23 First Timer Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood (2024 Complete Planning Guide)

Going to Universal Studios Hollywood is such a fun thing to do, whether you have one day, three days, or more at this theme park.

However, if you are going, you want to make sure that you have the best time possible and get to do everything you want to do.

If you are new to theme parks, or just new to this park, you don’t want to miss out on some awesome opportunities.

Through this article, you will find all the tips and tricks you need to know to get the most out of your day or days in Universal Studios Hollywood .

Ready? Let’s go!

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What to Expect on This Guide TODAY: show

What to Expect at Universal Studios Hollywood

Before we get into the tips, let’s go over a few of the most common questions.

Jurassic World - The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
Jurassic World – The Ride (Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)

What time does Universal Studios Hollywood open?

Universal Studios Florida is open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the regular season.

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Hours may change based on the busyness of the park.

Universal Studios Hollywood. Opt in Lead Magnet Blog Banner

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

The cost of admission starts at $109, but I like discounts so I use Groupon.com to find cheap Universal Studios tickets that sometimes include Express Passes to skip the lines.

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What should I do first at Universal Studios Hollywood?

One of the best Universal Studios tips that I can give you is to start in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter first.

Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle with NikkyJ. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!
Me at Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This Harry Potter-inspired area will fill up quickly making the line for the three attractions (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and the Ollivanders wand experience) extremely long.

How much does it cost to park at Universal Studios Hollywood?

If you’re wondering how much is parking at Universal Studios Hollywood, general parking is the cheapest option at Universal Studios Hollywood but also means that these garages are further from the park entrance.

Universal Studios Hollywood Frankenstein Parking Lot and Ride Share Drop Off

General Parking Cost at Universal Studios Hollywood:

  • Before 5 p.m.: $32
  • After 5 p.m.: $10

How far is general parking at Universal Studios Hollywood?:

  • General Parking is a 5 to 10 minute walk depending on the garage you park at

Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!

New Safety Measures in Place at Universal Studios Hollywood

  • Face coverings are strongly recommended for all guests indoors
  • Proof of vaccinations is NOT required
  • Universal Studios Hollywood will remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards

You can read Universal’s full policy here.

23 Easy Tips to Do Universal Studios Hollywood Like a Pro!

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s go through the best tips for you upcoming trip.

NikkyJ in front of the Globe Universal Studios Hollywood California. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

1. Buy Tickets in Advance

While it is always an option to show up the theme park day of and buy admissions right there, this is not your best bet for a couple of reasons.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets for Express Pass and VIP Experience

First of all, you will end up spending more money on your actual ticket price.

Purchasing your Universal Studios Hollywood ticket online you will allow you to find the top-notch deals to help you get your tickets at the best price possible.

Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass Pre Purchased Tickets Sign and Prices and Annual Passes.  Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

If you wait to buy your ticket at the park gates, then it is very rare that you will not pay full price.

This is one of the Universal Studios Hollywood tips you’ll want completed before your trip.

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Fictional Krustyland Map at Universal Studios Hollywood

Secondly, you will waste time. If you buy your tickets at the park, you are just giving yourself one more line to stand in instead of trying the food, watching shows, and riding rides.

Watch: My Full First Time Visit to Universal Studios Hollywood HERE!

2. Pick the Perfect Day(s) to Go

Just like any other amusement park, there are days when Universal Hollywood Studios is almost guaranteed to be completely packed with people.

Universal Studios Hollywood The Simpsons Ride at Krustyland

There are a few different sites you can use to check out which days are the best.

Of course, it is understandable that there are times when you and your group can only go on certain days.

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As a general rule, some of the busiest times are the first week of the year, MLK Jr Day, Spring break, 4th of July, pretty much all of the summer, and the week of Christmas.

Hipster Power Tip: If you want to see special holiday attractions, you can still see them, but maybe avoid going the week of the actual holiday.

3. The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Get to the park early (at least thirty minutes) and make sure you include time to park.

Universal Studios Hollywood The Secret Life of Pets Off the Leash Queue with dogs in living room Max and Duke in Kate's Apartment
Universal Studios Hollywood’s NEW Secret Life of Pets Ride

The earlier you get to the park, the closer to the front of the admissions line you will be and the quicker you will get in to start your day, ahead of the crowds.

Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Booths

Take advantage of the first couple hours after the park opens to ride some of the busier attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood NikkyJ in front of Famous Globe and Pre-purchased tickets sign. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

Like I hinted before, this does not include parking, and you should save yourself additional time to find a parking spot and get to the entrance of the park.

4. Universal Express Passes

Getting a Universal Express Pass can save you lots of time and allow you to make the most out of your day.

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It’s kind of like Disney’s Genie+ system. The regular Universal Express Pass lets you bypass the lines once for every attraction that participates.

Universal Studios Hollywood Jurassic World Express Pass Upgrade

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

5. Bring What You Can

You cannot take anything you want into the park (obviously), but you should take advantage of what you can take in.

Solo Traveler NikkyJ in front of classic Universal Studios Hollywood sign. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

You are allowed to take in 2 liters or fewer water bottles, baby food (which sometimes can equate to grown people food), small snacks, and fruits and veggies (a staple when most of what you buy in the park is junk food.)

Taking in these items can help you save money and time because you do not have to buy as much food and can snack while you are waiting in line: multitasking!

What can I bring to Universal Studios Hollywood?

Acceptable items: 

  • Bottled water (maximum 2 liters) 
  • Small snacks 
  • Any food required for special dietary needs 
  • Food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements 
  • Baby food/baby formula 
  • Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep

Prohibited items: 

  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana
  • Glass containers
  • Open containers
  • Large coolers of food
  • Hard-sided coolers Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep
  • Coolers, suitcases, and bags with wheels

6. Single Riders Can Save Time

Sometimes part of the fun is riding a ride with the people you came with, but if you do not mind splitting up, some of the rides offer a Single Rider Line which is perfect for us solo travelers.

NikkyJ with Donkey from Shrek Universal Studios Hollywood California. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

They will take people from this line for the one or two seats leftover that bigger groups do not want to take.

Universal Studios Hollywood Jurassic World Ride entrance and single rider line

Often, the Single Rider Line goes pretty fast, so it can allow you to get in and out faster.

Single Rider Lines at Universal Studios Hollywood:

Please Note: Single Rider Line options change frequently and may not be available during your visit.

7. Eat at Weird Times

If you are eating your meals in the park (whether it is all three or just one), consider eating at weird times. This can save you time in a couple of ways.

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When you eat at a weird time, you will not have to stand in as long of lines to get your food.

Sometimes lunch rush lines at the most popular spots can be just as bad as the ride lines.

Additionally, you will get to spend the normal meal times riding rides, and the lines will be shorter.

Think about it, while everyone is getting food, they won’t be in line. You’ll thank me later for this Universal Studios Hollywood tip.

Recommended: REVIEW and Guide to the Sheraton Universal Hotel: Where to Stay Near Universal Studios Hollywood?

8. Book The VIP Experience

If you really want to get the most out of your experience and have the money for it, consider buying the VIP experience.

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You will get a personal tour guide to take you around the park (including areas that other people do not get to see), and they will take you to the front of lines and front seats at shows.

It’s one of THE best things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood! Trust me, it’s that good 🙂

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9. Take a Break and Get More Done

People who want to do a theme park in a day, or who just want to make the most out of a single day, usually want to get to the park before it opens and stay until it closes.

Universal Studios Hollywood Guest Relations VIP Experience at Entrance. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

This is a great strategy, but believe it or not, you may want to consider taking a break in the middle of the day.

If you’re staying at a hotel nearby, return in the middle of the day when it is hottest and most grounded for a nap or just a short break period.

This will allow you to avoid the crowds and become refreshed again to get more done in the evening.

10. Get the App, Use the App

Universal Hollywood Studios has an app that you can download and use all over their park (with their free Wi-Fi.)

Universal Studios Hollywood California Super Nintendo World App

With this app, you can do lots of different things.

A few of the most helpful is the ability to make plan out your own itinerary, stay up-to-date with the latest wait times, access to the park map and so much more.

Universal Studios Hollywood App Virtual Line Experience. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

No more carrying around pesky paper maps that take up space and get lost way too easily.

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11. If You Are Taking the Kids

If you are taking the kids, take advantage of the Child Switch Program that the park offers.

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This program allows one parent or group of adults to wait with a child that is too short or cannot ride a ride for some other reason.

The other adults can then switch out and not have to wait in line again.

Of course, there are plenty of things you can do with your little ones, but sometimes there are rides you want to ride even if your kids can’t.

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to check out the NEW Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash ride using the Virtual Line™ experience.

12. Complete Sections at a Time

There are two main sections of Universal Studios Hollywood, the Upper and Lower Lots.

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It is best to do one lot at a time, in entirety, as the escalator ride from one to the other is about 7 to 10 minutes long.

It is generally recommended that you start with the lower lot before it gets too busy, but the main goal is to complete one before starting the other.

This is one of the TOP Universal Studios Hollywood tips you should do.

13. Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Creative has done a spectacular job of bringing the novels of J.K. Rowling to life.

Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World of Harry Potter Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment and Ollivanders. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

As you approach the “Please Respect the Spells Limits” Hogsmeade sign, you’ll feel like you have officially made it home.

NikkyJ in front of Hogwarts Express Harry Potter World Universal Studios Hollywood California. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!
Me in front of Hogwarts Express Harry Potter World Universal Studios Hollywood California

You do not want to miss out on all the amazing fun that is in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but this is one of the busiest parts of the park.

Three Broomsticks in Harry Potter World Universal Studios Hollywood California

So, it is a good idea to do the rides in this section in the morning before it gets too busy.

Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World of Harry Potter Flight of Hippogriff on the Roller Coaster

Additionally, do not forget some of the other magical attractions like getting a wand or trying some butter bear (yes, your kids can have it too.)

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You will be sure to have a mystical time!

What the best Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade itinerary?

14. More People, More Fun, Less Money

A solo trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is what we’re all about here on ThemeParkHipster, but going to Universal Hollywood Studios with all your friends or family can be so much fun.

Universal Studios Hollywood Waterworld Stunt Show
WaterWorld Stunt Show

It can actually save you money.

The park offers discounts for big parties (of ten or more people), and it is worth a call to the park if you are planning to buy that many people.

Universal Studios Hollywood NikkyJ at the Waterworld Stunt Show. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

Take more people, have more fun, and actually spend less money (in comparison).

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15. Go on the World-Famous Studio Tour

Sometimes people skip out on the Studio Tour because it is time-consuming and may not sound that exciting, but you must do it!

Universal Studios Hollywood Entrance to the world famous studio tour

Especially, on your first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The whole tour is packed with movie magic that will leave quite happy.

Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour Western Water Scene. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

Plus, it’s a nice break to rest your feet just in case you don’t have hotel to go back to in the middle of the day to take your break since it lasts for about 60-minutes.

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What to expect on the Studio Tour?

On this real Hollywood set, you’ll get to visit 13 city blocks on four acres of historic studio lot.

You’ll also get to come face-to-face with Norman Bates himself, the destruction left behind from War of the Worlds, the shark-inspired film set of Jaws, the monstrous King Kong, and more!

16. Take a Snapshot of Where You Parked

This next tip is known by most theme park regulars but is very important, especially if you do not have a photographic memory. When you park, take a picture of the section sign.

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It will help you can get back to your car after a long day of adventure and fun.

Plus, it’s not fun at all when you are leaving a theme park exhausted from a day of fun only to spend hours wandering around the parking lot looking for your car.

This is one of the best Universal Studios Hollywood tips you must do!

17. Save Shopping at the End of Your Visit

If you are getting souvenirs, buy them at the end of your trip.

Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Store and Back to the Future Merchandise

This way, you do not have to carry them around with you and can save time by entering the shops as they empty out at the end of the day.

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As you make your way back to the park entrance, stop into your favorite shops and buy all the things you’ve had your eyes on throughout the day.

This is one of the top Universal Studios Hollywood tips to remember.

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18. Share Food to Try More

There is so much food to try at Universal Studios, and you will probably want to try it all.

Universal Studios Hollywood Cocina Mexicana Food Stand Menu

So, get one or two of each thing (depending on how big your party is) on the menu, and all try it.

Universal Studios Hollywood CityWalk Wasabi Sushi Tempura roll and sake
Wasabi Sushi in CityWalk

This way, you can try all the specialty foods you want.

Even if you could eat that entire donut from Springfield, you may not want to because then you cannot try all the other delicious foods.

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Plus, it’s like you’re creating your own foodie tour around the park.

19. Get Photos not Signatures

At Universal Hollywood Studios, the characters rarely sign autographs; they just take pictures. While this is a bummer, I think that photos are the better souvenirs.

Meeting a Decepticon at Transformers Ride Universal Studios Hollywood Tips with NikkyJ
Universal Studios Hollywood

Just remember to print them out from your phone once you get home.

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20. Know How to Conquer Universal Studios Hollywood in One-Day

You may be asking if it is possible to do it in a day, and yes, it is, to an extent.

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While you may not get to try all the foods, see all the shows, and ride all the rides, it is possible to experience the majority of Universal Studios in a day.

If you are trying to accomplish this, though, you want to follow most of the tips above and map out a plan of attack beforehand.

Remember to prioritize and do things by location!

This is one of the best Universal Studios Hollywood tips to remember.

Universal Studios Hollywood Itinerary for One-Day

  • Arrive Early
  • Enjoy the Attractions of the Lower Lot
  • Discover the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Go Back Up to the Upper Lot and Do the Attractions
  • Have Lunch in Springfield
  • Do the Studio Tour
  • Watch the Shows
  • Meet Characters
  • Re-do Your Favorite Rides
  • Do Some Shopping
  • Have Dinner in CityWalk

21. Experience the Must-Do Rides

Universal Studios Hollywood has some of the top theme park attractions in the country. So, be sure to put these experiences on your must-do list!

Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Hollywood

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

22. Go Solo!

Now you know that I had to drop this tip in just for you.

If you have never thought about going to a theme park alone, then Universal Studios Hollywood should be one of the parks you consider making that solo trek.

Simpsons Springfield universal studios cop and doughnut with NikkyJ. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!
Another solo adventure at Universal Studios!

Why go solo?

Going solo allows you to do Universal your way! This is the MAIN PERK of going to Universal Studios alone.

Universal Studios Hollywood NikkyJ in front of Famous Globe and Red Carpet. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios Hollywood Tips, Tricks and Secrets!

Plus, you can take advantage of the Single Rider Line, making it one of my favorite Universal Studios Hollywood tips!

Read: 5 Amazing Benefits of Going to Theme Parks Alone (Solo Travel for Women)

23. Have Fun!

Your Universal Hollywood trip will be what you make it, so please try to enjoy yourself. Sometimes the unexpected or annoying points of your vacation make for the best stories.

Hollywood California Near Los Angeles Ovation with NikkyJ

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

Let’s Wrap this Up!

Now you are armed with all the tips and tricks you need to conquer Universal Hollywood Studios and have an amazing day or days.

25 first timer tips for Universal Studios Hollywood full Theme Park Travel Guide
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Make sure to have fun with all the experiences you can have!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

UP NEXT: How to Plan the BEST California Road Trip Itinerary for 7 Days

(Original Article Date: April 16, 2020/Updated on March 4, 2024)

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