Very Important First Time Universal Studios Hollywood Tips for Planning the Best Visit

First time Universal Studios Hollywood tips can be so helpful for helping you plan your first visit.

In December 2024, I visited Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time.

I did research before, I’ve visited Universal Studios Orlando since 2017, and yet, I still had to learn a lot.

So, in this post, I’m sharing everything you should know before visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time.

From Universal Studios Hollywood tickets to attractions you can’t miss and more, let’s discuss!

This post is all about the vital first time Universal Studios Hollywood tips for planning your amazing visit.

First Time Universal Studios Hollywood Tips

1) Choosing the Best Time to Visit Universal Studios California

If you want to really enjoy your day without constantly dodging crowds or standing in seemingly endless lines, timing is everything.

The best bet? Aim for weekdays during the off-season, which typically means avoiding weekends, major holidays, and the summer months.

I visited Universal Studios Hollywood on Monday, December 9th and Tuesday, December 10th, and it was SO QUIET!

Most wait times were between 5-25 minutes, and even popular areas of the park (such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade) were pretty quiet. Especially in comparison to The Wizarding World at Universal Studios Orlando.

To plan when you want to visit, it’s worth checking out a crowd calendar.

Also, be aware that Universal Studios Hollywood hours will be quite limited in the winter time (when I visited in December, the park was only open 10 AM – 6 PM).

2) Deciding How Long You Want to Visit For, Purchasing Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets & If You Need to Stay at a Nearby Hotel

How many days do you need in Universal Studios Hollywood?

The short answer: not many.

There is only one small park at Universal Studios Hollywood – with just 13 attractions.

For most people, 1-2 days will be plenty.

If you’re visiting during a busy season, 2 days might be ideal to take things a little slower.

That being said, unless you’ve set your heart on doing “everything”, one day should be sufficient for most visitors.

Do you need Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass?

This is Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fastpass system. However, it’s very expensive to skip the lines at most attractions, so do your research and decide if it’s right for you.

Anecdotally, I didn’t pay the extra for Express Pass, and I’m SO glad I didn’t, because it wasn’t busy when I visited.

If you’re not sure, I recommend reading this helpful guide with all the details you should know.

Do you need to pay extra for Super Nintendo World Early Access?

For $20 – $30 extra, you can book a ticket for Early Access to Super Nintendo World.

But what does that get you?

You can enter the park one hour before it officially opens, and you can ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge with much shorter wait times.

I bought an early access ticket on my second day at Universal Studios Hollywood, and got on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge within 15 minutes.

The rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade were also open during this hour (and this land was desolate!).

It can be a bit of a splurge to pay this much for just one extra hour, but if you’re interested in riding these more popular rides (or enjoying the park whilst it’s very quiet), it can be very worth it.

Also, if you wanted to dine at the Toadstool Cafe, you can join the queue earlier than most guests.

Buying First Time Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Research, research, research.

Check the prices on Universal’s sites, and authorized third-party ticket sellers (like Undercover Tourist and Attraction Tickets) to find the best prices.

Some trusted sellers even have offers like 2 day tickets for the price of 1!

Do you need to stay at a hotel near Universal Studios Hollywood?

If this is more than a quick day trip, you may want to stay at a hotel close by.

Whilst there aren’t any official on-site hotels at Universal Studios Hollywood, there are 2 popular hotels within walking distance of the park:

Sheraton Universal Hotel
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

I stayed at the Hilton, and could walk to and from the parks within just 5-10 minutes (and it would be about the same if you’re staying at the Sheraton).

These are some good options, and I will definitely be staying at one of these hotels on my next visit to Universal Studios California.

3) Navigating the Park Like a Pro

Using the Universal Studios App

Is this app worth taking up storage for?

Yes! Here are some reasons why:

You can check attraction wait times;
Mobile order food;
View a map of the park.

I checked the app several times throughout my days at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it helped me save time and schedule my day whilst I was there.

Understanding the Layout of the Park

Universal Studios Hollywood has an upper lot and a lower lot – with multiple escalators taking you between the two.

Familiarize yourself with which attractions and dining locations you can find on the upper and lower lots:

Upper Lot Attractions

Kung Fu Panda Adventure (Production Plaza)
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash (Minion Land)
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (Minion Land)
Flight of the Hippogriff (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade)
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade)
Studio Tour
The Simpsons Ride (Springfield)

Upper Lot Dining Locations

Cletus’ Chicken Shack (Springfield)
Cocina Mexicana (Production Plaza)
Hollywood and Dine (Hollywood)
Krusty Burger (Springfield)
Lard Lad Donuts (Springfield)
Luigi’s Pizza (Springfield)
Mel’s Diner (Production Plaza)
Minion Cafe (Minion Land)
Mummy Eats (Transformers Metrobase)
Power Up Cafe (Production Plaza)
Three Broomsticks (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmede)

Lower Lot Attractions

Jurassic World – The Ride (Jurassic World)
Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride (Transformers Metrobase)
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D (Transformers Metrobase)
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (Super Nintendo World)

Lower Lot Dining Locations

Jurassic Cafe (Jurassic World)
Panda Express (Transformers Metrobase)

4) Deciding the Top Attractions You Must Experience

Before you visit, I recommend doing a little research, so that you don’t miss out on the rides that would interest you most.

For example, if you’re looking for a water ride, Jurassic World – The Ride is INCREDIBLY impressive.

Looking for a cute and great slow-moving dark ride? The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash is for you!

Want to experience the best Harry Potter ride in California? Look no further than Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!

You get the idea. Doing your research here is going to lessen your chances of feeling overwhelmed and confused by the rides once you’re at Universal Studios Hollywood!

One attraction I recommend to everyone is the Studio Tour, where you get to tour the REAL Universal Studios, which are still used to film movies, TV shows and commercials!

Also, if you’re interested in stunt shows, Water World is an ABSOLUTE MUST! (No spoilers but you won’t want to miss this show).

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First Time Universal Studios Hollywood Tips for Planning

Is 1 day enough for Universal Studios Hollywood?

In many cases, yes. You may have to skip some attractions (depending on wait times and how slowly or quickly you want to take the day), but 1 day is often sufficient for this small park.

How much does it typically cost to go to Universal Studios?

This varies drastically based on travel, how long you stay for and if you’re staying in a hotel nearby.

However, 1-day ticket prices cost $109 – $154 + tax.

Is Universal Studios Hollywood worth it?

For a unique theme park experience, certainly.

Whilst this isn’t the only Disney/Universal theme park themed around making movies, it’s USP is that it’s an ACTUAL working movie studio that has been around for over a century!

Although it is small, the attractions are impressive – some better than Orlando.

For example, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey feels more technologically advanced in Hollywood than it does in Orlando.

And, Jurassic World – The Ride in California is leaps and bounds ahead of Jurassic Park: The Ride at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando.

What time should you arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Are you wondering ‘how early should I arrive at Universal Studios?’

If you want to make the most out of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, I’d recommend entering the park as soon as possible.

If you’re paying for early entry, be there around 30 minutes before.

If you’re not, be there for the official park opening.

The opening time can vary depending on the day, so check the schedule ahead of time, and make sure to leave extra time for going through security (especially on predictably busier days).

Ta Ta For Now

Are you visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time? Which attraction are you most excited for?

Or, have you visited Universal Studios California before? Do you have any helpful advice for first visits to Universal?

Please share your thoughts in the comments 🙂

This post was all about the vital first time Universal Studios Hollywood tips for planning your wonderful visit.