How to Make the Most Out of Your Visit to Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of Los Angeles’ most popular attractions. Oftentimes, visiting such a popular theme park is akin to fighting a battle — throngs of people, hours-long queues, and non-stop walking. The key to any successful theme park visit is to strategize and have a solid game plan. Here’s a guide on how to conquer Universal Studios Hollywood’s rides in just one day, plus some tips to make your experience fuss-free!
Before we jump right in, here are five time-saving tips to keep in mind even before you enter:
1. Visit on a weekday
If you want to experience minimal queuing for Universal Hollywood rides, we highly suggest planning your visit on a weekday. However, if you have to visit on a weekend, note that park hours are usually extended, and on selected nights they play the Nighttime Lights show at Hogwarts. You can also purchase the Universal Express Pass to skip the queues!
2. Minimize walking time
Universal Studios Hollywood is split into the Upper Lot and Lower Lot. Walking between the two can take 10 to 15 minutes, so it’s best to minimize going back and forth.
3. Get easy QR-code enabled tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood
Enter Universal Studios Hollywood using the all-inclusive Go City: Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass! All you have to do is show the ticket attendants the QR code for entry — there will be no need to exchange for any tickets, saving you precious time in the morning!
4. Pre-book your preferred Universal Studios Hollywood tickets on Klook
These tickets also save you time, as they can be used to enter the park directly.
5. Don’t bring a bag if possible
Many rides don’t allow bags and you’ll save time at the lockers.
Now that we’ve let you in on some tips, we can finally move on to the Universal Hollywood rides that you simply can’t miss out on!
1. Jurassic World - The Ride
Jurassic World - The Ride is a good first ride when you get to the theme park! / Photo from William Warby on Flickr
Whether or not you love dinosaurs or the movie franchise, Jurassic World - The Ride offers a thrill that will stay with you. In the theme park, this ride has the biggest drop, so thrill-seekers are definitely in for a treat! Get ready to see some dinosaurs too along the ride, like a Mosasaurus and a Stegosaurus. Like most water rides, this one starts off like a relaxing cruise until you find out that the Indominus rex has escaped. Be ready for jump scares and to get wet during the ride.
Location: Lower Lot
2. Super Nintendo World
After the Mario Kart ride, feel free to explore the rest of the activities at Super Nintendo World / Photo from Jeremy Thompson on Wikimedia Commons
Enter the world of Super Mario at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World! Here, it’s not just about the rides but also the attraction itself. You’ll get to see familiar locations and characters from the Mushroom Kingdom, as well as play interactive games and Key Challenges as you explore the land. One of the highlights here is the Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge ride, where you have to wear special goggles and go against Team Bowser — just like you’re living in a real-life Mario Kart™ game. The technology is so advanced that you also get to throw shells and collect digital coins as you go!
Location: Lower Lot
3. Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride
Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride is one of the best rides at the theme park, so don’t miss it!
Both thrill-seekers and horror lovers will enjoy this next ride. Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride in Universal Studios Hollywood is a jaw-dropping roller coaster in the darkness—yes, at some point, it will be dark during the ride to add more spook into it. In a nutshell, riders will try to escape from the evil mummy Imhotep until you see the light. But will you?
The ride is set back in 1926 in a tomb, so get ready to scream and do your best to flee from the mummy!
Location: Lower Lot
4. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is best experienced with family and friends / Photo from Inside the Magic on Flickr
You’re in for a heartwarming ride at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem! Join Gru and his daughters as you venture into Gru’s home, and at some point, become a Minion yourself. What a dream! As you go about your ride, you’ll see his super-villain laboratory, go through Minion training, and even join in an interactive, Minion-inspired dance party.
After the ride, you have the option to head onto Super Silly Stuff for some souvenirs to remember your Despicable Me Minion Mayhem experience by.
Location: Upper Lot
5. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
The Flight of the Hippogriff ride invites you on an exciting adventure / Photo from Jeremy Thompson on Flickr
The Wizarding World welcomes you to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an experience so magical for Potterheads, or just the muggles in general. Hold your wands up high as you ride through corridors and halls of Hogwarts just like in the movie franchise. Join Harry and his friends on this exciting ride that will definitely take you to a whole other world!
Location: Upper Lot
6. Universal Studios Studio Tour
See iconic movie sets at the Universal Studios Studio Tour
One of the most famous things to do in Universal Studios Hollywood has got to be going on the Universal Studios Studio Tour! Go behind the scenes of famous shows at a real movie studio to see how scenes are filmed and what it’s like on set. See some sets or props from well-known and well-loved films such as Nope, King Kong, and Jaws.
Location: Upper Lot
Bonus Attraction: Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Rest, shop, and dine at Universal CityWalk Hollywood after taking on the rides
Oh and hey, after hitting all the fun and exciting rides at the amusement park, drop by Universal CityWalk Hollywood for some food and shopping! There are over 50 places to eat and shop here. They also have screen theaters, if you feel like watching a movie.
Some restaurants here are Le Petit Chef - Los Angeles, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, and The Three Broomsticks. For shops, they have the NBA Store, Sanrio® Smile Shop, and Celebrity Authentics. For entertainment, they have the Universal Cinema, 5 Towers Stage with over 5,000 LED lights, and Escapology for a different type of escape room.
And there you go! You’re more than ready to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and pack light so you can have a fuss-free experience at the theme park. Take photos to commemorate your visit, and feel free to drop by the souvenir shop to pick up a little token to remember your trip. Happy and safe travels!
FAQs about Universal Studios Hollywood
1. How many rides are at Universal Studios in Hollywood?
Universal Studios Hollywood currently has over ten rides, with more expected to be added in 2026.
2. Is 4 hours enough for Universal Studios?
4 hours isn’t enough to fully experience Universal Studios Hollywood, but it’s enough to hit the highlights if you're strategic—especially if you use single-rider lines or have an Express Pass. You’ll also have better chances with rides and attractions if you visit on a weekday.
3. What is the best ride at Universal Studios Hollywood?
It really depends on what you like and enjoy. It’s also a different story if you’re a fan of a particular movie or show. Some must-rides, though, are Jurassic World - The Ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Transformers: The Ride, and Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride.
4. What ride at Universal has the biggest drop?
The ride at Universal Studios Hollywood with the biggest drop is Jurassic World - The Ride, which features an 84-foot plunge. Another ride with a drop is Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride.
5. What to ride first at Universal Studios Hollywood?
We recommend starting with the Universal Studios Studio Tour, or you can head to the Lower Lot to ride Jurassic World - The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride, and Transformers: The Ride before the crowds arrive and the lines get long.
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