Universal Studios Hollywood Tips

With more than seven million visitors annually, a few tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood can help you spend less time waiting in line and more time having fun.

Stay for the Day

Plan one action-packed day at Universal Studios Hollywood from morning till night to make the most of your vacation budget. Booking online will save at least $20 for each member of your group and earn you the EZ Rez privilege of one-hour early admission to the park. Take a midday break at your nearby hotel to nap or swim in the pool, then return in the evening to enjoy the park until closing.

Plan for Nighttime Adventure

The Universal Studios backlot tour is the park's top attraction, so don't miss it. The tour is even better at night when familiar movie sets like "Psycho," "Frankenstein" and "The Seven Year Itch" come alive with special effects. You'll see some of the park's prime attractions on the tour, including the virtual movie adventures King Kong 360 3-D and Fast and Furious Supercharged. Catch the first tour of the evening for memorable sunset views of Los Angeles.

Level Up

Move easily between the park's hillside levels using the Universal Star Way, a lengthy triple-tiered escalator enclosed in a glass tube. One of the best tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood: arrive early to ride downhill to lower-level attractions at the back of the park before the crowds hit. Battling crowds to get on the Star Way can cut into your day significantly, so don't waste time with repeat trips. Start your day with Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride; Jurassic Park—The Ride; and Transformers: The Ride 3-D. Then work your way back uphill to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is less crowded later in the day.

Treat Your Taste Buds

Save room in your vacation budget for some tantalizing treats. Bring your hungry Muggles to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to savor authentic Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice. Head over to the town of "Springfield" for the The Simpsons Ride, where you can bite into a Krusty Burger or a Lard Lad's doughnut that's as big as your hand. You can even sip on Duff Beer!

Make Memories with Little Minions

Few attractions at the park allow children under 40 inches tall, but you'll still find plenty to do with the little ones. Bring swimsuits and splash the day away with Super Silly Fun Land's interactive water features. Head down the Star Way to a dino-themed playground at Jurassic Park or take in a show with Shrek or trained animal actors. You can even take your thrill-loving tot on the Flight of the Hippogriff in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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