Universal Studios Hollywood Tips for First Time Visitors

Are you looking for Universal Studios Hollywood tips for first time visitors?  If so, you’ve come to the right place!  If you’re planning your first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, you’ll find that there are several ways that you can not only maximize your trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, but enjoy it while doing so.  So get ready.  Lights, camera, action…….here are several Universal Studios Hollywood tips!

Disclosures: My family and I received complimentary admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. All opinions, however, are my own. In addition, this post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and buy, The Cactus Chronicles will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping support The Cactus Chronicles.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tips for First Time Visitors

1. Check Universal Studios Hollywood’s Travel Requirements & Safety Protocols
2. Download the Official Universal Studios Hollywood App
3. Stay at a Hotel Near Universal Studios Hollywood
4. Parking at Universal Studios Hollywood
5. Arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood Before It Opens for the Day and/or Consider Purchasing the Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket
6. Consider Purchasing the Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood
7. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Explore The Wizard World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World
8. Single Rider Lines 
9. Measure Children’s Heights Beforehand
10. Weight Restrictions at Universal Studios Hollywood
11. Lockers Are Available to Rent and Some Are Free
12. Don’t Skip the Entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood
13. Dining at Universal Studios Hollywood
14. Spend Time at Universal CityWalk
15. Purchase Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that my family and I love theme parks.  I’ve previously published an article for Disneyland Tips for First Time Visitors, but what about Universal Studios Hollywood tips for first time visitors?  With proper preparation, you and your family can see and do everything in a day at Universal Studios Hollywood.  So here it goes – a list of Universal Studios Hollywood tips for first timers!

1.    Check Universal Studios Hollywood’s Travel Requirements & Safety Protocols 

The first thing you’ll want to do if you’re considering a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is check the travel requirements by clicking here for up-to-date information.  Restrictions at Universal Studios Hollywood have changed and proof of vaccination is no longer required.  And masks are no longer required, although there is a note on the website indicating that face coverings are strongly recommended for all guests indoor.

2.    Download the Official Universal Studios Hollywood App

You’ll definitely want to download the Official Universal Studios Hollywood App.  I can’t stress this enough.  The official Universal Studios Hollywood App will tell you everything you need to know in order to plan your day, like the wait times for particular rides, the location of the rides, show times, and places to eat.  It’s definitely a great resource, and even has recommended rides for young kids.  

You can also use the app to make virtual line reservations for select experiences in the park, such as entry into Super Nintendo World.

3.  Stay at a Hotel Near Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’re not local to the area, you’ll want to book a hotel near Universal Studios Hollywood.  During a recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, my family and I stayed at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, which is not only within walking distance to Universal Studios Hollywood, but also offers a complimentary shuttle to CityWalk/Universal Studios Hollywood.  You can read more about why I recommend staying at a hotel near Universal Studios Hollywood by clicking here.

4.  Parking at Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’re driving to Universal Studios Hollywood, and not staying at a hotel within walking distance, you’ll want to know your parking options, and the pricing for parking as well.  The most expensive option is Front Gate Parking, followed by Preferred Parking and General Parking.  Valet Parking is also available.  You can find parking prices for Universal Studios Hollywood by clicking here.  We chose Preferred Parking for a previous visit, which was very close to the theme park entrance.  By the end of the day, we were tired of walking, so it was nice we didn’t have a long walk to our car.

5.  Arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood Before It Opens For the Day and/or Consider Purchasing the Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket

The Official Universal Studios Hollywood App will display the theme park hours for the day(s) you plan to visit.  In order to maximize your day, you’ll want to be there before the theme park opens for the day.  During our previous visits, my family arrived well in advance of the park opening for the day, and it worked out well.  We lined up, and and as soon as we entered the park, we headed straight towards the more popular rides and attractions.  

The one caveat to this is Super Nintendo World.  That’s because guests now have the option to purchase (at an additional cost) a Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket.  You can read my Super Nintendo World Hollywood tips in detail here, but with the Early Access ticket, guests can enter Universal Studios Hollywood one hour before the theme park opens to the general public.  To find out more about the Early Access Ticket, click here.  Not only does it include early access admission to Super Nintendo World, but it also includes one-time express access to the Studio Tour (which is valid until 11 a.m.).  And if you want to get priority access to rides outside of Super Nintendo World, you’ll want to consider the express pass…..

6.  Consider Purchasing the Express Pass

Speaking of the Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood, do you want to reduce the amount of time that you and your family wait in line for rides and other attractions?  If your answer is “Yes!”, then you’ll definitely want to consider purchasing the Express Pass.  The express pass is not included in the price of general admission.  However, the express pass basically operates like a front of the line pass – and it’s a game changer, especially if you have only one day to spend at Universal Studios Hollywood, or if you’re traveling with children.  When evaluating if you should purchase an express pass, though, you’ll want to consult with a crowd calendar.  Also, if you plan on being in the theme park for more than a day, then I don’t think the express pass is needed.  You’ll want to keep in mind, though, that if you don’t purchase the express pass in advance, it’s quite possible that the express pass will cost more the day you visit, and there’s a possibility that the express passes will be sold out.  Click here to read why I think the express pass at Universal Studios Hollywood is worth it.  

However, keep in mind that while the express pass includes a one time (per day) reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World, it does not include priority access to Mario Kart:  Bowser’s Challenge.

7.  Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World

If you or anyone in your family are fans of the Harry Potter series, then you’ll want to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is a replica of Hogsmeade.  Not only are there several things to see and do in this area (like drink Butterbeer!), but there are two rides.  My son was also able to use his interactive wand to cast spells at some of the 15 designated areas listed on the map.  Speaking of the rides, kids must be at least 39 inches tall to ride Flight of the Hippogriff.  Kids must be least 48 inches tall to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.  If you don’t have an interactive wand, you can buy one at Ollivander’s.  And if you have an interactive wand already, but it doesn’t appear to be working, then you can take it to Ollivander’s for a wand inspection.  Speaking of Ollivander’s, I highly recommend attending the interactive experience there.  

 

Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World is the latest area to open in Universal Studios Hollywood, and it’s a must for Nintendo fans.  Like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it has interactive elements.  It also has one ride called Mario Kart:  Bowser’s Challenge.  To find out more about Super Nintendo World and all it has to offer, click here.

8.  Single Rider Lines

Yes, there are single rider lines at Universal Studios Hollywood!  However, it’s based on availability for select attractions and it can also change without notice.  As a result, it’s not necessarily guaranteed during the day of your visit.  Some of the rides in the past that have had single rider lines are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Revenge Of The Mummy:  The Ride, Jurassic World – The Ride, Transformers™ The Ride-3D, and Mario Kart:  Bowser’s Challenge!

This is a great option for guests who don’t want to wait in long lines and who don’t mind going on the ride without other members of their party.  To find out more, click on the Rides tab in the Official Universal Studios Hollywood App.  Then, click on the Filter icon, then turn on the option for Single Rider Lines, then Apply.  

9.  Measure Children’s Heights Beforehand

Several of the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood have height restrictions, like Mario Kart:  Bowser’s Challenge and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.  If you are traveling with children, you might want to measure their height beforehand to see if they will be able to go on the ride.  Doing so will minimize any disappointment (by both children and adults!) and also help you plan your day.  And if you are traveling with a child who is not yet tall enough to go on a particular ride, but there are other members in your party who do want to go on that ride, never fear – Universal Studios Hollywood does have a child switch program.  We utilized this program during a visit to Universal Studios Florida when our son was a toddler.

10.  Weight Restrictions at Universal Studios Hollywood

There aren’t necessarily weight restrictions at Universal Studios Hollywood.  However, there are some rides that aren’t as plus size friendly as other rides, depending on a guest’s shape and/or size.  As a result, Universal Studios Hollywood has test seats next to the entrances of some of the rides that aren’t as plus size friendly.  I’m plus size so this was definitely a concern for me.  It turned out that I was able to still fit on all the rides, but it’s something to be aware of.  Click here for ride descriptions, but if you aren’t sure the day of your visit, then give the test seats a try before you enter the ride.

11.  Lockers Are Available to Rent and Some Are Free

Universal Studios Hollywood does have lockers available to rent and some of the rides even have free lockers as long as it’s within a certain timeframe.  For example, my family rented a locker for free at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and The Mummy since we weren’t able to take our backpack on the rides with us.  

12.  Don’t Skip the Entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is much more than rides, it’s also a working movie studio.  Because of that, you’ll definitely want to leave time in your day to watch the shows, like WaterWorld.  

13.  Dining at Universal Studios Hollywood

Are you wondering if you can bring food and drinks into Universal Studios Hollywood?  Click here for a list of items that are permitted and items that are not allowed.  However, there are also several dining options at Universal Studios Hollywood, whether you want to splurge on donuts, sundaes or milkshakes at Universal Studios Hollywood, or eat healthy.  Muggles can also order Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  My personal favorite?  The milkshakes and sundaes from Studio Scoop, which is located on the Lower Lot, near the Transformers Ride.  The ice cream is drool-worthy!  Click here for all the dining options.

14.  Spend Time at Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk isn’t actually located in Universal Studios Hollywood, but it shouldn’t be overlooked when planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.  It’s an outdoor area with restaurants like VIVO Italian Kitchen and Bubba Gump Shrimp, but it also has several snack options as well, like Voodoo Doughnut and Popcornopolis.  There is also a light/fountain show that kids especially will enjoy!

15.  Purchase Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood

Want to save money for your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood?  Consider purchasing tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood at a discount and Universal Studios Hollywood vacation packages through third parties like Get Away Today (see below to find out how to purchase tickets through Get Away Today).

BOOK A TRIP TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD AND/OR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AT A DISCOUNT!

If you’re thinking of booking a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood or Southern California, then please consider booking through Get Away Today by clicking on this link.  Not only does Get Away Today offer the best deals on hotels, including free night specials and exclusive offers like free breakfast, free parking and waived resort fees at select hotels, but tickets are also available at a discount.  Layaway plans are also available for Southern California vacation packages, with the first payment beginning as low as $125.  Additionally, you can receive an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer Southern California package by using the promo code CACTUS.