Did you know your kids shrink throughout the day? All humans do. Our spine compresses, especially after being on your feet all day and walking for miles. I didn’t really know until we started going to Universal Orlando. Now we are prepared.
How strict are they about height requirements at Universal Studios?
As I stated in this post, Universal Orlando has very strict rules about height requirements for rides. They have multiple points of verification, one before entering lines, and one right before loading. If at any point a Team Member says your child does not meet the requirements, even if they qualified before, they will not be able to ride. My oldest has even been asked to re-check after being seated on Hagrid’s because no one had done the final check prior to entering the ride vehicle.
Do not ever take your frustration out on a Team Member!! As annoying as the not-measuring-up is, it is not their fault. They are doing their job and following the rules to keep your kid safe. Team Members at Universal are the best. Do not take it out on them.
Preparing to be tall enough
Since both my girls are ride junkies, we measure them at home before to see what rides they should be able to ride. We have painters tape on the wall with the ride heights and their heights. We like always prepare them for the possiblity that our measuring at home is not the same as at Universal, and they may not be able to ride. We also prepare them throughout the day to know that they may not be able to ride later on in the day.
Get to the rides at the beginning of the day
If your child is right on the cusp of riding, go to that ride first that day. It will avoid the shrinking or give you better expectations on what to expect for the rest of the trip.
What happens when your child is too small?
Universal Orlando does this fantastic job when a kid is just too small for a ride. Most of the rides provide certificates for when the rider reaches the proper height to return to the ride and go through the express line with their family (up to 5 guests). Universal does let guests who are too small are allowed to walk through the lines. My youngest has loved seeing all the lines even without riding the ride.
How does Child swap work at Universal?
Most rides at Universal have a child swap area (except some water rides). These rooms usually have movies or tv shows related to the ride playing, and my youngest actually looks forward watching while eating snacks from our park bag. To Child swap, the riders in your party ride first and the member of your party waiting is given a pass to ride after. One of the greatest parts about child swap is often you can re-ride with all riding members of your party. Have 3 kids and one can’t ride? Both big kids can re-ride with the next parent.
Here are the ride heights restrictions currently: (January 2023)
Universal Studios Rides
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – No minimum height requirements (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Hogwarts Express Kings Cross Station – No minimum height requirements (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ – 40″ to ride in moving seats, stationary seats available for under 40″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
E.T. Adventure™ – 34″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Fast & Furious – Supercharged™ – 40″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
The Simpsons Ride™ – 40″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D – 40″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ – 40″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ – 42″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™ – 42″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Revenge of the Mummy™ – 48″
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™ – 51″
Islands Of Adventure Rides
Car-Suess-el – No minimum height requirements (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station – No minimum height requirements (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Storm Force Accelatron – No Minimum Height (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish – No Minimum Height (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Cat in the Hat™ – 36″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Flight of the Hippogriff™ – 36″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™ – 36″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Skull Island: Reign of Kong™ – 36″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Pteranodon Flyers™ – Please note that Pteranodon Flyers™ is for children 36″–56″ (92cm-143cm) tall. A child in this range can ride with someone over 48″. (48″-56″ to ride unaccompanied)
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® – 40″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Jurassic Park River Adventure™ – 42″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges® – 42″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls® – 44″ (48″ to ride unaccompanied)
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™ – 48”
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ – 48″
Jurassic World VelociCoaster – 51”
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall® – 52″
The Incredible Hulk Coaster® – 54″
