Universal Orlando Rolls Out Test‑Seat Photos in Mobile App and Parks

Universal Orlando Resort has updated its mobile app and guidemap features to include photos of test seats for thrill rides at all three parks. Guests can now see seat and restraint images before visiting each attraction—enabling them to assess fit and comfort ahead of time.

A test seat for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Universal Orlando App

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Universal Orlando’s new test‑seat photos in the app cover all major thrill rides across its three parks—including Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the newly opened Epic Universe. You won’t see test‑seat imagery for more gentle or family‑style attractions (like kiddie rides, water attractions, or motion simulators without restrictive restraints). The intent is to target rides where safety restraints and body fit are essential.

How It Works

In the Universal Orlando mobile app, test‑seat photos appear when users swipe right on an attraction’s header image. These visuals show exactly what guests will experience when checking in person at park entrances.

Which Attractions Are Included

Universal includes test seat photos for the following attractions: 

Universal Studios Florida:

• Revenge of the Mummy

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (closing this month)

A test seat for Jurassic World Velocicoaster in Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Universal Orlando App

Islands of Adventure:

• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster

• Jurassic World VelociCoaster

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

• Dudley Do‑Right’s Ripsaw Falls

A test seat for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Universal’s Epic Universe – Universal Orlando App

Epic Universe:

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

• Mine‑Cart Madness

• Yoshi’s Adventure

• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

• Curse of the Werewolf

• Dragon Racer’s Rally

• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

• Stardust Racers — which will offer modified seats for larger guests

Why This Matters

Test seats help guests determine if restraints will secure them comfortably. Universal uses size rather than weight limits; body shape and distribution matter most. Without this preview, guests risk waiting in long lines only to discover a ride won’t fit them.

A test seat for Stardust Racers in Universal’s Epic Universe – Universal Orlando App

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On‑site test seats are already at entrances of several major thrill rides, but they sometimes draw criticism. Larger guests report these seats can feel exposing when placed in public view. Universal has addressed these concerns in some locations—like the VelociCoaster—by adding privacy bushes and signage to discourage misuse.

Final Take

Universal Orlando’s integration of test‑seat photos into its mobile guidemap is a positive move toward greater transparency and accessibility.

The Entrance to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: NBC Universal

By offering this digital preview, guests can better plan their experiences and avoid the embarrassment of physical test‑seat checks. These updates align with broader efforts—like on‑site privacy measures and modified seating.

What do you think of the Universal app addition for test seats? Would you like to see this idea adopted by other parks as well? Let us know in the comments!

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