How Many Days Do You Need at Universal Studios Hollywood? | Guide & Tips to Maximize Your Trip

Universal theme parks offer an exceptional level of amusement and family-friendly experiences. If a perfect theme park escapade is part of your bucket list, Universal Studios Hollywood is the place to be. Just like Universal Orlando, it features a bunch of thrill rides, unforgettable experiences, and fun-filled seasonal events for all ages.

While planning for your Universal getaway, you might be wondering: "How many days should I spend at Universal Studios Hollywood?" Well now, we can help you craft the perfect Universal Studios Hollywood planning guide to make the most of the popular rides and attractions at the park.

This short and simple guide has everything you need to know to maximize your time at Universal Studios Hollywood. Read more.

Must-see attractions and top experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood has three major sections: Upper Lot, Lower Lot, and Universal CityWalk. Each section of the park features thrill rides, amazing attractions, and family-friendly activities. Here are some great things to do at one of Universal's most famous parks.

• Studio Tour

• Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (happening on select nights from Sept. 4 - Nov. 2, 2025)

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

• TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D at Transformers Metrobase

• The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash at Minion Land

• Super Silly Fun Land at Minion Land

• Raptor Encounter at Jurassic World

• Meet-and-Greet with Super Mario and the gang at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™

• Meet DreamWorks Trolls at Universal Plaza

• DinoPlay at Jurassic World

Other popular rides include Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, Jurassic World – The Ride, and Flight of the Hippogriff. Universal CityWalk Hollywood also offers plenty of shopping, dining, and film experiences for all ages.

Can you do Universal Studios Hollywood in one day?

The quick answer to this is YES. A single day at Universal Studios Hollywood will give you enough time to explore the park, especially your favorite rides and attractions. However, if you wish to experience all the top things to do at Universal, 2 days would be ideal.

With two days at Universal Studios Hollywood, you'll get to see not just your favorite rides and attractions, but also the newest experiences, meet-and-greets, and photo opportunities. Likewise, you can take your time and enjoy various dining experiences, stunt shows, and activities the theme park has to offer. While 1-2 days are considered the optimal time for a Universal park adventure, there are factors that could affect your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Factors that affect your Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary

Season / date of your visit

Season plays a crucial role in your Universal Studios Hollywood visit. As one of the most popular attractions in the US, weekends are considered peak days at the park. If you wish to enjoy all the attractions inside the park, consider securing weekday tickets. On a similar note, holidays also fall under the peak times at Universal Studios Hollywood. Crowds may be bigger, but park hours might be extended as well.

Weather

Weather is also another important factor to consider when choosing a day to visit the park. Getting to the park is generally easier and more convenient with fair weather (sunny or cloudy without rain). On the other hand, rainy weather could greatly affect your visit. Exploring Universal parks can be challenging during rainy days, as some rides in the park might be wet. Make sure to check out weather bulletins and forecasts for a hassle-free visit.

Crowd levels

Lastly, one crucial factor to consider is the crowd. Heavily influenced by both the season and weather, crowd level affects the overall experience of guests. Visiting the park during off-peak seasons lets you enjoy short wait times, making it easier for you to experience everything in one day.

Tips to maximize Universal Studios escapade

Secure your tickets in advance.

Purchasing your park admission ahead of time helps you save money and time as well. Park ticket prices vary depending on the date of your visit. Peak season tickets are typically pricier, so make sure to get yours ahead of time for incredible savings.

Arrive on time.

Starting your day early is one of the key secrets to an enjoyable Universal getaway. The park usually opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM. Consider Early Park Admission, which lets guests access rides and attractions one hour before the park opens. This can also help make spending one day at Universal a lot easier.

Get those add-ons.

Skip the long lines and the boring wait times with the magic that is Universal Express Pass. Once you've chosen your time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, you'll make the most of your time and budget with this amazing add-on.

Go plan your itinerary.

Planning your itinerary is always a great strategy to make the most of your visit. Decide whether you're planning to spend two days, or if you can hustle and squeeze everything into one day.

For a 2-day getaway to Universal Studios Hollywood, plan Day 1 for rides and attractions, and Day 2 for events and experiences. It is also a great idea to pick which section of Universal Studios Hollywood you want to explore first.

Enjoy family-friendly fun. Visit Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood is packed with lots of surprises and activities that you can enjoy. Depending on the season as well as your preferences, it is extremely possible to explore the park in one day. But if you wish to experience all the good stuff at your own pace, two days would be ideal.

Halloween chills and thrills are already creeping into Universal parks. Swing by Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort for Halloween Horror Nights for a whole new level of horror. Not a fan of spine-chilling action and just want to chill and have a superb theme park experience? Go get your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets now and don't miss the fun!