Universal Studios Hollywood Guide: Tickets, Hours, Parking & Tips
Your Complete Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood – Everything You Need for the Perfect Visit!
When visiting Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood is definitely one of the must-see attractions!
It’s a place where you can have fun from morning to night, and theme parks like this never get old no matter how many times you visit!
In this article, we’ve put together everything you need to know about Universal Studios Hollywood and key points to check before your visit.
Be sure to read through this guide to help make your trip even more memorable!
1. What is Universal Studios Hollywood?
Universal Studios Hollywood is a popular Los Angeles tourist destination that combines a working movie studio with a theme park.
It’s about 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and if you avoid rush hour traffic, you can get there by car in about 45 minutes.
With thrilling attractions and adorable character areas, it’s a theme park that people of all ages can enjoy.
2. Park Areas Overview
The park is divided into two main areas: the “Upper Lot” and the “Lower Lot,” both featuring a variety of attractions and restaurants.
Universal CityWalk is an area located outside Universal Studios Hollywood, featuring a collection of dining and shopping options.
As the names suggest, the Upper Lot is located at the top level, while the Lower Lot is accessed by taking escalators down to the lower level.
The “Upper Lot,” located near the entrance, is home to popular attractions like “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “The Simpsons Ride.”
The “Lower Lot,” reached by taking long escalators down, features more thrilling attractions like “Jurassic World – The Ride.”
Some attractions may be closed for maintenance or under construction on certain days, so it’s a good idea to check the website or app ahead of time for a smooth visit!
Also, the Studio Tour has set departure times, so we recommend checking the schedule in advance and planning around when you’d like to join!
3. Upper Lot Directory
Here are the attractions, dining options, and shops located in the Upper Lot.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
【Attractions】
* Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Journey through Hogwarts classrooms and corridors, and embark on an unforgettable adventure with Harry Potter and his friends.
Experience a magical, thrilling aerial journey as you encounter dragons and Dementors along the way.
* Flight of the Hippogriff
A family-friendly roller coaster that takes you on a thrilling ride through pumpkin patches and swooping past Hagrid’s hut.
* Triwizard Spirit Rally
A show where students from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang wizarding schools perform a spirited procession celebrating the Triwizard Tournament.
【Dining and Shops】
* Ollivanders
Experience the wand-choosing ceremony at the legendary wandmaker’s shop, where “the wand chooses the wizard.”
You can purchase original Ollivanders wands, as well as replica wands of Harry Potter movie characters and collection sets.
* Honeydukes
The legendary Hogsmeade sweet shop.
The store is filled with colorful magical treats like Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and Exploding Bonbons.
You can also enjoy Butterbeer-flavored ice cream and other treats.
* Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream counter offers 10 flavors to choose from, including Butterbeer.
* Owl Post
A post office where you can send letters with a Hogsmeade postmark. They also sell stationery and owl-themed merchandise.
* Hog’s Head
A bar located in the back of Three Broomsticks, serving Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice.
* Three Broomsticks
A tavern serving traditional British fare where you can enjoy delicious food that captures the Harry Potter atmosphere, along with Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice.
* Dervish and Banges
A shop stocked with Quidditch supplies and house-themed items from the wizarding world.
* Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
A shop featuring goods “confiscated” by Hogwarts caretaker Filch.
Movie replica items like the Marauder’s Map, Sorting Hat, and Death Eater masks are also available.
* Gladrags Wizardwear
A fashion shop offering house robes and fashion accessories.
Minion Land
【Attractions】
* Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Enter Gru’s house and join his daughters and mischievous Minions in Gru’s latest scheme.
It’s a ride packed with thrilling and hilarious experiences.
* The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
Explore the streets of New York City with characters from the movie “The Secret Life of Pets” on a journey to find your forever home.
* Super Silly Fun Land
A Minion-themed outdoor play zone and carnival games area perfect for families.
It’s said to be a recreation of the amusement park from the movie “Despicable Me 2.”
【Dining and Shops】
* Despicable Delights
Features unique Minion snacks and treats, as well as Minion-themed souvenirs and merchandise.
* Minion Cafe
The perfect spot to refuel after enjoying Super Silly Fun Land, offering a variety of sandwiches and light meals.
* Super Silly Stuff
A shop filled with Minion merchandise, games, pajamas, candy, and more.
* The Pets Store
Packed with “The Secret Life of Pets” themed apparel, plush toys, toys, and other souvenirs.
Studio Tour
【Attractions】
* Studio Tour
A thrilling tram tour that takes you behind the scenes of Hollywood movie production.
During the tour, you’ll experience movie sets from “NOPE,” “King Kong 360 3-D,” and “Fast & Furious – Supercharged.”
Springfield
【Attractions】
* The Simpsons Ride
Join the Simpsons family and their friends on a virtual roller coaster adventure through Springfield.
【Dining and Shops】
* Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
Enjoy Bumblebee Man’s unique menu featuring tacos, nachos, beer, and more.
* Cletus’ Chicken Shack
Enjoy a variety of chicken dishes, including fried chicken and waffle sandwiches.
* Duff Brewery Beer Garden
Relax in this beer garden with a cold Duff Beer in hand.
* Krusty Burger
A popular spot where you can enjoy the iconic Krusty Burger and the legendary Clogger Burger, among other sandwiches from The Simpsons.
* Lard Lad Donuts
Springfield’s beloved donut shop.
* Luigi’s Pizza
Springfield’s pizza place where you can enjoy cheese pizza, Meat-Hater’s Pizza, and more.
* Moe’s Tavern
Springfield’s famous tavern where you can enjoy the non-alcoholic “Flaming Moe” or real Duff Beer.
* Phineas Q. Butterfat’s Ice Cream
Seasonal ice cream and sundaes are available here.
* Suds McDuff’s Hot Dogs
Enjoy snacks like twisted pretzels and churros.
* KWIK-E-MART
A shop selling Simpsons-themed merchandise and apparel.
Production Plaza
【Attractions】
* Kung Fu Panda Adventure
An attraction featuring cutting-edge visual effects that immerses you in the world of Kung Fu Panda.
【Dining and Shops】
* Universal Studio Store
The largest shop in the park, offering a wide selection of souvenirs including apparel, toys, and candy!
* City Snack Shop
A shop offering sweet and savory snacks like dessert crepes and pretzels.
* Cocina Mexicana
Enjoy Mexican cuisine such as tacos and margaritas.
* French Street Bistro
A quick-service spot for sandwiches and salads.
* Mel’s Diner
An American diner-style eatery featuring burgers and milkshakes.
* Mulligan’s Irish Pub
An Irish pub serving beer and snacks.
* Palace Deli & Market
A deli offering sandwiches, hot meals, and desserts.
* Power Up Cafe
A Mario Power-Up themed cafe serving items like SUPER STAR FIZZ and SUPER STAR POPCORN.
* Starbucks
There are several familiar Starbucks Coffee locations throughout Universal Studios Hollywood.
* Universal Tower Snack Bar
A snack bar offering jumbo turkey legs, churros, and drinks.
* Animation Studio Store
A shop featuring merchandise from DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment.
* Hollywood Photoland
A photo shop where you can purchase character photos and ride photos.
4. Lower Lot Directory
Here are the attractions, dining options, and shops located in the Lower Lot.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
【Attractions】
* Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Put on special AR goggles and team up with Mario and Luigi to battle Bowser’s army.
Race through underwater and aerial courses while collecting digital coins to win the Golden Cup.
* Power-Up Band Key Challenges
Use a Power-Up Band to enjoy interactive games throughout the area, culminating in a showdown against Bowser Jr.
【Dining and Shops】
* Toadstool Cafe
A cafe run by Chef Toad where you can enjoy adorable themed burgers, salads, and more that capture the world of Mario.
Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available.
* SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Popcorn and Drink Cart
Features Mario Kart and Star-themed popcorn buckets and drinks.
* 1-UP Factory
A shop offering various Mario character-themed plush toys, hats, and other merchandise.
* Character Shop
A shop with Super Nintendo World merchandise, located across from Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride.
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Transformers Metrobase
【Attractions】
* TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
A next-generation Transformers attraction that combines ultra-realistic 3D visuals with flight simulation technology.
* Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
A thrilling ride that races through dark tunnels while you escape from mummies.
【Dining and Shops】
* Mummy Eats
A shop offering hand-dipped corn dogs and beverages.
* Panda Express
The popular Chinese food chain where you can enjoy classics like Orange Chicken.
* Studio Cafe
A spot where you can order salads, sandwiches, sushi, and turkey legs.
* Studio Scoop
Enjoy ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes here.
Jurassic World
【Attractions】
* Jurassic World — The Ride
Experience the realistic world of the movie and get caught up in the fierce battle between the Indominus Rex and Tyrannosaurus rex.
* DinoPlay
A play area with equipment designed for children.
* Raptor Encounter
An area where you can meet Blue, the popular Velociraptor character from “Jurassic World.”
【Dining and Shops】
* Isla Nu-Bar
A bar serving tropical cocktails.
Enjoy refreshing drinks like Tropical Margaritas, Piña Coladas, and Mai Tais.
* Jurassic Cafe
A restaurant where you can enjoy skewered beef and vegetables, as well as other Latin-inspired dishes.
* Jurassic Outfitters
A shop featuring exclusive dinosaur-themed merchandise unique to Jurassic World.
5. Universal CityWalk
Here are some of the dining options and shops at Universal CityWalk. There are many more to explore!
【Dining and Shops】
* The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
A restaurant and sweets shop with a magical atmosphere, offering original merchandise and chocolates.
Their signature giant milkshakes are a must-try—they’re absolutely delicious!
* Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
A popular multi-location restaurant offering healthy fresh fish entrees, shrimp dishes, and homemade desserts.
* Ben & Jerry’s
A location of the beloved American ice cream chain.
* Antojitos Cocina Mexicana
A restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine!
* Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
A restaurant featuring grilled shrimp and blended margaritas!
* NBC Sports Grill & Brew
Watch sports on big screens while enjoying over 20 beers and delicious food.
* 5 Towers Stage
A state-of-the-art concert venue featuring over 5,000 LED lights and a cutting-edge sound system.
* Dodgers Clubhouse
The official LA Dodgers store where you can purchase team merchandise and souvenirs. During the season, they also sell game tickets!
* SUPER NINTENDO WORLD STORE on CityWalk
A shop offering Nintendo merchandise located outside the park!
6. Admission Tickets
Just like theme parks in Japan, it’s convenient to purchase tickets in advance through the official website.
Ticket prices vary by day, so be sure to check the website!
If you’re only visiting for one day, purchasing the 1-DAY GENERAL ADMISSION ticket is all you need.
If you want to skip the lines for attractions, you’ll need to purchase UNIVERSAL EXPRESS (one-time Express access per attraction) or VIP EXPERIENCE (unlimited Express access for the same attractions)!
We won’t go into detail here, but there are also Annual/Season Passes available, so if you plan to visit multiple times, it might be worth considering!
1. 1-DAY GENERAL ADMISSION (Starting from $109)
* A single-day general admission ticket (valid only on the selected date)
2. 2-DAY GENERAL ADMISSION (Starting from $80 per day)
* A general admission ticket valid for 2 days
* The first visit must be on the selected date, and the second visit is valid within 7 days of the first visit
3. UNIVERSAL EXPRESS (Starting from $199)
* Admission ticket with one-time Express access per attraction (per day)
* Access attractions through a separate Express lane with shorter wait times than the regular queue
4. VIP EXPERIENCE (Starting from $369)
* Admission ticket with unlimited Express access per attraction (per day)
* Access attractions through a separate Express lane with shorter wait times than the regular queue
* Also includes special guided tours, complimentary valet parking, and other VIP perks!
5. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD EARLY ACCESS TICKET (Starting from $20)
* A ticket that grants access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD one hour before the park opens
* Also includes one-time Express access to the Studio Tour (valid until 11:00 AM)!
* Requires separate park admission
6. UNIVERSAL EXPRESS ADD-ON (Starting from $90)
* One-time Express access per attraction (per day)
* Access attractions through a separate Express lane with shorter wait times than the regular queue
* Requires separate park admission
7. Parking Information
Here are the daily parking rates per vehicle!
(General Parking)
* General Parking (before 5pm) – $35
* General Parking (after 5pm) – $10
(Other Parking Options)
* Preferred Parking (before 5pm) – $55
* Preferred Parking (after 5pm) – $20
* Front Gate Parking – $75
* RV or Oversized Vehicle Parking – $45
General Parking is the standard parking option and is what most visitors use!
Preferred Parking is located closer to the entrance than General Parking, and Front Gate Parking is the premium lot closest to the entrance.
Prices increase based on proximity to the entrance.
We won’t cover it in detail here, but valet parking is also available!
Also, if you purchase movie tickets at Universal Cinema at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, General Parking is reduced to just $5.
Simply present your General Parking receipt at the Universal Cinema ticket booth.
8. Operating Hours
Universal Studios Hollywood is typically open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM on weekdays, and 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM on weekends and holidays (sometimes 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM depending on the day).
With SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Early Access, you can enter the park one hour early.
Universal CityWalk is open from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (sometimes 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM depending on the day).
9. What to Expect on Your Visit & Recommended Routes
On the day of your visit, you’ll go through a bag check and enter using your ticket, which can be purchased at the ticket booth or in advance on the website.
If you download the app beforehand, you can check attraction wait times and view the park map, making it easier to plan your schedule efficiently.
One recommended route is: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD → Other Lower Lot attractions → Upper Lot.
Since SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is a relatively new area that tends to get crowded and is located at the far end of the Lower Lot (farthest from the entrance), it’s efficient to visit first and then gradually work your way back toward the entrance.
In particular, Toadstool Cafe in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD can be difficult to get reservations for, so if you want to dine there, be sure to check in advance!
The escalators between the Upper Lot and Lower Lot are quite long, taking about 15-20 minutes to walk normally.
The key to efficiently navigating the park is to minimize going back and forth between the two lots!
Another recommended route is the reverse: Upper Lot → Lower Lot.
This route involves riding the Studio Tour and Kung Fu Panda Adventure in the Upper Lot first, then heading down to the Lower Lot for Jurassic World – The Ride.
That said, part of the fun of visiting a theme park is exploring freely, so feel free to start with whichever attractions or shops interest you most!
10. Weather & Tips
Temperatures near Universal Studios Hollywood average around 86°F (30°C) high and 64°F (18°C) low in August, and around 66°F (19°C) high and 46°F (8°C) low in December.
Compared to Japan, summers and winters here are neither too hot nor too cold, making it comfortable weather year-round!
The sun can be intense, especially in summer, so be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Indoor areas can have strong air conditioning, so bringing a light jacket is a good idea.
Also, Los Angeles has a drier climate than Japan, so it’s important to stay hydrated and drink water frequently to avoid dehydration!
Wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes will help reduce the risk of unexpected problems or feeling unwell during your visit!
11. Final Thoughts
Universal Studios Hollywood is an incredibly exciting theme park that perfectly blends movies and entertainment!
Be sure to explore all the areas and have a fantastic time!
We also share recommended tourist spots and more on Instagram! Be sure to check it out!
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