Universal Studios Hollywood is the place where you can step into the world of movies, with jaw-dropping attractions, live entertainment, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Whether you’re a fan of classic films or modern blockbusters, Universal Studios Hollywood has something for everyone.
Here’s a complete guide to help you make the most of your visit!
When to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
The timing of your visit can greatly affect your experience. Here’s when to go:
- Best Time to Visit: To avoid heavy crowds, plan your visit on weekdays, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, and avoid holiday weekends.
- Peak Seasons: Summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays tend to be crowded, so prepare for longer wait times and more visitors.
- Weather: Los Angeles enjoys year-round sunny weather, but it can get quite warm in summer. Consider visiting in the spring or fall for pleasant weather.
Ticket Types and Pricing
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of tickets to fit your needs:
- 1-Day General Admission: This is the standard ticket, giving you access to all rides, shows, and attractions.
- Universal Express Pass: For skipping regular lines, this pass is perfect if you want to maximize your time.
- VIP Experience: For a premium experience, this includes front-of-line access, guided tours, and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.
We visited in early January and honestly didn’t have to wait long on rides. We did take advantage of single rider lines when available and doing so saved us time and several hundred dollars we would have spent if we purchased the express pass.
Top Attractions You Can’t Miss
Universal Studios Hollywood is known for its iconic rides and immersive experiences. Here are the top attractions:
The World-Famous Studio Tour
The Studio Tour takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made. You’ll visit actual working movie sets, and experience iconic moments from King Kong 360 3D and Fast & Furious – Supercharged.
This ride alone is worth admission to the park! The tour takes about an hour is a great way to see a little bit of how Hollywood movies and tv shows are created.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Step into Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, where you can experience thrilling rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, shop for wizarding gear, and sip on Butterbeer.
Jurassic World – The Ride
A jaw-dropping, high-speed water ride where you’ll come face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs. Hold onto your seat for a thrilling dino adventure!
The Simpsons Ride
Take a wild, virtual ride through Springfield with Homer and the gang. It’s a fun, hilarious experience for fans of the show.
Transformers: The Ride 3D
This high-energy, 3D dark ride brings the action of the Transformers films to life. You’ll battle Decepticons alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.
Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
A thrilling indoor roller coaster where you’ll face fire, darkness, and ancient curses. It’s fast, exciting, and a must for adrenaline junkies!
Super Nintendo World
Universal Studios Hollywood has recently opened Super Nintendo World, an immersive, interactive land where you can step into the world of Mario and friends.
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: The highlight of Super Nintendo World is this thrilling ride, which combines augmented reality with physical sets to make you feel like you’re racing alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. The ride is packed with action, vibrant visuals, and exciting interactions with characters from the Mario Kart universe.
- Interactive Features: The land features interactive games and activities where you can collect digital coins by tapping a Power-Up Band, which adds an extra layer of fun to your experience.
- Character Meet and Greets: Don’t forget to meet Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach as they make appearances throughout the day. Snap a photo with your favorite characters for a memorable souvenir.
Live Entertainment and Shows
Besides rides, Universal Studios Hollywood offers entertaining shows to enjoy:
- WaterWorld: A live-action stunt show set in a post-apocalyptic world. Expect daring stunts, explosions, and high-flying acrobatics.
- Special Effects Show: Learn how special effects are created in movies with a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Hollywood.
- Animal Actors: This charming show features talented animals that demonstrate their acting chops, providing lots of laughs and heartwarming moments.
Where to Dine at Hollywood Studios
From quick bites to sit-down meals, Universal Studios Hollywood has plenty of food options:
- Three Broomsticks: A must-visit if you’re in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Enjoy traditional British fare like fish and chips, or try a Butterbeer.
- Lard Lad Donuts: For a sweet treat, head over to Lard Lad for giant donuts straight out of The Simpsons.
- Mel’s Diner: A classic 1950s diner with delicious burgers, shakes, and fries.
- Minion Café: Located in Minion Land, this vibrant quick-service spot offers a playful menu inspired by the mischievous Minions. Enjoy dishes like the Classic Grilled Cheese, Chicken Stuart’s Roast, and the Despica-Bowl Ramen. Don’t miss the Minion-themed desserts, including the Unicorn Cupcake and Nutella® Banana Pudding.
- Toadstool Café: Found in Super Nintendo World, this whimsical café offers Mario-themed meals, such as a Power-Up Mushroom Soup, Mario’s Bacon Cheeseburger, and Princess Peach’s Cake. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a thrilling adventure in the land of Mario.
Hollywood Studios Shopping
Bring home a souvenir from your visit with plenty of themed shops throughout the park:
- Ollivanders: In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this shop sells authentic wands, including interactive ones.
- The Simpsons Store: Find quirky and fun merchandise from the iconic TV show, from t-shirts to collectible items.
- Jurassic Outfitters: If you’re a fan of Jurassic Park, this store offers dinosaur-themed apparel and accessories.
- Nintendo Store: In Super Nintendo World, you’ll find a store filled with Mario-themed merchandise, including plush toys, apparel, and collectible items.
Tips for a Successful Visit
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your day, arrive right when the park opens to experience the most popular rides with shorter wait times.
- Download the Universal Studios App: This app provides wait times for rides, maps of the park, and dining options.
- Take Breaks: Don’t overdo it! Plan time to relax and recharge between rides, especially if you’re with kids.
- Stay Hydrated: LA can get hot, so make sure you drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a fantastic day full of thrills, adventure, and movie magic. With its unique attractions, live shows, and immersive experiences, it’s a must-visit for movie lovers of all ages.
Whether you’re conquering thrilling rides, exploring Super Nintendo World, or exploring movie sets, your visit is sure to be unforgettable!
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