Universal Studios Hollywood started as a movie studio in 1915 and remains one of the world's oldest continuously operating film studios. Some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, including Back to the Future, Jaws, and Jurassic Park, were filmed here.
The original animatronic King Kong Encounter attraction was destroyed in a fire in 2008, but it was reborn in a spectacular way. King Kong 360 3D, created by Peter Jackson, is now one of the most immersive virtual reality experiences.
Super Nintendo World™ is filled with interactive secrets straight from the games. Hidden ? Blocks, secret power-ups, and even familiar tunes from classic Mario games play when you tap specific areas with your Power-Up Band
Blockbuster thrills with rides & attractions
Universal Studios Hollywood is packed with rides that drop, twist, and launch you straight into the action. Whether you love high-speed thrills or immersive storytelling, you’ll be in for an epic time at the park! Here are some of the rides and attractions to look out for:
The World-Famous Studio Tour
A must-do experience that takes you behind the scenes of a working movie studio. Ride through real film sets, encounter famous locations like the Bates Motel from Psycho, and witness stunning special effects, including flash floods and collapsing bridges.
Jurassic World – The Ride
A boat ride through prehistoric waters that ends with a terrifying T. rex encounter. Brace yourself for a dramatic 84-foot waterfall drop as you try to escape the jaws of the Indominus rex.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
A magical adventure through Hogwarts, complete with Quidditch, a dragon chase, and a brush with Dementors. The combination of real sets and thrilling motion effects makes this a must-experience for Potter fans.
Transformers: The Ride-3D
A high-tech battle between Autobots and Decepticons with stunning 3D visuals and motion simulation that puts you in the middle of the action. Feel the intensity as Optimus Prime fights to save Earth.
The Simpsons Ride
A hilarious, motion-simulated trip through Krustyland with Springfield’s favorite family. Expect plenty of slapstick humor, unexpected twists, and nods to classic Simpsons moments.
Super Nintendo World
Step into the Mushroom Kingdom and join Mario on an interactive race against Bowser. Power up with a virtual wristband and punch blocks, collect coins and compete in fun challenges across the land.
King Kong 360 3D
Part of the world-famous Studio Tour, this attraction brings you face-to-face with a raging King Kong. Experience the sheer power of Kong as he battles dinosaurs in this immersive 3D thrill ride.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Another Studio Tour highlight, this ride puts you in a high-speed chase with Dom, Letty, and the Fast & Furious crew, featuring thrilling car stunts and cutting-edge effects.
Closer to Hollywood with shows & entertainment
Beyond the rides, Universal Studios Hollywood is packed with live entertainment that brings Hollywood magic to the stage. There's always something happening, from action-packed stunt performances to family-friendly character encounters.
WaterWorld
A jaw-dropping stunt show with fire, jet skis, and explosions—all performed over water. Watch as stunt performers pull off daring dives, battle scenes, and fiery pyrotechnics in this post-apocalyptic adventure.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Experience wand magic in Diagon Alley, enjoy the Frog Choir, and watch the Triwizard Spirit Rally. Don’t forget to grab a Butterbeer and visit Ollivanders for an interactive wand selection experience.
Special Effects Show
A behind-the-scenes look at how Hollywood creates mind-blowing movie stunts. From explosions to green screen magic, this show gives you a taste of the tricks used in blockbuster films.
DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda
A multisensory adventure that brings Po and friends to life. This 4D experience combines stunning animation with physical effects like wind and water sprays.
Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
As the sun sets, watch as Hogwarts Castle lights up with a dazzling projection show featuring the four houses of Hogwarts, all set to the iconic Harry Potter score.
Character Meet-and-Greets
Say hello to the Minions, Transformers, Scooby-Doo, and more. From classic Universal Monsters to DreamWorks favorites, there are plenty of fun photo opportunities throughout the park.
Animal Actors on Location!
A fun-filled show featuring trained animal stars from Hollywood films. Watch dogs, birds, and even pigs perform adorable and impressive tricks.
Universal CityWalk: The hub to shop, dine & play
CityWalk is where the fun continues outside the park. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, shopping for souvenirs, or catching a live performance, this three-block entertainment district has it all.
Shopping
CityWalk offers more than 30 unique shops, perfect for finding souvenirs or the latest fashion:
Apparel & accessories: Update your wardrobe with trendy pieces from Billabong, Shoe Palace, or Hot Topic.
Collectibles & novelties: Discover pop culture merchandise at Things From Another World, or sports memorabilia at the Dodgers Clubhouse Store.
Specialty stores: Visit the Universal Studio Store for exclusive movie-themed merchandise or the Super Nintendo World Store for gaming-related items.
Dining
CityWalk boasts over 30 eateries, catering to a wide range of culinary preferences:
Casual eats: Indulge in unique doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut, or savor a classic American meal at Johnny Rockets.
Sit-down restaurants: Experience authentic Mexican flavors at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, enjoy Italian classics at VIVO Italian Kitchen, or dive into seafood dishes at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Sweet treats: Treat yourself to handcrafted ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s, or explore a variety of candies at IT’SUGAR.
Endless entertainment
Entertainment is at the heart of CityWalk, offering activities for everyone:
Live performances: Enjoy free concerts and events at the 5 Towers Stage, an open-air venue equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Cinematic thrills: Catch the latest films at Universal Cinema, which features 19 screens, including a 7-story IMAX theatre.
Unique experiences: Experience the sensation of skydiving at iFLY Hollywood, an indoor skydiving facility suitable for all skill levels.
The journey from film studio to theme park
Universal Studios Hollywood began its journey in 1915 as a working film studio founded by Carl Laemmle. In its early years, movie fans could watch silent films being made for just a few cents. However, it wasn’t until 1964 that the famous tram tours were introduced, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Hollywood’s magic. Over the decades, the studio evolved into a world-renowned theme park featuring state-of-the-art rides and attractions inspired by blockbuster films like Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Fast & Furious. Today, guests can experience thrilling 3D and 4D rides, immersive lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and live-action stunt shows that bring cinematic moments to life.
Despite its transformation, Universal Studios Hollywood remains a fully operational film and television studio. Productions like The Voice and Access Hollywood continue to be filmed here, keeping its legacy as an entertainment hub alive. This unique mix of filmmaking and theme park excitement makes it a one-of-a-kind destination for movie lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Frequently asked questions about Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood has 13 rides and attractions, including high-speed thrill rides, 3D/4D simulators, and immersive family experiences. New rides are added periodically.
You'll experience attractions based on Harry Potter (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff), Jurassic World (Jurassic World – The Ride), Transformers (Transformers: The Ride-3D), The Simpsons (The Simpsons Ride), Fast & Furious (Fast & Furious – Supercharged), The Secret Life of Pets (The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash), and more.
Live shows include WaterWorld: A Live Sea War Spectacular, featuring explosive stunts and jet ski action, and Special Effects Show, which reveals the magic behind Hollywood's biggest blockbuster tricks.
Yes! The World-Famous Studio Tour operates daily, offering a 60-minute guided tram ride through working movie sets, iconic backlots, and special effects demonstrations. Some areas may be restricted due to live film productions.
No, Universal CityWalk is free to enter. However, dining, shopping, and entertainment venues, like AMC Theatres, Universal Cinemark, and iFLY Indoor Skydiving, have individual pricing.