As we’ve been incorporating our younger children in theme park visits, we’ve been paying more attention to those “Must Be This Tall” signs. It’s really important to get familiar with the ride height requirements at Universal Orlando Resort (and any theme park you’ll be visiting).
Have you ever seen a child get turned away from a ride because they were too short? It’s heartbreaking, and we definitely want to avoid that scene, if we can! Just thinking of how much that could shake up a trip gives me anxiety!
Universal Studios Florida
There are many great rides at Universal Studios Florida. Honestly, we could spend an entire week there, especially during Halloween Horror Nights! We love the attractions, but as Harry Potter fans, we are particularly fond of Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts! Yes, it’s already showing some signs of aging (maybe they’ll get rid of the 3D?), but it’s just so good. We love that it’s not too long and has the right amount of darkness without being too dark. It makes it a really good option for families.
A newer addition to Universal Studios Florida is Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon. We’ve only ridden it once, but it immediately ranked among our favorite rides at the park. It’s just a lot of fun! The music, the special effects, the cheesy banter. You just can’t beat it! Plus, you’ll be blown away by how much effort they put into making it look like the real studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza! Of course, we can’t forget the park’s biggest roller coaster — Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit!
While your family might be eager for the action, some of younger kids won’t be able to go on everything. Here are the height restrictions for the rides at Universal Studios Florida. Keep in mind that, depending on the ride and your child’s size, you may need to ride with them.
34 inches (86cm) or Taller:
- E.T. Adventure
36 inches (91cm) or Taller:
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
40 inches (102cm) or Taller:
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- The Simpsons Ride
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
42 inches (107cm) or Taller:
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
48 inches (122cm) or Taller:
- Revenge of the Mummy
51 inches (130 cm) or Taller:
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Marvel fans? If so, your family will love the theming at Universal’s Islands of Adventure! Be sure to show your pride at the park by wearing something to support your favorite superhero — even if it’s Thanos! Josh really loves Doctor Strange, but all of those shirts are weird. Of course, despite the terrible tanktop in this picture, I love to represent Hulk and Iron Man! Maybe I’ll even throw in some Black Panther next time!
While the Incredible Hulk Coaster is our absolute favorite attraction at the park, there’s no way our littlest guys can make it on that ride! It had been on my bucket list for a few years, and I’m so glad we got to ride it (even though it will be a while till our youngest children can join in on the fun)!
Fortunately, there’s a whole section devoted to Dr. Seuss characters as well as a several other options for younger guests. Again, even if your child meets the height requirements on this list, remember that certain attractions will require you to ride with them.
36 inches (91cm) or Taller:
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Pteranodon Flyers
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Cat in the Hat
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
40 inches (102cm) or Taller:
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
42 inches (107cm) or Taller:
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
44 inches (112cm) or Taller:
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
48 inches (122 cm) or Taller:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
52 inches (132cm) or Taller:
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
54 inches (137cm) or Taller:
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Universal’s Volcano Bay
The newest park to Universal Orlando Resort is Universal’s Volcano Bay. Of course, this was before they announced the upcoming Universal’s Epic Universe. We can’t wait to see what they do in that area! Either way, I wasn’t exactly excited to check out Volcano Bay. My OCD and germaphobia has a hard time with public pools. Fortunately, this massive water park offers endless opportunities for bonding as a family, and made it easy for me to push through my fears.
We saw a lot of children wrapped tightly in life jackets, having a great time. There’s a lot to do for little ones. There are things, however, that they may not be able to do. As is the case with all rides, you may have to accompany your child on an attraction even if they meet the minimum height requirements. This may be even more important at a water park. Keep your child in eyesight and wearing US Coast Guard-approved life vest at all times.
42 inches (107cm) or Taller:
- ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Punga Racers
- Taniwha Tubes
- TeAwa The Fearless River
48 inches (122 cm) or Taller:
- The Reef
- Waturi Beach
- Honu of Honu ika Moana
- Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides
Just For Kids:
- Runamukka Reef
- Tot Tiki Reef
Whether you visit Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or Universal’s Volcano Bay, you’ll have a great time. Be sure you stay at an official Universal hotel to maximize your benefits. You and your child may not be able to get on every single ride, but with great areas such as Diagon Alley and Hogsemeade, you’ll have a blast just walking around (don’t forget to grab something delicious to eat!).
For a list of all attraction requirements and accommodations, please see the Universal Orlando Resort Guide for Rider Safety and Accessibility.
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