Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles – Mario Bros, Harry Potter, Jurrasic World and more!

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most important places on the map of Los Angeles and also an iconic destination for movie and TV series lovers. Anyway, even if you’re not a fan of famous productions, there are fantastically prepared themed zones, rollercoasters and breathtaking shows waiting to be remembered for a long time. Today we will show you a place where you can step into the world of Harry Potter, Mario Bros, Minions, or The Simpsons, and in the process go on a journey through the movie studios.

We arrived at Universal Studios Hollywood during our Route 66 trip. At the end of a trip of more than a month, we stayed a few days in Los Angeles to rest in peace and to see places we had not been able to reach on previous visits. One such place was just Universal Studios.

Why did we procrastinate visiting this place? Mainly because of the kids :) We wanted to enter here when they already have as much fun as possible and know at least partially who the red plumber with the mustache or Harry Potter is.

We visited the amusement park in early May with our three children, ages 2.5, 5 and 7.5. We chose to visit during the week instead of the weekend because then there is a chance that there will be fewer people. We planned to stay for the whole day – we entered the parking lot right after opening and stayed until the very end and…. we were left quite unsatisfied ;) Fact, we managed to ride some rollercoasters even twice each, but mainly because we had so-called Express passes and entered the lines for Single riders. Without it, it would definitely be hard to get everywhere, because as befits an amusement park a lot of time is spent standing in lines.

Nevertheless, we consider this day one of the coolest we’ve spent in the US and would love to come back here for one or maybe even two days.

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If you’re wondering if it’s worth it, how to organize the day, what you need to know then be sure to read this article, we’ve gathered a lot of useful knowledge here that will help you make the most of your time at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Highlights

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the oldest theme parks in the world, having opened in 1964. Of course, the studio itself had been in existence and functioning for almost 50 years (the founder was Carl Laemmle), and interestingly enough, visitors could already learn about the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking much earlier. Keep in mind, however, that the recorded films were initially silent, so guests on the sets were not disturbed. But that changed with the development of technology, so it was no longer possible to create productions with visitors behind the camera either.

In 1964 it was decided to resume studio tours (Studio Tour) but in a different form. From now on, the plans were toured in dedicated vehicles, which, by the way, still function in a similar way today. Over the years, the park has evolved to become a full-fledged so-called theme park, with numerous themed attractions, roller coasters and spectacular shows, which we write about later in this article.

Today, Universal Studios Hollywood is visited by millions of tourists a year (to be precise, in 2022 it was as many as 8.4 million people!), and the park is known for such attractions as Studio Tour, Harry Potter World, Jurassic World and the latest gem – Mario World.

Universal Studios Hollywood is divided into two main lots: Upper Lot and Lower Lot. The Upper Lot is themed zones such as Harry Potter World and The Simpsons, while the Lower Lot is where you’ll find Jurassic World and the recently most popular Super Nintendo World.

When to go to Universal Studios Hollywood?

When planning a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, it’s worth considering the right time. The best time to visit the park is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these months, the weather tends to be milder and the crowds smaller than during the peak summer holiday season or during the winter holidays. However, it’s worth remembering that you can always expect a certain amount of traffic at Universal Studios Hollywood, so you might want to consider purchasing Express Passes, which allow you to enter selected attractions more quickly.

If you plan to visit the park during the summer months (June-August), be prepared for high temperatures and longer lines. In addition, Universal Studios Hollywood holds various special events throughout the year, such as Halloween Horror Nights, which attract additional tourists.

How to plan the day well?

Here are some tips on how to plan a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. We ourselves would like to read them before visiting:

• Choose a day when there are fewer visitors. How to check it? When buying a ticket online, check when the cheapest tickets are, then there is a chance that there is less traffic.
• Buy your tickets online so you don’t waste time standing in line at the box office on site.
• Time is money ;) The area is large, the attractions are many – get acquainted with the map and attractions beforehand to plan how you are going to spend the day in the park.
• Check beforehand what attractions are suitable for you, so that there is no sadness on the spot that, for example, the children are too young for the roller coaster in the land of Harry Potter.
• See what shows will be on a given day and choose the ones that interest you, then plan your day so as to be at the shows at a given time.
• We recommend going to Super Nintendo World to begin with – the queues there are the longest, and right after opening are shorter than during the day.
• If you can afford it, it’s worth paying more for Universal Express – it allows you to take advantage of shorter queues (express lines with shorter waiting times) to attractions so you save a lot of time. Such a ticket works for each attraction only once. If you need an even more exclusive experience, with no limit on faster entries then the more expensive VIP Experience is worth considering.
• Download the park’s official app(Universal Studios Hollywood app) – it will help you better navigate the site and show current wait times.
• Be sure to go on the Studio Tour! Seriously, a lot of people let it go, and it is a great attraction, but also relaxing, because you ride all the time in an open bus ;)
• The park also hosts interesting events, such as Halloween Horror Nights, when you buy a ticket for an evening of scares. Such tickets are available from September to early November and it is an opportunity to ride, for example. Terror Tram.

The most popular attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a wide range of attractions to satisfy movie fans and thrill seekers alike. Here are some of the most important zones and attractions.

Universal Studio Tour

The Studio Tour is one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s most iconic attractions. This is an approximately one-hour wagon ride that takes guests behind the scenes of major film sets. During this tour, you can see how Hollywood movies are made, and visit famous sets such as the plaza from Back to the Future, the streets of New York and Wisteria Lane from Ready for Anything.

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the studio where many of the scenes for “Jaws” were recorded, as well as a drive through a tunnel where a flood is simulated. New on the tour is a section dedicated to the Fast & Furious: Supercharged film series, where, with the help of advanced special effects, visitors can feel as if they are participating in a car race.

We won’t reveal everything, but believe us, it’s WORTH it!

In the same part of the park there is also King Kong 360 3D – a simulator with dinosaurs and King Kong.

For whom?

Studio Tour
For everyone, however, some effects may be too intense for the smallest children.

King Kong 360 3D
No height restrictions, but due to the intensity of the stimuli and sensations, the suggested minimum age is 7 years.

Super Nintendo World

One of the park’s newest and most anticipated attractions is Mario World (Super Nintendo World), which officially opened in 2023. This themed zone takes visitors straight into the world made famous by popular Nintendo games. Here you can find many interactive elements that make the tour a real adventure. Guests can take part in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a high-tech ride that combines augmented reality elements with traditional rides.

There is also no shortage of other attractions, such as the ability to collect virtual coins, solve puzzles and interact with characters familiar from Nintendo games. Mario World is a real treat for fans of computer games and a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a colorful, action-packed world.

However, before you set off to explore the world of Mario an important note: not all attractions are included. Some challenges require the purchase of a special Power-Up Band™ with which to perform additional tasks and collect coins. The cost of such a wristband is about $45. In our opinion, it is not a necessary purchase, there are many other things to do in the park anyway, and there are sometimes queues for these tasks too ;) Nevertheless, if you are a huge Mario fan then you definitely won’t let it go.

For whom?

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
min. height: 102 cm,
With caregiver: up to 122 cm.

Jurassic World

If you’re a fan of dinosaurs and movies from the “Jurassic Park” series, the attraction Jurassic World: The Ride is sure to appeal to you. This is a spectacular water ride where guests can admire realistic models of dinosaurs and experience a thrilling escape from a giant T-Rex. Jurassic World: The Ride combines elements of adventure, horror and technology, providing great entertainment for both adults and children.

In addition, the Jurassic World zone includes a children’s area with a playground.

For whom?

Jurassic World: The Ride
min. height: 106.7 cm,
With caregiver: up to 122 cm.

Transformers Metrobase

Next on the lower level is Transformers Metrobase, where two more rides await. Transformers: The Ride-3D is a high-tech 3D simulator that takes guests into the middle of the battle between Autobots and Decepticons, using 4D technology. The second attraction is Revenge of the Mummy: a high-speed roller coaster in the dark, inspired by the Mummy movie series. The ride combines elements of horror and adventure.

For whom?

Transformers: The Ride-3D
min. height: 102 cm,
With caregiver: up to 122 cm.

Revenge of the Mummy
min. height: 122 cm.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Another very recognizable and beloved themed zone at Universal Studio Hollywood is, of course,The Wizarding World of HarryPotter. This zone is a must for any fan of the series created by J.K. Rowling. Among other things, you’ll find a faithful replica of Hogwarts Castle, where you can take a ride on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – a thrilling journey where visitors fly on a broomstick through various corners of the wizarding world. Note, by the fact that the whole thing is very realistic sometimes quite scary.

In Hogsmeade, the magical village, you can try cream beer (Butterbeer), buy an interactive wand from Ollivander’s store (which you can later conjure in the village), and stock up on various goodies related to the series about the famous wizard. Another unique attraction is a ride on the Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster, which is also suitable for younger visitors.

For whom?

Flight of the Hippogriff
min. height: 99 cm,
With caregiver: up to 122 cm.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
min. height: 122 cm.

Springfield

Springfield at Universal Studios is a small themed land dedicated to one of the most iconic animated series in television history – the Simpsons. The zone takes guests straight to the town of Springfield, where they can feel like characters from the series, visiting iconic locations and taking part in interactive attractions.

Springfield’s main attraction is The Simpsons Ride, a high-tech driving simulator that transports guests straight into the surreal world of “The Simpsons.” In this adventure, you board a virtual roller coaster at Krustyland amusement park, run by Krusty the Clown. The ride encounters a series of crazy situations, including chases, falls from great heights and encounters with characters from the series.

For whom?

The Simpsons Ride
min. height: 102 cm,
With caregiver: up to 122 cm.

Minion Land

This is an especially beloved part by families with children. The zone takes visitors straight into the crazy world of the Minions, who have gained immense popularity thanks to the “How to Steal the Moon” (“Despicable Me”) film series. In addition to the main attraction – Minion Mayhem – the land also offers other elements that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the colorful and fun world created by Illumination Entertainment.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a high-tech 3D simulator that takes guests on a crazy adventure alongside Gru, his daughters and, of course, the Minions. The attraction begins at Gru’s house, where guests are invited to take part in a special training session to transform them into Minions.

After the excitement of the main attraction, guests can head to Super Silly Fun Land, a fun zone and water park inspired by the movies. It is ideal for children who want to continue playing and interacting with Minions.

There is another ride in this zone: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, themed around the well-known fairy tale The Secret Life of Animals. It is a quiet building ride that will also appeal to smaller children.

For whom?

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
min. height: 102 cm,
With caregiver: up to 122 cm.

The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
min. height: 86.4 cm,
With caregiver: up to 122 cm.

Shows, performances

Universal Studios Hollywood also features live shows that complement the park’s attractions and provide an unforgettable experience for visitors. Here are some of the most popular performances and shows you can see in the park:

• WaterWorld: A Live Sea War Spectacular – is one of the most spectacular live performances, based on the 1995 film “Waterworld.” The show combines special effects, stunts, explosions and stunts, all set in a post-apocalyptic water world. Viewers can expect dynamic action on the water, aerial acrobatics and a large dose of adrenaline. Duration: about 20 minutes.
• Triwizard Spirit Rally – a live show that takes place in the land of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As part of the event, schools of magic from different parts of Europe – Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute – are coming to Hogwarts to compete. The Frog Choir also takes place in this section.
• Kung Fu Panda, DreamWorks Theatre – this is a 4D multimedia show that takes viewers into the world of “Kung Fu Panda.” With advanced projection technology, special effects and moving seats, viewers experience an epic adventure together with Po and his friends. The show combines humor, action and full immersion in the world of animation.

Universal City Walk

Universal CityWalk is an expansive walkway of about 12 hectares that serves as an open-air shopping and entertainment area. It’s located right at the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood, making it an ideal place to hang out before or after your visit to the theme park (we strongly recommend doing it after your visit – the stores in this section are open longer than the attractions in the park).

There are many stores here offering a variety of products – from clothing and accessories, to gadgets and souvenirs, to unique pop culture items. Among the most popular stores are: Universal Studio Store, Billabong, Abercrombie & Fitch or IT’SUGAR.

Universal CityWalk is also a place where you can eat well, whether you feel like a quick meal or a more elaborate dinner.

Universal Studios with a child – what is worth knowing?

Hollywood amusement park is a place that offers entertainment for the whole family, including the youngest guests. When planning a visit with your children, there are several key points to note.

As mentioned, we delayed our visit to this park precisely because of the children. We would sooner choose Disneyland than Universal Studios for smaller children.

Looking at our troika, we can safely say that such 2.5-3 years is still too early for this park. There will be rides and attractions for such toddlers, but they won’t take advantage of everything, they won’t understand much, and there won’t be as much fun as for older children.

A five-year-old, on the other hand, will really have super fun here already! Of course, there will be sadness that he still couldn’t ride something (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!!! :-( ), but he could have already ridden on a significant part of the attraction.

According to our children, the best attractions are:

• For a 3-year-old – The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash – we went several times, short lines, very pleasant and quiet ride.
• For a 5-year-old, Flight of the Hippogriff and Jurassic World: The Ride.
• For 8-year-olds – Flight of the Hippogriff and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.

Other attractions that are sure to appeal to children include Minion Mayhem, Kung Fu Panda Adventure and Studio Tour. However, it is worth remembering that not all attractions are suitable for the youngest – some require reaching a certain height (usually 102-107 cm), and some are simply too loud, glowing, scary, intense – a lot depends on the child.

The park also has zones specifically for children, such as Super Silly Fun Land, inspired by the movie “Minions.” It is a space full of carousels, playgrounds and water attractions, ideal for cooling off on warm days. A very cool playground is the one in the Jurassic Park area.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a number of amenities for families, such as baby changing facilities, breastfeeding areas(Family Center) and the possibility to rent baby strollers. There are also calming zones for children with autism available at the theme park.

Something we liked best, however, was the special Child Switch program: if you’re traveling with a child who can’t take advantage of an attraction, you can use the Child Switch program. It allows one parent to wait with the child in a designated area while the other enjoys the attraction and then the parents swap without having to stand in line again.

Practical information

What should you know before you go? Where to park the car, how to get there, where to spend the night? Catch a handful of practical information.

Access and parking at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, in the northern part of the city.

Here are some options for getting there:

• By car: If you plan to get there by car, the theme park is located at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. The park is well connected, reached by the Hollywood Freeway (US-101), but as befits Los Angeles you have to reckon with traffic jams in the city as well as at the entrance to the park. It’s worth using navigation to find the best route depending on where you’re coming from.
• Public transportation: You can take the subway (Red Line), which runs between downtown Los Angeles and Universal City. Universal City/Studio City Metro Station is located near the park. There is also a bus stop next to it, where city buses stop: 155, 222, 224 and 240. It will take about 15 minutes to reach the park entrance.
• Private transportation: An alternative is to use cab services, Uber or Lyft. These services are widely available in Los Angeles and can be a convenient option for those who don’t want to drive.

There are plenty of parking spaces on site, but they are, of course, chargeable. The price per day is $35, but there are also more expensive places available, located closer to the entrance for $50 and $70.

Admission ticket – prices

Universal Studios Hollywood ticket prices vary depending on the date of visit, availability and options selected. Below are approximate prices:

1-Day Ticket: The price of a one-day ticket usually ranges from $109 to $149, depending on the day of the week and the season (e.g., holiday season, holidays). It’s worth checking the price calendar on the official Universal Studios website to find the most favorable date.

2-Day Ticket: Costs between $159 and $204. A two-day ticket allows you to visit the park twice within seven days of first entry.

Universal Express: An option for those who want to avoid long queues. Universal Express is a ticket that allows one priority entry to each attraction (Express Line). The price depends on the season and can range from $179 to $319 per day.

VIP Experience: For those looking for a luxurious experience, a VIP package is available that offers a tour guide, priority access to all attractions, special entrances to shows, snacks and beverages, a meal and valet parking. The price of the VIP Experience package ranges from $369 to $499.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

In addition, you pay separately for events such as entry to Halloween Horror Nights.

As far as discounts and concessions are concerned, there is not much to write about, as there are not many. Children 2 years old or younger get in for free, and older children have only slightly cheaper tickets. The children’s ticket is from 3 to 9 years old and the discount is a rapturous few dollars.

Prices can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance online to guarantee your seat and save on the price on the day of your visit. It’s also worth checking to see what promotions are coming up on the park’s website – for example, you can take advantage of a free second day offer. Current offers are also available on The Universal Studios Hollywood App.

Stores at Universal Studios Hollywood

There are many stores at Universal Studios Hollywood and on the Universal CityWalk where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, gadgets and many other products related to the movies and characters from the park attractions. There are both thematic stores related to a specific production, but there are also more general ones. You’ll find them throughout the park but also outside on the Universal CityWalk, so if you don’t have enough time to store while visiting the park, or decide to drive just to the stores, you can buy cool stuff here too.

Several interesting stores in the park:

• Universal Studio Store and Animation Studio Store: A gift store with a wide selection of products related to the park’s attractions, such as Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic World and many others.
• Ollivanders Wand Shop: Store in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area for interactive wands.
• Super Silly Stuff: A Minion-related gift store offering toys, apparel and gadgets inspired by this popular movie series.
• Jurassic Outfitters: a themed store located in the Jurassic World area, offering clothing, toys and other memorabilia related to the prehistoric dinosaur world.
• The Pets Store: A store where you can buy unique memorabilia from the movie the Pets.

Restaurants and cafes

As with the stores, you’ll find quite a selection of restaurants both at Universal Studios Hollywood and on the Universal CityWalk.

There are both themed restaurants, cafes and bars as well as more classic ones with traditional American dishes. Let’s focus on the former, because that’s where dining in atmospheric interiors will be an added attraction.

Three Broomsticks is a restaurant in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, also serving British food such as roast chicken, fish and French fries and pies. The name refers to the Three Broomsticks Pub located in the village of Hogsmead. Next door is the Hog’s Head Pub (Inn under the Pig’ s Head ), where you can try butterbeer , or cream beer.

At Jurrasic World, you can check out the Jurassic Café, where dishes are inspired by Latin-American cuisine, and at Minion Café, in Minion Land, you’ll find more classic dishes, but with references to the yellow creatures. The following places await in the Simpsons zone: Krusty Burger, Moe’s Tavern and Lard Lad Donuts with American delicacies, including the famous donuts.

There is a Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World, but here it is quite difficult to get in. When we approached the door around 11 or 12 o’clock there was a card hanging that there were no tables for the rest of the day. What is it about? In this restaurant, you have to sign up for a specific time when you stand in line, which in turn also does not guarantee getting in. Important note: you don’t book this in advance through the Universal Studios Hollywood App, but must scan a special QR code at the entrance.

Where to stay overnight in the area?

There are many lodging options in the Universal Studios Hollywood area that cater to different budgets and preferences. We spent the night quite far from Universal Studios, as it was in Manhattan Beach, but getting there was not at all a problem for us (we have collected more suggestions for accommodation in LA in this post).

However, if you are looking for accommodation close to the amusement park, we have some suggestions for facilities with very good reviews. Unfortunately, the prices of accommodations are quite high, so if you want cheaper options we recommend staying in more remote locations.

• Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
  Address: 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, Los Angeles, CA 91608
  Prices: from $260 for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/hilton-los-angeles-universal
• The Garland
  Address: 4222 Vineland Avenue, Universal City, Los Angeles, CA 91602
  Prices: from $330 for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/holiday-inn-universal
• Sheraton Universal Hotel
  Address: 333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, Los Angeles, CA 91608
  Prices: from $260 for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/sheraton-universal
• Lexen Hotel (cheaper, but more remote)
  Address: 5268 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
  Prices: from $227 for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/lexen-near-universal

Our opinion – is it worth visiting Universal Studios Hollywood?

We could say with tremendous enthusiasm: YES, EARLY! But we are also aware that even a one-day stay with children is quite an expense, and everyone wonders whether it is worth going or whether to let it go after all.

This park is a combination of movie lands and rides. If you are looking for a place where you will step into a world known from games and TV screens, this is the perfect place for you! The park offers an unforgettable experience, combining the world of cinematography with exciting attractions that provide entertainment for both adults and children.

However, it’s worth knowing that there aren’t as many rides here as in Six Flags, for example, and it’s more about the whole cinematic setting. For us, the biggest surprise was the Studio Tour, which we initially wanted to let go of, and we think is the quintessential part of the park.

We hope that with this practical information it will be easier for you to prepare for a day full of fun and adventure, and that your visit will not only be enjoyable, but also stress-free.

If you’re looking for ideas on what else to see in Los Angeles and California, we recommend our post: The complete travel guide for California: Attractions, travel and points of interest » and West Coast of the USA – what to see? List of 36 places! »

Photo Gallery

We also recommend the other photos from our visit to Universal Studios Hollywood: