The Cat In The Hat

Step inside the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss on The Cat in the Hat ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This slow-moving indoor dark ride is a must-visit attraction in Seuss Landing, perfect for families with young children and fans of the classic story.

Guests board colorful “couch” ride vehicles and journey through 18 animated scenes featuring life-sized animatronics of beloved characters from The Cat in the Hat. Along the way, you’ll encounter The Cat, the cautious Goldfish, and the mischievous Thing 1 and Thing 2, as they bring the pages of Dr. Seuss’s book to life in a fun, interactive way.

While primarily geared toward younger guests, the ride offers plenty of nostalgia for adults who grew up with Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat ride blends storytelling and motion for a magical Seuss-tastic experience the whole family can enjoy.

Ride Information  Ride Restrictions  Location  Fun Facts  Tips

Ride Information

Opening Day: May 28, 1999

Type of Ride: Kid-Friendly Motion Simulation

Age Recommendation: All Ages (per height requirement)

Duration of Ride: 6 Minutes

Typical Wait Time: 30-35 Minutes

Single Rider Line: No

Express Pass: Yes

Child Swap: Yes

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Ride Photo: No

Ride Restrictions

Wheelchair Restrictions: Guests will need to transfer to a manual wheelchair to ride The Cat In The Hat. ECV (electric convenience vehicles) wheelchairs are not permitted.

Height Requirements: 36″(91cm) Minimum. Any riders between 36″ and 48″(121.9cm) must have a supervising companion.

Location

Nearby Attractions: Caro-Seuss-el & One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Dining: Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendus

Shopping: Cats, Hats, & Things

Did You Know?

• Although The Cat in the Hat ride has been a fan favorite at Universal’s Islands of Adventure for years, a minimum height requirement (36 inches) wasn’t introduced until 2014 for safety reasons.
• That same year, the attraction’s spinning motion was significantly reduced, making it a gentler experience for younger riders.
• Just like in Dr. Seuss’s iconic illustrations, you won’t find any straight lines in Seuss Landing—everything is curved, quirky, and Seuss-inspired!
• The ride vehicles used in The Cat in the Hat attraction are the same ride system used in Men in Black: Alien Attack over at Universal Studios Florida, showcasing Universal’s creativity in reimagining ride tech for different themes.

The Mouse For Less Tips

• The closest restaurant to The Cat In The Hat in Seuss Landing is Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendus. But Confisco Grille (Port of Entry – Islands of Adventure) is about the same distance from The Cat In The Hat if mom and dad need a change of scenery.
• Want to avoid long wait times? This ride is especially popular with families and younger guests, making it one of the busier attractions during peak times. To beat the crowds, plan to ride either early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Check wait times before you go. You can view average wait times for The Cat in the Hat and other Universal Orlando Resort rides on our Average Attraction Wait Times page. If you’re already in the park, the official Universal Orlando Resort app is your best tool for up-to-the-minute updates.
• Although the spinning motion on this ride was reduced in 2014, some guests may still experience slight dizziness or nausea, especially those sensitive to motion.