Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™
Universal Studios Florida · New York
Overview
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is a 3D flying theater simulator in the New York area where guests race against Jimmy Fallon through Manhattan — soaring over skyscrapers, diving into the East River, and careening through midtown. The ride features Tonight Show characters and celebrity cameos within the race sequence. A virtual queue system controls capacity, with a Tonight Show–themed pre-show entertainment area keeping guests occupied during their wait window. At medium intensity, the simulator's motion sickness potential is the primary planning consideration.
ParksLog Verdict
Worth experiencing primarily for Tonight Show fans — the IP lands hard for that audience and the virtual queue pre-show area is one of the better waiting environments at Universal Studios Florida. The flying theater format delivers a fun New York City race without reaching the heights of Soarin' at EPCOT. Collect your virtual queue window early in the day before slots fill. An enjoyable optional stop; not a must-do for non-Fallon guests.
About this experience
Face Jimmy Fallon and all your favorite characters from NBC's "The Tonight Show" in a fun-filled race through, below and above New York City. Board the unique "flying theater" and you'll speed through the busy streets of midtown Manhattan, soar over skyscrapers, even dive into the East River as you hurtle neck and neck towards the finish line.
Best For
- Jimmy Fallon and Tonight Show fans
- Guests seeking a medium-intensity simulator experience
- Families with children 40" and taller
- New York City setting enthusiasts
Tips
- The ride uses a timed reservation virtual queue — collect your return window in the Universal app or at the in-park kiosk early in the day before slots fill.
- The Tonight Show–themed pre-show waiting area has entertainment worth exploring before your window is called.
- Express Pass is accepted — use it if available to bypass the virtual queue system entirely.
Details
History
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon opened April 6, 2017, replacing Twister... Ride It Out, which had operated in the New York area since 1998. The attraction introduced a virtual queue (timed reservation) system to Universal Studios Florida — one of the earlier large-scale deployments of virtual queuing at a major US theme park.
Fun Facts
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon introduced a virtual queue (timed reservation) system to Universal Studios Florida in 2017 — one of the earliest large-scale deployments of virtual queuing at a major US theme park.
- The ride replaced Twister... Ride It Out, which had simulated the experience of being near a tornado and operated in the New York area from 1998 to 2015.
- The flying theater format — where guests sit in a suspended tilting cabin — is shared with Soarin' at Disney parks, though the two attractions use different execution and screen systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ take?
- The experience runs about 8 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ good for young children?
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ is not marked as kid-friendly on ParksLog. Check the height requirement and thrill level before visiting with young children.
- How intense is Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™?
- ParksLog rates this as moderate intensity — some speed, movement, or simulated effects. May not suit guests with strong motion sensitivity. Use your own judgement based on personal comfort and any health advisories posted at the entrance.
- Does Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ cause motion sickness?
- There is a moderate motion sickness risk. The experience includes elements — such as spinning, sudden direction changes, or simulated effects — that may affect sensitive guests.
- Does Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ operate in the rain?
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ is an indoor attraction. It runs in a climate-controlled environment, making it a good choice on hot or rainy days.
- Should I prioritize Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ at Universal Studios Florida?
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ is optional on a typical visit. It's a pleasant addition if lines are short, but most guests won't feel they missed out if they skip it.
- Does Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ have Universal Express?
- Yes — Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ is included with Universal Express Pass. Guests with an Express Pass can use the dedicated Express queue for this attraction.
- When did Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ open?
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ opened at Universal Studios Florida in 2017.
- Does Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ have a single rider line?
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ does not have a single rider line. All guests join the standby queue or use Universal Express.