Unleashing the Best of Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood in California is a fantastic adventure for the whole family. Visitors of all ages who are kids at heart will love the experience. Maximizing your time at this film studio and theme park is key to the enjoyment. These 25 tips can save you money and minimize stress while maximizing your time.
01 Buy your tickets in advance
The official Universal Studios Hollywood website is a great place to get your tickets and see what currently passes, and deals are available. It's also less expensive than purchasing them at the front gate. Use the price comparison tool to help determine which options are best for you.
02 Eat breakfast before arrival
Eating breakfast before getting to Universal Studios Hollywood means you won't have to spend time and money ordering it when you arrive. However, you are allowed to take some food and drinks into the theme park, so bringing some small snacks is a great option. Check the website's "Policies and Restrictions" page for current information about what's allowed.
03 Universal Studios Hollywood is closed half the year
This is far from the case; more to the point, if you wish to maximize your time at Universal Studios, you should essentially rule out half of the year. Los Angeles is not a small city, so at any time that you choose to visit, you have millions of people to contend with from California alone potentially. If you live somewhere cold in the winter, that should be your window. Sunny Los Angeles beats January Detroit all day. As a rule of thumb, you should just forget about the summer and avoid the week of any major or even minor holiday. Additionally, midweek is always the way to go year-round.
04 Arrive at the park early
Whatever time you think is early, arrive an hour earlier than that. The sooner you make your way to the park, the less traffic you're likely to encounter.
Los Angeles is famous for its traffic for a reason, and you certainly don't want to get stuck in it. From 7 am to 10 am is usually the prime rush hour traffic time.
Early access hours are available to get into the theme park. Check on the Universal Studios Hollywood website for opening times on the day you want to go. You may not be a morning person, but you won't regret being towards the front of the line if it means you get to enjoy more of the theme park.
05 Bring what is allowed
Trying to bring items into the theme park that aren't allowed may delay your entrance. There are a variety of items you can't bring, such as marijuana and alcoholic beverages. Before you pack for your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, read its "Policies and Restrictions" page.
06 Plan and map ahead
You need a plan to be able to enjoy and maximize your time at the theme park. Review a map of Universal Studios Hollywood and start planning your route. It's also fun for family members to do it individually and then collectively. It builds anticipation, and if you're going to separate at any point during the day, it makes it easy to plan meetup spots. It's also a great way for everyone to see what they want to experience alone while also having plenty of togetherness time.
07 Harry Potter first and last
As discussed, you're best off getting there earlier than early. The reward for this for most entrants is a B-line to the soon-to-be long lines at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. Both are fantastic and have earned the lines that are soon to form and remain until the end of the day. Once you've enjoyed your time with those two, looks for additional rides that are not yet boasting long lines. Towards closing, families have had enough and are either trying to beat traffic (good luck) or simply done with the day, and you can return to shorter lines again to finish your day.
One of the most iconic elements of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hogwarts Castle. If you're a fan of Harry Potter, it's highly recommended to come here early and grab a photo in front of the castle before many other people have the same idea. The castle is a stunning backdrop, and the photo will be a wonderful memento of your magical visit.
08 After Harry Potter, it's time for the front lot
The "Front Lot" is home to some of Universal Studios Hollywood's most popular rides and attractions. These include: "Jurassic Park - The Ride," "Revenge Of The Mummy - The Ride," "Transformers 3D" and others. The wait times on each of these are quite manageable early in the morning and also at lunchtime.
09 Don't forget the shows (with no lines)
Shows, such as "WaterWorld," are must-sees late in the morning. They provide excellent opportunities to sit down and enjoy incredible entertainment together as a family. The rides run all day but the shows happen at specific times, so consult the online schedule to ensure you don't miss them.
10 Don't forget the studio tour
The studio tour shouldn't be missed, and the best news is that it's included with park admission. Mid-afternoon is a perfect time to enjoy it. It's the hottest part of the day, and chances are your body will be happy for a break while you're sitting down for a while. The tours last 60 minutes.
11 Let the wand choose The Wizard At Ollivanders
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is a magical realm that brings the beloved series to life. One of the most enchanting experiences is a visit to Ollivanders, where the wand chooses The Wizard. This captivating show allows you to witness the mystical moment when a wand selects its rightful owner. As you step into the dimly lit, wand-filled store, the skilled Wandkeeper guides a lucky participant through the process of finding their perfect wand.
Even if you're not chosen, the magic of the moment is palpable, and you can purchase a variety of Harry Potter-inspired wands in the store after the show. It's a wonderful experience to thrill any Harry Potter fan.
12 Eat at Toadstool Cafe
Nestled within the vibrant SUPER NINTENDO WORLD of Universal Studios Hollywood, the Toadstool Cafe offers a culinary adventure. This restaurant serves an extensive range of foods in a themed environment that perfectly blends quick service and delectable eats. Search the menu for items that may come with a little souvenir, such as the Tomato Soup in Super Mushroom Bowl, where the bowl is included with the purchase.
Given its popularity, Toadstool Cafe requires reservations, which can only be made once inside the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD area of the park. If you want to dine at Toadstool Cafe during your visit, it's recommended to join the waitlist as soon as you arrive at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
13 Breeze past the lines with an Express Pass
Consider investing in Universal Express if you're looking to enhance your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. This ticket provides a variety of perks, such as giving you express access to many shows, rides, and attractions. This means you can spend less time waiting in line and more time exploring the theme park and everything it has to offer. It's a great way to maximize your time and ensure you get to experience all your favorite attractions.
14 Get lost in revenge of The Mummy – The Ride
Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride is a must-visit for thrill seekers. It will take you forward and back and propel you at speeds of up to 45 mph in virtual darkness as you flee from the Mummy's revenge. It's a heart-pounding adventure that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the immersive storytelling Universal Studios is known for. Find this ride in the Lower Lot of the theme park. There's a minimum height requirement of 48 inches.
15 Take a photo with a Universal Studios Character
Universal Studios Hollywood is home to a whole host of incredible characters that you can meet and take photos with. The best part is that you can spot the characters throughout the theme park. From Scooby-Doo and Shaggy to Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, you never know who you'll run into. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet your favorite characters and create lasting memories.
16 Get wet on Jurassic World – The Ride
Located in the heart of the Lower Lot, Jurassic World – The Ride features the latest technology in rollercoaster development, making the immersive land and dinosaurs all the more realistic. Keep an eye out for the Indominus Rex, which has, somehow, made its escape. Be prepared to get wet and have an unforgettable adventure! Note that there's a minimum height requirement of 42 inches for all riders.
17 Collect coins & stamps with your Power-Up Band
Power-up Bands are wristbands that can be used to interact with various elements within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. While the Power-up Bands cost extra, they offer a unique interactive experience. You can explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD for hours before taking on Team Bowser. It's a fun and engaging way to immerse yourself in the world of Super Nintendo.
18 Chat with Donkey
Near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter entrance, you'll find the Donkey interactive experience. Here, you'll have the opportunity to chat with Donkey from the hit film franchise Shrek. Donkey is known for his quick wit and humorous banter, and you can ask him anything you like. The responses are often hilarious, making it a fun and entertaining experience for all ages.
19 Watch a film
You'll find Universal CityWalk just outside of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. This entertainment, shopping, and dining district is home to Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood, a state-of-the-art theater with IMAX screens and comfortable seating. After a day filled with excitement and adventure at the park, you can unwind and relax by catching a film.
20 Best times for visits beyond crowd avoidance
While dodging the crowds is a no-brainer for a smoother experience, timing your visit to coincide with Universal Studios Hollywood's seasonal events can transform a great day out into an even more unforgettable adventure.
Whether it's the spine-tingling Halloween Horror Nights or the enchanting Christmas celebrations, each season brings its unique magic to the park. So, if you're after more than just shorter lines, consider planning your trip around these special events for an extra layer of excitement.
21 Utilizing the Universal Studios Hollywood app
In today's digital age, your smartphone is your best friend for navigating the bustling lanes of Universal Studios Hollywood. The official app not only guides you to the shortest queues and updates you on show times but also offers the convenience of mobile food ordering. Say goodbye to the old days of map-folding and schedule scrambling; with a few taps, you can streamline your day and even snag a virtual spot in line for your favorite rides.
Do you really want to waste extra time standing in line while waiting to order and then for your food? Universal Studios Hollywood offers the convenience of mobile food ordering. It also gives you the chance to look over the menu without feeling rushed.
Make sure you have an account on the Universal Studios Hollywood app, which is easy to set up. Consider saving your preferred payment method to streamline purchasing.
22 Parking and transportation tips
Arriving at Universal Studios Hollywood can be as smooth as a studio-produced movie sequence if you play your cards right. From general to valet parking, each option offers its own set of perks. For those looking to save a few bucks or avoid the parking lot shuffle, public transportation is a savvy alternative. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring your entrance and exit are as drama-free as possible, leaving more time for the real action inside the park.
23 Show scheduling strategy
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a great lineup of shows and performances. Planning is key to catching the ones that top your must-see list. Timing it just right and doing research ahead of your visit can help you avoid the disappointment of a sold-out show.
24 Merchandise and souvenir shopping tips
No trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is complete without a memento, and the park's array of shops cater to every fandom. Avoid the end-of-day shopping rush by popping into stores during typically quieter times, like during major shows. Thanks to the convenience of package pickup, you can shop to your heart's content without lugging your finds around all day. Whether it's a wand from Ollivanders or a plush Minion to call your own, the perfect souvenir is waiting for you.
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