Universal Studios Hollywood is one of those parks that surprises you, especially if you are coming from Universal Orlando. It is smaller, the layout takes some getting used to, and the ride count is lower than the Universal Orlando parks. But what it offers that Orlando simply cannot is the World Famous Studio Tour, and that alone makes it worth the trip.
We have visited Universal Studios Hollywood twice as a family. We live on the east coast and like to visit whenever we make it out west.
Our most recent visit was in 2026 as part of a larger Southern California theme park trip and it was our best visit yet. Super Nintendo World was fully open, we had Express Pass for the first time, and we hit every attraction we wanted in a single day with time to spare.
Whether this is your first visit or a return trip, this guide covers everything you need to plan a great day.
Planning a full Southern California theme park trip? Read our Southern California Theme Park Itinerary for Disneyland, Universal Hollywood, and more in one trip.
Thank you for reading my post! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Although we try to provide the most up-to-date prices, we do not guarantee prices listed on our site. At times we are compensated or hosted by destination and brands. All opinions are honest and my own. If you would like to learn about how I work with affiliate partners you can read more here.
The Basics: What to Know Before You Arrive
These are the things you want to do before you leave for your trip. Doing them ahead of time will make your visit so much easier.
Tickets & Cost
General admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood start at $109.00 per day. Prices vary by date so check the Universal Studios Hollywood website before you buy. Peak season and holiday dates will be higher. Check the latest Universal Studios Hollywood ticket deals.
Additional costs to know:
- Universal Express Pass: Starting at $189.00 per day. Allows you to skip the regular line at most attractions once per attraction. More on this below.
- Super Nintendo World Early Entry: $20.00 add-on that allows access to Super Nintendo World before general park opening. This is the only attraction included in early entry.
- Parking: $40.00 per day at the Universal Studios Hollywood parking structure. Factor this into your budget when comparing ticket prices.
Park Hours
Universal Studios Hollywood is typically open 10:00am–7:00pm though hours vary by season and special events. Always confirm your specific dates on the Universal Studios Hollywood website before your visit. Our visit was on Easter and park hours were 9:00am-7:00pm.
Early Entry: Available for $20.00 per person as an add-on to your ticket. Early entry begins at 9:00am and provides access to Super Nintendo World before the park officially opens to general admission at 10:00am. This is usually 1 hour before official park opening.
Plan to arrive at the parking structure at least 45–60 minutes before park opening. The walk from the parking garage through Universal CityWalk to the park entrance takes longer than most guests expect, budget 15–20 minutes just for the walk.
How to Get There
Universal Studios Hollywood is located in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles. Most guests drive and park in the Universal Studios Hollywood parking structure.
We stayed in Burbank at the Springhill Suites for this trip, and I absolutely loved it. The drive has little traffic and is under 10 minutes. I will be sharing a full hotel review soon and will update it here.
There is no on-site resort hotel connected to Universal Studios Hollywood the way Universal Orlando has on-property options. We have stayed at the Loews Hollywood Hotel and the Springhill Suites Burbank.
Each have their pros and cons, I will be writing up reviews and will share them here as soon as they are published. Loews is a more luxury hotel and is within walking distance of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Springhill Suites is near many of the studios in a less busy area that also has daily breakfast.
Park Layout: Upper Lot vs Lower Lot
Universal Studios Hollywood is built into the Hollywood Hills which means the park is divided into two levels, the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot, connected by a series of escalators.
The escalator ride between lots takes about 10 minutes depending on crowds. This is one of the most important things to factor into your day. Do not plan to run back and forth between the upper and lower lots, map out your day so you cover one area before moving to the other.
Lower Lot Attractions:
- Jurassic World- The Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Transformers: The Ride- 3D
- Super Nintendo World- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Upper Lot Attractions:
- World Famous Studio Tour
- Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift (Opening Summer 2026, roller coaster)
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Hogsmeade
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Silly Swirl (Super Silly Fun Land)
- The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!
- The Simpsons Ride
- WaterWorld (show)
- Triwizard Spirit Rally (Show)
- Kung Fu Panda Adventure (show)
Universal Express Pass
Universal Express Pass is the line-skipping option at Universal Studios Hollywood. It allows you to skip the regular standby line and use a separate Express entrance at most attractions- once per attraction.
Express Pass starts at $189.00 per person per day. It is a significant additional cost on top of your ticket but on our most recent visit it transformed the day. We moved through the park at a completely relaxed pace, never had to check wait times obsessively, and were able to ride our favorites multiple times without strategizing.
Is Universal Express Pass Worth It?
Yes, if it fits your budget. On a busy day at Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass is the difference between a stressful day of waiting and a genuinely enjoyable day where you see everything you want.
The park is smaller than Universal Orlando and the ride count is lower, which means every popular attraction concentrates the crowds. Lines for Mario Kart, Jurassic World, and the Harry Potter rides can reach 90+ minutes on busy days.
It is also very doable without Express Pass. I have done it both ways. Without Express Pass you just need to plan more strategically:
- Arrive at the park entrance before opening and head straight to the lower lot.
- Consider paying extra for early access to Super Nintendo World to get Mario Kart done before official park opening.
- Ride the most popular lower lot attractions first. Jurassic World, Revenge of the Mummy, and Transformers, before crowds build.
- Once Fast & The Furious Hollywood Drift opens I suggest going there first and then moving on to the lower lot. If you have early access-ride Mario Kart, return to upper lot to do Fast & the Furious, go back to lower lot to ride the 3 attractions.
- Use the single rider line at eligible attractions. This is one of the best tools at Universal Hollywood for cutting wait times significantly. Your party will be split up but for thrill rides it’s worth it.
- Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app before your visit and monitor wait times throughout the day.
- Visit popular areas like Wizarding World and Super Nintendo World either early morning or late afternoon when crowds thin.
Virtual Line at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood uses a Virtual Line system for select attractions on busy days. The Secret Life of Pets is one attraction that frequently switches to Virtual Line once standby lines hit a certain threshold.
Virtual Line is free through the Universal Studios Hollywood app. Secure your return time as soon as it becomes available. These can run out so check the app throughout the day. You will not know if they are using virtual line until you arrive day of.
What to Expect: The Areas of Universal Studios Hollywood
Upper Lot
The Upper Lot is where you enter the park and where the majority of shows and entertainment experiences are located. Start your day here on the way to the escalators, then return in the afternoon once the lower lot crowds have built.
Key upper lot tips:
- The WaterWorld show is one of the best theme park stunt shows anywhere. Do not skip it. Check the show schedule in the app and plan your day around catching at least one performance.
- The Studio Tour loads from the upper lot and takes approximately 60 minutes. Build this into your morning or early afternoon.
- Mobile order food at Three Broomsticks and other dining locations through the app. Lines at counter service restaurants build quickly around midday.
Lower Lot
The lower lot is home to the highest-thrill attractions and Super Nintendo World. Head here first thing when the park opens, wait times are shortest in the first 60-90 minutes.
The escalator down to the lower lot is a bit of an experience itself, it’s a long multi-level descent through the back of the park. As Universal Orlando regulars this was a surprise. It has amazing views of the area and a unique aspect of the park.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Hogsmeade
The Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood is the same Hogsmeade village experience as Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, minus Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The theming is excellent, Butterbeer is available (the frozen version is our favorite), and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a must-ride.
One honest note: If you have spent significant time at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World, Hollywood’s version won’t feel new. The footprint is smaller and there is no Diagon Alley equivalent. For first-time visitors it is magical. For Universal Orlando veterans it is familiar rather than exciting.
Early entry is offered for the Wizarding World on some days. check with the park on arrival. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has some of the longest wait times in the park as the day progresses so riding early is always the right call.
If you have a Universal Orlando Interactive Wand it will work in the Hollywood Wizarding World at most spell locations.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World is the most exciting addition to Universal Studios Hollywood in years and it delivers. The land is completely immersive, you genuinely feel like you have been transported inside a Mario game. The theming is extraordinary, the details are everywhere, and the energy is unlike anything else in the park.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the signature attraction and it is a lot of fun. An augmented reality ride experience where you race against other karts and collect coins. It is identical to the Mario Kart attraction at Epic Universe in Orlando.
It is worth noting that Epic Universe has three Nintendo-themed attractions versus Hollywood’s one, making Epic Universe the more complete Nintendo experience for dedicated fans. But for Hollywood, Mario Kart is a great ride and the land surrounding it is worth spending significant time in even without riding.
Power-Up Bands: If you have Power-Up Bands from Universal Orlando they will work in Super Nintendo World Hollywood for interactive elements around the land. On our visit the team members had difficulty getting them to work on the Mario Kart ride itself, we were able to use them throughout the land but could not collect ride badges. Worth bringing but set expectations accordingly.
Dining: Toadstool Cafe is the table service restaurant inside Super Nintendo World and I highly recommend it. The theming is incredible, it genuinely feels like dining inside a Toad House. Food was delicious. I had the Luigi Burger (a chicken sandwich) and it was excellent. They also have pasta, hamburgers, and dessert options including a cupcake that is worth ordering.
One important note on Toadstool Cafe: This is not a quick meal. Our food took a while to arrive and you should budget 45–60 minutes for a full lunch here. Do not try to squeeze this in between rides if you are on a tight schedule. Also- make a reservation in advance. I booked ours on the morning of our visit while waiting in line for Mario Kart and we got a table, but availability runs out quickly. Book before your trip if possible.
Super Nintendo World Early Entry: For $20.00 per person you can access Super Nintendo World before general park opening at 9:00am. This is worth considering if Mario Kart is a top priority for your family. Wait times build quickly once general admission opens. We did not use early entry on our most recent visit and still had a manageable wait at park opening.
The World Famous Studio Tour
The Studio Tour is the single most unique thing about Universal Studios Hollywood and the experience you simply cannot get anywhere else. A guided tram ride takes you through the actual working backlot of Universal Studios- past real film sets, through iconic filming locations, and into some genuinely impressive special effects experiences including King Kong 360°.
The tour runs approximately 60 minutes. It is narrated by a live guide with additional pre-recorded segments throughout. The tram gets busy but we had a short wait after lunch on our most recent visit.
Tips for the Studio Tour:
- Sit on the outer edge of the tram for the best views and the most immersive King Kong experience.
- The tour is accessible for all ages and all mobility levels.
- Photography is encouraged throughout most of the tour.
Can’t Miss Attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood
These are the attractions we prioritize and would never skip, and specifically the ones that are unique to Hollywood and not available at Universal Orlando:
Revenge of the Mummy: A high-speed indoor roller coaster with darkness, fire effects, and one of the best endings of any theme park ride. This is at Universal Orlando but the experience is different on the Hollywood one. This is a must-ride and one of the best attractions in the park.
Jurassic World: The Ride– A water ride through Jurassic World with a dramatic final plunge. You will get wet. Go early when you don’t mind being damp for the rest of the day or go late when it doesn’t matter. This is similar but also different than the Universal Orlando ride.
World Famous Studio Tour– As described above. Completely unique to Hollywood. Non-negotiable.
WaterWorld Show– One of the best live stunt shows at any theme park. Explosions, water, motorcycles, and incredible performers. Check the show schedule and build your day around it. Sit in the middle of the stadium for the best view. The “soak zone” at the front is real and you will get drenched, proceed with caution!
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge– The signature attraction in Super Nintendo World. Fun ride with great theming and the Nintendo land surrounding it is worth the time regardless of the wait.
Where to Eat at Universal Studios Hollywood
Toadstool Cafe (Super Nintendo World)– Our top dining recommendation. Table service, reservations strongly recommended, immersive theming, excellent food. Budget 45-60 minutes. Worth it.
Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World)– Great quick service option in the Harry Potter area. Butterbeer is available here and at the Butterbeer cart outside. Mobile order recommended. I love the Universal Orlando location!
Minion Cafe (Upper Lot)– Solid quick service with themed food and good portion sizes. We ate here on a previous visit, the pulled pork sandwich is worth ordering.
CityWalk– If you are staying for the evening, Universal CityWalk outside the park has a full lineup of dining options from casual to sit-down. We ended our most recent visit at Raising Cane’s and Panda Express, not fancy but both are chains we don’t have near home and they hit the spot after a full park day.
1-Day Universal Studios Hollywood Itinerary
Here is our exact itinerary from our most recent visit. We had Express Pass which allowed us to move freely through the day without strict timing. If you do not have Express Pass, prioritize the lower lot attractions first and follow the wait times closely in the Universal app.
Before You Arrive
Purchase your tickets in advance, buying at the gate costs more. Decide whether Express Pass fits your budget. Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app before your trip and set up an account. Make a Toadstool Cafe reservation if Super Nintendo World dining is on your list. Do not wait until the day of.
Pack light. Lockers are available at each major attraction for loose articles and are required for Revenge of the Mummy and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
The Itinerary
8:00am: Arrived at the parking structure. The walk from parking through CityWalk to the park entrance took about 20 minutes. We were in position at the gate well before opening.
8:35am: Entered the park. General admission opens at 9:00am but guests can enter the park early and walk around. Head straight toward the lower lot escalators.
9:00am: Walked onto Revenge of the Mummy. Zero wait at park opening, this is the single best time to ride it. Do not sleep on this.
9:15am: Walked onto Jurassic World: The Ride. Again, essentially no wait right at opening.
9:30am: Entered Super Nintendo World. Met Yoshi at a special character meet greeting held to promote a new Mario movie- a fun surprise. Spent time exploring the land, interacting with the elements, and tried our Power-Up Bands.
10:30am: Rode Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. While in line I opened the app and booked our Toadstool Cafe reservation for 11:00am. We got lucky but I would not recommend waiting this late. Book in advance.
11:00am: Lunch at Toadstool Cafe. Delicious food, immersive theming. Budget the full hour. The food took a while but was worth the wait. We got the Luigi Burger, chicken sandwich, and shared the cupcake for dessert.
12:00pm: World Famous Studio Tour. Loaded the tram at noon — there was a wait but it moved steadily. The tour itself is about 60 minutes. King Kong 360° is impressive, Fast & Furious is fun, and the backlot sets are genuinely fascinating. Our whole family enjoyed this every time we ride it.
1:15pm: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! Check the Virtual Line status on the app before you walk over- on busy days this switches to virtual line. We caught it on standby.
1:30pm: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. A fun simulator ride that is great for all ages.
2:00pm: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey followed by a stop for Frozen Butterbeer. The frozen version is the best.
2:20pm: The Simpsons Ride. A classic Springfield simulator that has aged well.
2:45pm: Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest show. A motion simulation theater experience — fun and a good mid-afternoon break.
3:30pm: WaterWorld Show. Planned our whole afternoon around catching this performance. Absolutely worth it. One of the highlights of the entire day.
4:15pm: Back down to the lower lot for a second round on our favorites. We re-rode Revenge of the Mummy, Mario Kart, Jurassic World, and Transformers: The Ride 3D which we had skipped in the morning rush.
5:30pm: Exited Universal Studios Hollywood and had dinner at CityWalk. Raising Cane’s and Panda Express, casual, fast, and exactly what we wanted after a full day on our feet.
Final Thoughts
Universal Studios Hollywood is a park worth visiting on its own merits, not just as an add-on to a Disneyland trip. The Studio Tour alone justifies the day for any movie fan, and Super Nintendo World has added a genuinely excellent land that makes the park feel more complete than ever.
If you are a Universal Orlando veteran the park will feel smaller and more familiar than different. If this is your first Universal experience it will feel fresh and exciting. Either way the combination of Hollywood-exclusive attractions, the Mummy, the Studio Tour, WaterWorld, makes it a day worth planning carefully.
Our honest take: go with Express Pass if the budget allows, do the lower lot first, make a Toadstool Cafe reservation before your trip, and do not leave without watching WaterWorld. You will have a great day.
Planning more California theme parks? Read our Southern California Theme Park Itinerary for how we combined Universal Hollywood with Disneyland and more in one trip. And visit our Theme Parks Guide for every park we have covered as a family.
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Thank you for reading my post! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Although we try to provide the most up-to-date prices, we do not guarantee prices listed on our site. At times we are compensated or hosted by destination and brands. All opinions are honest and my own. If you would like to learn about how I work with affiliate partners you can read more here.
Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.