A glimpse behind the scenes of the most popular global film productions or a wild ride escaping from rampaging beasts in a Jurassic Park? You don’t have to choose, because both and a whole host of other attractions can be found in one spot in Los Angeles.
Universal Studios Hollywood is considered by many to be the best theme park in the world. Those who agree with this have their reasons. Although the park, located in the film heart of Los Angeles, was established back in 1964 as the first center belonging to the Universal Parks & Resorts chain, thanks to continuous upgrades, new attractions, and the improvement of various solutions, it still offers entertainment on par with the most modern theme parks of this kind. Just add the chance to meet King Kong or buy your own magic wand at Hogwarts, and you have a recipe for a day full of unforgettable thrills.
About Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the oldest, largest, and most popular film studios in the United States. While the studio itself has been in operation since 1912, since 1964 it has been home to a one-of-a-kind amusement park. Initially, the main attraction was the opportunity to take a tour of the actual film sets of Universal Studios. However, over time, rides were added, and the park eventually became a local entertainment hub.
As you pass through the gates of the park, you will be transported to another world. The Hollywood zone will dazzle you with the flash of cameras and make you feel special as you step onto the red carpet rolled out beneath your feet. Additionally, you can buy souvenirs inspired by your favorite movies, take a picture to commemorate the beginning of a new adventure, and most importantly, fuel up with food to gather strength and energy for discovering all the park’s attractions.
A few steps in, you’ll find yourself in the main square of Universal Studios Hollywood, which, thanks to the surrounding film sets, will instantly transport you to the streets of New York or right under the Eiffel Tower. However, the real excitement begins just a few meters further…
Most Popular Attractions of the Park
If you’ve ever wondered what a Krusty Burger tastes like, you can find out in Springfield! Simpson fans will know exactly what I’m talking about. In this section of the park, you can take photos with popular animated characters, eat like the family from the show, and most importantly, embark on a wild simulated ride through Krustyland. Outgrown animations? If you’re in search of a different vibe, simply change the park zone!
Meet Megatron and Bumblebee and join them in the battle for the fate of humanity. You’ll do this by hopping into the 3D ride, Transformers: The Ride. And if you manage to complete the mission, you might even get to exchange a few words with your on-screen heroes. Still craving more adrenaline? It’s time for Revenge of the Mummy, a roller coaster that throws brave riders into the heart of the action from the movie The Mummy. Racing forward and backward on the track, you’ll be gritting your teeth, hoping to escape the wrath of the mummy Imhotep.
In the world of natural beauty and hidden dangers of Jurassic Park, there’s something for both kids and adults. While coming face-to-face with a real raptor and experiencing a water ride where you have to escape from a rampaging T-Rex might be a bit scary for the little ones, they’re sure to have a great time at the dinosaur-themed playground.
Minion Land
There’s one zone that kids will love even more! In Minion Land, not only will they encounter the hilarious Minions, but also the animal heroes from The Secret Life of Pets and the colorful Trolls. Will they enjoy more the adventure with dogs that decided to break free from their leashes or becoming a Minion themselves, embarking on a wild ride through the villain’s lab on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem?
Or perhaps classic carnival-style fun? In Super Silly Fun Land, those who aren’t afraid of a little craziness will soar high on a fast carousel, while others who prefer to stay on the ground can enjoy slides, water cannons, and even try their hand at a banana toss. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit—this part of the park offers kids up to 80 different water activities.
Harry Potter and His Wizarding World
No Muggle or wizard can resist entering the magical world. After all, who wouldn’t want to see the Hogwarts Express or cast a few spells with a wand from Ollivanders, which will choose you? With a bit of magic (and some technology), your entire family can fly through the familiar Hogwarts corridors full of moving portraits, and if a close encounter with a hippogriff is what you seek, head to Flight of the Hippogriff and make your way to Hagrid’s hut.
Super Nintendo World
Starring: the beloved Mario. Alongside him: Luigi, Princess Peach, and of course, you! Super Nintendo World is a space for young and old fans of the iconic Super Mario series. Not only will it transport you to the Mushroom Kingdom, but you’ll also meet your favorite characters, and with special wristbands, you’ll become the stars of the game, where various challenges await.
The most popular attraction, however, is Bowser’s Challenge, an experience all Mario Kart fans have been eagerly awaiting. Thanks to modern technology, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a race, collecting coins and battling rivals along the way. You can race individually or in virtual teams, on underwater tracks or high in the clouds! With so many options, no race will be the same. Before racing, you’ll tour Bowser’s iconic castle, where medals and the Golden Cup—the ultimate prize—will shine before your eyes.
GOOD TO KNOW: This part of the park is so popular that prior reservations are required to enter. However, if you’re nearby and haven’t made a reservation, it’s worth asking the staff at Super Nintendo World about the possibility of accessing the attractions. While rare, on less crowded days, you might be able to book a time for the same day or even enter without a reservation.
Universal Studio Tour
Who wants to discover the most secret tricks behind film production? Anyone who joins the Studio Tour, one of the park’s most popular attractions, will uncover them. A ride on a special tram will show you the largest street film set, created with the help of none other than Steven Spielberg. You’ll also see settings you probably recognize from beloved global productions, such as Hill Valley and the clock tower from “Back to the Future” or the “Transformers” filming location.
The tour doesn’t allow for a moment of boredom. In addition to a crash course in cinematography, you’ll experience unexpected attractions. Not only will you get a photo with King Kong or the beasts from “Jurassic Park” but you’ll also have a close encounter with the fierce characters from “Jaws”. Special simulators will also let you survive an earthquake and a flooded subway station, and participate in a special finale created with the biggest fans of the “Fast & Furious” world in mind.
The park’s best shows
n between thrilling rides and glamorous walks on the red carpet, you can once again transform into a viewer during one of the park’s many shows. If you can’t imagine ending your day without catching the top performance, make sure to attend the WaterWorld show, which will amaze all special effects enthusiasts. The story of a world where dry land is a forgotten dream includes watercraft jumps, wild stunts, gunfire exchanges, powerful explosions, and an airplane crash.
The hearts of those who shy away from action films will be won over by the park with other performances. Experience firsthand whether your favorite will be the light show of the four Hogwarts houses, the frog choir, or the colorful parade that kicks off the Triwizard Tournament.
FUN FACT: Don’t believe a show can deliver thrills? How about the fact that during the WaterWorld show, about 168,500 pyrotechnic effects are set off each year, with the main highlight being a gigantic fireball rising over 15 meters high?
Souvenirs and snacks
In practically every corner of Universal Studios Hollywood, you’ll find a place to grab a bite if hunger strikes. But don’t expect dull, uninspired eateries—these spots are themed after your favorite films. Restaurants, bars, and cafes will serve you fresh and tasty dishes from various cuisines around the world.
Throughout the park, there are also shops where you can pick up souvenirs from the heart of the film world in Los Angeles. What can you find there? Better ask what you can’t! T-shirts, plush toys, and keychains are just the tip of the iceberg. You can also stock up on costumes, Hogwarts robes, magical wands, Minion-shaped sweets, and even fart blaster guns!
Universal City Walk
Strolling through the bustling Universal City Walk, a pedestrian-only complex, you don’t need to plan anything. Just step in and let yourself be swept away by the attractions visible at every turn. You’ll witness the central dancing fountain show and free outdoor light displays, sit in the audience at the state-of-the-art 5 Towers concert venue, and get an extra dose of excitement in the indoor skydiving wind tunnel.
Why not watch a movie right where it was produced? At Universal Cinema, a seven-story IMAX theater, there are 18 screening rooms that elevate the movie-watching experience to a whole new level. Luxurious seats, multidimensional sound, and next-generation laser projections have made this place recognized as the best cinema in all of Los Angeles.
As you stroll between tall palm trees and neon-lit buildings, you’ll feel like a star. This feeling will intensify if you bump into the film crew of the popular show “Access Hollywood”, which is filmed amidst the buildings of Universal City Walk. Not into the star lifestyle? You can still feel like royalty, as this area offers the largest concentration of restaurants where you’ll dine like kings. You can choose from the most innovative eateries, where you’ll sample local craft beers and popular dishes at a world-class level.
The most important reason to visit Universal City Walk? Admission to this area is free, and you can explore it even if you don’t have tickets to the theme park. However, it’s very likely that after such a visit, you’ll be tempted to explore the rest of the park too.
Mobile Assistance for Trip Planning
Before visiting the park, downloading the app is a great idea. It allows you to remotely check the wait times for each attraction, keep track of the areas you’ve already visited using the full park map, and even snag discounts during your shopping at certain spots. You can also reserve a virtual queue, so you won’t have to waste time standing in a line behind crowds of people. On top of that, the app lets you plan your park visit in advance, and it automatically notifies guests of shorter lines, ongoing shows, and other events.
Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood
Before purchasing entry tickets, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the available ticket options, as there are quite a few. I’ll start with another important point. The number of admissions to the park is limited, so especially during the summer season, when Universal Studios Hollywood sees the most visitors, be sure to buy tickets online. Without doing so, you won’t have a guarantee of securing a ticket for a specific day.
Let’s not kid ourselves; ticket prices are not low, even for the basic ones. However, none of the park’s departing guests will tell you it wasn’t worth it. Besides the simplest General Admission ticket, a popular option is the Universal Express ticket, which allows you one-time, line-free access to every attraction. If you’re in the mood for true luxury, the VIP Experience ticket is the option for you. Not only does it offer unlimited access to rides without queues, but it also includes complimentary snacks, drinks, and a special meal. Plus, it’s a chance for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of movie magic, as the VIP Experience takes guests onto a real film set during the shooting of a movie or TV show.
Looking for something more budget-friendly? Special combo tickets can help you save money, allowing entry to not only Universal Studios Hollywood but also, for example, Madame Tussauds museum. You can also find special deals and discounts on sites like GetYourGuide.
Practical information
- It is best to purchase tickets for the Universal Studios Hollywood in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long lines and reduce the risk of tickets being sold out.
- Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
