Universal Studios Hollywood
Los Angeles, United States · Activity
About Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a legendary film studio and theme park located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. It is renowned worldwide for offering guests behind-the-scenes access to active movie sets alongside cutting-edge thrill rides. As one of the oldest operating studios in California, it delivers an immersive blend of cinema history and blockbuster entertainment.
Don't miss
- Embark on the world-famous Studio Tour to explore authentic backlot movie sets and dynamic special effects stages.
- Step into the vibrant universe of Super Nintendo World and race on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.
- Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and soar through Hogwarts castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
- Brave high-speed drops and prehistoric creatures on Jurassic World - The Ride in the Lower Lot.
Plan your visit
Visit on weekdays during the spring or autumn months to enjoy pleasant weather and lighter crowds. Arrive right at park opening to experience top attractions before lines build up.
Admission is paid, and tickets should be purchased online in advance to secure reservations and get the best rates. You can also consider upgrading to Universal Express passes to bypass standard wait lines.
From Downtown Los Angeles, take the Metro B Line subway directly to the Universal City/Studio City station. From there, hop on the free Universal Studios shuttle tram that carries visitors up the hill to the park entrance.
Tips for visiting
- Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app to check live wait times, show schedules, and order food.
- Head directly to the Lower Lot or Super Nintendo World first thing in the morning to beat the longest lines.
- Take advantage of single rider lines at major attractions if your group does not mind splitting up on rides.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes because navigating the escalators between the Upper and Lower Lots requires significant walking.
- Visit Universal CityWalk right outside the park gates for a wide selection of dining and shopping options after the rides close.
Universal Studios Hollywood FAQ
Is the Studio Tour included with general admission?
Yes, the Studio Tour is completely included with standard theme park admission. The narrated tram tour lasts roughly 60 minutes and operates continuously throughout the day. It is one of the park's signature highlights, so taking it early in the day is often wise.
Can I bring outside food and drinks into the park?
Guests are permitted to bring bottled water, baby food, and small individual snacks into the park. Full meals, large coolers, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed through security checkpoints. There are numerous dining venues available inside the park and at neighboring CityWalk.
What is the difference between the Upper Lot and Lower Lot?
The park is built on a hillside and split into two sections connected by a multi-tiered series of escalators called the Starway. The Upper Lot houses family attractions, shows, and the Studio Tour, while the Lower Lot contains thrill rides and Super Nintendo World. Traveling between the two lots takes about 10 minutes, so it is best to group your activities by lot.
Is Universal Express worth the extra cost?
Universal Express is particularly worthwhile during peak summer periods, weekends, and holiday breaks when standby wait times can exceed an hour. It grants one-time priority access to each attraction and priority seating for shows. During quieter off-peak weekdays, standard queue lines are often short enough that the upgrade is not necessary.
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AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: egorshitikov, mauabe on Pixabay.