Maximize Your Time at Universal Studios Hollywood™
For any television show and film buff, Universal Studios Hollywood™ is the ultimate Hollywood experience. With so much to see and do at “The Entertainment Capital of LA,” there is something for everyone to look forward to.
You won’t want to miss out on The World-Famous Studio Tour, a 60-minute experience that takes visitors around a still-in-use movie studio. The tour is a staple of any visit to Universal Studios Hollywood™.
Beyond the historic studio lot, Gryffindors, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws alike will delight in the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, where they will get to visit locations such as Hogsmeade™ village and Hogwarts™ castle.
The park also features themed attractions allowing you to dive into the world of some of your favorite films and shows, including King Kong, Kung Fu Panda, The Simpsons™, Transformers™, and Despicable Me.
With so many highlights to choose from, it would be wise to create a plan to ensure you maximize your time at Universal Studios Hollywood™. Here are a few of our top tips to help you make the most of your trip to this fabulous theme park destination.
Buy your park tickets online
Why waste your time in line when you can breeze through the gates?
Start your day at Universal Studios Hollywood™ right and ensure you don’t spend more time waiting in line than you need to by purchasing tickets online in advance. It may also save you money. Tickets bought online are usually less expensive than tickets bought at the gate.
aRes Travel offers incredible discounts on 1 or 2-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood™. Contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable planning experts to find out more about our current offers and pricing.
Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood™ app
Have all the information you need at your fingertips by downloading the official Universal Studios Hollywood™ app onto your smartphone.
The app features an interactive map of the park, helping you to find your favorite rides and attractions more easily. By adding filters, you can narrow down the massive list of attractions to those that best fit your schedule and interests. You can even add your selections to your very own self-curated itinerary.
The app also features the most up-to-date information regarding show times, as well as displaying current wait times for all rides and attractions. You can even set an alarm to notify you when the ride you’ve got your eye on has reached a wait time of five minutes.
The app is available for both Android and iOS mobile devices via Google Play and the App Store.
VIP Experience and Universal Express tickets
If you are looking to go all-out and take in the ultimate Universal Studios Hollywood™ experience, treat yourself to VIP tickets!
VIP Experience pass holders can take full advantage of unlimited Universal Express™ queue-jump privileges for all rides, attractions, and seated shows.
VIP entry also provides access to an exclusive guided tour with plenty of behind-the-scenes, sneak-peeks into the world of Hollywood filmmaking, including visits to backlots that are not open to the general public.
Just as you would expect from a VIP experience, you will be able to enjoy valet parking services and a gourmet meal in a private dining room.
Are you looking for something a little more low-key? Universal Express™ tickets allow for a one-time queue-jump for each ride and attraction, as well as priority seats for select shows.
As always, it’s best to book ahead. There are limited quantities of VIP Experience and Universal Express™ tickets available, so purchasing online before you arrive is a must.
Take the Studio Tour early
You do not want to miss The World-Famous Studio Tour. It is the ultimate experience for movie buffs, providing an intriguing look at how your favorite movies and shows were made, including classics like Psycho, Back to the Future, and War of the Worlds,
Fans of TV drama will love taking a wander down the notorious Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the two rides — King Kong 360 3-D and Fast & Furious – Supercharged — that seamlessly integrate into every tour.
The studio tour takes place over an hour, as you explore every inch of the 13-block studio lot. It is best to take the tour as early as possible, perhaps even at the start of the day. Doing so frees up the rest of your day for other attractions.
Use the Child Switch and Single Riders queue features
Organizing groups with young children can be a bit of a headache to coordinate. It can also cut your time spent together as a family, as adults are left to take turns watching the children while the rest rush off to enjoy their favorite attractions.
To make things easier, take advantage of the Child Switch queue feature. Child Switch allows families to wait together in a separate room. One adult can enjoy the ride while the other looks after the child — then the other one can ride without queuing up again!
The Single Riders line is another excellent time-saving hack and a fantastic option for those who don’t mind riding alone. The Single Riders line typically moves much faster, shortening wait times without having to pay extra.
Some of the rides that offer Single Riders queue lines are:
- Flight of the Hippogriff™
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
- Revenge of the Mummy℠ — The Ride
- Transformers™: The Ride 3D
Ride attendants are available at all rides to direct you to the Child Switch and Single Riders queue areas.
Eat lunch at off-peak times
Avoiding the flow of the crowd at peak periods is one of the best ways to maximize your time at Universal Studios Hollywood™ and keep waiting time short.
The same applies to dining. The park’s many restaurants operate on a first-come, first serve basis. Dining outside peak hours will make finding that perfect table easier.
For any muggle-born fan of the wizarding world, the Three Broomsticks™ restaurant within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ is a must!
Standard British fare is the order of the day, and you will find delicious fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, smoked turkey leg, and more. Wash it all down with a refreshing Butterbeer for the perfect, Potterhead-approved meal.
Final words
From rides and attractions to extensive dining options, when it comes to planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood™, you can’t go wrong. Keep these tips and tricks in mind to optimize your getaway for you and your group.
For exclusive deals on Universal Studios Hollywood™ combo packages, amazing savings on hotels, and some of the lowest prices on travel, call 1 (800) 434-7894 (international callers use +1 (619) 546-5622) to speak with an aRes Travel planning expert seven days a week, or book online now.
