Universal Studios Hollywood – attractions and tips
Just north of Hollywood, the Californian version of Universal Studios provides a day’s worth of fun and thrill. It should definitely be a part of any theme park lover’s itinerary when visiting Los Angeles. The park consists of a mixture of a theme park and a working backlot and production facility. Unlike a nearby Disneyland, its very easy to do Universal Studios in one day while riding all the attractions. Of course there’s still a few tips that might help you along the way. This post covers the various adventures awaiting you at Universal Studios Hollywood, and how best to structure your visit.
The Basics:
- Where? 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City CA 91608
- When? Park Hours vary by season and day. Check the calendar here.
- How much? Admission depends on the day selected. At time of writing, one day general admission is between $109 – $129 USD. Universal Express entry is available for between $179 – $279 USD.
- How to get here? Universal City is a station on the Red Line of Los Angeles Metro Rail for commutes from Downtown. Alternatively, you may be able to arrange shuttle transport from your hotel or use Uber/Rideshare apps.
- Website: https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
As with all theme parks, I highly recommend buying tickets in advance online. You don’t want to waste time lining up at the gate to buy your tickets!
Park Layout
Universal Studios Hollywood is unique in that it is built around a large hill, with the park consisting of two main zones – the Upper Lot and Lower Lot respectively. You enter the park at the Upper Lot, which is where you’ll find the famous Studio Tour, most of the shows, some rides and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You get to the Lower Lot from the Upper Lot via a series of escalators (called the Starwalk) that descend the hill to this area of the park. The Lower Lot is where the rest of the park’s thrill rides are found. As a general rule, you should try to limit the amount of trips between the two lots, as the Starwalk takes about 10 minutes each way.
The Attractions:
The Upper Lot:
The Upper Lot is home to 4 attractions (excluding the separately themed Wizarding World of Harry Potter that you’ll also find up here) and 4 shows.
Studio Tour
Prior to the opening of the Wizarding World, the Studio Tour was the clear headline attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. Even today, its unique as you won’t find at any other Universal Studios park. You’ll board a tram capable of holding hundreds of people on a tour around the sound stages and film sets contained in the area of the park otherwise unaccessible to the public. Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the tour takes you through sets used in films and TV series such as Desperate Housewives, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Psycho and The War of the Worlds, to name just a few. Along the way you’ll experience firsthand a flash flooding of a river, an earthquake inside of a subway station and come face to face with Jaws.
By far the two highlights of the Studio Tour are the immersive experiences that have inspired stand alone attractions at the Orlando parks – King Kong: 360 3D and Fast and Furious: Supercharged. Instead of being separate attractions in Hollywood, they’re incorporated into the Studio Tour. Thanks to motion simulator technology, your vehicle will take a detour through Skull Island and be ambushed by velociraptors, only for King Kong to come to your aid (and throw you around in the ensuing scuffle). Similarly, later in the tour you’ll spot Dom Toretto’s famous Dodge Charger and shortly after be taken into a safe house. This leads to a high speed police chase along a virtual freeway filled with cameos from the Fast and Furious gang and all their usual explosive theatrics. Both semi-attractions are a fun way of adding a lot of excitement to the tour.
All up, the Studio Tour takes about 45 minutes. Including your time in line, you’ll be setting aside at least an hour for this one. Still, I’d go for all the other attractions first (despite what park staff may recommend). The Studio Tour vehicles are high in capacity resulting in a line that moves very quickly. Your wait here won’t be unbearable. Definitely make sure you don’t forget to ride though!
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
This family friendly 3-D motion simulator is based on the franchise started by the 2010 animated feature Despicable Me. Its also exactly the same as the version of the ride at Universal Studios Orlando. The idea is that you’ve be turned into a minion and have to navigate your way through the minion training grounds. That training session quickly turns into a rescue mission. The actual ride consists of you boarding a large vehicle in front of a massive 3D screen. The vehicle swerves, tilts and jolts around to match what you’re seeing.
Overall its relatively tame and fun for all ages. Its a good introduction to the more intense motion simulator experiences elsewhere in the park. Young children might also enjoy the Super Silly Fun Land play area and Silly Swirly Fun Ride located near the exit to the main attraction.
The Simpsons Ride
Another motion simulator, but this one is based on the long running Fox animated sitcom, the Simpsons. Its another ride that is the same in Orlando. The story here is that Bart Simpson’s nemesis, the evil Sideshow Bob has sabotaged Krustyland amusement park in an attempt to kill Bart and Krusty the Clown. Of course, this all goes down while you’re riding one the park’s attractions, leading to all kinds of chaos breaking out (in typically hilarious Simpsons fashion). Its way more intense than Despicable Me, but this ride is a lot of fun and one of my favourites in the park.
When you’re done riding, make sure you explore the replica Springfield around the attraction. Any Simpsons fan will love stopping by trademark localities such as Krusty Burger and Moe’s Tavern.
The Walking Dead Attraction
I haven’t yet been able to experience this attraction as it was ijust about to open on my last visit to the park. Based on the popular post-apocalyptic TV series, here you make your way through an immersive haunted house, filled with scare actors playing the roles of zombies throughout. It looks like a lot of fun, though I wouldn’t recommend it to young children that scare easily. I also understand that this attraction works on a timed entry basis (similar to shows) so check when they’re admitting guests if you want to experience a stroll through zombie land.
Dreamworks Theatre featuring Kung Fu Panda
Based on the 2008 franchise Kung Fu Panda, this is your traditional 4-D style movie. I haven’t seen this latest film, as it recently replaced the (very) old Shrek 4D that can still be seen (as of the time of writing) in Orlando. If its anything like that, expect all kinds of special effects that stimulate your senses (and I mean all your senses) throughout the course of the short movie.
Waterworld
This is my favourite of the shows at Universal Studios Hollywood. There’s a lot of action jammed into this 20 minute performance. Based on the 1995 sci-fi flick of the same name (which I’ve admittedly never seen), this stunt show is performed on a mostly water based set, with various platoons and elevated platforms throughout. While the plot is pretty basic, there’s all kinds of explosions, dives and jet ski action to keep you engaged. Definitely check this one out. And if its a hot day, sit close to the front – there’s a good chance you’ll get soaked.
Universal’s Animal Actors
A twenty minute performance held quite few times throughout the day. Here you’ll see all kinds of trained animals acting in ways seen in films, including a reenactment of scenes from The Secret Life of Pets. The show is adorable and gives an insight into the way the animals you see on screen are trained. Thankfully the animals all seem to be treated well.
Special Effects Stage
Around 30 minutes in duration, this show focuses on the way producers create the incredibly realistic stunts and special effects you see in movies. The show is a lot of fun with highlights including a stunt actor seemingly being set on fire and a cast member levitating over the audience. Sit around the middle of the audience for this show if possible. You’ll get a better view than you would if you are in the front row.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
While technically still forming part of the Upper Lot, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a fully themed area that transports you to the magical village of Hogsmeade. Its without question the most popular area in Universal Studios Hollywood. Accordingly, plan to visit this area early on in the day before crowds build up. There’s two actual rides here, but there’s so much more to explore. If you’re a Potterhead like me, you’ll love the attention to detail that has gone into recreating the village. You’ll find all your magical needs at shops such as Honeydukes (filled with wizarding sweets), Zonkos Joke Shop and Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment. Getting hungry? Head to the Three Broomsticks for an English pub feed, and wash it down with a Butterbeer from the Hog’s Head next door.
While Ollivanders Wand Shop is definitely out of place in Hogsmeade (the fellow wizards and witches among us will know it belongs in Diagon Alley), you should definitely stop by if you want to buy a wand. Also don’t forget to check out the Hogwarts Express engine at the entrance to the village.
When you’re ready for some more thrills, approach the gigantic Hogwarts castle.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
The headline attraction in the Wizarding World (and the whole park in general) is an incredible experience. Its my favourite ride at Universal Hollywood by a huge stretch. Maybe I’m biased because of my Potter love, but I definitely can’t recommend this one enough. Follow the crowds towards the castle entrance and you’ll make your way through various chambers and grounds. In the queue you’ll pass iconic locations such as the Herbology greenhouses and Professor Dumbledore’s office. You’ll eventually meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, then from there you’ll be swept along on a journey like no other with the aid of screen and animatronic based simulation (or magic!).
The idea of the ride is that you’re flying around on your way to play a game of Quidditch. Along the way you encounter a dragon, Dementors and the Whomping Willow, leading to all kinds of antics as you’re tossed about on a fast paced adventure through the castle grounds and halls. I didn’t find the ride that intense, but apparently those that suffer motion sickness (muggles?) can find the experience disorienting. Admittedly there is a section where you’ll feel like you’ve gone upside down thanks to some clever levitation. I’ll say it again – do not miss this one.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Up for riding a Hippogriff? Head by Hagrid’s Hut for Care of Magical Creatures Class. This family friendly rollercoaster really is designed for kids and those that aren’t very experienced with coasters though. The ride only lasts around one minute and there are no large drops. You’ll board a Hippogriff styled cart and ascend a hill before winding your way back down. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this one. I do like the queue though as you get up close to Hagrid’s place and a cool animatronic of Buckbeak.
The Lower Lot
Located in the far reaches of the park, after descending the Starwalk, is the Lower Lot. In this area of the park you’ll find a water ride, indoor roller coaster and another motion simulator.
Jurassic World – The Ride
Jurassic World is the one ride at Universal Studios Hollywood where you’re going to get wet (soaked). Its also the newest ride in the park at the time of writing, even though the original Jurassic Park attraction has been around for years. I haven’t been on the latest version of this ride, but its basically a re-theming of the old adventure boat ride that ends in a three story plunge. Some of the more famous dinosaurs from the latest films in the saga are now present (both through animatronics and computer screen technology). Sure, you may no longer pass through the classic ‘Jurassic Park’ gateway, but it looks like a great experience all the same as you get to tour the revamped dinosaur theme park.
Like I said before, prepare to get soaked when you ride this one (mainly from the big drop at the end). Naturally, crowds build rapidly as the heat of the day rolls in.
Revenge of the Mummy
Based on the franchise that started with the 1999 Brendan Fraser film, Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor rollercoaster that reaches speeds of 45 miles per hour. The idea here is that you’re touring an Ancient Egyptian tomb only for the Mummy to resurrect itself and come for your soul. This plays out as you board a relatively large ride vehicle and begin by passing through a series of chambers, exploring the tomb’s treasures. As the Mummy makes his presence felt however, you’re launched forward and backwards in the dark for the next two minutes or so.
I have to say, having been on a number of versions of this ride across Universal parks, this version is somewhat lacking. It seems as though its over as quickly as it starts. With that said, its the only real rollercoaster at Universal on the west coast (Flight of the Hippogriff doesn’t count) so its worth riding. Just don’t go in with the expectations of the Orlando version if you’ve done that one.
Transformers 3-D
A Universal Studios staple, the Transformers 3D experience can be found in an assortment of Universal parks across the world. The Hollywood version of the ride is exactly the same as all other versions I’ve been on, but given how fun this ride is, that’s not a complaint at all. You board your Autobot vehicle and are quickly transported through a series of clashes between good and bad Transformers. All your favourites from the franchise such as Optimus Prime and Bumblebee play their part along the way as you carry out your mission to protect the AllSpark (the source of Transformer life).
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the franchise, you’ll have a great time on this attraction. You don’t really need to know too much about the story and the technologically driven thrills are off the chain. Its another ride you can’t miss on your visit to the park.
How to Tour the Park:
Assuming you don’t have Universal Express (in which case you really don’t need a strategy to do everything at this park in one day), I recommend being at the park entry at least half an hour before opening. As soon as the park opens, head straight to the Wizarding World and get on Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey. You can follow that up with a quick ride on Flight of the Hippogriff if you’re keen.
From there, head to the Lower Lot. Most guests will spend the first few hours from opening visiting the Upper Lot attractions. Since you’ve got the most popular one out of the way, this is the perfect time to beat the crowds. I’d do Jurassic World first (since its new), followed by Transformers, then Revenge of the Mummy.
Back to the Upper Lot, you should then hit up Despicable Me, followed by the Simpson’s Ride. At this point you’ll want to get on the Studio Tour. From there, check your times guide to work out when is best to fit in the Walking Dead attraction and the various shows around the park. Mix in some exploration of Hogsmeade (lunch at the Three Broomsticks works well). With this touring strategy, you should have plenty of time for repeat rides of your favourite attractions as well.
To save even more time, consider using the single rider lines, or if you’re really struggling, upgrade to the Express Pass ticket, which gives you front of line access for an additional fee.