Are you looking for Universal Studios Hollywood Tips to help stretch your budget, save time, and reduce stress? Are you overwhelmed with all the details of a family vacation to California? We can help!
We visit Universal Hollywood as often as we can, taking notes and making tips to make the next trip easier and more enjoyable.
Universal Studios Hollywood is a big expense, so make sure you get the most out of every moment and bring home great memories!
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD TIPS
Universal Hollywood, although smaller than Universal Studios in Florida, is still a great place to spend a few days. You don’t have to see every show or ride and you don’t need to eat at every restaurant. If you are on a road trip like us or live in the area, we have some tips to help you save money and time.
Buy your tickets online, in advance
Online and in advance, you can get better deals. Universal Hollywood is currently offering a deal where you can buy one day and get another day for free if purchased online. We’ve found that the best deals are online rather than at the gates.
We were able to enter the park early, half an hour earlier than usual, because we purchased tickets online. This is HUGE!
Go early and stay late
You will receive 30 minutes early entry when you purchase your tickets online. This is a great bonus. When the park is less crowded, you can get into line for your favorite ride a bit early.
You’ll find that the crowds start to thin out around 6pm, so you can expect shorter lines if you go on a day when the park stays open later.
Check the opening and closing times of your local stores.
We were surprised that the opening and closing hours at Universal Studios Hollywood changed a lot from day to day during our last visit.
The park may be open from 9 am to 9pm, or 10 am to 6pm, depending on the day. You’ll have 12 hours of fun in the park if you visit on a 9-9 day. A 10-6 day will only give you 8 hours. You should try to go on a longer-opening day.
VISITING TWO DAYS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ONE
We only had one day to spend at Universal Hollywood on our last trip. We did all the attractions, rides and shows on our list of must-dos, but we would have liked to have had more time to experience some of our second choice rides like the Mummy.
One day at Universal Hollywood is plenty, but we recommend two if you’re looking to relax, ride your favorite rides multiple times, explore some of the smaller attractions and rides, or stroll leisurely through Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Check out the latest Universal deals. We’ve seen many buy one day and get one free deals. (Though we weren’t as lucky during spring break when it was their busiest time). This is one of our most favorite Universal Studios Hollywood hacks.
STAY NEARBY
Los Angeles traffic jams are notorious for a good reason. On our last trip, traffic was a problem every time we tried to use the expressway, or any other highway. You may be lucky and the traffic will move quickly, but you might be stuck for hours.
Staying as close to Universal Hollywood as your budget will allow is the best way to avoid traffic and save time.
There is a section on the Universal website where you can combine your Universal tickets with your hotel. Booking separately may cost a little less, but you may find that the prices are a bit cheaper.
Booking our hotel and Universal Hollywood Tickets separately is the best option for us. We haven’t noticed any major benefits to booking them together and the prices are comparable.
Universal’s partners hotels include the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Hotel, Sheraton Universal Hotel The Garland Hotel, Best Western Plus Carriage Inn Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Safari Inn Loews Hotel Hollywood, Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel and about 10 others.
The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Hotel and Sheraton Universal Hotel offer the best value for money. The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City and Sheraton Universal Hotel are both within one mile of Universal Studios Hollywood, in Universal City. They are also within walking distance from Universal Studios and Citywalk. Both the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Hotel and Sheraton Universal hotel offer a complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios’ main entrance and Citywalk.
We booked our last trip at the last moment and were unable to get a good rate at any Universal partner hotels. The two-star Colony Inn North Hollywood was the hotel we chose in North Hollywood. The hotel was ok, but only if you have limited options.
Porto’s Bakery and Cafe is my favorite Los Angeles find of the past few years. Porto’s has one of the longest lines I’ve seen, and they have a huge selection of pastries.
Visit the Studio Tour
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is our favorite part of Universal Studios Hollywood. We are huge Harry Potter fans. Universal Studios Hollywood’s famous studio tour was a close second.
The tour is conducted by a fun conductor who will narrate your journey through Universal Studios. The tour is a mix of nostalgia, old Hollywood glamour, and thrills from King Kong, Jaws and Jurassic World.
We had a personal tram guide when we visited a few months ago. He was great. But I’ve seen that on the Universal website, the ride is now being narrated by Jimmy Fallon, the star of the “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”.
GO TO THE BUSIEST BIG TICKET RIDES FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
Universal gets more crowded as the day progresses, so be sure to get in line as soon as you can for those must-ride rides.
We had an early admission on our last visit and went straight to Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey. We’re glad we did! We walked past the line later that day and it was at least two times as long.
Plan the date of your visit!
Universal Hollywood’s business is affected by the time of the year, the day of the week and major holidays.
We went during the week because it was less crowded than at weekends. Less crowds mean less waiting in line and you can sit closer to the show.
This crowd calendar will help you choose a day when it is quieter.
GET THE UNIVERSAL EXPRESS PASS
A Universal Express Pass is worth it if you are visiting at a busy time or want to get the most out of your visit.
You can bypass the regular queues with Universal Express Pass. The Universal Express Pass includes park admission and express access for ONE TIME to all rides, attractions, and shows. You can only use the pass once on each attraction, ride or show.
It’s more expensive, but it could be worth it if your time is limited or you are visiting during a busy period.
Arrive early enough to allow for security and queues
Our tickets were purchased online and we had access to the park 30 minutes earlier.
We didn’t allow enough time to wait in the main line at the gate (15 minutes), or for the security check (which took 15 minutes). Although we got there about 20 minutes earlier, I wish that we had arrived a little sooner.
Eat at quieter times
You’ll probably have to wait in line if you visit a popular restaurant such as Three Broomsticks at standard dinner or lunch times (between 6 pm and 7 pm).
You can save time by planning your meals in advance.
Plan Your Strategy!
Universal Studios Hollywood, while smaller than Universal Studios Florida, is still large enough to waste time if you do not plan your trip.
Universal Hollywood is located on a hillside. There are two main areas, or lots, that are separated by an escalator system. The escalators can take between 10 and 15 minutes depending on the level of crowds. You can spend a lot time going from one area to another.
GET THE UNIVERSAL HOLLYWOOD APP
Universal Hollywood is a fantastic app. The app has a map of the park and also shows wait times for attractions, rides, and shows. There’s also information about restaurants and menus which is great for planning family meals.
Yes, there is free WiFi in the park
Universal’s WiFi was fast and we were able to receive a signal everywhere.
OUR WIZARDING WORLD HARRY POTTER CALIFORNIA TIP
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a great experience for us as Potterheads. The Orlando version is definitely smaller, with less rides and more to see. But it’s still fun and worth a trip.
Get a Wand
Our kids loved using the interactive wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to cast spells on shop displays. The wands make you feel like a real witch or wizard and not a muggle.
We purchased our interactive wands at Universal Orlando and were delighted to discover that they worked perfectly at Universal Hollywood.
The cost of each wand is around $50. You can use them on several visits. You can get a wand at a wand shop or wand cart.
BUTTER BEER
I don’t want to reveal how much butterbeer we bought for our four friends during our one-day visit. But let’s say that it was more than $50.
Here you can buy three types of butterbeer: standard butterbeer (standard), frozen butterbeer (frozen butterbeer) and hot butterbeer.
Butterbeer standard tastes like a mix between cream soda, root beer and caramelized butterscotch. It’s one of our favorites.
Butterbeer frozen is like a slushy butterbeer and it’s perfect for hot days. We’re not a fan, but some people are.
Hot butter beer tastes like caramel/butterscotch topped white chocolate with a cream topping. This is a delicious drink that’s perfect for cool days.
Have you got any tips or tricks for Universal Studios Hollywood? Comment below! Let us know!
