Universal Studios Hollywood has become a popular Southern California theme park, and is known for their thrilling rides and attractions. Unfortunately for families with small children, many of these rides have minimum height requirements in order to ensure their safety.
The good news is, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a convenient child switch program which allows one or two adults to wait with any non-rider children in a designated room while the other members of the party experience the ride. When they return, the riders will “swap” places, and those who were waiting with the child get to ride the attraction without having to get back in the original line. This program, seen at many major theme parks, is a great option that lets everyone who meets the height requirements experience the best attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood!
The child switch program can seem a bit confusing at first, so we have broken down the steps, tips, and other ways Universal Studios Hollywood provides in-park child care services. This article will also go over other child-friendly experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood that have little to no height requirements. We have personally used this great program and will tell you all the ways it can make your next trip to Universal Studios Hollywood easy! Also, be sure to check out our full guide to enjoying Universal Studios Hollywood with kids!
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How to Utilize the Universal Studios Hollywood Child Switch Program
The Universal Studios Hollywood child switch program is fairly straightforward once you understand the process. As long as there is at least one adult to stay with non-riding children at all times, everyone in the party can wait in regular line together. Then, when they reach the designated child switch room, at least one adult must wait with the child while the other members of the party can continue in the line. Then, those riders will return to the child switch room and swap places with the others who want to experience the ride without having to get back in the original line.
If you have any specific questions about child switch, be sure to see a Team Member located at the front of the ride queue for assistance.
There are child switch rooms available for the following Universal Studios Hollywood attractions that have minimum height requirements between 40 and 48 inches:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – 48 inches or taller
- Revenge of the Mummy – 48 inches or taller
- Jurassic World – The Ride – 42 inches or taller
- Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge – 40 inches or taller
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – 40 inches or taller
- The Simpsons Ride – 40 inches or taller
- Transformers: The Ride – 3D – 40 inches or taller
Due to the popularity of these rides, the Universal Studios Hollywood child switch program conveniently allows more guests who are visiting with small children to experience these attractions.
Potential Downsides of the Universal Studios Hollywood Child Switch Program
A potential downside to the child switch program is that small children may become very bored waiting in line. The child switch rooms are not necessarily “entertaining,” and typically only consist of benches to sit on. Therefore, be prepared with snacks or toys to keep your kids occupied while they wait for each member of the party to ride.
I have also seen many children become visibly upset that they cannot ride the attraction because they are too small. Therefore, it might be too much for the child to be in the ride queue but miss out on the actual attraction. Although this can be hard to predict, it's something to consider if you plan on using the child switch program.
If either of these situations are likely to happen, I would recommend purchasing a Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass in order to skip the regular lines. Guests who purchase the Express Pass can also use the child switch option simultaneously. This will likely keep small children happier and more content while they wait for everyone to experience the attraction! Check out our ultimate guide to the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass, including prices, here.
Another option to avoid these potential downsides is to utilize the single rider line. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Revenge of the Mummy, and and Transformers: The Ride 3D all offer single rider lines which may a good option if only one individual wants to experience the attraction. Multiple individuals in the same party can enter the single rider queue together, however they will be seated seperately on the ride. This allows the non-riders to have fun around the theme park without having to wait in line.
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Other Child Care Services at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood does a great job of providing various childcare services to families, including the child switch option. There are also many other in-park services at Universal Studios Hollywood that can make visits with small children more convenient.
Diaper Changing Stations in All Park Restrooms
Every single restroom throughout Universal Studios Hollywood has diaper changing stations available for convenience.
Nursing Facilities
The family center has nursing facilities available for nursing mothers. These allow a convenient, safe, and private area for mothers who are visiting the parks and need to nurse.
Baby Formula, Baby Food, and Medically Necessary Items
The Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy allows guests to bring in their own baby formula or baby food into the parks for their children. Universal Studios Hollywood also recognizes the need for guests to bring medically-required supplements, prescriptions, or food they may need throughout the day, including anything required for kids. See our full guide to Universal Studios Hollywood's bag policy here.
You can also check out our guide to the best Universal Studios Hollywood foods and restaurants you should try!
Single or Double Strollers Available to Rent
Although guests are more than welcome to bring their own single or double stroller into Universal Studios Hollywood, the park also has them available to rent. This is a very convenient option especially for families traveling from out of state who do not want to travel with their bulky stroller.
Lockers Available to Rent
There are various lockers available to rent at Universal Studios Hollywood in order to store extra toys, blankets, fans, bottles, or other items your child may need throughout the day. The lockers have a flat fee with unlimited access throughout the day. Guests can use cash or credit cards to rent a locker, however they are subject to availability.
Locker sizes and prices are below:
- $8 Lockers: Height – 12¾” Width – 11″ Length – 16½”
- $12 Lockers: Height – 16″ Width – 8″ Length – 16″
- $15 Lockers: Height – 21½” Width – 11″ Length – 16″
These lockers can be found inside and outside the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. Guests can find locker rentals throughout CityWalk, outside the park's front gate, or inside the park next to Kwik-E-Mart near the Simpsons Ride or near Jurassic Café on the Lower Lot.
Fun Experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood with Little to No Height Requirements
Although there are various rides where your child may not meet the minimum height requirement, there are several great attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood that have little to no height requirements. Rides with no height requirements mean everyone is able to enjoy the attraction! Additionally, there are many great shows, character meet and greet experiences, and other ways to enjoy the parks.
These child-friendly experiences include:
- Studio Tour: The infamous Studio Tour has no height requirement! However, keep in mind that the tour is an hour-long experience with mild intensity so it may not be suitable for all children.
- DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda: Kung Fu Panda is a fun 4D show where guests can watch Po, Mr. Ping, and Master Shifu embark on a mission to deliver the Liquid of Ultimate Power to the Emperor. This show has no height requirement!
- Silly Swirly Fun Ride: Although riders under 48 inches require a supervising companion, there is no height requirement for the Silly Swirly Fun Ride.
- Flight of the Hippogriff: This Harry-Potter inspired rollercoaster allows guests with a minimum height of 39 inches.
- The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash: Guests who are 34 inches or taller can experience this cute attraction.
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (stationary seating): Although there is a child switch option for this attraction, guests also have a stationary seat option which has no height requirement.
- WaterWorld Show: Actors perform super wild stunts such as firefights, perilous plunges, and even a plane crash you'll need to see to believe. Parts of this show may be intense, however, there is no height requirement and all guests, including children, are welcome to attend.
- Character Meet and Greets: Guests of all ages and heights can meet favorite Universal characters such as Curious George, Dora the Explorer, Hello Kitty, as well as characters from Shrek, Despicable Me, and Scooby Doo.
- Super Silly Fun Land: This play area includes a playground and splash pad area which is great on a hot day.
- Dino Play: Located near the Jurassic World ride, this play area has a playground, climbing area, and digging site.
Plan Your Next Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood
For more tips and tricks to help make your Southern California vacation memorable and stress-free, be sure to subscribe to our FREE newsletter! We provide useful planning information, exclusive deals, and how to find the cheapest theme park tickets anywhere, including Universal Studios and Disneyland. Check out our other resources on planning a trip to Southern California:
- Universal Studios Hollywood Crowd Calendar 2024
- Discount Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
- Guide to Disneyland Rider Switch 2024
- LAX to Universal Studios Hollywood – Best Travel Tips
- Best Universal Studios Hollywood Rides Ranked
Frequently Asked Questions – Universal Studios Hollywood Child Switch
Universal Studios child switch is a program that allows two or more people with a small child to wait in line together and experience an attraction that the child may not want to ride or be too short for the minimum height requirements. Guests will wait in a designated child switch room while other members of the party ride the attraction. When they return, the other riders will swap places without having to wait in line again. This is a convenient service that many theme parks offer in order for families to wait in line together while still being able to experience amazing attractions that their children are too small to ride.
Yes, Universal Studios Hollywood offers Rider Switch for several attractions. The attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood that offer rider switch include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, Transformers: The Ride 3-D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Revenge of the Mummy, The Simpsons Ride, and Jurassic World – The Ride. Each of these attractions has a designated child switch room where non-riders can wait for the rest of their party to experience the attraction, and then switch places without the need to get back into the original line.
Although the Disney parks generally have more experiences for toddlers, Universal Studios can still be worth it for toddlers and small children. There are several experiences and shows at Universal Studios that have little to no height requirements, although there are far fewer options that at other theme parks such as Disney. Universal Studios also offers child switch which allows one or two adults to wait with a child or non-rider while the other members of the party experience an attraction. When they return, they can switch places with other individuals who wish to ride without having to wait in line twice.
Yes, you can take a 3 year old to Universal Studios. Universal Studios offers many in-park services to help families with small children enjoy their day. These include the child switch rider program, a family center including nursing facilities, diaper changing stations in each restroom, as well as lockers and stroller rentals. Although small children will not get to experience many Universal rides due to height requirements, they are still able to enjoy other aspects of the theme park such as dining and entertainment.
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