Sure-Fire Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

Posted on June 15, 2025

Three people smiling and taking a selfie in front of the Universal Studios Hollywood entrance. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and palm trees surround the iconic archway. The group appears joyful and excited to be at the theme park, illustrating a fun experience. The bright daylight and iconic setting create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

For Universal parks, every day is a perfect day to enjoy limitless fun and entertainment. For Universal Studios Hollywood, there's no pause for amazing Hollywood entertainment and all-out family fun. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime Universal Studios fan, it's important to become 100% familiar with the park's features to have a fantastic experience.

In this blog, we will help you maximize your Universal Studios Hollywood escapade. From navigating the parks to proven tips and tricks, this friendly guide to Universal Studios Hollywood has got you covered. Let's make your Universal Studios Hollywood vacation planning a lot more fun and easier. Keep reading.

Navigating Universal Studios Hollywood

Be at ease on the day of your visit by knowing the best ways to get to your dream fun paradise. Here's a simple guide for your trip to Universal Studios Hollywood:

Best ways to get to Universal Studios Hollywood

Take the Metro Red Line

One of the easiest ways to go to Universal Studios Hollywood is through the Metro Red Line:

  • Head over to Metro B / Red Line.

  • Get off at the nearest subway stop, the Universal City / Studio City Station.

  • Take the free shuttle/tram, or trolley, up the hill to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Via Car

If you wish to drive your car to Universal Studios, take the 101 Hollywood Freeway North to Universal Studios Blvd route. Make sure to follow the signs to the park's parking lot for a hassle-free parking experience. It is also important to take note of the traffic conditions that could affect travel time.

Via Ridesharing Services

Save yourself from other transportation hassles. Ridesharing is one of the most popular ways to go to Universal Studios Hollywood. You can access ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber through your mobile phone for easy ride booking.

Getting around Universal Studios Hollywood

Your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) will be a lot easier if you know how to get around the rides and attractions. While it's a very large theme park, getting around Universal Studios Hollywood is a lot easier when you use their map. You can go to your favorite rides and attractions at USH by just walking.

But for guests who don't like leg day, there are free shuttles available within the park. These shuttles can conveniently transport you between the lower and upper lots. Likewise, this is a practical and safe choice if you can't navigate escalators.

Plan your day based on Park Hours.

Universal Studios Hollywood has 10 themed lands that fans of all ages can enjoy. Keep in mind that the park opens at different times depending on the season and special events. As per the park's latest update, they are open 365 days from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The CityWalk, on the other hand, typically operates from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Seasonal events like the Halloween Horror Nights make way for extended park hours, from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

The park posts updates and notices regarding opening time changes 4 weeks in advance. Make sure to stay in the loop to make the most of your day at the park.

5 Pro Tips When Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

1. Purchase your tickets in advance.

Every pro traveler can attest to the proven magic of buying tickets in advance. Purchasing your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets ahead of time can save you time and money. We highly recommend guests to secure park tickets during the off-peak season to avoid both high crowds and higher ticket prices. Check out the Best Time to Visit USH in 2025.

Just be mindful of the park hours as well as the show times because Universal parks tend to have earlier closing times during off-peak months.

2. Make a custom itinerary.

A diverse group of excited people are seated on a roller coaster ride. Three individuals in the front have expressions of thrill and joy as they anticipate the adventure. Behind them, others share the excitement. The background is dark, enhancing the focus on the riders' reactions. This image captures the exhilarating experience of the amusement park attraction at Funex.

Here comes the exciting part. Universal Hollywood offers a lot of exceptional experiences perfect for families. It is important to create your itinerary to make sure that you get to prioritize rides and attractions that you love. For family travels, we recommend these rides and attractions for a one-day itinerary:

Upper Lot - Don't miss these rides and attractions.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Conquer the Dementors and enjoy an intense adventure with Harry Potter in this fan-favorite ride. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the top spots inside the park that you should never miss.

Important Note: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is an extremely popular ride, so expect longer wait times compared to other attractions at the park.

Flight of the Hippogriff™ | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Perfect for kids, Flight of the Hippogriff will surely delight the little ones as they ride this magical creature and soar through the pumpkin patch.

The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash | Minion Land

Peek into the secret life of Max, Duke, and Gidget in this adorable experience along the streets of New York.

Super Silly Fun Land | Minion Land

Enjoy an ultimate family bonding at this colorful and interactive outdoor play zone inspired by Despicable Me's seaside carnival.

The Simpsons Ride™ | Springfield: Home of the Simpsons™

If you love Homer, Bart, Marge, and the gang, The Simpsons Ride is perfect for you. This Virtual Reality roller coaster will bring you to Krustyland, where lots of more Simpson character cameos await.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge | SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™

Experience a different level of thrill and fun while riding the Mario Kart. Explore the world of Super Mario™ with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach in this unique augmented reality (AR) dark ride. Your Super Nintendo World adventure won't be complete without this.

Lower Lot - Must-visit attractions and rides.

A Universal Studios tour tram passes by an exciting pyrotechnic display with bright flames shooting up near a waterway. Visitors on the tram smile and look in awe at the thrilling special effects. The scene captures the fun and adventure of the studio tour, set against a backdrop of trees and a hillside.

The World Famous Studio Tour | Studio Tour

Get those different emotions coming as Jimmy Fallon virtually hosts you to this extraordinary tour. If you think that this is just your typical tour, hold your horses because we have to emphasize the fact that this is immersive and one-of-a-kind. Grab your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets now to find out.

Jurassic World: The Ride | Jurassic World

Easily one of the best roller coasters in the US, Jurassic World – The Ride will surely add some kick to your Universal Studios Hollywood getaway. For guests looking for an amazing water adventure, this ride is a sure hit.

Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride |

Make your first visit to Universal Studios Hollywood extra thrilling with this ride. Feel your nerves wracking with this coaster's 45 mph speed, and lots of ghosts and spirits flipping up to surprise you.

Transformers: The Ride 3D

Get into the war zone between Autobots and Decepticons in this extraordinary 3D ride made possible with flight simulation technology. NOTE: Transformers: The Ride 3D is temporarily closed for renovation and is expected to reopen this June 2025.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood

Two women stroll through a lively outdoor shopping area, smiling and chatting while carrying colorful shopping bags. Behind them are various storefronts, including a restaurant with outdoor seating. The vibrant atmosphere suggests a fun day of shopping and entertainment. A large blue gorilla statue and vibrant signage add to the lively scene.

While making the most of your day at Universal Studios Hollywood, you can take a break to dine and shop at CityWalk. This separate area offers a wide range of dining options and shopping spots to make your time at Universal Hollywood oh-so worth it. In fact, you can visit CityWalk Hollywood even without a standard admission ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood. How cool is that?

3. Prepare a packing list.

We get it. Preparing for a theme park adventure sounds easy for you, until you forget your keys or other essentials. True enough, surviving at Universal Studios Hollywood is a lot easier with your essentials. You can refer to our Universal Orlando Packing List blog for hassle-free packing.

4. Consider ticket add-ons.

If you're someone who hates waiting in line (like, who wants to wait in line? The Universal Express Pass will truly be your saving grace. Skip the long wait times and head over to your favorite rides and attractions conveniently with this special pass.

You might also want to consider purchasing Early Access tickets to maximize your USH experience. With this add-on, you can get in line one hour before the park officially opens. This will allow you to enjoy more rides and attractions that might be crowded during peak seasons.

5. Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood App.

Don't miss any important updates at Universal Studios Hollywood. Have a seamless theme park experience this 2025 by downloading the official Universal Studios Hollywood App. This handy app has a lot of helpful features to help you maximize your USH getaway.

Access interactive maps, check wait times, access Virtual Line reservations, use in-app payments, and more. You can also enable mobile food ordering for a smooth and hassle-free dining experience.

BONUS: Single Rider Lines FTW

You can also dodge the long wait times by prioritizing the rides that offer single rider options. This is highly recommended for solo travelers who don't mind enjoying the rides alone. Just keep in mind that Single Rider has unpredictable availability, which will depend on the season as well as the park hours.

Enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood rides and attractions this 2025.

Three friends laugh and enjoy their time together in front of the Universal Studios Hollywood sign. They are casually dressed and appear to be in a sunny outdoor area with trees and clear skies in the background. The image conveys a sense of fun and excitement, capturing the joy of visiting a popular tourist destination.

Looking forward to an unforgettable Universal Studios Hollywood getaway? Grab your tickets in advance for more savings, more fun. And of course, don't forget to follow our blog for more friendly guides to your favorite adventure destinations.

Call your favorite people, pack your things, and get ready for a fantastic theme park experience. See you at Universal Studios, FunExplorers!