Universal Studios HollywoodTM
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
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The bright lights of Hollywood surround this theme park built around movie- and TV show-making. The theme park is but a small part of this sprawling working studio, where some of Hollywood's most popular movies and TV shows continue to be made.
Along with the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood is known more for its shows than its attractions, although The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ has changed that.
For this reason, we frogs recommend at least some basic planning before your visit. We've outlined the key attractions and entertainment for you to experience along with detailed information such as the location and the best time of day to visit. For those of you who are hopping to do more, our step-by-step park plans are just the ticket!
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Universal Studios HollywoodTM Attractions, Restaurants & Park Plan
Frog Family Priority Attractions
The World-Famous Studio Tour
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
Transformers™: The Ride-3D
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
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Universal Studios Hollywood Park Plan
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Skip the Lines Information for Universal Studios HollywoodTM
If you are like us and will be traveling with little ones, the attractions are a top priority. We suggest visiting these early before the shows begin when crowds are lowest. The Studio Tour is not to be missed! For TV and movie buffs, we recommend making this the first stop. If shows are a priority, we suggest identifying the must-dos and the times in advance.
For the lowest wait times at Universal Studios Hollywood:
Plan which day to visit using our crowd calendar (coming soon).
Consider purchasing Universal Express™ Tickets, which include admission to the park. They provide guests priority access at each attraction and reserved seating at each show.
Arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood before the official opening.
Follow a park plan.
Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ first and then visit the Lower Lot and experience all of those attractions before going back to the Upper Lot (the series of escalators connecting Lower and Upper Lot will take 5-10 minutes to traverse).
Save touring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ until the afternoon.
Universal Studios HollywoodTM Maps
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
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Universal Studios HollywoodTM Tips and General Information
The bright lights of Hollywood surround this theme park built around movie-making and TV shows. The theme park is but a small part of this sprawling working studio, where some of Hollywood's most popular shows and movies continue to be made. The park got its start with the Studio Tour, which continues to this day, and guests can tour the sound stages and sets from some of the most famous Hollywood films and TV shows ("Jaws," "Psycho" and "Desperate Housewives") by tram. Guests might even catch a glimpse of a celeb or too working on one of the many sound stages! The park is now home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which has raised its profile — and crowds — considerably.
The park is situated within the Hollywood Hills and is thus divided into the Upper and Lower Lots. To access the Lower Lot, a smaller area which houses a cluster of the park's biggest attractions, guests must take a set of elevators down to the lower level of the park. It takes about 5-10 minutes to traverse the elevators, the so-called "Starway," so guests will want to factor that into planning and, if possible, avoid making multiple visits to the Lower Lot. Guests at the gate before park opening can take advantage of this time by visiting the Lower Lot and riding Transformers The Ride:3D and Revenge of the Mummy with the lowest waits. If waits are less than 25 minutes, we recommend visiting Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem before visiting the Lower Lot. Because of its popularity, proximity to the park entrance and low load capacity, it is likely to see the highest waits of any attraction.
Along with the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood is known as much for its shows as its attractions. The shows have fixed times throughout the day, and it is highly recommended that you plan your visit around the shows you would like to see. The most popular of the shows is WaterWorld. Based around the motion picture of the same name, the show features spectacular stunts, pyrotechnics and, you guessed it, lots of action on the water. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes ahead of time for the best seating.
Universal Studios Hollywood is the most "grownup" of the theme parks we've encountered, with fewer attractions geared toward younger children. The majority of the rides have a height requirement of 40". Still there is plenty to see and do, and younger children can cool off and burn off steam in the play areas as well as meet some of their favorite characters (SpongeBob SquarePants, Shrek, Donkey, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, The Simpsons and more).
A word about Universal Express™ Tickets: This pass offers one-time, priority access to all of the park attractions as well as reserved seating for the shows in addition to park admission. It is only recommended during peak times, normally summer and holidays. We recommend purchasing it in advance, as Universal Express tickets do sell out.
A word about the VIP Experience: TV and film buffs may want to consider the VIP Experience, which includes VIP parking, breakfast and lunch buffets and more perks. VIPs get personal tour guides through the back lot who are steeped in Universal trivia. They also get to tour areas not open to the general public, including the sound stages, sound department and prop warehouse. The experience also includes Universal Express access for all of the attractions.
Tickets for Universal Studios HollywoodTM
Update on Universal Studios HollywoodTM Operations
Universal CityWalk began a limited reopening June 10, but Universal Studios HollywoodTM remains closed until further notice.
Most Universal Studios HollywoodTM tickets are valid into 2021. If you have a SoCal promo ticket, the expiration has been extended from April 2, 2020 to December 18, 2020. Please see specific tickets for details.
A Note About Your Universal Studios HollywoodTM Order
In connection with your purchase of Universal Hollywood products and your visit to Universal Hollywood including Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood, please be advised that you must follow Universal Hollywood's policies, CDC guidelines and the recommendations of health officials. Please note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and Universal Hollywood cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit. By visiting Universal Hollywood, you acknowledge and agree that you assume these inherent risks associated with attendance. When you enter Universal Hollywood, you understand that you are subject to the Universal Hollywood terms of service(including arbitration, class action waiver, assumption of risk, and infectious disease release of liability) located at https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/terms-of-service
Popular View All 1-Day and 2-Day General Admission Universal Studios Hollywood (California) Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal Express™ (California) Discount Multi-Attraction Cards Top Things to Do for First-Time Visitors
View All Popular 1-Day and 2-Day General Admission Universal Studios Hollywood (California) Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal Express™ (California) Discount Multi-Attraction Cards Top Things to Do for First-Time Visitors
1-Day and 2-Day General Admission Universal Studios Hollywood (California)
Date restrictions apply. Click ticket names for valid dates. Ticket expires in full on March 31, 2022. For use in California. This ticket is non-refundable.
Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood movie experience!
Go behind the scenes of the world-famous The World-Famous Studio Tour to explore real film sets where Hollywood movies are made. Plus, hold on tight for the Studio Tour's grand finale, Fast & Furious – Supercharged.
Then, face action head-on in heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions - including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Transformers™: The Ride-3D - that put you inside some of the world's most popular movies and TV shows.
And from magical spells to magical creatures, from dark villains to daring heroes, it's all here at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.
Please refer to Availability below for specific validity dates.
Please print your E-Tickets and take them with you! Otherwise the Front Gate will tell you to stand in line at Guest Services! You must present a valid photo ID or credit card matching the lead guest name for identity verification at the gate.
E-ticket is valid on the following dates:
January: 4-31.
February: Whole Month.
March: 1-11.
April: 19-30.
May: 1-20.
September: 7-30.
October: Whole Month.
November: Whole Month.
December: 1-16.
These E-Tickets are non-refundable. We are sad too. Just hop by and enjoy if you can.
E-Ticket expires after first use - you will activate your E-Ticket upon entry. E-Ticket expires in full on 03/31/22.
Adult (10+) $101.57
Save $37 vs. Adult gate price
1-Day General Admission Ticket - Mid-Peak (Universal in CA)
Please print your E-Tickets and take them with you! Otherwise the Front Gate will tell you to stand in line at Guest Services!
You must present a valid photo ID or credit card matching the lead guest name for identity verification at the gate.
March: 12-31.
April: 1-18.
May: 21-31.
June: 1-17.
August: 16-31.
September: 1-6.
E-Ticket expires after first use - you will activate your E-Ticket upon entry. E-Ticket expires in full on 3/31/2022.
Child (3 - 9) $104.95
1-Day General Admission Ticket - Anytime (Universal in CA)
Ticket expires in full on March 31, 2022. For use in California. This ticket is non-refundable.
Go straight to the gate and onto the rides. No will call exchange necessary… it's ok to smile. The Frog Family likes to get hoppin'! Please print your E-Tickets and take them with you! Otherwise the Front Gate will tell you to stand in line at Guest Services!
This ticket is valid for a 1-day general admission on any regular operating day through and including the ticket expiration date.
You can use this ticket anytime, even for dates that fall on the NON-PEAK season! Please Note: You can save money by purchasing a NON-PEAK 2-Day General Admission ticket if you know your dates do not fall on a PEAK date.
Date restrictions apply. Click ticket names for valid dates. 2nd visit valid within 7 days of 1st visit. Ticket expires in full on March 31, 2022. For use in California. This ticket is non-refundable.
2nd visit valid within 7 days of 1st visit.
March: Whole Month.
April: Whole Month.
May: Whole Month.
September: Whole Month.
E-Ticket expires in full on 03/31/2022. 2nd visit must be used within 7 days of first visit.
Save $9 vs. Adult gate price
2nd visit valid within 7 days of 1st visit. Ticket expires in full on March 31, 2022. For use in California. This ticket is non-refundable.
*2nd visit valid within 7 days of 1st visit.
You can use this ticket anytime, even for dates that fall on the NON PEAK season! Please Note: You can save money by purchasing a NON-PEAK 2-Day General Admission ticket if you know your dates do not fall on a PEAK date.
Valid during regularly operating hours.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal Express™ (California)
Includes ONE-TIME express access to each ride, attraction and seated show.
Enjoy additional Non-Peak days vs. buying at the gate! Date restrictions apply. Click ticket name for valid dates. For use in California. This ticket is non-refundable.
Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience! This ticket includes 1-Day General Admission to Universal Studios HollywoodTM, plus one-time priority access to each ride, show & attraction! Get the most out of your day. Save time by skipping lines!
Then, face action head-on in heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions - including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Transformers™: The Ride-3D - that put you inside some of the world's most popular TV shows and movies.
And from magical spells to magical creatures, from dark villains to daring heroes, it's all here at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, now open at Universal Studios Hollywood.
E-Ticket expires after first use. You will activate your E-Ticket upon entry.
Universal Express 1-Day - Mid-Peak (Universal in CA)
Date restrictions apply. Click ticket name for valid dates. For use in California. This ticket is non-refundable.
This ticket is required on the following dates:
May: 31.
December: 11-17.
Discount Multi-Attraction Cards
Flexibility. Convenience. Value. Hop to it!
Child (3 - 12)
Valid for two (2) years from the date of purchase. This ticket is non-refundable.
With your Go Los Angeles Multi Attraction Pass, you'll get access to 35+ attractions for three (3) calendar days within two weeks of first use. Plus, you can skip the line at top sights and save big with special discounts.
Child (3 - 12) $198.96
Los Angeles Go Card can be used for admission to Universal Studios on any day but must be redeemed at the gate by 5:30 pm. Valid for two (2) years from the date of purchase. This ticket is non-refundable.
Los Angeles Go Card can be used for admission to Universal Studios on any day but must be redeemed at the gate by 5:30 pm. Valid for two (2) years from the date of purchase.
With your Go Los Angeles Multi Attraction Pass, you'll get access to 35+ attractions for seven (7) calendar days within two weeks of first use. Plus, you can skip the line at top sights and save big with special discounts.
Top Things to Do for First-Time Visitors
Not sure where to start? These are the most popular attractions and tickets for first-time visitors. Experience the highlights of the city with these suggestions!
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