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• The Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App

Your Essential Guide To Universal Studios Hollywood™

Navigate the Theme Park and CityWalk Hollywood with interactive maps, wait times, show times and more – all in the palm of your hand.

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• Receive in-park notifications, maps and ride information.
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Get a Virtual Line™ Return Time

Grab a ride time for your group for select attractions. Choose your time and group size. Then relax, play and explore until your return time.

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Get accurate wait times for rides and attractions, along with schedules for show performances.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, from the best rides and restaurants to seasonal events and more.

Did you know that in the heart of Los Angeles you can sip on Butterbeer , come face to face with terrifying dinosaurs, and have an epic journey with adorable Minions? No acting experience required.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park like no other, connected to a working movie and television production lot that's been around since the early 20 th century. The film studio first got into attractions with a tram tour in 1964 but has since evolved and grown into a bonafide theme park with thrilling rides, live entertainment, immersive lands, and thematically pleasing (and delicious) foods.

The theme park may be compact compared to its East Coast sibling, but it makes up for its smaller stature with top-notch attractions. Unlike other parks, it offers a welcomed level of flexibility requiring minimal pre-planning for visitors, appealing to both solo travelers and families alike. The park can be accomplished in one day for those short on time but looking to get a taste of what Tinseltown's only theme park has to offer.

Related : 20 Best Amusement Parks in the World

Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Types and Prices

The ultimate Hollywood experience is surprisingly more affordable than you may have imagined. One-day general admission begins at $109, with two-day general admission beginning at $149. Using a dynamic ticket pricing system, the cost depends on the date of your visit, with weekends and holidays tiered higher. Front gate purchases will cost significantly more, and advanced online purchases are suggested.

Universal Express offers expedited access to almost every attraction and show with ticket packages beginning at $189. Guided VIP experiences begin at $349 and offer small group expedited access to rides and complimentary refreshments.

Luckily, when you inevitably fall in love with the park, it won't require a mortgage payment to visit again. Universal Studios Hollywood has one of the most affordable annual pass programs in the country, with the value of your park ticket able to be used towards the upgrade. Perks include free parking and discounts on food and merchandise, with the pass program starting at $159 for California residents and $199 for general guests.

Universal Studios Hollywood Layout

Comprised of two different levels, the upper lot and the lower lot, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the easiest parks to navigate for first-time visitors. Guests enter on the upper lot and a series of escalators, known as the Starway, travel a quarter mile down to the lower lot.

The upper lot is the largest, comprised of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons -inspired Springfield U.S.A., the World-Famous Studio Tour, live shows, and more. The lower lot is home to Revenge of The Mummy — The Ride, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D, Jurassic World —The Ride, and several eateries and shops.

Universal Studios Hollywood Rides

Universal Studios Hollywood has a little something for everyone, from thrill junkies to young children, with attractions featuring your favorite characters, movies, and television series.

The park has experienced a period of growth over the last decade, including the milestone addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While the land is smaller than its counterpart in Florida, it brings along its greatest hits, including e-ticket attraction, Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey, and the popular wand-choosing experience, Ollivanders.

The newest attraction, Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash! (exclusive to the Hollywood park), opened in 2021 and is a marvel of a dark ride seamlessly mixing industry-leading screen-based technology with animatronics. Located on the upper lot's Manhattan-inspired streets, the colorful area immerses guests in the loved movie franchise through playful character interactions.

On the lower lot, Jurassic World — The Ride is a water-based attraction that shines as one of the biggest thrills offered with pioneering feats in audio-animatronics since its refurbishment in 2021.

The World-Famous Studio Tour is a unique 60-minute journey that includes behind-the-scenes access to working sets while intermixing themed attraction experiences , all while sitting aboard a tram. With ever-changing production schedules, no two rides on this iconic attraction are ever the same. Through the theme park's commitment to becoming more environmentally friendly, the trams are being given an upgrade and will soon utilize all electric vehicles.

Other rides include a family-friendly Minions attraction, a Harry Potter -themed coaster for all ages, and interactive playscapes.

The first Super Nintendo World in the United States is slated to open in 2023, bringing new attractions.

Where to Eat at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood's dining options are quick-service, but that doesn't mean you'll sacrifice taste thanks to multitudes of globally inspired bites served in highly themed locations.

The popular eatery, Three Broomsticks, transports guests to the fantastical world of Harry Potter inside a dining hall straight out of the blockbuster franchise. British delicacies are the menu's focus, with traditional dishes like fish and chips and a standout English breakfast. No meal is complete without fan-favorite Butterbeer ice cream.

The whimsically themed Super Silly Fun Land houses a Minions-themed cafe with approachable eats, like a homestyle grilled cheese and tomato soup. In Springfield, beloved eateries from The Simpsons come to life, including Krusty Burger and Lard Lad (serving up giant pink donuts). On the lower lot, Jurassic Café offers unique bites, like slow-roasted mojo pork, and it is steps away from Isla Nu-Bar, a tiki outpost pouring tropical cocktails.

For those looking to imbibe during their park visit, there's no shortage of highly themed bars, including Moe's Tavern, Hog's Head in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Mulligan's Irish Pub.

Those seeking a caffeine fix should avoid Starbucks and head straight to the French Street Bistro, a charming hidden gem with coffee drinks, breakfast, and snacks served throughout the day.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood

The property's dining and entertainment district, CityWalk, is adjacent to the theme park, where you can find the destination's table-service dining options. NBC Sports Bar & Grill is your go-to spot for sporting events and offers surprisingly excellent pub food, while Antojitos Cocina Mexicano has a wonderful patio and sprawling bar with Mexican eats and handcrafted cocktails. For casual options, the recently opened Chick Chick Chicken dishes out authentic Nashville-style hot chicken while the legendary Pink's Hot Dogs has an easy-to-access outpost of their iconic eatery.

No park ticket is required to visit CityWalk.

When to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Given its location in sunny Southern California, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather almost year-round. Weekdays between holiday seasons are the best time to visit for shorter lines at attractions and restaurants.

Visits during the theme park's two annual events, Halloween Horror Nights and Grinchmas, tend to be the most crowded. Halloween Horror Nights, a separately ticketed event, is the country's leading haunt event where Universal's soundstages are transformed into frightening walk-through experiences themed to the biggest horror franchises. Grinchmas, included with general theme park admission, sees gleeful holiday-inspired upgrades. Universal Express proves to be invaluable during these times.

How to Get There and Where To Stay Near Universal Studios

Universal Studios Hollywood is located in the heart of Los Angeles, approximately 20 minutes from nearby Hollywood Burbank Airport and 40 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport.

Daily parking rates for theme park visitors begin at $30 if entering the lot before 5 p.m. For those visiting a full-service restaurant at CityWalk, valet parking is available for up to 2.5 hours for $10.

Unlike Orlando's version, they do not have on-site, Universal-operated hotels, but hotel partners. Hilton Universal City & Sheraton Universal Hotel are located within walking distance of the park, with guests receiving perks like complimentary shuttles and discounted ticket packages.

Entertainment at the Theme Park

It's of no surprise that entertainment is a cornerstone of the theme park, including some of the most impressive displays of free-roaming characters that interact with guests, like Beetlejuice, Dracula, and Lucille Ball.

The theme park's live shows also shine, like "Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular." Inspired by the cult-favorite film, the stunt show is celebrating over 25 years and uses actual pieces from the movie's sets along with large-scale pyrotechnics and captivating live actors. Other shows include the hilarious Universal's Animal Actors featuring real-life, Hollywood-trained pets.

Their nighttime offerings may be more scaled back than other parks, but the Harry Potter -themed evening spectacular is worth staying for. "Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle" combines music, lights, and projections all set to the stunning backdrop of the towering school of wizardry.

Universal Studios Hollywood Planning Tips

Download the official app, where you can quickly access the most up-to-date wait times, showtimes, maps, and more.

Many guests enter and begin their day at the upper lot's attractions. Instead, work backward by beginning at the lower lot to possibly relieve wait times.

The World-Famous Studio Tour typically embarks on its last ride of the day over an hour before park closing, so it is best to plan ahead for this experience.

Related Articles

Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass Ultimate Guide

Universal Studios Hollywood is a popular theme park destination in LA that has only received more attention since opening the United State's first Super Nintendo World. Super Nintendo World joins a lineup of other popular attractions like those that are set in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Secret Life of Pets. Universal Hollywood Express Pass is a paid service that allows you to skip the line at Universal. This is Universal's version of FastPass/Genie+ as it's often referred to at Disneyland.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Universal Express Pass including average prices, whether is it worth the cost, what attractions are included, and how to get access to Super Nintendo World.

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In this planning guide:

Does Universal Studios Hollywood have an Express Pass?

Yes, Universal Studios Hollywood does have Express Pass! Sometimes guests think this is only exclusive to Universal Orlando but is also available at Universal Hollywood. There are two types of Universal Express Pass.

Universal Express

Universal Express includes one-time access per day to each ride, attraction, seated show, and one reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World when reservations are required.

Universal Express Pass for Universal Hollywood is an additional purchase with your 1-day ticket.

Universal Express Unlimited

Universal Express Unlimited includes unlimited per-day express access to each ride, attraction, seated show, and unlimited reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World when reservations are required.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Purchasing your tickets before you arrive eliminates the time you would’ve spent in line at the ticket booth and gets you into the park quicker. Another benefit to advanced ticket orders is the opportunity to save money. We partner with Universal Studio’s top travel partner to offer discounts on tickets exclusively for our readers.

For the best prices on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets and info on how to avoid scammy tickets, visit our guide to  discount Universal Studios Hollywood tickets .

How Much is Universal Express Pass Hollywood?

Express Pass for Universal Studios Hollywood starts at $90 per person and will go up in price depending on the time of year. You can see Universal Studios Express Pass go up to $200 per person depending on how busy Universal expects the park to be. If you want to add Universal Express Unlimited and have unlimited access to the Express line for attractions, the upgrade is an additional $50 per person. You can see all the Universal Studios Hollywood ticket prices here .

In the chart below, the cost of Express Pass is bundled with a 1-day ticket which typically starts at about $109:

If we look at the month of December, you'll see the price fluctuates depending on the day of the week and goes up the week of Christmas at Universal . You notice that the cheapest we see in the month is $100 per person (after we subtract the 1-day ticket price) in the first week of the month. The most you can pay is $189 in the month of December. If you want to make that upgrade to Universal Express Unlimited then the cost would increase by $50.

If there are still remaining Express Pass tickets left at the end of the day, you also have the option of purchasing Express Pass for a discounted cost. Usually, you can get Express Pass for half off what the cost was for the day but the catch is you won't be able to use this option until around 2PM each day.

So overall, you have a range of $99-200 per person for Express Pass depending on the day. Of course, the more expensive days will coordinate when Universal is anticipating seeing bigger crowds which will make that need for Express Pass (more below!) more justified.

Is it Cheaper to Buy Express Pass at Universal Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood offers cheaper Express Pass than we often see at Universal Orlando. But over at Universal Orlando, you have the option of staying at Universal Orlando resort hotels which include access to Express Pass in your stay so that does balance things out a bit!

The nice thing about Universal Studios Hollywood Express pass is the price is typically set in advance and won't change. This is different than what we see for Universal Orlando which will slowly start raising prices for Universal Express as the date gets closer.If we compare Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood to Disneyland's version of a similar service, Genie+ , then we will see a larger price difference. At Disneyland, Genie+ costs $25 per person for access to the shorter line option for popular attractions in their theme parks. The price can go up depending on peak travel days of the year but we have not seen it go higher than $35 per person so far. There is also just once per day access to the shorter lines with Genie+ while Universal's Express Pass offers two different versions of once per day and unlimited.

This is a considerable difference in price as the lowest price for Universal Express Pass begins at $99 per person. However, Universal's pricing method keeps the number of people purchasing Express Pass much lower than what you see at Disneyland. This means that the Express Pass line is literally, no wait. You typically walk right on to the attraction when using Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood.

In comparison at Disneyland, access to their shorter line (called the Lightning Lane ) does not mean you walk right on the attraction. Most of the time the wait is usually not longer than 15-20 minutes but we have seen lines for the Lighting Lane get extremely long during busy points of the year as more people buy it. Universal's higher price point naturally keeps the number of people buying it lower and so the Express Line remains much more efficient.

This is just one of those never-ending circle debates folks like to have: do we price something higher to make things less crowded or keep them affordable? This is a pretty highly contentious debate amongst theme park visitors and there are certainly pros/cons on both sides.

What Attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood Offer Express Pass?

You can use Express Pass for all the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood with one exception: Mario Kart Bowser's Challenge.

These are the attractions included in Universal Express Pass:

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda
• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Jurassic World- The Ride
• Revenge of the Mummy- The Ride
• Silly Swirly
• Studio Tour
• The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
• The Simpsons Ride
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D

Universal Hollywood Express Pass also includes priority seating to:

• Water World

And access to the Studio Tour, one of the most well-known attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. The Studio Tour is unique to Universal Studios Hollywood and is a must-see experience.

You can also use Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass to get access to the newly opened Super Nintendo World with no reservation required. This is one of the biggest perks of using Express Pass right now as the virtual queue access to this land fills up right away each day.

What About the New Mario Kart Ride?

Unfortunately, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is not included with Express Pass and there is only one standby queue for it. Eventually, we might see this attraction get added to the Express Pass list but it's a bit hard to predict when.

Over at Universal Orlando, the most popular ride in the park (Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure) still has not been added to Express Pass. Remember: Universal wants to keep their lines for Express Pass low and adding big hits like these newer rides to the lineup might interfere with the perfectly honed system they've worked out.

How Do I Get Into Super Nintendo World?

Currently, there are three ways to get into Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood :

• Virtual Line- all guests with a ticket can access the virtual queue and enter Super Nintendo World for no additional cost but this queue has been filling up every day so there's a chance you might not get a reservation.
• Universal Express Pass- purchase of Express Pass includes entry into Super Nintendo World. You either get one-time access or unlimited access, depending on the Express Pass option you pick.
• Early Access Ticket- you have the option of purchasing access to Super Nintendo World that begins one hour before the park opens.

Since we've covered how Express Pass for Super Nintendo World, let's talk about the Early Access Ticket and Virtual Line,

Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket

The number of tickets is limited so don't hesitate to buy! They will not be available to purchase on the day of your visit as currently, they have been selling out 2-3 weeks in advance.

Right now, this is the BEST way to access Super Nintendo World. The land will be at a lower capacity and you will also have the chance of entering it first.

Virtual Line Universal Studios Hollywood

Virtual Line is an option that Universal Studios Hollywood has utilized for new attractions to help manage crowds. We have also seen a similar system over at Universal Orlando for their popular new rides. Keep in mind that Universal is not using this constantly, just as needed. You can check the app to see if the land is using a Virtual Queue or not.

You can only make a reservation using the Virtual Line with the Universal Studios Hollywood app and you need to be on the property to select a time.

Reservations are limited and based on space availability. They typically run out quickly.

To select a reservation using Virtual Line:

• In the app, select “Virtual Line reservation”
• Tap on the “Virtual Line Venues” tab and see the list of attractions/lands
• Click on the attraction you want and tap “Virtual Line Pass- Reserve”
• Select how many are in your travel party and the return time
• Tap “Reserve Virtual Line Pass” to complete the reservation

The app will send you a notification when it's time to experience your attraction/land.

Currently, Virtual Line is being used for Super Nintendo World as needed. But it does not include automatic access/Express Access to Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.

Is Express Pass Worth It?

As with any costly theme park experience, this question is pretty subjective. It's no secret that Express Pass is extremely costly. Even at its lowest rate of $90 per person that would still be $360 for a family of four.

If you're purchasing Express Pass during a peak time of year when the cost can skyrocket to $200 per person then you will be looking at a cost of $800 for a family of four. And peak times of the year are when you will see the wait times the longest for attractions making the concept of Express Pass much more appealing.

If money is no object then the answer is always, yes Express Pass is worth it! But if you hesitating on spending the money on Express Pass then you may want to consider if it is worth it. Here are a few reasons why Express Pass is worth it for many groups.

No Wait Times

Express Pass will allow you to walk on to nearly all the attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood and you often never wait more than 10 minutes. You can easily ride every single ride in the theme park and still have time to enjoy experiences, dining, and meeting characters.

Easy to Use

Express Pass is also incredibly easy to use at Universal Studios Hollywood. You do not need to book return times or plan your rides into your day. You simply just scan your Express Pass when you want to ride and go right in the line. The only thing to keep track of is if you purchase the one-time per attraction pass then you will need to remember which rides you have done and which ones you can still do. It's so easy which is a huge plus when we compare it to more complicated systems like Genie+ at Disneyland.

See Everything at Universal

Express Pass is also ideal if you plan on only spending one day at Universal Studios Hollywood (which most guests do) and you want to see everything! If you have Express Pass, it is incredibly easy to ride all the attractions in the park in one day and still have time to enjoy the other experience. If you do not think you will be returning soon to Universal this is a good choice to make sure you get the most out of your day. Time is money and you will save a considerable amount of time using Express Pass.

So for many guests at Universal Studios Hollywood, purchasing Express Pass is a worthy investment and allows you to get the most out of your day.

Universal Hollywood Strategy without Express Pass

If you do not want to purchase Express Pass, you can still have a great day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Many guests visit the theme park often without ever purchasing Express Pass and it can absolutely be done with a good strategy in mind.

Here are some of my best tips to avoid using Express Pass at Univeral Studios Hollywood and still enjoy your day.

Arrive Early

You need to arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood before the park opens so you can get a good spot in line. You want to have as much time as possible to enjoy your day.

Purchase Super Nintendo Land Early Access Ticket

The most efficient way to experience Super Nintendo Land is to purchase the Early Access Ticket for $20-30 per person. This will allow you to experience Super Nintendo World an hour before the park opens and it also gives you Express Pass line access for the Studio Tour until 11AM. You can spend this hour enjoying the land before the park officially opens with lower crowd levels and ride Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. Since it also includes that Express Pass access to the Studio Tour, this also increases the value of this ticket.

Single Rider Universal Studios Hollywood

It's also worth mentioning that three of the most popular attractions also offer Single Rider. The attractions that offer Single Rider at Universal Studios Hollywood are:

• Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride
• Transformers: The Ride 3D

So if you only purchased Express Pass (once per day) and want to enjoy any of these other attractions a second time then using Single Rider is a great way to get quick access to the attraction. Single Rider exists to fill in empty ride seats after full parties are seated so you will be split up from your group. But if this is okay with you, then you can ride much quicker- sometimes with just half the wait time or less.

But if you are avoiding purchasing Express Pass, using Single Rider for these three attractions (which often have large wait times!) is a great way to enjoy your day. Our last experience using Single Rider for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the wait time for the regular queue was around 90 minutes and we were able to ride in less than 10 minutes.

And then your next option is to follow a Universal Studios Hollywood touring plan to arrive with a set itinerary in place.

Universal Studios Hollywood Touring Plan

The best way to experience Universal Studios Hollywood is with a set touring plan so here are a few example itineraries to help you plan your day.

Universal Hollywood Without Express Pass OR Super Nintendo Early Access

This itinerary follows the assumption that you will arrive before park opening but are NOT purchasing a Super Nintendo Land Early Access Ticket. See a map of Universal Studios Hollywood here .

• If you purchased a Super Nintendo Land Early Access Ticket then use this time to enjoy the land the hour before opening. Go straight to ride Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and then book a reservation for Toadstool Cafe.
• If you do not have Early Access to Super Nintendo World, line up to head straight to  The Secret Life of Pets.  Zig while others zag! The park will be EMPTY in the first two hours as everyone is running to Super Nintendo World, keep an eye on the Universal app to see if they implement a Virtual Queue.
• Next head to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• This ride offers Single Rider- use it to cut your way time to less than half the posted time, come back later to ride it twice!
• You can choose to ride Flight of the Hippogriff  which is a must for Harry Potter fans to see a cool animatronic Buckbeak and Hagrid's Hut. Otherwise, you can skip this one to save time.
• Head to the Lower Lot where Super Nintendo World is located.
• This ride offers Single Rider- use it to cut your way time to less than half the posted time.
• Ride  Jurassic World- The Ride. 
• Head over to Super Nintendo Land!
• Go straight to Toadstool Cafe and scan the QR code located at the entrance of the restaurant to book your reservation if you're interested in dining there.
• Get in line for Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, 
• Ride  The Simpsons Ride  which is located right near the entrance/exit to the Lower Lot.
• Ride the  Studio Tour next as this ride is a priority for a true Universal Studios Hollywood experience. This ride is located not far from The Simpsons Ride.
• At this point, the main rides you have left are all the ones at the park that focus on the Dreamworks franchise. Before heading over to do those, you should prioritize getting a spot for the  Waterworld  show which is one of the most amazing experiences at Universal!
• Ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and  Kung Fu Panda Adventure.
• If you have small kids, you will enjoy taking them to  Super Silly Fun Land  which is an interactive kid's focused area based on the Despicable Me franchise and includes the Minion-themed Silly Swirly Ride.

Head back to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at dusk to enjoy the nighttime projections on Hogwarts Castle. This show changes themes throughout the year from a show based on traditional Harry Potter elements to a Dark Arts one that's a bit more spooky. During the holiday season, the show will be holiday focused.

Universal Hollywood with Super Nintendo Early Access but NO Express Pass

This itinerary follows the assumption that you will arrive before park opening and are purchasing a Super Nintendo Land Early Access Ticket but you do NOT have Express Pass.

• Arrive at the parks one hour before opening.
• Enter Super Nintendo Land using your Early Access Ticket and go straight to ride Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.
• After riding  Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge,  go straight to Toadstool Cafe and scan the QR code located at the entrance of the restaurant to book your reservation. Toadstool Cafe won't open until the park officially opens so keep that in mind- do you want to grab the first reservation available at 8AM (the time the park usually opens) or reserve it for later in the day and come back? If you come back, you will need to make sure you can get into the land! I would recommend just getting breakfast there and booking the earliest time slot possible- just to see the interior of this cool restaurant!
• Enjoy  Super Nintendo Land  and if dining at Toadstool Cafe is a priority for you then hang out in the land until your dining time. If not and you are not called back to the cafe right away, proceed to the next step.

Note:  this is why we recommend purchasing a Super Nintendo Land Early Access Ticket! As you can see, enjoying this area can eat up a lot of your park time and the crowds will only begin to build throughout the day. To re-enter the land, you will likely need to access Virtual Line and may not be guaranteed a second entry which is why staying in the land is essential.

• After you're done in Super Nintendo Land, enjoy the rest of the rides in Universal's Lower Lot.
• Head to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter next which is located right near the Studio Tour.
• Ride  The Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,  and  Kung Fu Panda Adventure.

Universal Hollywood Touring Plan with Express Pass

This itinerary follows the assumption that will have Express Pass for the day but not Early Access to Super Nintendo Land.

So the beauty of Express Pass is you really do NOT need a set plan because you can utilize these shorter lines all day! If you want the ultimate convenience of a Universal Studios Hollywood trip, then having Express Pass is the way to do it. The main two considerations include the two most popular lands in the park: Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Super Nintendo World

Your purchase of Express Pass includes two ways to access Super Nintendo World depending on the pass. If you purchased the regular Express Pass you get  one  entry into Super Nintendo World. If you purchased the unlimited Express Pass then you get  unlimited  access to Super Nintendo World throughout the day.

When is the best time to enter Super Nintendo World? 

Personally, if I have Express Pass I would NOT go there at rope drop since that is what the majority of the crowds are doing right now. I would wait and enter the land around 10AM when the first wave of crowds starts to disperse to other areas of the parks. Once inside, you should go straight to Toadstool Cafe and scan the QR code located at the entrance of the restaurant to book your reservation. You cannot eat at Toadstool Cafe without a reservation so keep that in mind. If eating here is a priority for you then you might want to head over to Super Nintendo World as early as you can. After that is done, ride  Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

One of the biggest advantages of having Express Pass is that you can easily choose to save Super Nintendo World for later in the day and then prioritize enjoying the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before the crowds build in this land. This is a great time to play around with the interactive wands and enjoy the atmosphere before it gets too crowded to easily navigate.

And of course, take the time to use Express Pass for both H arry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff.

How Does Universal Express Pass Work in Hollywood Studios?

Using Universal Express Pass is quite easy to figure out at Universal Studios Hollywood. There are no reservations to make or return times to keep track of. You will simply just experience attractions in whatever order you please. It's really that easy!

You can either register your Express Pass in the Universal Studios Hollywood app and then you will be provided with a QR code on the app that you can scan in the park. If you don't want to use the app, you will also be provided with a paper version of the Universal Express Pass which can be physically scanned at each ride.

The entry to the Express Pass line is clearly marked at most of the entrances to the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood. Simply scan your pass and enter the Express Pass line!

Do I Skip the Line with Express Pass?

The easy answer to this question is YES. The Express Pass line removes nearly all other wait for attractions and because Express Pass is priced higher we don't see as many people with it so the lines move quickly. On average with my experience with Express Pass, I usually did not wait longer than 15 minutes, and most of the time the line was a walk on.

For some rides, there might still be a bit of a wait just because the line merges with the regular queue before the pre-shows so that way those in the Express Pass line can still enjoy the pre-show. This is true for the Simpsons and Minions ride as you will merge with the regular queue for the pre-show. But even then, you are still skipping the majority of the wait time.

Unfortunately, the one attraction that isn't included in Express Pass is Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. This is a common practice for new attractions as Universal wants to keep the number of guests purchasing Express Pass even with their usual trends. We might see Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge added eventually but even over at Universal Orlando, their two newest rides (Velocicoaster and Hagrids) are still not included in Express Pass.

The best way to get on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is to rope drop it right after the park opens when the line will be the shortest. Throughout the day the wait time for this attraction averages around 90 minutes.

VIP Experience Universal Studios Hollywood

If you want to really splurge on your day at Univeral Studios Hollywood then you can consider purchasing the VIP Experience. The VIP Experience includes escorted express access to rides, shows, and attractions.

The VIP itinerary includes:

• Begin the day in an exclusive VIP lounge with light snacks and refreshments.
• A gourmet meal in the private VIP dining room, prepared by Universal’s very own executive chef (alcoholic beverages excluded).
• Unlimited Universal Express access to all participating rides and priority seating for select shows.
• Complimentary valet parking and VIP entry to the Park.

An expert VIP guide will escort guess through the express line at rides and attractions and find you the best seats at seated shows.

The VIP Experience also includes exclusive access to Universal's Backlot. Guests can tour the movie industry’s busiest sets in a special trolley where you can disembark to explore some of the famous outdoor sets.

To book the VIP Experience, you can book online at Universal Studios Hollywood's website or (818) 622-8477  for price and availability.

Overall, Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood is a great asset to your day and if you can justify the cost in your travel budget then it may be a worthy investment for your group.

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

Is it worth it to get the express pass and Early access to nintendo world? We are coming on October 12 ( thursday) and its a halloween horror night. Our kids are 10 I think the halloween night is too scary for them so Im not sure we will buy the night so will they kick us out at 5pm? There is some literature saying we might be able to go to one land until 7 on halloween night? Is that true or will they start rounding us up at 4:30 to kick us out at 5? If we are kicked out I think doing express is needed early in the day. And possibly nintendo too? There is so much more info on orlando than hollywood. its challenging to figure it all out.

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Pictures of Universal Studios Hollywood

Betsy Malloy Photography

These pictures will give you an idea of what to expect when you visit Universal Studios in Hollywood California.

You could be standing just below this big globe, smiling because you read the Universal Studios visitor guide and knew how to make the most of your day.

Character Greeting

Universal Studios has gotten into character greetings in a big way in the past few years, and you'll find them out and about during your visit for sure. 

Gru can be found (as you would expect) outside the Minion Mayhem ride. Optimus Prime and other Transformers also put in an appearance outside the Transformers 3-D ride.

Inside Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Is one of the most fun rides in the park, which often means you will be standing in line for a while. Fortunately, there's plenty of entertainment so you won't be bored.

In the last stage of the entry queue, Gru tells the minion recruits (aka everyone in line) about what's going to happen. 

Upper Lot Attractions

The Simpsons Ride, which takes place in the fictional Krustyland, is one of the attractions on Universal's Upper Lot. Here's a full list:

Studio Tour

• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
• Super Silly Funland
• The Simpsons Ride TM
• Universal's Animal Actors
• Special Effects Show
• Kung Fu Panda
• The Blues Brothers®
• AMC Walking Dead Attraction
• Water World®

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also on the upper lot, where you can ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the Flight of the Hippogriff.

You can find out about all of them in the Universal Studios Hollywood Ride Guide .

StarWay Escalator

This is just one of the series of escalators that carry visitors between Universal's upper and lower lots, a trip that takes 6.5 minutes each way. Universal calls it the "StarWay Escalator." You can also take the steps, but you might need the endurance of an Olympic marathon runner to do that going up.

Lower Lot: Transformers and More

Transformers is one of the most fun rides at any California theme park, but it's not the only thing to see and do on Universal's Lower Lot. Here's a full list:

• Transformers TM : The Ride-3D
• Revenge of the Mummy SM - The Ride
• Jurassic Park® - The Ride (which is currently closed for renovation)

You can  find out about all of them in the Universal Studios Hollywood Ride Guide .

Back Lot View

The Universal Studios backlot is in the foreground, but they're not the only studio in town. Just beyond the trees is Warner Bros. Studios. This photo is taken from the vista point on the way down to the studio tour.

The entrance to the Studio Tour is on the upper lot, but you'll go down an escalator to get to this entrance area.

This view shows some of the new exterior sets built after the fire. On the left, you can see that they're just a facade, all front with nothing behind it.

Just one of several effects trumped up especially for the tour, and this one features a torrent of water that appears from nowhere.

Six Points Old West Set

It's called Six Points because six streets meet in the middle and it was the scene of many gunfights, stampedes and other Wild West goings-on. According to our guide, some of the buildings have shorter-than-normal doors to make height-challenged actors placed in front of them look taller.

Earthquake Scene

It starts out innocently - you're going inside one of the big stage buildings to see the set of a film that's being made. Next thing you know, there's an earthquake, and the building is rocking, sparks flying and then - there's the flood. The photographer didn't even get wet taking a picture of this one.

By now, almost everyone must know that the shark is going to pop out of the water at some time during the tour, but many people still seem surprised.

Wisteria Lane

Its most recent use was as the Young/Shepherd/Bolen house on television show Desperate Housewives , but they weren't the first housewives to occupy it. June Cleaver also presided over this abode in Leave it to Beaver .

This set from the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the most colorful on the whole back lot.

Bates Motel

This set from the film Psycho is a Universal Studios tour classic. In the most recent version, Normal Bates can be seen carrying a body out of the motel to put it in his car. Autograph-seeking is NOT recommended.

War of the Worlds Set

The studio tour takes you through this scene from the Steven Spielberg film. It cost $2 million just to get the full-sized airplane to the set.

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Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’re anything like me, the second you walk into Universal Studios Hollywood you make a beeline for one place: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . Walking through those arches and into Hogsmeade never gets old. From the snowy rooftops to the overflowing cups of Butterbeer to the towers of Hogwarts castle itself, walking through this area of Universal Studios always feels like coming home.

But there’s so much packed into this slice of the wizarding world — how does one even know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our complete guide to what you have to see, eat, drink and shop for at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is home to one of the best rides in the entire theme park: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey . This thrill ride takes you soaring over the Hogwarts grounds, through the Quidditch pitch, into the depths of the Forbidden Forest, past dozens of Dementors and into the school of witchcraft and wizardry itself.

PRO TIP: Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app and set up a Wait Time Alert for this ride, and all the rides you want to try. It’ll let you know when the line gets to your desired length, giving you more time to explore the wizarding village. That said, the queue for this one is a trip in itself. You’ll wind through Hogwarts castle, past the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore’s office, the Mirror of Erised, and so many other memorable locales. Wizarding World Fans: this is your heaven.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Want a family-friendly thrill that captures the sensation of flying over Hagrid’s pumpkin patch? This outdoor coaster is for you. The Flight of the Hippogriff begins and ends at Hagrid’s hut, where the groundskeeper instructs you how to properly approach a Hippogriff, a magical creature with a head resembling that of an eagle with the body of a horse, that made for a very memorable Care of Magical Creatures class.

Ollivanders

Any Harry Potter fan knows Ollivander’s saying “the wand chooses the wizard.” But how does that work, exactly? See for yourself at Ollivanders , makers of fine wands since 382 B.C.. During this interactive show, one lucky guest will interact with a wandkeeper where the wand chooses the wizard. That guest could be you! After, you can find a wand for yourself in the dusty old wand shop.

PRO TIP:  I recommend the interactive wand. This will allow you to perform several spells all over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Wingardium Leviosa and Alohomora. Interactive wands come with a map of the area, indicating where you can perform spells. It’ll make you feel like a veritable Hogwarts student.

Triwizard Spirit Rally

You can also meet the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang in Hogsmeade, and see them perform during the Triwizard Spirit Rally ! Catch the other European wizarding schools’ students show off their skills during this five-minute show. Afterwards, hang around to take a picture with them — no Triwizard Cup required.

Check out this amphibious quartet, which performs on the stage in-between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle. In this 10-minute show, the four-part chorus sings popular Wizarding World songs a cappella. The Frog Choir performs during the seasonal event, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As if you needed another excuse to see Hogsmeade lit up in twinkle lights.

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Three broomsticks.

This restaurant might be my favorite in the whole theme park. Three Broomsticks is perhaps the best sit-down breakfast option at Universal Studios Hollywood — I always go for the dynamite Traditional English Breakfast (complete with several meats, baked beans, sauteed mushrooms and more), which gives me all the energy I need to face Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Shove it, Malfoy!

But if you’re with a group, you should totally take advantage of The Great Feast, a four-person meal with herb roasted chicken, spare ribs, and tons of roasted veggies. Oh, and don’t skip dessert — the Sticky Toffee Pudding is next level delicious, and the Butterbeer Potted Cream is what wizarding dreams are made of.

Hog’s Head

Speaking of Butterbeer, no trip to Universal is complete without a glass of this iconic beverage!  The non-alcoholic treat comes in three modes: hot, cold, or frozen. (The cold is my preference, but it’s worth sampling all three.) But if you’re looking for something a bit stronger, Hog’s Head has a wide selection of original draught beers and spirits. That includes Hog’s Head Brew, and Dragon Scale, a Scottish ale and a lager, respectively, both brewed exclusively for Universal parks.

WHERE TO SHOP

Hogsmeade is jam-packed with shops, so take a spin through ‘em all while you’re there! But, for the sake of guidance, here are the can’t-misses:

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods

Speaking of Filch, one of the best places in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to pick up some goods is in Hogwarts itself. At Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods , you can show your house spirit with Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin gear, or even unveil all of Hogwarts’ hidden passageways with your own Marauder’s Map.

I mean, duh. The wizarding candy shop has everything your sweet tooth could ever desire: Chocolate Frogs, Acid Pops, Peppermint Toads, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, and so much more. I’m known to drop some serious galleons at Honeydukes whenever I’m there.

Gladrags Wizardwear

Witch robes, but make it fashion. Welcome to Gladrags Wizardwear , the one-stop-shop for all the ritziest wizardwear includes dress robes, hats, ties, jewelry and jumpers. You can even get your very own replica of Heromione’s iconic pink Yule Ball dress from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

WHERE TO POSE

Hogwarts castle.

This is the shot to get in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. No — at Universal Studios Hollywood! Make your way through Hogsmeade village toward the Triwizard Stage for the best place to stand and pose with the enchanting Hogwarts castle.

Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express conductor is there to welcome new arrivals. This is a great opportunity to take a photo with the iconic steam engine as your journey through Hogsmeade village begins. Afterwards, pop into Hogsmeade Station for all the Platform 9 ¾ gear your magical little heart desires.

That’s a wrap on our guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! What’re your favorite spots in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Let us know in the comments below.

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Grace Perry

Senior Editor, Universal Studios Hollywood. Lisa sun, Smithers rising, Disco Stu moon.

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A magical visit awaits, Luna! ✨

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