Universal Studios Hollywood | What to Expect, Tickets, & FAQs |
Blog Summary
Universal Studios Hollywood is LA’s top movie-themed attraction, which offers behind-the-scenes tours, cartoon-themed rides, and live shows.
Uncovering the Magic of Universal Studios Hollywood!
Universal Studios Hollywood is an iconic film studio and theme park in California.
Initially built only as a film studio in 1912, it transformed into a hybrid studio-cum-theme park by 1964.
Millions flock to its doors annually to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World—The Ride, and the Studio Tour.
However, its sprawling campus and large crowds can make it an overwhelming experience.
Don’t worry! This article will uncover everything about Universal Studios Hollywood, from what to expect and how to get there to the best tickets and more, so that your visit becomes fulfilling.
Universal Studios Hollywood in a Snapshot
| Opening Hours | Tuesday to Friday: 9 am to 7 pm Saturday: 9 am to 9 pm Sunday: 9 am to 8 pm |
| Location | 100, Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA |
| Highlights | Studio Tour |
| Best Time to Visit | Early Morning on Weekdays |
| Tour Duration | 1 Day |
| Ticket Price | $144 |
| Ticket Link | Universal Studios Hollywood Entry Ticket |
What to Expect at Universal Studios?
Walk through the red carpet, pass through security checks, and collect your park map from a staff member.
Super Nintendo World
Start your adventure with Super Nintendo World.
This place is like a live video game with large spinning coins, Toad’s Cafe, and green pipes.
You can participate in the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, punch some real blocks, and collect some coins.
It ensures an amazing time with family and friends.
Potter’s World of Wizardry
You can head to the Wizardly World of Harry Potter by taking the escalators.
It is a snowy dreamland with cobbled streets and a real Hogwarts Castle.
Here, you can try the famous butterbeer and wave your magical wands at the windows.
Do not miss the famous Forbidden Journey ride, which feels as if you are flying with Harry Potter himself.
A Peek into the Movie Sets
Next will be the tour’s highlight: the famous Studio tour, which is a 1-hour tram ride across working sets and locations
You will see many famous sets like the Fast and Furious Tunnel, King Kong’s Jungle, and the Psycho House.
Dino’s World
From here, you should head towards Jurassic World: The Ride.
In this boat ride, you will swim through the dino territory and will be chased by a T-Rex.
You will fall from a waterfall, huge but worth it.
Fun at the Waterworld Show
Relax and grab a quick bite from the Toadstool Cafe or Three Broomsticks before heading for the Waterworld stunt show.
This live show will be packed with animations, explosions, and jet ski chases right over the water.
By the time you leave Universal Studios, you may be wet and tired, but your heart will be full with timeless movie magic.
You will realize that it is not just a place but a moving story.
It is a story you are a part of and is entirely yours to tell.
Universal Studios Hollywood Opening Hours
Universal Studios is open 365 days a year with slight variations in opening hours.
It operates between 9 am and 7 pm on weekdays.
On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy extended operational hours when it stays open until 9 pm and 8 pm, respectively.
Any change in the opening times is updated on the official site four weeks in advance.
There is no official time for the last entry; however, try to come early to enjoy all rides and attractions to the fullest.
Top-Rated Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
General Admission Tickets
The Universal Studios Hollywood entry ticket is the most affordable way to access the park’s rides and shows.
You will visit shops at the Wizardly World of Harry Potter and get behind the scenes of a working movie studio.
This ticket is valid for 2 days and can be cancelled anytime to get a complete refund.
Inclusions:
- Entry to Universal Studios Hollywood
- Access to the Studio Tour
- Entry to the Wizardly World of Harry Potter
- Entry to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Ticket Price:
Adult Ticket (10+ years): $144
Child Ticket (3 to 9 years): $138
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
Express Pass
The Express ticket has all the benefits of general admission, minus any waiting time at the entrance, rides, and attractions.
You will avoid long lines at the entrance and get one-time express access to all the rides and shows the studios offer.
It will be valid for one day, and can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Inclusions:
- Express Entry to Universal Studios Hollywood
- Priority Access to the Studio Tour
- Skip-the-line access to the Wizardly World of Harry Potter
- Quick Entry to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Ticket Price:
Adult Ticket (3+ years): $285
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
| Note: There are only a few express tickets available each day. Their prices vary as per the availability and booking date. |
VIP Tour
For a premium experience with a deeper understanding of the studio’s workings and attractions, consider taking a guided VIP tour of Universal Studios Hollywood.
Let the valet park your car, and skip long lines to enjoy rides like the Transformers, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and more.
Navigate through all the areas on a special trolley, and get the best seats for the selected shows.
Access the dining lounge and feast upon a breakfast or a gourmet meal at your convenience.
The tour is valid for 1 day and can be cancelled 24 hours in advance for a complete refund.
Inclusions:
- VIP entry to Universal Studios Hollywood
- Universal Express Access to all rides
- Best seats for shows
- Guided Trolley Tour
- Guided Tour of Universal’s Backlot
- Snacks and refreshments at the VIP lounge
- Gourmet meal at VIP dining room
- Valet Parking
Ticket Price:
Adult Ticket (5+ years): $459
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free Entry
How to Get to Universal Studios Hollywood?
You can get to Universal Studios Hollywood by using subways, trains, buses, and cars.
Let’s find out how:
By Train:
If you are coming from outside of LA, a train will be your preferred option.
Board an Amtrak or Metrolink to the Union Station, and from there, take the Metro Red Line to Universal City/Studio Station.
By Bus:
From inside LA, buses are the cheapest mode of transportation because they run from several points.
You should take Metro Bus 224 or 240 and get off near the Universal City/ Studio Station (Lankershim Boulevard).
By Subway:
While coming from downtown LA, simply take the Metro Red Line and get off at the Universal City/ Studio Station.
By Car:
You can also drive to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Use an app like Google Maps and set your GPS to “100, Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA,” and follow directions.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood is as soon as it opens at 9 am.
You can also plan your visit in the afternoon after 3 pm, especially on weekdays.
Weekends and holidays are usually very crowded, and therefore it would be best to avoid them.
January, February, September, and November are the best times of the year to visit the Studios because of the gentle weather and fewer crowds.
How Long Does it Take to Explore
A quick tour of Universal Studios Hollywood will take 6 to 7 hours.
But without online tickets, be prepared to stand in ticket lines for up to an hour.
You can also give 2 hours each to highlights like the Super Nintendo World, the Wizardly World of Harry Potter, and the Studio Tour.
Add an hour for relaxation and a quick bite at the cafe or lounge.
Finally, you should shop at the CityWalk and enjoy the WaterWorld shows.
Therefore, a thorough exploration of Universal Studios will take one complete day.
Essential Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
Do not forget these visiting tips if you want to make the most of your Universal Studios visit:
- Arrive Early: Plan to come half an hour before the opening. This will give you a head over the crowds
- Prioritize Super Nintendo World: This is a highly popular event that gets very crowded by the afternoon. Start by exploring it first
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: Your Universal Studios tour will involve a lot of walking around, and it is a good idea to wear sturdy shoes
- Dress Properly: Weather in LA can change fast; it is recommended to dress in layers
- Carry Small Bags: Large bags will require a separate locker, and they slow you down
- Universal Studios Hollywood Official Map: Download this app, as it will provide waiting times and ride schedules
- Opt for Single Rider Lines: If you are traveling solo, these lines will cut your waiting times by half or more
- Be Hydrated: Carry a refillable water bottle, and get budget-friendly water from restaurant counters
- Plan for a full day: Universal Studios Hollywood is huge, and you should spare a full day to thoroughly enjoy it
- Book Online Tickets: Online tickets are cheaper and will save you from long queues and last-minute disappointments
People Also Ask..
Does the Express ticket include access to the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge?
Yes, a one-time express access to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is included in the express ticket.
Can you buy Universal Studios Hollywood tickets at the gate?
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate.
However, prepare to endure long lines, and express tickets may sell out before you arrive.
Therefore, we recommend buying tickets in advance.
How much do Universal Studios Hollywood tickets cost?
The general admission ticket, which includes access to all the park’s rides and shows, costs $144 for adults over 10.
Children between 3 and 9, get a discounted cost of $138, whereas infants below 3 can enter for free.
Why should I buy tickets online?
Our online tickets are available at discounted prices and will be instantly delivered upon successful reservation.
By doing this, you will avoid long lines and last-minute disappointments.
Above all, express tickets are limited, and it is recommended to buy them at least 15 days in advance.
Are online tickets refundable?
Yes, our online tickets can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the visit to get a complete refund.
Is 4 hours enough for Universal Studios Hollywood?
No, you will need an entire day to enjoy its attractions like the Wizardly World of Harry Potter, Waterworld shows, and the Studio tour.
Why should I buy tickets from Our Travel Tickets?
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