Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, from the best rides and restaurants to seasonal events and more.

Did you know that in the heart of Los Angeles you can sip on Butterbeer, come face to face with terrifying dinosaurs, and have an epic journey with adorable Minions? No acting experience required.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park like no other, connected to a working movie and television production lot that has existed since the early 20^th century. The film studio first ventured into attractions with a tram tour in 1964 but has since evolved into a bonafide theme park featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, immersive lands, and thematically pleasing (and delicious) foods.

The theme park may be compact compared to its East Coast counterpart, but it compensates with top-notch attractions. Unlike other parks, it offers a welcomed level of flexibility, requiring minimal pre-planning for visitors. This appeal reaches both solo travelers and families alike. The park can be enjoyed in one day, providing a taste of what Tinseltown’s only theme park has to offer.

Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Types and Prices

The ultimate Hollywood experience is surprisingly more affordable than you might expect. One-day general admission begins at $109, with two-day general admission starting at $149. A dynamic ticket pricing system means that costs can vary based on your visit date, with weekends and holidays priced higher. Purchasing tickets at the front gate will be significantly more expensive, and advanced online purchases are recommended.

Universal Express tickets provide expedited access to nearly every attraction and show, with packages starting at $189. For those looking for a luxurious experience, guided VIP packages begin at $349, offering small groups expedited access to rides along with complimentary refreshments.

Moreover, for those who fall in love with the park and wish to return, Universal Studios Hollywood boasts one of the country’s most affordable annual pass programs. You can even apply the value of your park ticket toward the upgrade. Perks include free parking and discounts on food and merchandise, with the pass starting at $159 for California residents and $199 for general guests.

Universal Studios Hollywood Layout

Comprising two distinct levels, the upper lot and the lower lot, Universal Studios Hollywood is notably easy to navigate for first-time visitors. Guests enter the park on the upper lot, and a series of escalators known as the Starway travel a quarter mile down to the lower lot.

The upper lot features the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons-themed Springfield U.S.A., the World-Famous Studio Tour, live shows, and additional attractions. Conversely, the lower lot is home to popular rides, including Revenge of The Mummy – The Ride, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D, and Jurassic World – The Ride, alongside several eateries and shops.

Universal Studios Hollywood Rides

Universal Studios Hollywood caters to a diverse audience, from thrill-seekers to young children, with attractions showcasing beloved characters, movies, and television shows.

The park has undergone impressive growth over the past decade, highlighted by the landmark addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Though smaller than its Florida counterpart, it brings a variety of thrilling experiences, including the acclaimed Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey and the popular wand-choosing experience at Ollivanders.

The latest addition, Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash!, opened in 2021, providing a unique dark ride that combines state-of-the-art screen technology with animatronics. Situated in the upper lot’s Manhattan-influenced area, this attraction immerses guests in the beloved film franchise through fun character interactions.

On the lower lot, Jurassic World – The Ride stands out as a major thrill, known for its cutting-edge audio-animatronics following its refurbishment in 2021.

The World-Famous Studio Tour offers a unique 60-minute experience providing behind-the-scenes access to working sets, seamlessly blending themed attraction segments—all from the comfort of a tram. With ever-changing production schedules, no two rides on this iconic attraction are ever alike. In its commitment to sustainability, the park is upgrading the trams to all-electric vehicles.

Additional rides include a family-friendly Minions attraction, a Harry Potter-inspired coaster suitable for all ages, and interactive play areas for children.

Moreover, the first Super Nintendo World in the United States is set to open in 2023, showcasing new attractions.

Where to Eat at Universal Studios Hollywood

While Universal Studios Hollywood offers primarily quick-service dining, this does not translate to a lack of flavor. Guests can enjoy a variety of globally inspired dishes served in impressively themed locations.

Three Broomsticks, a fan-favorite eatery, immerses guests in the enchanting world of Harry Potter, serving traditional British dishes like fish and chips and a scrumptious English breakfast. No meal here is complete without the iconic Butterbeer ice cream.

Super Silly Fun Land hosts a Minions-themed café offering comforting dishes, such as grilled cheese with tomato soup. In Springfield, visitors will find familiar food spots from The Simpsons, including Krusty Burger and Lard Lad, which serves colossal pink donuts. The lower lot features Jurassic Café, known for its unique twists on classic dishes, such as slow-roasted mojo pork, and is conveniently located near Isla Nu-Bar, a tiki bar serving tropical cocktails.

For those wishing to enjoy a refreshing beverage, there are several highly themed bars available, including Moe’s Tavern, Hog’s Head in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Mulligan’s Irish Pub.

If you’re seeking a caffeine boost, skip Starbucks and head to the charming French Street Bistro, a hidden gem offering coffee drinks, breakfast, and snacks throughout the day.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood

Adjacent to the theme park, CityWalk serves as a vibrant dining and entertainment district. Visitors will find various table-service dining options, including NBC Sports Bar & Grill, famous for its excellent pub food and ambiance for sports events. Another popular option, Antojitos Cocina Mexicano, boasts a lovely patio along with a vast bar serving Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Casual diners can enjoy Chick Chick Chicken’s authentic Nashville-style hot chicken or visit Pink’s Hot Dogs, which features an easy-access outpost of the legendary eatery.

Remember, no park ticket is required to visit CityWalk.

When to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Given its sunny Southern California location, visitors can savor pleasant weather almost year-round. Weekdays during the holiday seasons are typically the best time to visit for shorter lines at attractions and dining venues.

Visits during the park’s seasonal events, such as Halloween Horror Nights and Grinchmas, tend to be more crowded. Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that transforms Universal’s soundstages into intense walkthrough experiences themed around popular horror franchises. In contrast, Grinchmas, included with general admission, sees festive upgrades throughout the park. During these peak times, Universal Express tickets prove invaluable.

How to Get There and Where To Stay Near Universal Studios

Universal Studios Hollywood is conveniently located in the heart of Los Angeles, approximately 20 minutes from nearby Hollywood Burbank Airport and 40 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport.

Daily parking rates for visitors begin at $30 if entering before 5 p.m. For those dining at a full-service restaurant in CityWalk, valet parking is available for up to 2.5 hours for $10.

Notably, unlike Orlando’s version, there are no on-site Universal-operated hotels; instead, hotel partners are available. Hilton Universal City and Sheraton Universal Hotel are within walking distance of the park, offering guests perks like complimentary shuttles and discounted ticket packages.

Entertainment at the Theme Park

Entertainment is a core component of the Universal Studios Hollywood experience, featuring impressive displays of free-roaming characters, such as Beetlejuice, Dracula, and Lucille Ball, who interact effectively with visitors.

Live shows also highlight the park’s entertainment offerings, including the widely popular “Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular.” Celebrating over 25 years, this stunt show utilizes authentic pieces from the film’s sets and engages viewers with large-scale pyrotechnics and talented live actors. Not to be missed, Universal’s Animal Actors showcases real-life, Hollywood-trained pets in a humorous presentation.

Although their nighttime offerings may not be as extensive as other theme parks, the Harry Potter-themed evening spectacle is a must-see. “Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” combines music, lighting, and projections against the stunning backdrop of the towering wizarding school.

Universal Studios Hollywood Planning Tips

To enhance your visit, consider downloading the official app. This invaluable tool provides immediate access to the latest wait times, show information, maps, and more.

Many guests typically start their day at the upper lot’s attractions. However, consider working backward by starting at the lower lot to potentially minimize wait times.

Lastly, plan ahead for the World-Famous Studio Tour, as its final ride of the day usually occurs over an hour before park closing.