Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood - 2024 Insider’s Guide

Lights, Camera, Action! If you’ve been dying to visit the land of movie magic, now is the time to plan the ultimate Universal Studios Hollywood™ trip. There is fun for everyone at this quintessential California theme park, from movie buffs to grown-ups, from teens and anyone in between.

Whether you are testing out wands at the wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ or touring an actual working movie set, there is so much action-packed adventure and entertainment to experience. 

Eager to achieve the perfect day at Universal Studios Hollywood™? You will need to come prepared, prepped, and ready to go! 

Follow along to discover the most exclusive Universal Studios Hollywood tips, tricks, and recommendations in our Insider’s Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood™.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Once you’ve committed to your own Universal Studios Hollywood adventure, save yourself the stress of ticket lines and wait times by pre-purchasing your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets. We offer a variety of ticket options depending on when you plan to visit.

Is your Universal Studios Hollywood™ trip part of a more extended Southern California getaway? Why not bundle your tickets with a Universal Studios Hollywood ticket package and experience double the fun? Kids and cinema junkies will flip over nearby attractions like Disneyland®, Knotts Berry Farm, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. This is the ultimate Universal Studios Hollywood tips!

People splashing in the water on the Jurassic World ride at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, USA
photo credit: Visit California via Facebook

About Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is so much more than a theme park. A day or two spent here not only means tons of heart-pumping fun on rides based on your favorite films but also includes access to some of Los Angeles’ best shops, dining, and cinemas at Universal CityWalk™.

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood™: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer size (the Universal Studios Hollywood size is 415 acres) and the volume of things to do in Universal Studios Hollywood. While we always recommend taking your time and spreading any theme park visit over a few days, it is possible to cover the best Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer in one day. 

Fun fact: Unlike most theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood is considered a ‘hybrid’ park as it is both a theme park and a working film studio!

Read on to learn more tips for Universal Studios Hollywood as well as a bit more about Universal Studios background!

When to Go

The perfect time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood is whenever you can! However, if you have some flexibility with your vacation dates and you want to avoid Universal Studios Hollywood busy times, wait times are usually lowest in the fall, winter, and spring. These are Universal Studios Hollywood least busy days.

Related Post: A Parent’s Guide on Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Additionally, it’s always good to try to avoid holidays, days around the holidays, and times when children are off from school. Don’t forget to check out the Universal Studios Hollywood pass calendar on the official website to see when is the best time to go based on your tickets!

As for the weather, sunny California is pretty idyllic year-round, but you can’t beat the comfortable, cool temperatures of Fall and Winter.

pink cherry blossom trees with red cloth draped on them and the entrance to universal studios Hollywood in the background
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood

Looking for reliable hotels by Universal Studios Hollywood? In the case of Universal Studios Hollywood™, it pays to stay close to the action. Save on money and precious time stuck in traffic by booking your Universal Studios Hollywood™ Hotel Package

Pro tip: An added perk of staying in nearby Hollywood is the option to return to your cozy room for a midday siesta. 

Additionally, after your day of theme park fun take advantage of your convenient locale by hitting up iconic Los Angeles sights such as:

Park Strategy

Although Universal Studios Hollywood™ may not be as massive as its sister park in Florida, it still pays to have a park strategy in place before your visit. It’s not enough to buy skip the line passes or to know what rides are at Universal Studios California!

Tourists at the King Kong Ride at Universal Studios.
photo credit: Overplanner.com via Facebook

Arrive Early

Apologies to our night owls, but to beat the lines and get a head start on your day, we strongly suggest arriving at Universal Studios Hollywood™ at least 30 minutes before the park opens. Arriving as early as possible and staying as late as you can allow you to explore the entire Universal Studios California size and the adventures it has to offer.

Furthermore, when budgeting for time, always allow at least 30 minutes to get through parking and security.

In addition, one of the best Universal Studios Hollywood parking tips we can give you is to park at The Vinland & Lankershim parking area. It’s a 30-minute walk from Universal Studios entrance, but you get free parking for two hours, then the next ten hours for only $2.50!

Pro tip: Always check the official Universal Studios Hollywood™ Calendar before your trip, as park opening hours vary from day to day!

Strategize for Success

To truly appreciate Universal Studios Hollywood’s wealth of rides, attractions, and entertainment, it helps to have an ‘Order of Operations.’ Find out more tips and tricks below!

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Universal theme park Los Angeles consists of two main sections: the Upper and Lower lots. Our simple strategy is to begin with the Lower Lot (before it gets too busy) and then hit the Upper Lot later in the day. We advise completing each section individually, as the escalator ride between lots is lengthy (7-10 minutes).

In addition, there are single rider lines for lone travelers! Take advantage of this at rides and attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride.

Tourists having fun at Universal Studios' Hogwarts.
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

Apps & Passes

Thank heavens for technology! Say goodbye to fumbling around with paper maps, and put the power of the park in the palm of your hand with the Universal Studios Hollywood™ App. This clever app allows you to:

  • Navigate to Universal Studios Park with an interactive map
  • Learn how to claim special or seasonal Universal Express passes
  • See wait times in real-time
  • Get Virtual Line Return Times
  • Stay in the know on all events, promotions, and schedule changes

The Universal Studio Los Angeles hours are typically from 10 AM to 7 PM. The app will let you know if there are any changes to operating hours.

If your visit coincides with a holiday or a busy time at the park, consider utilizing the Universal Express pass. 

Learn More About: Top Attractions in Los Angeles

This nifty pass will allow you one-time priority access to participating rides, shows, and attractions. You can also purchase a Universal Express Unlimited Pass that will let you bypass the lines for the attractions as many times as you desire. 

What’s New

After you take a group photo in front of the Universal Studios sign, it’s time to offer the rest of the theme park’s new attractions and thrill rides!

Not counting the ever-constant Universal City sign, Universal Studios Hollywood™ is constantly updating, expanding, and improving its theme park experience. Lucky for visitors, this translates into an abundance of new rides, thrills, and attractions. Their latest additions include:

  • The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash™
  • New magic wand experiences at Hogsmeade™
  • Updated Jurassic World Ride™
close up of dinosaur at Indominus Rex ride at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, USA
photo credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

Can’t Miss Attractions

Although you can easily spend days seeking out character autographs and covering every inch of Universal Studios Hollywood™, sometimes time just isn’t on your side. So when you are wondering what to see and what to skip, refer to our favorite ‘can’t miss Universal Studio rides California’ below:

  • The World Famous Studio Tour™
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
  • Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride™
  • The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash™
  • The Simpsons Ride™
  • Transformer – The Ride 3D™
  • WaterWorld™

If you’re planning to weigh in on the ultimate debate, “Hollywood Studios vs Universal Studios”, then these are the must-experiences!

Pro Tip: Did you know that popular TV shows ‘The Voice’ and Access Hollywood are still filming at Universal Studios Hollywood™? Check out the official Universal Studios Hollywood™ calendar before your visit to see if your favorite celeb will be in sight.

Tourist enjoying the mummy Ride at Universal Studios.
photo credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

Food/Beverages

A day of wizarding magic outside Hogwarts castle and screaming on roller coasters will summon up your appetite faster than you can say ‘Accio wand.’ Knowing where to dine during your day out is part of our Universal Studios tips.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to LA Theme Parks

Fortunately, Universal Studios Hollywood™ has a multitude of mouthwatering food options. For some truly epic eats we can never pass up:

  • Ice cold Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade
  • Giant doughnut at Lard Lad Doughnuts
  • Costa Rican inspired eats at the Jurassic Cafe
  • Tasty tacos at Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
  • Tropical Pina Colada or Painkiller at Isla Nu-Bar

Additionally, all Universal Studio Hollywood™ guests are allowed to enter the park with:

  • Up to two liters of water
  • Small snacks
  • Baby food/formula

exterior view of the simpsons ride krustyland at universal studios hollywood californiaWhat to Bring

Nothing can bring a day of theme park fun to a halt quicker than an uncomfortable blister or a smarting sunburn. So make the most out of your Universal Studios Hollywood™ experience by coming prepared. 

Our must-have theme park items include:

  • Portable phone charger
  • Water bottles & snacks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Poncho or raincoat (weather dependent)
  • Bandaids
  • Stroller (if required)

Get Lost in Los Angeles

A world-class city and tourist destination in its own right, Los Angeles is a melting pot of culture, art, history, and Hollywood charm. If you don’t mind a bit of driving, hotels in Los Angeles allow you to explore unique LA locales like the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Beverly Hills.

Learn More About Los Angeles

Ready to immerse yourself in a world of cinematic adventure, heart-racing rides, and jaw-dropping entertainment? Check out recent pictures of Universal Studios California on Tripster!

Whether you are being terrorized by Indominus Rex in Jurassic World™ or marveling at the explosive WaterWorld™ stunt show, Universal Studios Hollywood is guaranteed to deliver a blockbuster-worthy day. 

Now that you’re a Universal Studios expert gather your family, friends, and fellow cinephiles and book your own Universal Studios Hollywood Vacation. And if you’re planning to explore a city near Universal Studios Hollywood, now is the perfect time to plan the ultimate vacation!

Have You Been to Universal Studios Hollywood?

What would you add to our guide?

Share with us below!


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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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