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Universal Studios Hollywood hours & tips on the best time to visit

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Universal Studios Hollywood Express Tickets

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Big Bus: Los Angeles Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Celebrity Homes Tour

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Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience Tickets

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How much time should I spend at Universal Studios Hollywood?

The time you need at Universal Studios Hollywood depends on how much you want to see. A full day (6-8 hours) allows you to experience all the rides, shows, and themed lands without rushing, while a shorter visit (4-5 hours) requires prioritizing attractions of your choice. If you want the ultimate experience, including spending time at interactive areas, and nighttime entertainment, plan for a full day and evening. Here is the best way to spend your time based on how long you have with some helpful tips.

Tourists on a Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Short on time? Here’s how to maximize 4-5 hours

An Express Pass is highly recommended if you’re only visiting for part of the day. It lets you skip the regular lines once per ride, saving hours—especially for popular attractions where wait times can exceed 60 minutes.

Must-do attractions:

  • Lower Lot First: Head straight to Jurassic World – The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, and Transformers: The Ride 3D before the lines build up.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: Walk through Hogwarts™ Castle and ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. If time allows, hop on Flight of the Hippogriff.
  • The World-Famous Studio Tour: A must-see, this tram ride takes you through real movie sets and includes thrilling encounters with King Kong, Jaws, and Fast & Furious.
  • Super Nintendo World™ (if time permits): Experience Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge and explore the interactive Mushroom Kingdom.

Pro tip: Mobile order food through the Universal Studios app to save time!

Visitors exploring attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Here’s your 6-8 hour plan for a full-day of exploration

A full day allows you to experience all the rides, shows, and themed lands without rushing.

Start with

  • The Studio Tour: Do this first before lines get long. It’s a signature Universal Studios experience with exclusive access to working movie sets.
  • The Lower Lot: Ride Jurassic World, Mummy, and Transformers early in the day before crowds build up.
  • Express Pass: Get the Express Pass to save time on rides where lines can be 60 minutes long!

Midday and afternoon

  • Live shows: *WaterWorld is a must-see stunt show, while *The Special Effects Show offers a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood magic.
  • Shopping and dining: Sip Butterbeer in Hogsmeade, grab a Krusty Burger in Springfield, or eat at Toadstool Café in Super Nintendo World.

Evening

  • Revisit favorite rides: Wait times often drop in the last couple of hours.
  • Seasonal nighttime shows: If available, visit events like The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle which runs on select nights from March to August, and others like Halloween Horror Nights, Grinchmas, and EVE throughout the year.

Pro tip: Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app for ride times, show schedules, and mobile ordering.

Visitors exploring Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The ultimate Universal experience

If you have time to explore everything at a relaxed pace, take some time to enjoy:

  • Super Nintendo World: Play interactive games, collect digital coins with a Power-Up Band, and eat at Toadstool Café.
  • More shows and character meet-ups: Meet the Minions, Scooby-Doo, and even a life-sized raptor from Jurassic World.
  • VIP Experience (optional): Book the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience which includes an exclusive backlot tour with access to areas not available on the regular Studio Tour, plus gourmet dining.

Before you leave: Stop by the Universal Studios Store for exclusive Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Super Nintendo World merchandise.

Handy tips for your trip

A couple of tourist enjoying Universal Studios Hollywood Skip the line entry
  • Arrive early: The park opens at 9am most days—getting there early helps you beat the rush.
  • Check ride height requirements: If visiting with kids, check the minimum height for rides in advance.
  • Use single rider lines: If you don’t mind splitting up, single-rider lines can significantly cut wait times.
  • Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so come prepared.

Frequently asked questions about Universal Studios Hollywood hours

Are there special seasonal hours or events?

Yes, ​Universal Studios Hollywood often extends its hours during peak seasons like summer, holidays, and Halloween Horror Nights. You can check the park app for schedules.

Can I visit the park in the evening?

Absolutely! The park typically stays open until 6pm or later, with extended hours during peak seasons and special events. Universal CityWalk remains open late, so you can grab dinner or enjoy entertainment after the park closes.

Can I leave and re-enter Universal Studios Hollywood on the same day?

Yes, re-entry is allowed. Before leaving, be sure to get a hand stamp at the exit, and keep your ticket handy for re-entry later in the day.

Does Universal Studios Hollywood close for private events or maintenance?

While the park is open year-round, certain rides or attractions may be temporarily closed for maintenance. Occasionally, private events may affect specific areas, but the entire park rarely closes.

What time do shows and character meet-and-greets start?

Showtimes vary daily, but performances like WaterWorld and Special Effects Show typically run multiple times throughout the day. Character meet-and-greets with stars like the Minions, Transformers, and Jurassic World dinosaurs happen at different times—check the official app for real-time schedule updates.

Are ride wait times shorter at certain times of the day?

Yes! The shortest wait times are usually in the morning right after opening and in the late afternoon before closing. Popular rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Jurassic World – The Ride tend to have shorter lines during off-peak hours. Using Universal Express can also help you skip long waits.

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