The Transformers is one of Universal’s biggest franchises and a Ride based on the Transformers was inevitable. Not only is it a hugely popular franchise the all-action Nature of the film lends itself perfectly to a thrill ride. It’s an obvious decision but that can lead to laziness in ride design when you know you are on to a winner regardless. So How does the ride measure up to the competition? Find out with our Transformers: The Ride-3D Review.
- Location – Lower Lot, Universal Studios Hollywood
- Type – 3D Dark Ride, Motion Based Vehicles with Immersive 3D Screens
- Duration – 4 Mins 30 Secs
- Height Restriction – 40 in (102 cm)
- Average Queue time – 20 mins – 120 Mins
- Single Rider – YES
- Additional Info – Just Awesome!
Transformers The Ride Review
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Thrill Rating
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Fun
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Smoothness and Comfort
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Uniqueness and Theming
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Value For Time
Transformers: The Ride 3D Explained
The Ride is based on Universals highly acclaimed ride system first used in the Amazing Spider-Man ride a Universal Orlando. However, it is a heavily updated system that brings that tech right up to the modern-day. This is good as we feel Spiderman is showing its age a little.
The Cars are mounted on a movable platform that tilts lifts and spins the car simulating movement while the platform is simultaneously mounted on a track that transports the ride system around the ride arriving at 13 Giant HD 3D Screens that immerse the Riders in the ongoing battle between the Auto bots and Deceptions.
It’s quite a hard thing to explain and when written down it sounds pretty lame but when experienced the ride is a seamless blend of 3D Video and Real Motion that is completely immersive and quite convincing. Sure you are very aware you are not involved in a gigantic scrap between giant robots but there are parts of your brain that are less sure than others. Certainly, the big movement scenes, the drops, and the fast motion really do feel like they are happening.
The Amazing Spider-man Ride was a truly innovative marvel when it first launched way back in 1999 but Transformers the Ride really shows how far the tech has come and the ride is FAR better than its predecessor. Spider-man still gets the plaudits and has won numerous awards but we feel Transformers betters it in every way.
Ride Exerience
The Initial back story is pretty basic and nothing really more than a way to pass the queue time.
Queue
The Queue takes place inside NEST Headquarters where you are briefed on the upcoming mission, involving evacuating the All-Spark from the Facility via an Autobot called EVAC, who you can luckily ride in.
While the Story is not the most in-depth the theming is very good as you make your way through the facility. There are plenty of screens explaining the story and artifacts and sets to help pass the time including the All Spark itself.
The Ride is a continuous loading system with an impressive throughput so the queue moves steadily and before long you are at the loading area. If queues are long, consider the single rider as once the ride kicks off there is
Ride
The Ride Cars take 12 People in 3 rows of 4. The front and middle are the best seats but the seating is tiered so all seats are good so don’t sweat it too much.
Once loaded you head off on your mission to evacuate the All-Spark. We don’t like to spoil these things too much but rest assured before long all hell breaks loose and you are embroiled in an almighty battle featuring all your favorite Characters (Optimus, Megatron, Star Scream, Bumblebee, Devastator, and bone crusher to name a few) as EVAC Tries to get you and the All spark away from the Decepticons.
The Physical ride is barely distinguishable from the 3D screens and the Car transitions from one to the other in a fantastic seamless motion. In addition, live effects such as wind, water, smoke, lighting, and hot air really amp up the effects. As the battle rages and you tear around the track you are fully immersed in the goings-on and the four and a half minutes fly by.
It is not a scary ride at all, but it leaves you quite breathless. The best description is just pure fun. Like being fully immersed in a Transformer action sequence. It’s a bit bumpy, but overall pretty smooth and can be enjoyed by most people.
Overall
Overall the Ride is a breathtaking immersive masterpiece of a ride and we absolutely love it. It is right up there as one of the best rides at universal and one of the best rides at any park. The fact it is not a towering terrifying roller coaster only adds to its appeal as it’s far more inclusive.
We rarely ride it once and almost always jump straight into the single rider queue for another go. The Amazing Spiderman is the ride with all the awards and plaudits but the reality is Transformers is far better. We think Spiderman gets the praise as it was first, blew people away and Transformers is just standing on its shoulders. All true, but sometimes standing on someone’s shoulders means you can reach a lot higher!
Have Your Say
Have you ridden Transformers: The Ride? What did you think? Do you agree it’s better than Spiderman? or will the original form of this ride tech always win for you? Let us know in the comments below fire away if you have any questions?
Question: My grandson is four-years of age, can he ride Transformers Ride, after-all Universal Studios is his idea as a family to attend?
Hi Louva,
Age is irrelevant, at least in terms of rules that is. The height limit is 40″(101.6 cm) minimum. That is the average height for a 4-year-old, but average heights are not a good judge of how tall your grandson will be! A tape measure will do much better. The In-Park Measurement will be with shoes on so make sure you measure him in the shoes he will wear in the day. The restriction is a safety requirement so they are quite strict!
Under 48in requires an adult to accompany him but at 4 you are not going to send him on alone anyway!
The other concern is the fear factor. This is BIG in your face ride that feels far more real than you might expect, and 4 is still quite young. This is, of course, your judgment call and only you know how he might react. Overall it is not a scary ride, the focus is on action and excitement not fear but young kids and giant killer robots? Not all kids will react the same. The other worry is the build-up. You may think he will be fine on the ride, and in all likely hood he will be, but it’s possible in the queue he will balk. A lot of the fear of rides is in the anticipation and build-up. As things ramp up in the queue line it may just become too much. If so don’t push let him make his own mind up, gentle persuasion is fine, as in all probability he will LOVE the ride, but you can’t force kids against their will to enjoy something.
There is still plenty to do at the park for young kids and I am sure you will still have a great time, the tour is particularly excellent. But it sounds like transformers are his thing so hopefully, he can get past the height restrictions and have a blast on one of our favorite ThemePark attractions!
Steve