trip to universal studios california

Planning a Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood Introduction

It wasn't that long ago that you could find everything you needed know about Universal Studios Hollywood on just one web page. People who visited back then often think they've seen it all and don't need to go back again. They would be wrong.

Over the past few years, Universal has produced some of the most exciting theme park experiences in California. It takes several pages just to cover everything you can see and do there, and if you haven't visited lately, it's time to think about going back.

Is Universal Studios Hollywood Right for You?

Universal wows its visitors with innovative, thrilling rides, but it's not for everyone. If you enjoy (and can tolerate) fast-paced thrill rides and don't mind if they're the motion simulator type, you'll probably love it.

If you have physical issues that prevent you from going on fast rides - or if you prefer your rides slow and steady, you may not find enough to do to justify the cost of a ticket. Small people (less than 40 inches tall) and big people (whose body shape may prevent safety restraints from fastening) may also discover that they can only go on a limited number of rides.

To find out more about what the park is like, and to see it all -without leaving your chair, check out the Universal Studios slideshow .

Universal Studios Hollywood Planner

These resources are everything you need to get started planning your Universal Studios experience. Allow a full day, and you can enjoy everything they have to offer.

• Universal Studios Complete Ride Guide : Detailed descriptions and tips for every ride and attraction, with height and size restrictions.
• How to Get Universal Studios Tickets : The box office is the worst way to go. Find out how to get them ahead of time, how to get a discount - and learn about a ticketing loophole that could save you money.
• What's New - and What's Coming - at Universal Studios Hollywood : Not only what's next, but what's been done in the past few years.
• Tips for a Perfect Day at Universal : You'll have more fun, stress less, and amaze your companions with how much you know if you follow even half of these tips.
• Hotels Near Universal Studios : You can do Universal in a day, but you might be too tired to drive home afterward - or you may want to visit other attractions in the area. This guide highlights some of the nicest places to stay nearby.

When to Go to Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal is crowded during summer and long school holidays like spring and winter break. They get even crazier around Christmas when you may encounter the longest lines of the year.

In the summer, it gets really hot at midday, but the hours are longer. You'll have few worries about getting rained out during California's rainy winter season because most of the fun rides are indoors.

Annual Events at Universal Studios Hollywood

Halloween Horror Nights : Every October, Universal puts on a special event, featuring some of their scariest slasher villains. Even the "chainsaw guys" who go around terrorizing people have to try out for their jobs. You'll have to buy a separate ticket or an all-day package to enjoy the park and this bloody scare-fest on the same day.

Harry Potter Christmas and Grinchmas :  The Grinch stole Christmas, but then he brought it back - and it's a good thing he did because the holiday celebration at Wizarding World is excellent. You don't need a separate ticket for these.

What's Nearby

Universal CityWalk , just outside the park entrance is a lively shopping and dining complex open to the public. It's a good place to eat dinner or to do a little shopping, or even go to a movie after a day at Universal Studios Hollywood.

If the Universal studio tour got you interested in how movies are made, Warner Bros Studios is just up the street, and they have a great public tour.

Getting To Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608 Universal Studios website

The Metro Red Line also stops near the park, and you can catch a shuttle bus from there to the entrance. The Metro system covers much of the LA area. Find out more information about the Metro Red Line here.

Universal offers a shuttle from lots of Los Angeles hotels with a one-day admission ticket. Get details on their website .

Some tour companies offer admission and transportation packages from San Diego. They can cost as much as $40 per person over full ticket price with no chance for discounts, and they limit your time at the park. Consider this option only if you have no others.

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Universal Studios Hollywood

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Universal Studios Hollywood - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Universal Studios Hollywood General Admission Ticket (From $109.00)
• Los Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour (From $49.00)
• Private and Small Group Universal Studios LA Tour from San Diego (From $500.00)
• Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from Universal Studios. (From $99.00)
• Hollywood Private Transfer to/from Universal Studios or Burbank. (From $39.00)
• (0.30 mi) Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City
• (0.39 mi) Sheraton Universal Hotel
• (1.04 mi) The Garland
• (1.16 mi) The Tangerine
• (0.68 mi) Blvd Hotel & Studios
• (0.05 mi) Three Broomsticks
• (0.09 mi) Lard Lad Donuts
• (0.15 mi) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
• (0.08 mi) Krusty Burger
• (0.10 mi) Starbucks
• (0.03 mi) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• (0.03 mi) Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
• (0.03 mi) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• (0.15 mi) iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Hollywood
• (0.08 mi) Moe's Tavern

Universal Studios Hollywood

Today's Park Hours 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

For the Adventurous Palate

Extraordinary foodstuffs await you at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk.

It’s a New Way to Play!

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ takes you into the world of Super Mario™. Battle Team Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride, dine at Toadstool Cafe™, and level up with merch. Come celebrate the 1-year anniversary of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, and level up your play today.

Save up to $50* on an Annual Pass Online

*Valid now through 4/10/24. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Soar above Hogwarts TM School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with Harry Potter TM

A Battle for the Ages

Come face-to-face with the Indominus rex in an epic evolution of Jurassic World - The Ride

Get Ready for the Ultimate Hollywood Experience!

Go behind-the-scenes on the world-famous Studio Tour to explore sets where Hollywood movies are made.

Save up to $50* on an Annual Pass online

Enjoy the Best Day in L.A....again and again. See back for details.

*Valid for online purchases now through April 10, 2024. Save $50 on Platinum Annual Pass, $20 on Gold Annual Pass, $15 on Silver Annual Pass and $10 on California Neighbor Pass. For Annual Pass purchases using FlexPay, applicable discount will be applied equally across the 11 monthly payments following initial down payment. Restrictions apply. All Pass terms and conditions apply. Blackout dates apply to select passes and reservations may be required for return visits. Additional restrictions may apply.

Visit SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ for the 1-Year Anniversary

Come celebrate the 1-year anniversary of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, and level up your play today.

• Purchase a special-release Golden Power-Up Band™ while supplies last.
• Get a complimentary anniversary button*.

Save When You Buy Tickets Online*

Save on the Best Day in L.A.

Experience the amazing thrills and exciting attractions of Universal Studios Hollywood, including the world famous Studio Tour. It's the best day in LA for the whole family! *Valid for 1-Day General Admission only. Online savings are discounted from the front gate price, and vary depending on date of purchase.

Delight your palate with fantastical fare including steak, seafood, crepes, milkshakes, gourmet chocolates and one-of-a-kind desserts at the new full-service restaurant and confectionery on Universal CityWalk.

Rides and Attractions

Mario kart™: bowser’s challenge.

You’ve never experienced Mario Kart™ like this. Ride through iconic courses, throw shells, and collect coins to beat Team Bowser. Now open.

The World-Famous Studio Tour

The world-famous Studio Tour offers a real, behind-the-scenes look at movie making secrets. Visitors can experience the largest street movie set in Hollywood history built with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself. The Studio Tour is included with park admission.

Jurassic World - The Ride

The secret life of pets: off the leash.

Join Max, Duke, Gidget, Snowball, and all your favorite Pets characters for a thrilling ride through the streets of New York City.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

Make your way through Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Then soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter™ and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure, coming face-to-face with magical creatures.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D

TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D is an immersive, next generation thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

More To Explore

Download the official universal studios hollywood™ app today.

Everything you need in the palm of your hand! Virtual Line reservations, maps, wait times, show times, plus free WiFi.

What’s Happening at Universal

Discover exciting events, attractions, and more at Universal Studios Hollywood. And get a sneak peek at what’s coming soon to the park.

Find Your Fun

• Create Account
• To book call (800) 644-4679
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• Create Your Own Vacation Package
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• Universal Studios Hollywood Park Hours & More

BOOK YOUR TRIP

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1-Day General Admission

The 1-Day Universal Studios Hollywood™ General Admission Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Hollywood™ theme park for one (1) calendar day. The ticket will expire in full on the expiration date printed on ticket.

Universal Express Pass

Skip the regular lines with the Universal Express Ticket. It includes all- day admission to the Park, one-time express access to each ride and attraction and priority seating at select shows.*

This ticket is very popular with guests, so pre-purchase to guarantee Universal Express privileges.

*Does not apply to food and retail locations.

VIP Experience

Immerse yourself in a full day of moviemaking magic with an expert guide as you discover the Universal Studios Hollywood the general public doesn’t get to see. On top of that, enjoy additional VIP benefits such as all-day admission to the Park, unlimited express access to each ride and attraction and priority seating at select shows*, a gourmet lunch, valet parking upon arrival and so much more!

This ticket is very popular with guests, so pre-purchase to guarantee Universal Express privileges. Children must be at least 5 years old to attend and at least 17 years old to attend without an accompanying adult.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Early Access Ticket

The SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Early Access Ticket includes early access admission to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ one (1) hour prior to scheduled Park opening and one-time express access to the Studio Tour (valid until 11 a.m.). Ticket is not valid for theme park admission, which must be purchased separately for the same date.

2-Day General Admission

The Universal Studios Hollywood 2-Day Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park any two (2) calendar days through April 30, 2024.

First visit valid on your selected date only. Second visit must be used within seven (7) days of first visit.

California Neighbor Pass

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood again and again for 9 months. Available for California and Non-California Residents to purchase.

Hollywood Plus Pass

The Hollywood Plus Pass offers the best of LA with a 3 or 5-attraction downloadable pass featuring top area experiences including Universal Studios Hollywood. Create your own Hollywood experience with one single pass on your phone

Non-dated pass with lots of different experiences to choose from to suit your traveling style and contactless entry with a digital pass.

Use the Smartvisit App to activate your pass and to organize your own itinerary.

3-Attraction Pass

5-Attraction Pass

To Purchase Call (800) 644-4679 or Use the Booking Tool to the Above Left.

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First-Timer’s Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood California

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: May 23, 2019

Planning your very first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood in California? We just had our first experience in the park and I’m sharing all the details with you. Need to know where to buy your tickets, what rides are in the park, or tips to avoid long wait times? This is the guide for you.

Tips for Buying Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

What is the universal studios express pass.

• Is the Universal Express Pass Worth It?
• Rides at Universal Studios California
• Tips for Avoiding Long Lines and Wait Times
• Helpful Tips for Visiting Universal Studios LA

Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood

Thank you to Universal Studios Hollywood for providing tickets for our visit. My thoughts and opinions in this post are based on our experience.

My biggest tip for buying your tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood is to buy in advance. You’ll save time and money if you buy online and avoid the ticket booths at the park. If you buy your tickets directly from the USH website , you’ll save money and get early entry into Wizarding World of Harry Potter which is a big perk (through 9/3/19). You can also get this early entry perk if you book a hotel package via the USH website.

When you’re purchasing your tickets online in advance, you’ll need to choose a specific visit date in order to get the best price. You can purchase flex tickets that aren’t for a specific date, but those are more money.

If you’re spending a week in Southern California , you might consider getting a combo ticket from CityPASS or Get Away Today that includes other prime attractions like Disneyland.

If you’re a total movie fanatic, you might want to splurge for the VIP Experience. Those tickets start at $349 – which is approximately $240 more than the standard admission price and $170 more than Universal Express tickets. You can get discounted VIP tickets from Get Away Today for $335 .

The VIP Experience gets you a special backlot tour where you walk on the sets, see a sound stage, view some movie memorabilia; plus, you get Universal Express line access to the theme park rides, snacks and lunch, and valet parking.

You’ll need to consider whether you want to buy Universal Express tickets. Universal Express is a front of the line pass program that lets you enter the main attractions in a separate line that has little to no wait. It’s similar to the fast pass system at Disney parks.

The passes might also allow you special seating opportunities, like early entry at Kung Fu Panda. And can offer you special meeting opportunities like seeing animals up close after the Animal Actors show.

With the standard Universal Express, you can enter the express line at each attraction once. You can purchase your tickets with Universal Express when you buy, or add it on when you arrive (if they still have availability). Your park tickets will be scanned at each Express Pass entrance line.

In the parks, you can upgrade your pass to a Universal Express Unlimited pass which will let you enter the express line unlimited times. When I asked about upgrading our standard Universal Express to Unlimited in the parks, I was told it would be $40 more per ticket.

Is Universal Express Pass Worth It?

A few thoughts to consider when deciding whether Universal Express is worth purchasing:

• Are you visiting during peak seasons? School holidays and weekends could mean more crowds and you might find the express lines a big time-saver.
• Universal Express isn’t just for the thrill rides. Yes, it’s great for skipping the lines at thrill rides like Mummy and Harry Potter, but it also helps you skip the lines at attractions that are great for the whole family like the Hollywood Backlot Tour and Kung Fu Panda.
• Universal Express tickets are limited and do vary in price based on season and availability. So, if you keep waiting to decide and you’re traveling during peak times you might see the prices increase or the tickets might sell out.

Rides at Universal Studios in Los Angeles

Harry potter and the forbidden journey.

(must be 48″ (122 cm) tall)

One of the most thrilling rides at Universal Studios, the Forbidden Journey is a ride that uses a robotic arm to fly you through Hogwarts Castle as you watch exciting scenes starring your favorite HP characters take place on HD screens. And the ride queue is filled with fun rooms and decor that any HP fan will enjoy.

This is a ride that is tricky for those with motion sickness, but well worth a dramamine dose. You’ll also need to store any bags or loose items in a locker before riding.

Flight of the Hippogriff

(must be 39″ (99 cm) tall; children 39-48″ (99-122 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14+ years old)

This is considered a roller coaster and one of the only outdoor coasters in Universal Studios Hollywood. However, it’s a fun ride with some fun dips and turns but is extremely short.

I always feel bad for people who wait an hour or more for this one and done ride. As it’s the only other attraction in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expect long wait times.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

While this isn’t a ride per se, I am adding it here because it is an attraction on its own, especially for Harry Potter fans. You’ll find uniquely themed shopping and dining places in the land so you can grab some butterbeer or even some Every Flavor Jelly Beans.

True fans will also want to visit Ollivanders to buy a wand, or maybe they’ll have a wand choose them. Ollivanders in California is actually larger than the store in Orlando, allowing two groups at a time in the store for the wand choosing ceremony.

The World-Famous Studio Tour

This is the main experience you HAVE to do at Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s the one experience completely unique to the Hollywood theme park. You’ll get an up-close look at how some of the movie magic takes place, behind the scenes. A word of caution that very young kids might get scared at some of the action sequences.

You’ll also experience two thrill ride experiences that are stand-alone attractions at the Orlando park:

– Fast & Furious – Supercharged

– king kong 360 3-d.

TIP: Try to sit in the third tram car, and on one of the sides (not in the middle of a row). You’ll also want to avoid the very front row since you can’t see the screens with Jimmy Fallon and movie snippets well from that angle. If you’re a Jaws fan, sit on the right side of the tram (be the first to get in), but the left side (last to get in the tram) also has great action.

DreamWorks Theatre with Kung Fu Panda

Cute 4D theater show based on the characters of Kung Fu Panda.

Jurassic World (opening Summer 2019)

I’m excited to hear more about this once it opens. I suspect it’ll be an updated version of the River Adventure they have in Orlando, but most likely with some great 3D action like King Kong.

The Walking Dead Attraction

We actually didn’t do this one, it wasn’t up our alley and probably isn’t the most family-friendly option in the park. :) But if you have teens that are into scary movies and haunted houses, they’d probably love this one.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

(must be 40″ (102 cm) tall; children 40-48″ (102-122 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14+ years old)

This is a cute and fun 3D theater experience. You watch a storyline take place and get to feel like you become a minion and get into all sorts of tricky situations.

Transformers: The Ride 3D

Another fun 3D ride – you’ll be whipped around the city as you try to help the Autobots save the Spark from the Decepticons.

The Simpsons Ride

Yet another fun 3D simulator ride that puts you into one of the classic 80s tv shows as you crash around Krustyland.

Revenge of the Mummy

This is one of my girls’ favorite rides at Universal Orlando, but be aware that it’s slightly shorter in California. This one is spooky and definitely not for kids who might scare easily.

Silly Swirly Fun Ride

We didn’t ride this one but it’s a lot like Dumbo at Disney. Fly around in a circle in specially themed buggies.

Universal Studios Hollywood Shows:

– special effects show, – waterworld, – universal’s animal actors, how to avoid lines and long wait times, arrive early.

You’ll have to clear security screening and the ticket turnstiles before you can even think about racing to your first ride. So, arrive well before the opening time to give yourself the best chance of maximizing your day. Crowds often build after opening, so getting an advance start will help you knock off popular rides while others are still in the security lines.

We arrived 30 minutes before the early entry opening time and made our way down the main street to line up with the crowds ready to go straight for The Forbidden Journey. After that we hopped into the short line for Flight of the Hippogriff and within 20-25 minutes we had both of Wizarding World of Harry Potter rides done, without even using our Universal Express pass which meant we were able to use that fast pass entry later in the day during the peak crowds.

Early Entry

Currently one of the best tips is to buy your tickets online from Universal Studios Hollywood which will let you enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 30 minutes prior to the park opening times. This is currently listed as only lasting through September 3rd, 2019. If you’re visiting after then check to see if

Again, this means that you should be at the security checkpoint main entrance 30 minutes before that time so you can get through the check-in process and be in the parks when they open the rides. If the park opening time is 9 am and you have early entry, be at the main entrance at 8 am. Which means you should try to be at the parking garage around 745 am.

Universal Express

If you really want to avoid waiting in lines then you should purchase the Universal Express pass. As I explained above this is the best way to maximize your time in the parks and avoid long waits. Remember, if you buy a VIP pass it includes this fast pass entry.

Peak/Non-Peak Times

When you purchase your tickets online you’re able to see how the prices fluctuate based on the season/demand. If you look a the month you plan on visiting and see that your date is one of the more expensive prices, you’ll know that it’s probably considered a peak travel time. On the other hand, if you see that your date is one of the cheapest ticket options you’ll know that Universal isn’t expecting that day to be a peak visitor day. There are also a couple of websites that have calendars with predicted crowd levels .

Tips for Universal Studios in California

Be sure to download the Universal Studios Hollywood app. It’s helpful for seeing what rides you want to go on, what the current wait times are, and what time the shows occur. You can even create a custom itinerary for you day and set up wait time alerts. Plus, it will help you find the nearest restroom.

Universal Studios is very strict about not bringing bags and loose items on some of their more extreme rides – Forbidden Journey and Mummy. For these rides, you’ll need to place your items in a locker before getting in line for the ride. I recommend one person from your group go into the area to get a locker. Be sure to remember what finger you use to reserve the locker. They are provided free for up to 2 hours.

You’ll likely want to pack a day bag for your visit to Universal. I recommend bringing one that is slim and can easily fit in those small lockers you’ll have to use for the Forbidden Journey and Mummy rides. My favorite day bags are shoulder sling bags that have a water bottle pocket. Be sure to pack some snacks, sunscreen, and perhaps a battery charging pack, too.

Lower Lot and Upper Lot

One thing to keep in mind when planning your day is that you’ll want to group your Lower Lot and Upper Lot attractions together. The journey between the upper and lower lot involves three large escalators that will take time. There is a great lookout over the backlot after the first escalator from the upper lot, so be sure to grab a photo.

I’ll also mention that on the day we went to the Lower Lot opened an hour after the Upper Lot. If you’re planning your day you’ll want to check the app for the opening times for the rides in the Lower Lot to see if they’re opening after the Upper Lot. This is where the Mummy is and where the Jurassic Park ride will be.

There are employees standing at the entrance to the Lower Lot preventing you from entering early in the morning, but they do allow guest to start down the escalators earlier than the listed ride opening times.

Universal Studios Hollywood is located in the north west area of Los Angeles, California. Some of the nearby towns are Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, and Burbank.

We actually stayed overnight in Sherman Oaks and drove into Universal Studios. This also helped since we were flying out of LAX the next day, so we were closer to the airport in Sherman Oaks rather than in Universal City itself.

There are hotels in walking distance that will save you from paying for parking at the park. Just realize that many of the hotels in that region also charge a parking fee.

If you stay further away, be prepared for traffic. Some of the main LA freeways run around Universal so you want to avoid peak traffic times when driving to a from the park. We visited on a Saturday which meant we avoided most of the traffic stress. Do realize that traffic is a reality almost all the time around LA.

If you don’t choose to stay at a hotel in walking distance, you can uber to the park or drive in. The address for the park is 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.

Parking is available at Universal and it was very easy to navigate to the parking garage. There are many different garage areas and they all feed into the City Walk entertainment district that is next to the park.

You can pay different rates to get closer parking, general parking is $25, preferred parking is $35, and front gate parking is $50. We had general parking and it was a bit of a walk-through City Walk, but we arrived early, and it wasn’t a problem. If you plan to only go at night parking is cheaper after 6 pm. Valet parking is also available.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you plan your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood! Please feel free to comment below if you have questions. And, use the buttons below to save this for later or share with a friend who is traveling with you!

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Sunday 15th of March 2020

Thanks so much for these fantastic tips! We are planning a trip to Universal in late summer - saving this post.