The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a premier theme park destination in Southern California, offering a unique blend of thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of movie making. Located in Universal City, just a stone's throw from Los Angeles, it's a must-visit for movie buffs, thrill-seekers, and families alike. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the park, including its attractions, dining options, shopping, and tips for planning your visit.

What Makes Universal Studios Hollywood Special?

Universal Studios Hollywood distinguishes itself from other theme parks with its unique combination of thrilling attractions and the iconic Studio Tour. While other parks offer fantasy and adventure, Universal provides a peek behind the curtain of Hollywood magic, allowing guests to explore real working movie studios.

A Working Movie Studio

The World-Famous Studio Tour is perhaps the most legendary attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. Narrated by Jimmy Fallon, the Studio Tour offers guests the chance to explore the working backlot of a real Hollywood movie studio. You get to see sets from Psycho, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Back to the Future, Jaws and more. Besides all the filmmaking fun, there’s also two main “rides”/special effect demonstrations on the Studio Tour - Fast & Furious - Supercharged and King Kong 360 3-D, both of which are utterly fascinating and really cool.

Planning Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

To minimize crowds, avoid visiting during peak seasons such as summer vacation, Spring Break (typically mid-April), and the Christmas holiday season. Weekends are generally busier than weekdays. The best times to visit are typically January to early March (excluding Presidents Day weekend) and mid-September to early December (excluding Thanksgiving).

Getting There and Around

Airports

Los Angeles has plenty of airports to consider. Burbank is the closest one to Universal Studios Hollywood, at only about 6 miles away. If you’re starting or ending a trip at Universal, then flying out of there makes some sense. Of course, there’s also LAX, Ontario, Santa Ana and Long Beach Airports. LAX is fairly close to downtown LA and some prominent beaches and Ontario is often cheap if flying from the west coast.

Transportation

Far more difficult to organize than flying to one of the Los Angeles airports is ground transportation to USH. There are so many cars in LA! With average public transportation, the most direct and easiest options are renting cars or taking an Uber/Lyft. If you want to give public transportation a go, there is a metro station at Universal City and then a free shuttle from there to the park’s front gates. Coming from Union Station in LA or Hollywood will give you a direct line and is fairly cheap.

Parking

Parking at Universal Studios Hollywood: Just remember if you’re driving you’ll need to deal with (and pay for overpriced) parking. General parking is over $30 per day, and front gate parking is upwards of $70 - kinda wild (and that’s on top of ticket prices). BUT there’s lots of parking at Universal if that works out better for you (maybe you’ve got lots of stuff and some wiggly kids). Note that there’s no free parking at Universal Studios Hollywood with a standard ticket.

Tickets and Passes

Tickets begin around $100 for a single day ticket. We recommend buying through Undercover Tourist for discounted tickets! If you are planning to make multiple trips to Southern California over the course of a year, USH offers much cheaper annual passes than Disney. I have the cheapest non-Californian AP and it comes in at $219. Going more than 3 times in a year pays for the pass.

Where to Stay

There are three hotels on property - Hilton Los Angeles - Universal City, Sheraton Universal Hotel and The Garland. The first two are just a short walk to the park’s gates (as well as a complimentary shuttle) and The Garland has a complimentary trolley. The drawback here is that I wouldn’t recommend staying in this location for touring LA or going to Disneyland.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Visit

Arrive Early: Super Nintendo World fills up fast! The park officially opens at different times depending on the season, but crowds start forming well before the gates open. We aim to arrive 45 minutes before opening, this gives you a head start on the busiest attractions as well as the queue.
Download the App: Downloading the Universal Studios Hollywood app before your visit is essential. It provides real-time updates on: Ride wait times, Show schedules, Mobile food ordering (huge time-saver!), Character meet-and-greet locations and Interactive maps to help navigate the park.
Prioritize Must-Do's: With only one day, you won’t be able to do everything, so make a list of your top 5 must-do rides or experiences and build your day around them. If you don’t mind splitting up for a ride, Single Rider lines can significantly cut down wait times.
Plan Your Meals: Theme park food lines can be a nightmare, so a little planning goes a long way. I would recommend eating early or late - try to avoid peak lunch hours (12-2 PM) by eating around 11 AM or after 2:30 PM. This generally works for us as we enter the park so early. I would also say utilising mobile order is a must.
Pack Light: Some rides require you to use lockers (like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Revenge of the Mummy), so carrying minimal bags will save you time and stress. The lockers vary in size and cost so do research before you arrive.
Stay Hydrated: You’re in SoCal - it’ll probably be hot and sunny.
Check Showtimes: Since shows are only scheduled a few times each day, if you really wanna see a show (I highly recommend WaterWorld), plan it into your day.
Take advantage of mobile food ordering: Perfect if the food lines are long and you’re getting hangry, haha.
Take pics with characters when you see them: I was surprised that lines close to take pictures with the characters, but it makes sense since they need breaks from the costumes! Get on line early so you don’t miss out on the popular characters (namely Mario and Luigi and Shrek and Fiona).

Park Layout and Key Attractions

Universal Studios Hollywood is divided into two main areas: the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot. The Upper Lot is where you’ll find the main entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood and where many of the family-friendly attractions are located (think Kung Fu Panda, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, The Simpsons Ride, and Secret Life of Pets). The Lower Lot is where the more adventurous and thrilling rides are, including Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic World, and Transformers. Separating them is a very long sting of escalators. If you’re not in a hurry, they’re a ride in their own right!

Upper Lot

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most engaging themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood. For all of you Orlando locals, The Hollywood version of the land is almost identical to the Orlando version. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is one of the most immersive rides in the park and is a must-see attraction. While you’re exploring Hogsmeade, stop in some of the cute shops like Honeydukes for sweets and The Owl Post for souvenirs. Grab a frozen Butterbeer, a fish and chips lunch at The Three Broomsticks and sit back and soak up the atmosphere.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: We LOVED this ride and went on it 5 times during our 2 days at Universal Studios, haha. Get ready to soar through iconic Harry Potter scenes, including the Forbidden Forest, the Quidditch pitch, and the Chamber of Secrets.
- Flight of the Hippogryph: This is the park’s only outdoor rollercoaster, and you fly around Hagrid’s hut and past Hagrid’s magical creatures. Honestly, it’s not worth waiting if the lines over 20 minutes long - the ride is literally a 20 second mini roller coaster and is over in a flash (womp, womp).
- Ollivanders Wand Shop: A magical experience where guests can watch a wand-choosing ceremony conducted by a wandkeeper. It’s more of a mini show than an actual ride, and was cute but not a must-do in my opinion unless you’re a huge fan of HP. The lines are never very long for this, so may as well check it out.
Springfield, U.S.A.: So, so colorful, and so, so fun! Especially with a giant pink donut in hand! I was floored by how meticulously themed Springfield was. The whole area really recreates the look and feel of the fictional town from The Simpsons.

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- The Simpsons Ride: Get read for a hilarious adventure through Krustyland, an amusement park created by Krusty the Clown. Riders board a simulator vehicle shaped like a roller coaster car and experience 3D animation, motion simulation, and special effects along the way.
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash is a fully immersive experience in which guests assume the roles of stray puppies as they join characters from the hit animated films on their quest to find forever homes. Using animatronics, video mapping and more high-tech magic, the family-friendly adventure takes visitors through the streets of New York as they make their way to the adoption fair.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem: Inspired by the blockbuster Despicable Me animated movies, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is an Ultra-HD movie motion-simulator ride.
Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest: A 4D theater experience with 3D glasses and special effects!
Super Silly Fun Land: A cute play area for kids inspired by the Despicable Me movies.
WaterWorld: Also in the Upper Lot you’ll find the park’s only live-action stunt show. It’s based on the 1995 film “Waterworld”, and we loved the thrilling stunts, pyrotechnics (so much fire!), and even a seaplane crash.

Lower Lot

Super Nintendo World: Walk through the life-sized green pipe (with rainbow sparkly lights of course) and you’ll find Bowser’s Castle, Princess Peach’s Castle, angry thwomps, and Mt. Beanpole. Even biting Piranha Plants, rotating coins, and ? blocks to punch. I could not believe just how much thought went into designing the space - we really felt like we were in Super Nintendo World! Nintendo trademarks are properties of Nintendo.
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: This ride was SO fun - and even better that we had early access and didn’t have to wait on a two hour line, haha (it was more like 5 minutes for us). As soon as we got off we quickly got back on line to ride again (definitely only possible with early access!). I won’t spoil it for ya, but just know you’ll be putting on a Mario visor and special VR goggles and will be steering through different levels and versions of the Mario Kart game!
Jurassic World-The Ride: Jurassic World: Ohhh another one we loved! It kinda felt like going on a river adventure through prehistoric landscapes complete with MASSIVE state-of-the-art animatronic dinosaurs (and super realistic). It’s the only water ride in Universal… so you may very well get a bit wet! Prepare yourself for the evolution of Jurassic World - The Ride, as you come face-to-face with Indominus rex as she stalks you through the jungle. You'll be caught in an epic battle for the ages when she’s confronted by her archrival, Tyrannosaurus rex. Besides the ride itself, highlights of the experience include:
- Raptor Encounter - Meet Blue the Velociraptor and the friendly Triceratops.
- DinoPlay - Discover the interactive kids area with activities for younger guests.
- Isla Nu-Bar - Enjoy a Tiki cocktail beneath the shade of the thatched roof.
- Jurassic Café - Whether you're as hungry as a T.
Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride: The Mummy: Easily our favorite ride in the entire park - and probably the most thrilling (which is definitely why we loved it oh so much). At first it’s very deceiving, but then BAM - you’re off!
Transformers: The Ride 3D: Get ready to battle between the Autobots and Decepticons (think Optimus Prime, Bumble… TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Fusing HD 3D media and flight simulation technology, this epic ride creates an experience that's unlike anything this planet has ever seen.

Dining

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a wide range of dining options, from quick-service to sit-down restaurants, catering to various tastes and preferences.

Toadstool Cafe: Toadstool Cafe is one of the better spots to eat in Universal Studios Hollywood. It has a great atmosphere and we’ve enjoyed the meals we’ve had there, although I wouldn’t say that we’re completely blown away.
Three Broomsticks: Three Broomsticks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the best option in the park, at least in terms of atmosphere. The food is solid too but overpriced.
Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Minion Café and Hollywood & Dine: I’ve enjoyed various meals at Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Minion Café and Hollywood & Dine. Other times I’ve been underwhelmed by all of the places I just mentioned. There’s no absolute standout but there are decent options.
Power Up Cafe: Get a sneak peek of what's to come at the new Power Up Cafe, located in the Upper Lot near the park entrance.

Shopping

Universal Studio Store: Whether you’re heading into the theme park, leaving the theme park, or just visiting CityWalk, no visit is complete without a stop in the Universal Studio Store. This is an emporium of all things Universal Studios Hollywood: from dinosaur gear to wizarding robes to iconic monster tees, you can find all kinds of apparel, toys and souvenirs at this massive shop. Merchandise rotates in and out of stock, so never miss a chance to swing in and see what’s new.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD STORE: The newest land in Universal Studios Hollywood is so epic, it has its own store at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. The SUPER NINTENDO WORLD STORE on CityWalk features all kinds of apparel, plushies, toys, bags, and more, all inspired by SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and the Mushroom Kingdom.
Universal Kids Store: This family-friendly shop carries toys, plushies, souvenirs and clothes based on Universal Studios Hollywood’s kid-centric properties. Here, you’ll find “Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Trolls” gear - and even not-so-scary dinosaurs and sharks, too.
Take 2: This rotating storefront is where you can find limited-time-only Universal Studios Hollywood apparel, merchandise and souvenirs.
Universal Bazar: Want a hip new look while repping your favorite fandoms? Look no further than Universal Bazar, which features the fan- and fashion-forward, apparel line, UNIVERS.
LINE FRIENDS SQUARE: LINE FRIENDS SQUARE sells cute plushies, toys, apparel and accessories for K-pop lovers and theme park enthusiasts alike.

Universal CityWalk

With over 30 stores, 30 dining options, six nightclubs, live outdoor entertainment and a 19-screen movie theater - including a seven-story IMAX - Universal CityWalk is a one-stop destination for entertainment that's located just steps from Universal Studios Hollywood. Be sure to check out the state-of-the art 5 Towers concert venue which showcases live, free entertainment all year long. In September 2024, the first Hello Kitty® and Friends Cafe in L.A.

Dining in CityWalk

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen: Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, Universal CityWalk Hollywood is here to satisfy your dream of eating chocolate for dinner. Well, sort of. And then there’s the dessert foundry. Toothsome has an amazing menu of decadent milkshakes, which come in flavors including Red Velvet, Cookie Jar, Confetti, and much more. They’re topped with whole treats unto themselves; you definitely can’t skip out on a Toothsome dessert.
NBC Sports Grill & Brew: If you’re trying to catch the game, you can bet it’s on here. NBC Sports Grill & Brew has everything you want from a good sports bar: high-definition TVs, 20 rotating draft beers on tap (for the 21-and-up crowd only), and a menu full of dippable appetizers. With wings, jalapeño poppers, gigantic soft pretzels, chili, and a whole slate of burgers, this spot is shareable comfort food heaven.
VIVO Italian Kitchen: Nothing hits the spot like handmade Italian cooking. The menu at VIVO Italian Kitchen is brimming with Italian-American favorites, including a host of pizzas, panini, and pastas. With a sleek interior, an extensive wine list and an enticing lineup of craft cocktails, VIVO makes for a great date spot. Oh, and also: tiramisu.
Antojitos Cocina Mexicana: Southern California isn’t lacking in excellent Mexican fare, and neither is Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up all the classics of this beloved cuisine: tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos and so much more.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: The vibes? Tropical. The drinks? Blended. The music? Jimmy Buffett, of course! It’s always 5 o’clock at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. The eatery is synonymous with taking a load off. The tasty menu is reminiscent of hot summer beach barbecues, with items including Island Kabobs, Crispy Coconut Shrimp, the Bikini Wrap, and barbecue items, including the infamous Cheeseburger in Paradise. And, because of course there’s a robust margarita menu, order a Margarita Flight to taste a few at once.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: The “Forrest Gump” inspired restaurant has an outpost at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. The menu at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Are you dining with the kind of crowd that likes to eat off each others’ plates?
Buca di Beppo: Look no further than Buca di Beppo. The Italian-American eatery has an expansive menu designed to be eaten family-style.
KFC/Pizza Hut: Want chicken? Want pizza? Want both? Want ‘em now? That’s why the gods invented the KFC/Pizza Hut.
Panda Express: The Panda Express menu includes all your favorite Chinese-American dishes, from Orange Chicken to Broccoli Beef to Veggie Spring Rolls.
Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs: If “taste an iconic LA food” is on your weekend bucket list, look no further than Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs. The legendary Fairfax District hot dog stand has been in business for over 80 years, and its Universal CityWalk Hollywood outpost serves up the same snappy sausages that make Pink’s iconic.
Subway: This to-go spot dishes up toasted submarine sandwiches, stuffed with stacks of premium meats and cheeses.
Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar: One of Universal CityWalk Hollywood’s newest establishments, Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar serves up Hawaiian poke bowls and boba teas.
The Habit Burger Grill: This California-based chain serves an array of grilled Charburgers, as well as Chardogs and veggie burgers.
Raising Cane’s: You may be wondering what’s so good about a restaurant that only sells chicken fingers? My answer: everything! Raising Cane’s serves nothing but fresh, made to order chicken tenders. Try it alongside their signature crinkle-cut fries, Texas Toast and Cane’s Sauce.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani: Meet your new favorite pizza place. At Slice House by Tony Gemignani, they know that making pizzas is more than just combining dough, sauce and cheese: it’s an artform.
Starbucks Coffee: Whether you’re just starting off a day in the theme park or need an afternoon pick-me-up before hitting the cinema, the Starbucks Coffee at CityWalk sure can be a lifesaver.
CityWalk Pop: For the popcorn bucket collector in all of us, CityWalk Pop is your go-to destination. Not only can you purchase popcorn buckets and collectible souvenir sipper cups, but you can also buy popcorn to your heart’s content.
Voodoo Doughnut: This conveyor of breakfast pastries has a cult following for a good reason. At Voodoo Doughnut, choose from dozens of off-the-wall doughnut flavors, like the Bacon Maple Bar, the Voodoo Double Bubble, the PB&J, and many more, including a lengthy vegan doughnut menu.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: With over 100 rotating frozen yogurt flavors and 50 rotating toppings, there are seemingly infinite permutations of desserts at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.
Ben & Jerry’s: Whether it’s Chunky Monkey, Phish Food or Cherry Garcia, everyone has their favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor.
Cinnabon: Is there anything quite like the smell of a hot, fresh cinnamon bun?
Wetzel’s Pretzels: Nothing quite says “theme park” like a soft pretzel, right? Take a bite out of the Universal Studios Hollywood experience right on CityWalk at Wetzel’s Pretzels.

Shopping in CityWalk

NBA Store: The only official NBA Store on the West Coast is here on CityWalk! Find all kinds of NBA and WNBA merch and apparel, from authentic NBA jerseys to autographed memorabilia.
Celebrity Authentics: Ever wish you could take your trip to Hollywood home with you? Thanks to Celebrity Authentics, you can. Situated directly across from the Universal Cinema, this shop has a vast selection of posters, photos, toys, and props signed by beloved actors - no joke.
Things From Another World: Your one-stop-shop for everything comic book. This shop has a range of comic books, including classic collections, art books and new releases, as well as action figures, statues, apparel, and more collectables.
Billabong: You know what’s awesome about Southern California? You can surf, skate, and snowboard all in the same day. Billabong is dedicated to these much-beloved California pastimes.
Hot Topic: Some people love pop culture so much, they just have to wear it on their sleeve. And that’s who Hot Topic is for.
Lids/Locker Room by Lids: If you want to sport your favorite team’s logo, Lids is the shop for you. Get your favorite squad’s hat at Lids, then pop over to Locker Room by Lids for the rest of the getup.
Karma and Luck: With an array of jewelry, gemstones, crystals and more spiritually-minded decor, Karma and Luck is unlike any other shop on CityWalk.
Soap Corner: The pastry-shaped soaps at this store look delicious enough to eat - but don’t be fooled!
Sephora: Find all of your makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrance needs under one roof at Sephora.
Shoe Palace: Sneakerheads, look no further than this footwear outlet.
Sunsations: It’s seemingly always sunny in SoCal - protect your eyes and stay stylish all at once at Sunsations.
Sock Drawer: This quirky boutique has nearly every funky-patterned sock you can imagine.
Quiksilver: This California-based clothing brand sells surf, skate, and streetwear for folks of all ages.

Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, Universal Studios Hollywood hosts some of LA's most popular seasonal events, including:

Halloween Horror Nights (Sep. 4 - Nov. 2, 2025) - From the movie studio that invented the horror film genre, Halloween Horror Nights brings together the stories and visions of the world’s most notorious creators of horror.

VIP Experience

Book the VIP Experience for the ultimate behind-the-scenes visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Is One Day Enough?

Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in just one day can feel like a challenge, but with the right strategy, you can experience all the top attractions without feeling overwhelmed. I would say at least a week, if you want to go to Disneyland Resort, Universal and get a feel for Los Angeles and Orange County. There is so much to do and something for everyone, regardless of if you’re a beach or city person, if you want to go to museums or see live entertainment or just hit every touristy thing possible.

Beyond the Park

Some of my favorite locations in LA include Dodger Stadium, Griffith Observatory, The Getty, El Matador Beach and The Hollywood Bowl. On top of that, the city has a massive dining scene with some of my favorite restaurants in the world. There’s so much to explore here that a paragraph won’t suffice.

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