Planning a Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

Hello, friend! If you’re visiting this guide, it’s because you’re planning to visit Mario & Yoshi, say hi to Harry Potter, and escape from a T-Rex in Jurassic Park, right? …or maybe you just clicked the wrong link. Either way, you’re welcome to spend some time with us. We’re going to discuss the main points about Universal Studios Hollywood and why you should plan your next vacation to beautiful California.

We are going to answer questions like:

• What is Hollywood Studios Hollywood
• Lands & Entertainment Options
• Ticket Prices
• FastPass Options
• Where to Stay at Universal Studios Hollywood
• The Mobile App
• Best Dates to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

These simple questions should answer a lot of basic queries essential for your next trip. You’ll learn about the size of Universal Hollywood, the weather throughout the year, and the best seasons to visit, so you can avoid huge crowds and have a great time with Mario, Luigi, Hermione, and the rest of the gang.

Let’s get started!

What is Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park. Yeah, I'm basically Sherlock Holmes, I know. Okay, let me rephrase this: Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park that got way better in the last few years, with the introduction of Super Nintendo World, the debut of brand new rides you won’t find anywhere else and a few updates to old attractions like Jurassic World: The Ride.

This is a place where you can easily spend a whole day just walking around and having fun. Many people don’t realize that theme parks today offer much more than just moving from one ride to another. Universal Hollywood boasts a staggering array of entertainment options, including live shows, themed stores, restaurants, meet & greets, and more. You can also choose to bypass the rides altogether and simply take pictures in front of Princess Peach’s castle, visit Hogsmeade, watch a Triceratops strolling through the streets or wave to Bumblebee and the rest of the Transformers.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a single theme park connected to CityWalk, an entertainment district full of restaurants and stores. If you’ve ever visited Universal Orlando, you’ll know that the resort consists of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, which are two separate theme parks. While Universal Hollywood is smaller than the Orlando resort, it’s equally fun. This theme park combines rides from both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, and even features some exclusive new rides you won’t find anywhere else.

Universal Hollywood is also divided into different areas and districts, each one with its own rides, shows, restaurants and stores. They are:

• Super Nintendo World
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Jurassic World
• Minion Land
• Studio Tour
• Springfield
• Transformers Metrobase
• WaterWorld

Phew, that’s a lot! Universal Studios Hollywood is the only place in the world where you can meet Homer Simpson and then, just five minutes later, hang out with the Minions and play with some Velociraptors.

We know a bit more about Universal Hollywood. But what Universal Hollywood isn’t?

• Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t just for kids! In fact, I’d say that Universal is generally more adult-friendly than Disney World and Disneyland. There’s fun for everyone, with rides and entertainment options for all age groups.
• Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t Universal Orlando. The former is located in California on the West Coast of the United States, while Universal Orlando is on the East Coast in Florida. Universal Orlando is also larger, with two existing theme parks and a third, Epic Universe, opening in 2025.
• Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t Disneyland, and they are not related. However, since you’re already visiting Universal Hollywood, you should definitely consider going to Disneyland as well. They are about an hour away from each other.

Lands & Entertainment Options

Let’s just say that there is a lot for you to see and do at Universal Studios. Let’s check some of the areas you can find there:

• Super Nintendo World: One of the most hyped and visually stunning theme park lands in the world. Here, you’ll find Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an award-winning ride that uses augmented reality and was named the best family ride in the world in 2021. The entire land is impressive, featuring stores, characters, and much more from the Mushroom Kingdom.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade is ready for you. Explore several stores based on the Harry Potter franchise and be sure to buy your own Hogwarts student robe and magic wand. Attractions include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff, a fun junior coaster.
• Minion Land: Minions and family rides wait for you here. Of course, you can find a lot of Minions and even Gru! Unfortunately, he is not Steve Carell, but that’s okay. It’s also around here that you can find The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, a recent and fun family dark ride.
• Studio Tour: This area features a few rides and the impressive Studio Tour! The tour takes you across various movie sets and lasts about an hour, including iconic locations like the house from Psycho. You might even spot occasional cameos from famous characters.
• Springfield: Homer, Lisa, Bart, and the rest of the Simpsons call this area home! You can even try a “real” Duff Beer and enjoy The Simpsons Ride, a classic motion simulator. The entire area is colorful and perfect for taking photos.
• Transformers Metrobase: You can encounter the Transformers here in person. These incredibly detailed robots make occasional appearances, providing great photo opportunities. You can also experience Transformers: The Ride 3D, a thrilling and chaotic motion simulator.
• WaterWorld: Many people might not be familiar with WaterWorld, but it’s based on the 1995 Kevin Costner movie. This area features one of the most exciting stunt shows at Universal.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Universal Hollywood offers a variety of ticket options for you and your family, including the standard 1-Day ticket, a 2-Day ticket, VIP passes, and annual passes. Let’s take a closer look at them:

• Standard One-Day Ticket: This is the simplest option. You pay for a single day’s entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood. Prices are per guest and vary by date. For example, tickets around Christmas will be more expensive than those in early October. A single day starts at $109 and can go up to $155 in 2024.
• 2-Day General Ticket: This ticket grants access for two days at Universal Studios Hollywood. Prices vary by date. You must use your second visit within 7 days of your first visit. Prices start at $159 and go all the way to $205 in 2024.
• Universal Express Standard 1-Day Ticket: This one-day ticket includes Universal Express, Universal’s FastPass option, which gives you access to the express lane once per ride. It’s a great choice for those looking to save time and make the most of their visit. Prices start at $209.
• VIP Experience: This special ticket offers a guided tour of Universal Hollywood with a staff member. It includes express access to all rides and shows, as well as a meal. Prices start at $379.
• Annual Passes: Universal Studios Hollywood offers several annual passes. There is a special pass for California residents at $179, and other passes range from $7 to $29 per month. Different tiers come with various perks. For example, the most expensive pass provides access to express lanes after 3pm.
• Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket: This might be the most significant ticket add-on introduced by Universal in recent years. Add it to your standard ticket for one hour of early entry to Super Nintendo World. This add-on is especially useful, as Super Nintendo World is currently the most popular area in the park. Prices start at $20 and can go all the way to $100 during Summer.

Universal Hollywood sometimes offers great deals, such as a free second-day admission with the purchase of a standard ticket. It’s important to plan ahead and buy your ticket months before your trip, or let Famvia do it all for you.

Be sure to add the Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket to maximize your enjoyment. Super Nintendo World can get incredibly crowded in the afternoon, and a one-hour head start can make a big difference.

Universal Studios Hollywood FastPass Options

The Universal Express

Much like Disney, Universal offers FastPass options for guests. FastPass is an add-on to your ticket that allows you to use express lines and significantly reduce waiting times. It’s a great way to optimize your visit, especially if you only have one day to experience everything the park has to offer.

The FastPass at Universal Studios Hollywood is called Universal Express. It’s easy to use, just purchase it and head to the express lane for your selected ride or attraction, without needing to book anything in advance. Present the QR code on your ticket to a crew member at the Express Pass entrance of your chosen attraction, and you’re good to go.

These are the two types of Universal Express you can purchase at Universal Studios Hollywood:

• Universal Express: Universal Express is the standard FastPass option for Universal Studios Hollywood. You can purchase it with your ticket or buy it while inside the park. It typically costs $90, though prices may vary by day. Universal Express allows you to use the express line for each attraction once, including the popular Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. It also gives you priority seating for shows like WaterWorld.
• Universal Express Unlimited: This option works like Universal Express, but you can use it as many times as you want, without being limited to once per ride. It typically costs $50 more than the standard Universal Express.

Is Universal Express worth it? It depends. If you're visiting during peak times, such as summer or around Christmas when theme parks are very crowded, it might be worth the extra cost. However, if you’re visiting during the low season, like September or early October, you can probably skip it and invest in the Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket instead. You can always decide to purchase Universal Express once you're inside the park if you find it’s too crowded.

Where to Stay at Universal Studios Hollywood

Unlike Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood doesn’t have any on-site hotels. This can be surprising to many guests. However, there are a few nearby hotels that offer special deals with Universal Hollywood and provide free shuttle services to and from the park. Note that these hotels don’t offer perks like early entry.

Here are three hotels related to Universal Studios Hollywood:

• Hilton Los Angeles - Universal City: Located just 1 mile from the theme park.
• Sheraton Universal Hotel: Also within 1 mile of Universal Hollywood.
• The Garland: Located 1.5 miles away, offering complimentary trolley service to the theme park.

It might not be worth booking these hotels unless you specifically want to stay close to Universal and prefer walking to the theme park. While it's disappointing that they don’t offer early entry, they do provide excellent service. Keep in mind that these hotels may be more expensive than standard options.

If you also plan to visit Disneyland, it might be better to book a Disney hotel and drive to Universal, depending on your schedule. We can assist with planning an itinerary and selecting the best options.

The Universal Studios Hollywood App

As it’s common practice with basically everything in the world, Universal Hollywood also has their very own app, called… “Universal Studios Hollywood”. Very original, I know. But, hey, at least it’s practical.

The app provides real-time wait times, a park map, and the ability to link your ticket and Universal Express to your account.

Virtual Line

The most crucial feature of the app is the Virtual Line. This system is used on especially busy days when Super Nintendo World reaches capacity.

Guests must join the Virtual Line to wait for their turn to visit the Mushroom Kingdom, as no more guests are allowed inside once the land is full. Make sure to download the app before your visit, set up an account, and familiarize yourself with the interface.

Best Dates to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Interestingly, the best times to visit most theme parks don’t vary much. For example, early October is generally a good time to visit both Disney World in Florida and Universal Hollywood in Los Angeles. In contrast, June and July tend to be very crowded at theme parks across North America due to summer vacations and school breaks.

Let’s see the best dates and months!

• January is usually a good month, even if it’s a bit chilly. Make sure to bring an extra jacket and check the weather. If you visit a week after New Year’s Day, you will see some of the lowest crowds of the year. People are already coming back to their hometowns and resuming work, so January 7-30 can be a good option for your next vacation. Just make sure to avoid the Martin Luther King weekend.
• February is a great time to visit Universal, except for President’s Day Weekend. Temperatures begin to rise, making it pleasant and unlikely you will need that jacket anymore. Plus, you can enjoy Valentine's Day festivities across the theme park! So romantic. Just steer clear of the third Monday of February, which is President's Day weekend.
• April is more crowded than both January and February, but not quite as busy as other months of the year (*cough* October during Halloween and Christmas season *cough*) and offers plenty of things to do.
• August is a very hot month in California, but not as bad as July. As many schools resume classes before Labor Day, August sees a decrease in tourist crowds, making it one of the slower months of the summer season. The end of August is a pretty good time to visit Universal Hollywood and Disneyland.
• The earlier in September you can visit, the more crowds you can avoid. Plus, you'll have the added bonus of experiencing the start of the Halloween season, which typically kicks off in the first week of September. Universal is known all over the globe as one of the best theme parks for Halloween.
• November is a fantastic winter month to visit Universal, especially as it marks the beginning of the holiday season, usually within the first week. If you're interested in experiencing both Halloween and Christmas, consider visiting starting November 1st. This timing allows you to catch the tail end of the Halloween decorations as they come down and witness the magical transition to the festive holiday decorations.

What you should do when Planning your Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

So, here is what I would do when planning my trip to this beautiful theme park.

1. First, choose the best date for your family trip. I personally prefer early October or September, but many people, including students, may not be able to travel during these times. I often opt to travel in February.
2. Contact Famvia! We can assist with tickets, hotels, and much more. Just send us a message with any questions, and let us handle your vacation details.
3. Once you’ve decided on your travel dates, look for a hotel. I wouldn’t necessarily choose a Universal Studios Hollywood hotel, but it’s up to you. I’d probably stay at a Disneyland hotel or a good hotel that is conveniently located near both Universal and Disneyland. We can help you with that as well.
4. When it comes to tickets, keep an eye out for deals. Sometimes Universal offers promotions like “buy one day, get two days free.” I’d also recommend adding a Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket. Plan ahead and purchase your Disneyland tickets as well, so you can decide which days will be for Disneyland and which will be for Universal Studios Hollywood.