Universal Studios Hollywood

If Hollywood is the land of make-believe, then Universal Studios Hollywood is your chance to step right into that fantasy world. On a sprawling complex in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, this unique theme park blends a behind-the-scenes world famous Studio Tour with immersive lands and thrilling rides and attractions.

The origins of the theme park, which first opened in 1964, are in Universal Studios itself, which is still very much operational today. That’s why the park’s first attraction, the hourlong Studio Tour, is an essential part of any visit. Board one of the classic trams—including many now converted to electric—to cruise through the authentic movie and television production studio lot where you can see city-street backdrops and classic and contemporary film sets, original film props, and special effects attractions.

Immersive Lands, Rides, and Attractions

The theme park’s rides and attractions are inspired by popular movies, television series, and games. Step inside the theme park’s front gates and you can choose from Upper Lot rides including The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, or enjoy Dream Works Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda. A little deeper into the theme park, you’ll find the Springfield, U.S.A. area, home to The Simpsons Ride and Bart-and-Lisa-friendly dining options such as Krusty Burger and Lard Lad Donuts. The theme park’s Lower Lot, accessible via a scenic escalator, is home to such thrill rides such as Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride, Transformers: The Ride—3D, and Jurassic World—The Ride.

The park is also home to two very immersive lands. On the Upper Lot, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers a recreation of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village, complete with the shops, the pub cuisine at Three Broomsticks, and two rides: the Flight of the Hippogriff and the careening Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Head to the Lower Lot and walk through the iconic pipe to enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which takes you into the Mushroom Kingdom and the world of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad. Collect digital coins and throw shells to win the Golden Cup on the innovative Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride with cutting-edge technology, play interactive games with a Power-Up Band, and dine on a Mario Burger or a Piranha Plant Caprese salad at the popular Toadstool Cafe.

Entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood

Seasonal events are also popular at Universal Studios Hollywood. In the fall and holiday season, you can experience the theme park’s after-hours thrills at Halloween Horror Nights or revel in the cheery festivities of  Grinchmas and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Any time of year, you can enjoy performances by the Frog Choir in Hogsmeade, meet-and-greets with Trolls, or sightings of the crew of Access Hollywood, who often set up right outside the theme park's main entrance.

Other exciting attractions include the popular WaterWorld live stunt show, inspired by the 1995 movie. The show has taken on a life of its own at the theme park as a showcase for stunt performers and special effects, from jumping jet-skiers to an in-your-face plane crash (if you sit close to the splash zone seats, you will get splashed, as the name implies).

Planning Your Visit

When you visit the Universal Studios Hollywood website and purchase your admission tickets, you'll be met with a variety of options that best suit your needs. There are also cost savings if you elect to purchase a two-day ticket. You may also want to consider purchasing the Universal Express ticket option that offers shorter wait times when waiting in line for your favorite ride.  For the ultimate premium theme park experience, consider booking a VIP Experience, offering a Studio Tour Guide, Universal Express access to all rides and attractions, a chance to walk along the movie studio backlot, and a wonderful dining experience, exclusively for VIP Experience guests.

If you’re a Nintendo fan, book the Early Access Ticket (a $20 add-on) that grants you access to the area for one hour before the park opens. To maximize your time within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, consider buying a Power-Up Band™, a wristband that allows you to collect digital coins, stamps, and keys throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Either way, be sure to download the Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App to your phone so that you can navigate your day from checking on ride wait times, ordering food and making virtual line reservations for certain rides and restaurants. The app can even help you find your car in the garage when you leave.

Exploring Universal CityWalk and Where to Stay

Leave time on either end of your visit to explore Universal CityWalk. The three-block area located adjacent to the theme park is lined with shops and restaurants including The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen, the NBC Sports Grill & Bar and VooDoo Doughnut, as well as a state-of-the-art movie theatre and IMAX. There are several great partner hotels located within a mile or two of the theme park, and many of them offer shuttle service to and from the park as well as package deals.

For more tips on planning your visit, check out how to save money at theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood for young kids, and how to skip the lines at California theme parks.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)