[2025] I Rode the SPY×FAMILY XR Ride at USJ – Honest Review & Tips to Beat the Lines

On July 1, 2025, Universal Studios Japan opened its latest limited-time attraction: the SPY×FAMILY XR Ride. I had the chance to experience it firsthand, and in this article, I’ll walk you through everything step by step—from the wait time and story setup to my honest thoughts on the ride itself. If you’re wondering what the experience is really like or how to get the most out of it, read on!

What It’s Like to Experience the SPY×FAMILY XR Ride at USJ (2025)

Photo Spot and Atmosphere Before the Ride

When I arrived in front of Space Fantasy – The Ride, I was welcomed by a vibrant outdoor area featuring the Forger family from SPY×FAMILY. The lively displays instantly set the mood and built anticipation for the mission ahead. This spot also served as a great photo opportunity—perfect for fans looking to snap a commemorative picture before the ride begins.

Lockers: What You Need to Know

Along the queue, you’ll find plenty of screens playing SPY×FAMILY videos to keep you entertained. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese—most of the videos include English subtitles, so you’ll still follow the story easily.

This XR ride includes a photo opportunity as part of the experience. Your photo will be available for purchase near the exit after the ride ends. After the photo is taken, you will receive a paper with a barcode. You will use this later to view your photos.

By the way, the area shown in Image 1 is the Express Pass entrance. If you’ve purchased an Express Pass, your queue begins from here.

Once your photo is taken, you’ll soon enter the indoor area.

This attraction is designed so that even the queue is part of the experience—the mission officially begins once you step inside.

Please note that photography is not allowed inside the building.

Is the Queue Hot in Summer?

When I visited, it was an extremely hot day with temperatures over 35°C (95°F), but the shade from the roof and the many fans placed along the line made it bearable. The queue is covered by a roof, so it tends to get crowded on hot or rainy days.

Story Setup: Mission Begins

This is where the ride’s story begins.

The setting of “SPY×FAMILY XR Ride: Operation Hyperdrive” is Eden Academy, the prestigious school Anya attends.
As a guest, you take on the role of a rookie agent from the spy organization WISE, teaming up with Agent Twilight—aka Loid Forger—on a top-secret mission to recover classified documents.

Source: corriente.jp/

As Loid and the guest infiltrate Eden Academy, Anya suddenly appears by chance.
After reading Loid’s mind, she accidentally discovers the existence of the mission.
To make matters worse, she also picks up on the thoughts of the mastermind behind the plot during a brief encounter—unintentionally dragging herself into a high-stakes battle over the top-secret documents.

Source: corriente.jp/

After this, there’s another queue before boarding the attraction.

The interior is decorated with SPY×FAMILY themes and features many monitors, making sure the wait doesn’t feel like just a typical line.

As the queue progresses, you’ll see Anya escaping from the enemy organization, gradually getting closer to the getaway vehicle called the “USJ-Go,” created by Franky for their escape.

How the VR Goggles Work

Before boarding the ride, the crew provides an explanation of the VR goggles. Although the instructions are given in Japanese, clear visuals and expressive gestures make it easy to understand—even if you don’t speak Japanese. The VR goggles are actually handed out right after you board the ride.

For those who haven’t experienced USJ’s XR rides before, here’s how it works: you wear a VR headset while riding a roller coaster, and the visuals are synchronized perfectly with the coaster’s movements. It’s a fully immersive 360-degree experience that feels like soaring straight into the anime world.

Can You Wear Glasses?

In most cases, you can wear your glasses underneath the VR goggles.
However, if you have large or bulky frames, you may need to take them off.

If that’s the case, just let a crew member know—they can lend you a glasses case before you board the ride.

What the SPY×FAMILY XR Ride Feels Like

Source: corriente.jp/

The moment the ride starts, the world of SPY×FAMILY unfolds before your eyes through the VR goggles. It truly feels like you’ve stepped right into the world of the anime. The coaster’s movements are perfectly synced with the visuals, letting you fully experience the speed, danger, and excitement of the mission. As you’re chased by an enemy organization, you’ll race through the city, leap between buildings, and dodge incoming attacks.

With its richly detailed SPY×FAMILY world, surprising thrills, and a charming finale starring Anya, this ride was truly unforgettable.

Ride Photo: How to Buy

Right after exiting the ride, you’ll find the photos taken before boarding available for purchase.

Please use the paper with the barcode you received at the time of the pre-ride photo shoot to view and buy your photo.

What to Know Before You Go

How Intense Is the Ride? My Honest Thoughts

In terms of physical motion, this ride isn’t overly intense—but thanks to the VR goggles, the sense of speed and falling feels greatly amplified. For small children or guests who aren’t fans of thrill rides, it might feel a bit overwhelming.
That said, it’s nowhere near as intense as rides like Hollywood Dream – The Ride or The Flying Dinosaur.

How Long Are the Wait Times?

When I visited, the wait time was displayed as about 75 minutes, but I was able to board the ride in less than an hour.

Wait times vary depending on the day and time of your visit, but generally, you can expect waits of around 60 to 100 minutes. Using an Express Pass can significantly reduce your wait time, allowing you to enjoy the attraction much more smoothly.

Should You Buy an Express Pass?

If you want to save time and avoid long lines, purchasing an Express Pass for the SPY×FAMILY XR Ride is highly recommended. Especially on weekends, holidays, and peak seasons, when wait times can exceed an hour, buying one is almost essential.

With an Express Pass, you can enter through a priority lane, significantly cutting down your wait. It’s perfect for visitors with tight schedules or those who want to experience more attractions. If you also want guaranteed entry to the Nintendo area, an Express Pass is the way to go.

Here is a recommended Express Pass option:

Is Japanese Required to Enjoy the Ride?

Yes, absolutely! You can fully enjoy this ride even if you don’t understand Japanese. Most of the videos shown during the wait include English subtitles, so you’ll be able to understand the story setup before boarding. Knowing Japanese is not necessary to enjoy the thrills and excitement of the SPY×FAMILY XR Ride.