Universal Studios Hollywood is a premier destination for movie lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
To ensure you have an enjoyable and efficient visit, here are some essential tips you can follow.
1. Purchase your tickets in advance
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting thousands of visitors daily.
This often results in long queues at the ticket counters.
To avoid this situation, it’s best to book your tickets online.
Online tickets are usually cheaper and come with discounted prices.
Since this is a popular attraction with high chances of ticket sales, booking in advance ensures you will get all the benefits.
Universal Studios Hollywood attracts more than 9 million visitors annually, so booking tickets in advance makes sense. A general admission ticket is the cheapest and most popular way to experience the park. Express Pass allows you to skip all lines, while VIP Pass offers the ultimate premium experience.
Get ready for the ultimate scare fest at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights.
2. Check park hours
Arriving early at Universal Studios Hollywood, which usually opens at 9 am, and checking park hours helps you make the most of your day.
It takes at least 8-10 hours to fully explore the park, especially on crowded days, which is only possible if you arrive early.
When park hours are short (e.g., 10 am to 6 pm), early arrival is crucial to fit everything in before closing.
An early access pass is available on-site for those wanting to visit the popular Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride.
Please note that the Lower Lot is restricted to early access pass holders until the park officially opens.
Plus, you’ll get express access to the Studio Tour until 11 am.
Pro tip: Rides in the Lower Lot tend to have shorter lines during the first hour of park opening. Make sure to complete all Lower Lot attractions before moving to the Upper Lot to reduce trips on the StarWay escalators.
3. Express Pass & VIP Pass
If your budget allows, invest in a Universal Express Pass or VIP Pass to skip regular lines at attractions, especially during peak season.
The VIP Pass offers unlimited express access, a VIP tour guide, and a meal, significantly reducing wait times.
The Express Pass, however, allows you to skip the regular line but provides only one-time express access to each ride.
You can save your Express Pass for busier times by waiting in the regular line when it’s short.
But if you still want to enjoy unlimited access, there’s a solution for that too.
For an additional $35 – $50 (depending on peak or non-peak days), you can upgrade to an Unlimited Universal Express Pass, allowing unlimited rides on the same day.
Discover the benefits of General Admission, Express, VIP, and L.A. All-Inclusive passes.
4. Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood is right when the park opens at 9 am or 10 am, allowing you to enjoy popular rides before the crowds arrive.
For a more relaxed experience, visit on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
To avoid longer wait times, plan your trip during school months such as February, May, August, and September.
5. Use the Universal Studios Hollywood app
Download the app for real-time updates on wait times, show schedules, and ride closures.
The app features a virtual reservation system that lets you book ride times and avoid long waits.
It also includes mobile food ordering, so you can spend more time enjoying the attractions and less time waiting in line for meals.
Additionally, the app provides an interactive map to help you navigate the park, as well as information on special events and exclusive offers.
The mobile app is available for both iPhone and Android.
This way, you can plan your day more efficiently and make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
The virtual reservation system lets you book ride times, allowing you to explore the park instead of waiting in long lines. Once you select a time slot for an attraction, you are free to enjoy other areas of the park. When your reserved time is near, head to the designated Virtual Line entrance for a much shorter wait. This feature enhances your park experience by reducing wait times and maximizing your time for other activities and attractions.
6. Single riders line
If you’re okay with splitting up your group, using the single-rider lines can significantly reduce your wait times.
It is one of the easiest ways to bypass long lines, especially if you do not have an express pass.
This option is perfect for visitors who are visiting alone.
Attractions with single-rider lines include:
- Jurassic World – The Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
7. Make use of the child switch program
The Child Switch room at Universal Studios Hollywood is specifically designed for parents with children who are too young or unable to ride certain attractions.
Adults can take turns riding while the child gets supervised safely.
The Child Switch room ensures that everyone enjoys the rides without the hassle of waiting in line twice, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable for families.
8. Eat during off-peak hours
Avoid long lines at restaurants by dining at off-peak times.
Plan to have your meals earlier or later than the usual lunch and dinner hours to skip the crowds.
Use the Universal Studios Hollywood app to find dining options and pre-order your food.
This saves time and allows you to spend more of your day enjoying the attractions.
9. Souvenir shopping
It is best to keep your souvenir shopping when the attraction lines are long, typically in the afternoon or evening.
While others are waiting in line, you can browse the shops and pick out unique gifts and memorabilia.
This strategy helps you avoid the rush and makes your shopping experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
You can even wrap up your day by purchasing things from the Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
Related reading:
# Height restrictions
# Accessibility at the park
# Rider safety
# First-aid stations
10. Stay comfortable
Universal Studios Hollywood spans approximately 400 acres, which means that exploring the park requires a fair amount of walking.
Wear comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy throughout the day.
Depending on the weather, opt for light and comfortable clothing.
You can apply sunscreen or wear sunglasses and a hat for additional protection.
Certain attractions, like the Jurassic World Ride and Super Silly Fun Land, involve water, so you might get wet.
If you sit in the “soak zone” area of the WaterWorld show, you’re especially likely to get drenched.
Consider bringing a towel or a spare change of clothes if required.
Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and use the park’s refill stations.
11. Use lockers for storage
Use the park’s locker rental services to store personal items, keeping your hands free, and your belongings secure while enjoying the attractions.
Pack lightly with only essential items in a small backpack for easy mobility, as some rides may not allow bags.
This allows you to move through the park efficiently without the need to return to lockers frequently.
The locker facilities are available at $8 for dimensions of 12¾” in height, 11″ in width, and 16½” in length; $12 for dimensions of 16″ in height, 8″ in width, and 16″ in length; and $15 for dimensions of 21½” in height, 11″ in width, and 16″ in length.
12. Wi-Fi services
You can connect to XFINITY WiFi, which lets you connect to the Internet at fast speeds, helping you save on your wireless data plan.
When visiting Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk, follow these steps to sign in manually:
- Enable WiFi on your device.
- Find and select the XFINITY WiFi network (network name: “UNIVERSAL”) and launch your browser.
- If not automatically redirected to the WiFi sign-in page, type a different address in your web browser to trigger the redirection.
- Sign in as a GUEST to start browsing, streaming, and more.
This network is secure, with 128-bit encryption on the sign-in page, the same standard used by many online banking and financial services sites to protect your transactions.
You do not need to be an XFINITY customer to access XFINITY WiFi at Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk.
To access free WiFi, select the network name “UNIVERSAL” and follow the on-screen prompts.
Recommended reading:
# Transfer from Anaheim
# Private transfer from San Diego
# Private transfer from Burbank
Other things to keep in mind
Here are some other key things to keep in mind about Universal Studios Hollywood.
ATM services
You can find quick and easy cash machines at Universal Studios Hollywood both outside and inside the theme park.
ATMs on the outside are located at the Front Gate to the right of the ticket booths and throughout CityWalk.
Once inside the park, you can access ATMs next to the Kwik-E-Mart by The Simpsons Ride and near the Jurassic Café on the Lower Lot.
Lost and Found services
Lost and Found at the park is managed by a third-party provider known as Boomerang.
If you lose an item, you can submit a claim by scanning the on-site QR code or by using Boomerang’s online system.
Once you fill out the Lost Item Claim form, you’ll receive an email with updates on your item’s status, whether it’s been found, is still being searched for, needs more information, or couldn’t be located.
Smoking policy
If you smoke, you should know that the park currently has no designated smoking areas available.
In the past, there were specific smoking spots, but they are all closed now.
The park does not permit any alcohol or smoking, including tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and marijuana.
