Top 5 Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood
We recently visited Universal Studios Hollywood and I realized I have never shared my tips for making the most of your day there. I have shared tips for just Super Nintendo Land, which you can read about HERE. But I thought it was time to do one for the entire park. It is definitely more fun when you arrive prepared. A little planning goes a long way toward reducing lines, staying comfortable, and getting the most out of immersive lands like Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
We were hosted by Universal, but all opinions and photos are mine
A quick tip before we really get started: if your kids love both Super Nintendo and Harry Potter then they are going to want the interactive bands and wands for each land. If you know of anyone that has gone to the parks, you could ask to borrow their items. This would be a great way to save money! If not, then have a plan if each child is going to get their own or if they will share. I think it’s totally doable to share a wand, but not so with the bands for Super Nintendo World. You can check prices online before you go. Have a plan so you aren’t surprised when you get there.
And now…here are five practical tips to help you maximize your time, minimize stress, and enjoy a full, memorable day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Tip 1: Get There Early
Arrive early (at park open) to maximize your day. Plan to park about 30 minutes BEFORE park opening, since it typically takes roughly 20 minutes to walk from the parking structure to security. Being at the gates at opening lets you experience popular rides and photo spots with much shorter waits & less crowds. It also sets a good pace for the day, and secures the best opportunities for play.
Tip 2: Splurge on the Express Pass
If your budget allows, upgrade your ticket to include the Express Pass. This pass lets you skip to the front of the line once for every ride and some shows, including WaterWorld. We saved HUGE amounts of time with Express Pass, which allowed us to take breaks, avoid burnout, and linger in major lands to enjoy all the interactive details without feeling rushed. I loved that we could spend more time watching the kids meet characters, collect coins in Super Nintendo World and cast spells in The Wizarding World. We never waited more than fifteen minutes for a ride, which was amazing, since the rides ranged from 25-60 minutes long. On a busy day, I’m sure the regular line would be even longer, saving you even more time.
Tip 3: Use Single Rider Lines
If an Express Pass isn’t in the plan, use single rider lines to cut wait times significantly. Single rider lanes are a great alternative for saving time, though you should be prepared to split up briefly from your group. For families or groups willing to take turns, this approach helps you hit more attractions in a day.
Tip 4: Download the Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App
Download the official mobile app before you go and use it throughout the day to check real-time wait times, view menus, place mobile food orders at participating locations, and find show times and character appearances. The app is an essential planning tool that reduces wandering and lets you make faster decisions while in the park.
Tip 5: Rent a Locker
Renting a locker is worth it for two key reasons: the park gets chilly after sundown since it’s elevated and windy, so extra layers are a must. Having to lug them around all day, is not ideal (especially if your kids have outgrown the stroller age). Having a locker makes it easy to keep your warmer clothes until needed. The other reason to grab a locker is so you can change outfits for themed photo ops. We often change from Super Mario gear for Super Nintendo World into Harry Potter–inspired clothing for Hogwarts to get twice the photo fun without lugging everything all day.
One last bonus tip: try to plan your day doing all of the lower lot experiences/rides at one time, then upper lot all at one time. It takes quite some time to use all of the escalators going from the different lots. I suggest only transitioning once if possible.
Quick review: arrive early, splurge on the Express Pass (or take advantage of single rider). Use the mobile app, grab a locker for comfort and costume swaps and only swap lots once. These tips will set you up for a smoother, more enjoyable day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Pace yourselves, take breaks, and prioritize the experiences that matter most to you so you can leave with great memories instead of exhaustion.
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