10 Universal Studios Hollywood Tips to Max Out Your Time, Money, and Fun

Movies make life a little brighter which is why a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is a sure-fire way for everyone from toddlers to adults to have a blast. Whether it’s meeting Batman, spotting clones of your fav A-list Hollywood celebs, or racing across the coasters, get ready for a jam-packed day of fun and excitement! 

Thanks to that, Universal Studios Hollywood is a popular Los Angeles destination so it can get pretty crowded. But don’t worry, we’ve got some insider secrets to make the most out of your Universal Studios Hollywood visit. From tips, tricks, and hacks to travel deals that help you save up, jot ‘em down, and share ‘em with your best mates! 

First time visiting the beloved theme park? Check out our all-in-one guide to be in the know! 

Number one is a no-brainer: ALWAYS book your tickets in advance! Not only will this be cheaper than buying your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets at the gate, but it’ll also save you time lining up so you can skip straight into all the star-studded adventures inside the park.

And if you reckon that one day isn’t enough to explore every bit of this movie-themed park, good news: you can come back for more the next day—FREE of charge!  When you book with Klook you not only get to enjoy one but two days of action, adventure, and thrill-seeking rides at Universal Studios Hollywood using your Buy a Day and Get a 2nd Day Free pass. 

A day at  Universal Studios Hollywood is always a great day, but there are some days that are sweeter than others. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and have the park all to yourself, avoid the holidays and visit on weekdays. 

Compared to weekends, you’ll find that the park is less crowded with shorter lines and more time for adrenaline-pumping rides on a weekday! Though to be on the safer side, you can always check the Los Angeles Crowd Calendar to pick a day. 

 Mums have said this countless times before, and we’re taking this little piece of advice with us all the way to L.A.! Being an early bird couldn’t be truer at Universal Studios. With ten thrilling rides, seven magical shows, and the biggest collection of Harry Potter mementos in the world, you’ll want to see everything and start out early. 

Be at the park entrance at least 30 minutes before opening, and you might just be able to access the park before everyone else. The Wizarding World usually opens first, so you can warm up with a bottle of butterbeer first thing in the morning! 

Klook Tip: Watch out for early park admission ticket promos during peak seasons.

From Hollywood Horror Nights to the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, there are tons of seasonal and memorable live shows you’ll want to catch when visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios publishes a show schedule on its website and app to help you plan ahead. Our faves include the Special Effects Shows and WaterWorld, where you can watch death-defying stunts seen across classic Hollywood hits!

Stay hydrated all day…but leave your tumbler behind! Unlike Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios isn’t as lenient when it comes to bringing outside food and water bottles inside the park. You can only bring in small snacks, baby food, and two small water bottles. But keep in mind that in some areas or special events, such as the Hollywood Horror Nights, food and drinks aren’t allowed at all. 

So, how do you stay hydrated as you blast off from ride to ride? Easy. The park is packed with carts and soda fountains to have your fill of H2O and carbonated drinks! You can even buy yourself a funny little souvenir cup to take home with you. Dining restaurants inside the park also serve free cold iced water, so don’t sweat it! 

Trust us on this, you’ll save a LOT of time when you dine during off0-peak hours. Like any good theme park with its fair share of crowds, Universal Studios Hollywood’s dine-in places can get pretty busy during lunchtime. With families, teens, and young ones all scrounging for tasty munchies, booking a table might be a difficult task. Your best bet is to grab an early lunch or early dinner. 

Still, if your stomach’s growling like mad, another option is to head next door to the CityWalk, where you’ll find plenty of sweet treats and delicious bites along the block. 

Curious which theme park’s got the best food? Here’s the breakdown between Disneyland vs. Universal Studios Hollywood!

You read it right, you can skip the lines! The Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience is the ultimate way to experience the park. With these golden tickets, you’ll get an exclusive guided tour of the park, have access to the VIP lounge, dine gourmet at your own private dining room, plus skip most lines and hop right on the rides—totally worth the splurge.

Here’s one tip to fast-track your rides without using an express pass: line up in the single rider’s lane. Rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff make use of these for those who are in it for the thrill and who don’t mind riding alone or with strangers. 

Looking for more thrills? Try out these 9 iconic rides at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Too much fun? We feel ya! As much as the rides and attractions in the park are exciting, we all need a cool down time, and lucky for you, CityWalk is just next door! 

With plenty of mouthwatering dines, funky dessert places, and shops to boot, this shopping, dining, and entertainment district, a stone’s throw away from Universal Studios, is the perfect way to wind down when the park gets packed or wrap up your night after a day of rides. CityWalk is open later than the park, perfect for nighttime adventures. 

Here, you’ll get to taste the famous Voodoo Doughnuts, catch up on the league at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, and buy the craziest pair of socks you’ll ever wear at the Los Angeles Sock Market! Also, did we mention that the AC is on full blast inside the shops? Ah, paradise.

Finally, don’t forget to download the Universal Studios Hollywood app and find upcoming shows, check waiting times, and book your seats in a snap. You can even grab a Virtual Line Pass in the app to choose when you want to ride!

Which Universal Studios should you go to? Read more about Universal Studios Hollywood vs. Universal Studios Orlando Resort here.