it out before you get in line.
This can save you the time and hassle of waiting in line unnecessarily, as well as any potential embarrassment. These Universal Orlando rides have test seats you can try out beforehand:
Universal Studios Florida
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Revenge of the Mummy
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
What can you do if your child isn’t tall enough for an attraction, but you still want to ride?
Don’t despair if your little one is still a few inches too short for the Jurassic World VelociCoaster! Even if your kiddo doesn’t meet the height requirement or is simply too scared to go on, you can still experience this incredible roller coaster, along with many other Universal Orlando rides, thanks to the resort’s complimentary child swap service (AKA rider switch or parent swap).
This completely free program is included in the cost of your ticket, and lets members of your party to swap out with each other so they can go on an attraction while the other waits back with your child. This allows everyone who is able and wants to experience an attraction to ride while ensuring that your little one remains safe and sound. Best of all, you only need to wait in line once! Sadly, this service is only available at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Volcano Bay is not included.
To take advantage of child swap, let a ride attendant know once you get to the attraction. The rider switch service is available for the following Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida rides:
Universal Studios Florida
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- E.T. Adventure
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack!
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- The Simpsons Ride
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Caro-Seuss-el
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Storm Force Accelatron
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- The Cat in the Hat
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Universal Orlando Height Requirements by Park & Minimum Height
Ready to see the Universal ride height requirements? For your convenience, we’ve broken things down by each park—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay—then ranked each attraction from the lowest minimum height requirement to the tallest. We’ve also noted any additional information you may need, such as applicable maximum height restrictions and if a supervising companion is required.
Of course, for more information, you can always refer to the Universal Orlando app or the resort’s website. This is a super helpful resource with great filtering functionalities, including things like rider height, child swap availability and parental supervision requirements. So, be sure to check it out before you get to the park, as well as throughout your Universal vacation.
Universal Studios Height Requirements
At Least 34 Inches (87cm) Tall
- E.T. Adventure – Must be more than 34 inches (87cm) in height; kids between 34 inches (87cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
At Least 40 Inches (102cm) Tall
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Must be more than 40 inches (102cm) in height; kids between 40 inches (102cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion, while guests shorter than 40 inches (102cm) are required to experience the ride from a stationary seat nearby
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged – Must be more than 40 inches (102cm) in height; kids between 40 inches (102cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – Must be more than 40 inches (102cm) in height; kids between 40 inches (102cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- The Simpsons Ride – Must be more than 40 inches (102cm) in height; kids between 40 inches (102cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D – Must be more than 40 inches (102cm) in height; kids between 40 inches (102cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
At Least 42 Inches (107cm) Tall
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
At Least 48 Inches (122cm) Tall
- Revenge of the Mummy – Must be more than 48 inches (122cm) in height
At Least 51 Inches (130cm) Tall
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Must be more than 51 inches (130cm) in height but no taller than 79 inches (201cm)
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Height Requirements
At Least 36 Inches (92cm) Tall
- Cat in the Hat – Must be more than 36 inches (92cm) in height; kids between 36 inches (92cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- Flight of the Hippogriff – Must be more than 36 inches (92cm) in height; kids between 36 inches (92cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- Pteranodon Flyers – Intended only for kids between 36 inches (92cm) and 56 inches (143cm) in height; kids between 36 inches (92cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion, while a guest more than 56 inches (143cm) in height may accompany a child within the allowable height range
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong – Must be more than 36 inches (92cm) in height; kids between 36 inches (92cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! – Must be more than 36 inches (92cm) in height; kids between 36 inches (92cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
At Least 40 Inches (102cm) Tall
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – Must be more than 40 inches (102cm) in height; kids between 40 inches (102cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
At Least 42 Inches (107cm) Tall
- Jurassic Park River Adventure – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
At Least 44 Inches (112cm) Tall
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – Must be more than 44 inches (112cm) in height; kids between 44 inches (112cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
At Least 48 Inches (122cm) Tall
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Must be more than 48 inches (122cm) in height
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Must be more than 48 inches (122cm) in height
At Least 51 Inches (130cm) Tall
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster – Must be more than 51 inches (130cm) in height
At Least 52 Inches (133cm) Tall
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall – Must be more than 52 inches (133cm) in height
At Least 54 Inches (138cm) Tall
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster – Must be more than 54 inches (138cm) in height
Universal’s Volcano Bay Height Requirements
Less Than 48 Inches (122cm) Tall
- Puka Uli Lagoon – Life vest required for children below 48 inches (122cm) in height
- The Reef – Life vest required for children below 48 inches (122cm) in height
- Tot Tiki Reef – Intended only for kids below 48 inches (122cm) in height
- Waturi Beach – Life vest required for children below 48 inches (122cm) in height
Less Than 54 Inches (137cm) Tall
- Runamukka Reef – Intended only for kids below 54 inches (137cm) in height
At Least 42 Inches (107cm) Tall
- ika Moana of Honu ika Moana – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- Punga Racers – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height
- Taniwha Tubes – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion
- TeAwa The Fearless River – Must be more than 42 inches (107cm) in height; kids between 42 inches (107cm) and 48 inches (122cm) in height require a supervising companion and a life vest
At Least 48 Inches (122cm) Tall
- Honu of Honu ika Moana – Must be more than 48 inches (122cm) in height
- Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides – Must be more than 48 inches (122cm) in height
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge – Must be more than 48 inches (122cm) in height
- Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides – Must be more than 48 inches (122cm) in height
Well, folks, that concludes our guide to the many ride height requirements at Universal Orlando. Which Universal attraction is your child finally tall enough to ride? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can make your family vacation more affordable with our discount Universal tickets.
