Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park that has it all, from exciting thrill rides and thrilling stunt shows to beloved franchises like the Simpsons and Harry Potter. If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles and love theme parks, Universal Studios is a must-visit destination. Unlike Disneyland, Universal Studios can be easily accessed via the LA Metro from other parts of the city. In contrast to Disneyland’s focus on younger children, many of Universal Studios’ rides are geared towards older children and adults.
Rides Shows & Attractions
Upper Lot
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Silly Swirly Fun Ride
- Super Silly Fun Land
- The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
- Dreamworks Theatre
- The Simpsons Ride
- Waterword: A Live Sea War Spectacular
Lower Lot
- Jurassic World: The Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Rptor Encounter
- DinoPlay
- Super Nintendo World
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenege
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Olivander’s Wand Show
- Frog Choir
- Triwizard Spirtit Rally
Rides & Coasters
Universal Studios Hollywood boasts a diverse array of thrilling rides that cater to guests of all ages. While many of the park’s attractions are geared toward older kids and adults, there are also plenty of options for younger visitors. For instance, “Despicable Me” Minion Mayhem is a fun and lighthearted ride that is sure to please both children and parents alike with its playful jokes and entertaining storyline.
The park is also known for its impressive motion simulator rides, which use cutting-edge technology to create immersive indoor experiences. Fans of “The Simpsons”, “Jurassic World”, and “Transformers” franchises will not want to miss these rides, which offer a thrilling and realistic simulation of their respective universes.
Of course, no trip to Universal Studios Hollywood would be complete without experiencing the park’s many thrilling roller coasters. A must-ride coaster is Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, a fast-paced thrill ride that takes you on a wild journey through the dark. And with the recent update to the Jurassic World ride in 2019, visitors can enjoy even more lifelike dinosaur animatronics and special effects.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
In 2016, Universal Studios opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This immersive experience brings to life the world of Harry Potter with a replica of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the picturesque village of Hogsmeade. The queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is also an attraction in itself, taking you through recognizable locations from the films such as The Greenhouses & Dumbledore’s Office.
What makes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter stand out is the level of detail and interactivity that Universal Studios has incorporated into the area. For instance, visitors who have purchased a wand can use them to perform “magic” at various points throughout the park.
Shows
When you visit Universal Studios, make sure to catch some of their shows when you need a break from the rides. After all, you’re in Hollywood, where entertainment is king.
For kids, the Animal Actors show is a must-see. The talented animals perform a range of stunts and tricks that are sure to amaze and delight. Meanwhile, the Special Effects Stage provides an informative and entertaining look at the special effects techniques used in movies.
One of the park’s longest-running shows is “WaterWorld,” based on the 1995 sci-fi movie. Despite the movie’s lackluster performance, the live-action show has become a fan favorite thanks to its thrilling stunts and impressive set design. Don’t be skeptical, see for yourself why this stunt show has been entertaining audiences since 1995.
tOURS
The Universal Studios in Orlando may be larger than its Los Angeles counterpart, particularly when combined with Universal Islands of Adventure. However, the Hollywood location offers something that Orlando cannot match—the studio tram tour.
Since Hollywood’s Universal Studios was an actual working movie studio, the tram tour provides an opportunity to visit the sets of famous movies. Jimmy Fallon serves as the tour guide’s voice, and visitors can explore the “JAWS” set and the chilling Bates Motel from “Psycho.” The tour also includes a contemporary 3D “King Kong” experience.
The climax of the studio tour is a high-speed chase from the 3D “Fast & Furious” attraction. This tour offers a distinct experience that distinguishes Hollywood’s Universal Studios from the one in Orlando.
Character Appearances
Current characters
- Beetlejuice, Frankenstein’s Monster, Count Dracula and The Bride of Frankenstein
- Betty Boop
- The Blues Brothers
- Back to the Future: Doc Brown and Marty McFly
- Despicable Me: Gru, Vector, Lucy Wilde, Margo, Edith, Agnes, Dru, and the Minions
- Dora the Explorer: Dora, Boots, and Diego
- E.T.
- Hello Kitty
- Kung Fu Panda: Po and Tigress
- Madagascar: Alex, Gloria, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, Private, and King Julien XIII
- Men in Black: Agent J and Agent K
- The Mummy: Stilt walkers
- Puss in Boots: Puss and Kitty Softpaws
- Rocky & Bullwinkle: Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose
- Scooby-Doo: Scooby, Shaggy, Daphne, Velma, and Fred
- Shrek: Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona
- The Simpsons: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Krusty the Clown, and Sideshow Bob
- SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, and Bikini Bottomites
- Transformers: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron
- Trolls: Poppy, Branch, and Guy Diamond
Annual Events
Universal Studios Hollywood features several seasonal events throughout its operating calendar. Some are included in the daily park admission, while others are separately-ticketed events.
Lunar New Year
Universal Studios Hollywood jump starts each year with its Lunar New Year celebration featuring some of your favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda. You’re invited to meet beloved characters like Illumination’s Minions and Hello Kitty® dressed in traditional Chinese attire, and check out a Mandarin-speaking Megatron from TRANSFORMERS.
Independence Day
Guests visiting Universals Studios Hollywood on July 4 will get to see the park all dressed up to celebrate the USA’s Independence Day with themed red, white and blue decorations at the park’s entrance, New York Street and Universal Boulevard. The main event is the nighttime fireworks display, which lights up the Hollywood skies from several areas of the park. The show is synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and U.S. patriotic songs.
Halloween Horror Nights
Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood around Halloween? Get ready for some hair-raising thrills. On select nights during this separately ticketed event, the movie studio that launched the monster-movie genre transforms into a landscape of terrifying mazes that bring to life horror films and TV shows. For an extra-special night, buy tickets for the R.I.P. Tour, where you’ll get unlimited Universal Express access to all mazes and rides, guided tours of the mazes and VIP dining experiences. Hold your breath as scream-inducing scare zones await around every dark corner.
Merry Grinchmas
At Universal Studios Hollywood, the Grinch™ didn’t steal Christmas. Rather, on select dates in November and December, visitors get to celebrate Grinchmas™. Gather around for the lighting of the nearly 20-meter, one-of-a-kind Dr. Seussian holiday tree. Snap a holiday photo with The Grinch™ and Max, and join the rest of Who-ville for seasonal activities.
EVE
Each December 31, Universal Studios Hollywood plays host to EVE, a mammoth New Year’s Eve celebration that only Hollywood can deliver. After a day of thrill rides, live shows and more, party until 2 a.m. with DJs, fireworks, special food and drink and, of course, a countdown to midnight. EVE is Included in theme park admission, but guests can also upgrade to the Ultimate EVE Package for an even more epic experience. Ultimate EVE includes exclusive VIP Lounge access, a gourmet buffet dinner, private DJ entertainment, a reserved area to view fireworks, preferred parking and unlimited Universal Express access.
Dining
Table Service Restaurants
- Antojitos Cocina Mexicana – CityWalk
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – CityWalk
- Buca di Beppo – City Walk
- Cocina Mexicana – Upper Lot
- Dongpo Kitchen – CityWalk
- Jimmy Buffet’s® Margaritaville® – CityWalk
- Johnny Rockets – CityWalk
- NBC Sports Grille & Brew – CityWalk
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feats Kitchen – CityWalk
- Three Broomsticks – Upper Lot
- Vivo Italian Kitchen – CityWalk
- Wasabi at CityWalk – CityWalk
Quick Service Restaurants
- Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck – Upper Lot
- Chick Chick Chicken – CityWalk
- Cinnabon – CityWalk
- Cleus’ Chicken Shack – Upper Lot
- Crêpe Café – CityWalk
- Firehouse Subs® – CityWalk
- French Street Bistro – Upper Lot
- Hollywood & Dine – Upper Lot
- Jamba Juice – CityWalk
- Jurassic Cafe – Lower Lot
- KFC Express/Pizza Hut Express – CityWalk
- Krusty Burger – Upper Lot
- Luigi’s Pizza – Upper Lot
- Mel’s Diner – Upper Lot
- Minion Cafe – Upper Lot
- Palace Deli & Market – Upper Lot
- Panda Express – CityWalk & Lower Lot
- Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs – CityWalk
- Studio Café – Lower Lot
- Suds McDuff’s Hot Dogs – Upper Lot
- Taco Bell – CityWalk
- The Habit Burger Grill – CityWalk
- Toadstool Cafe™ – Lower Lot
Snack & Refreshments
- Ben & Jerry’s – CityWalk
- City Snack Shop – Upper Lot
- Despicable Delights – Upper Lot
- Duff Brewer Beer Garden – Upper Lot
- Hog’s Head – Upper Lot
- Isla Nu-Bar – Lower Lot
- Lard Lad Donuts – Upper Lot
- Magic Neep™ Cart – Upper Lot
- Menchies – CityWalk
- Mummy Eats – Lower Lot
- Phineas Q. Butterfat’s Ice Cream – Upper Lot
- Popcornopolis – CityWalk
- Studio Scoop – Lower Lot
- Universal Tower Snack Bar – Upper Lot
- Voodoo Douhgnut – CityWalk
- Wetzel’s Pretzels – CityWalk