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Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets are available from authorized resellers at up to $113 off gate prices. Gate pricing is the most expensive option, so buying in advance from any legitimate source will save you money.
I’m a certified Universal Studios Hollywood specialist and travel advisor who helps families plan Southern California vacations, and theme parks are one of the biggest expenses. This guide covers the best ways to save, whether that’s through our partner site, a sightseeing pass like Go City with up to 50% off, your Costco membership, military discount, or an annual pass you already have.
We’ve helped readers purchase over 76,000 tickets since 2015, and our team verifies pricing and promo codes weekly to keep this guide accurate. Below you’ll find 15 options, starting with the best value for most visitors.
Understanding Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Pricing
All standard admission tickets include access to rides, shows, and the World-Famous Studio Tour. They do not include SUPER NINTENDO WORLD early access or the Power-Up Band, which are purchased separately (details below).
Gate Ticket Prices (Why the Gate Is the Most Expensive Option)
Universal Studios Hollywood uses date-based pricing online, meaning ticket prices increase on weekends, holidays, and peak seasons. Gate prices are fixed at the highest tier, which is why buying at the entrance costs more. Children under 3 are free.
| Ticket Type | Gate Price (ages 10+) |
| 1-Day General Admission | $159 |
| Universal Express™ Including 1-Day General Admission | $339 |
| VIP Experience Including 1-Day General Admission | $519 |
| 2-Day General Admission | $194 |
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Add-Ons (Optional)
Regardless of where you buy your admission tickets, two add-ons can significantly enhance your visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Both are purchased separately.
- Early Access Ticket (Recommended): $20–$30 per person. One hour early entry to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and early Studio Tour access before 11 a.m.
- Power-Up Band: An optional interactive band sold inside the park that tracks game progress via the Universal Studios app.
Which Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Is Right for You?
Here’s my travel advisor logic to help you choose the right theme park ticket.
1. The #1 Best Deal: Cheapest Authorized Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Best Deal For: Visitors who want the lowest legitimate price and simple, straight-to-the-gate entry.
This is the option most travelers choose. Tickets are sold through aRes Travel, an authorized Universal Studios Hollywood seller based in San Diego that I’ve worked with for years. Pricing is consistently lower than buying direct, with clear terms and no surprise fees.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Early Access can be purchased directly from Universal for the same date and works alongside these tickets.
Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free!
1-Day General Admission with a free second visit. Both visits must be completed by December 16, 2026. Blockout dates apply on the second visit (July 3, 4, 25; September 5, 6, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24; November 27, 28)
Discounted price: from $101.47/ages 10+ and $93.02/ages 3-9
1-Day General Admission
Admission including rides and attractions for one day.
Discounted price: from $101.47/ages 10+ and $93.02/ages 3-9
Universal Express Including 1-Day General Admission
Skip the regular lines with one-time express access to each ride and attraction. Includes priority seating at select shows.
Discounted price: from $186/ages 3+
VIP Experience Including 1-Day General Admission
Enjoy a full day of the VIP Experience, including an expert tour guide with exclusive access to locations closed to the general public, unlimited express across each ride, gourmet lunch and refreshments in the exclusive VIP dining room, and more!
Discounted price: from $349/ages 5+
Universal Fan Fest Nights
Save up to $67 on select nights April 23-May 16, 2026.
Discounted prices:
- from $71/ages 3+ (Fan Fest Nights only)
- from $110/ages 3+ (After 2pm Day & Night Combo)
- from $139.80/ ages 3+ (with full day admission)
2. Go City Los Angeles Sightseeing Pass
Best Deal For: Travelers visiting multiple Southern California theme parks
The benefits of a Go City Los Angeles pass include up to 50% off admission to more than 40 top attractions, tours, and theme parks in Los Angeles and Southern California, including Universal Studios Hollywood.
Use it when you plan 2–3+ major attractions on the same trip. The park is only included on the All Inclusive Plus pass, which also covers these theme parks:
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- LEGOLAND California and San Diego Zoo
How it works: buy online → add to the Go City app → reserve if required → show at participating attractions.
Note: Same-day reservations are required to visit Universal Studios. I use Go City when I travel.
Exclusive Go City Los Angeles Promo Code
Explore more and spend less with the Go City Los Angeles Pass while saving up to 50% on admission. For an extra 5% off all sale rates, use promo code GOLA5LJM,
(Pass has limited value for families in San Diego during Kids Free October — we recommend individual tickets instead during this timeframe. See promotional terms and conditions.)
See also: 9 Benefits of the Go City Los Angeles Pass
3. Los Angeles CityPASS
Best Deal For: Travelers wanting sightseeing specifically in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles CityPASS can be a good value if you plan to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and several other paid attractions on the same trip. It advertises savings of up to 48%, but actual savings depend on your dates and choices.
You need to choose one or both of the headline attractions at the time of purchase:
- Universal Studios Hollywood (1-Day general admission)
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Then, also get one-time admission to three of the following attractions (you can choose these later):
- GRAMMY Museum
- La Brea Tar Pits and Museum (I always enjoy this)
- Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- SoFi Stadium Tours
- Starline Tours
Reservations are required for Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and Starline Tours. Instructions for doing this are included with your pass.
Los Angeles CityPASS vs Go City Los Angeles
4. Create Your Own Combo Tickets
Best Deal For: Travelers wanting more control over multi-attraction trips
If you are not opting for the Go Los Angeles sightseeing pass, the best way to save on multiple parks is to add them individually to your cart. They are all discounted!
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Disneyland (not on Go City Los Angeles – promo code SAVEMORE works on non-promo multi-day tickets)
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (use promo code lajollamom to save $8 on 1-Day tickets)
- San Diego Zoo (use promo code lajollamom to save $8 on 1-Day tickets)
- Legoland California
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Six Flags Magic Mountain hasn’t been participating in sightseeing passes or combo tickets lately, so you’ll need to purchase tickets to this theme park separately. Knott’s Berry Farm participates in Go City sightseeing passes.
5. Universal Studios Hollywood Vacation Packages
Best Deal For: Travelers wanting Universal Studios Hollywood vacation packages
I offer a way for people to combine discounted admission with hotel bookings on our ticket site. Bundle cheap tickets with a vacation package that includes 71 hotels, ranging from budget to luxury. Choosing nearby hotels has many benefits, including (hopefully) skipping notorious L.A. traffic.
Tip: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and other famous attractions are within a short distance of Universal City. As a travel agent, I can also view pricing and build packages through Universal Parks & Recreation, giving me insight into the best deals. You can read more in my breakdown of hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood.
6. Luxury Hotels with VIP Programs + Discounted Tickets
Best Deal For: Travelers wanting discount Universal Hollywood tickets who like to stay in really nice hotels
It’s not an official vacation package, but by combining our discounted tickets with stays at Los Angeles luxury hotels that offer VIP benefits, you’ll get significantly better value than booking each one individually.
7. Discounted California Resident Tickets and Passes
Best Deal For: Locals who plan to visit twice or more in a year
California residents sometimes receive limited-time 1-day offers and a resident Neighbor Pass (details in #15).
The availability changes throughout the year, but it does appear during off-peak seasons. We’ll keep an eye on these tickets and let you know when they’re available again!
8. Military Discounts
Best Deal For: Travelers who are active or retired U.S. military personnel
Year-round discount options are available to all active and retired U.S. military personnel. These military tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood must be purchased in advance at participating MWR/ITT offices throughout the United States. They are unavailable at the gate.
Alternatively, military members can access discounts online through Universal’s website by verifying their affiliation with ID.me. Offers include savings on 1-Day General Admission, Universal Express tickets, and select annual passes.
9. Costco Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets & Season Pass
Best Deal For: Costco members who will visit twice or more
Costco doesn’t sell single-day tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood. They sell a season pass for $179.99 (sometimes with a $10-off promotion) that includes over 180 days of access with blockout dates similar to the California Neighbor Pass. If you’ve seen $49 Costco Universal tickets floating around online, they were for Orlando and expired a long time ago.
Unlike the Neighbor Pass (valid 9 months), the Costco pass is valid for 11 months from your first visit. You’ll need to register your first visit date in advance, and that first visit must be on or before June 30, 2026. Registration can close up to 7 days ahead, so if you’re visiting within the next week, confirm registration is still open for your date before buying.
At $179.99, the pass pays for itself in under two visits compared to gate prices. But if you’re only going once, a discounted 1-day ticket from our Cheapest Tickets pick (#1) will save you more.
Note: For the most up-to-date information on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets from Costco, please check the details.
10. Discounted AAA Universal Studios Tickets
Best Deal For: AAA members looking for a modest discount without shopping around
If you’re a member, you can access AAA’s Universal Studios Hollywood ticket pricing through your regional club’s online portal. The discount typically ranges from $5–$15 off the gate price, depending on the date and your club, with 1-Day General Admission, Universal Express, and VIP Experience available at member rates.
How to compare (quickly):
- Sign in to your club site and review your zip-code-based offers.
- Compare the final total (after taxes/fees) to our Cheapest Tickets pick (#1). On many dates, my authorized deal matches or beats AAA.
- Review refund/change terms before you pay; some AAA tickets are non-refundable.
What to bring on the day: A photo ID that matches the name on the ticket (standard Universal policy).
Bottom line: AAA is convenient if you already have a membership and want to do everything in one place, but it’s rarely the cheapest option. Compare before you buy.
11. Group Discounts
Best Deal For: Parties, school trips, or large family vacations
Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets are available for groups of 10 or more people by calling 1-800-959-9688 (Universal Group Sales).
12. College Student Discounts
Best Deal For: College students, primarily for colleges in SoCal
Universal Studios Hollywood partners with numerous colleges, primarily in California, to offer discounted student tickets starting at $99. Go to the College Discounts page. Verify your student status there.
See if you can save on 1-Day, California Neighbor, and Universal Express tickets. You can also pre-pay for parking, but the price remains the regular rate.
13. AARP Discount for Seniors
Best Deal For: Seniors ages 50+ who are AARP members
If you are an AARP member, you can save about 10% on Universal tickets. Our discount is better, but this is another legitimate way to save.
14. Groupon Deals on Universal Tickets
Best Deal For: People who check Groupon first, but this isn’t where you’ll find the best price
Yes, Groupon lists Universal Studios Hollywood tickets. They are not currently priced lower than our discounted tickets, our price checkers haven’t seen them lower yet, they rarely are. Groupon’s Universal deals, when available, tend to match or exceed what you can get through authorized resellers. They also come and go, often not listed at all during peak season when you’d want them most.
You can always check whether Groupon has current deals, but at the time of this writing, there are none worth drawing your attention to. We check weekly.
15. Universal Annual Passes (Gold, Silver, Platinum)
Best Deal For: Southern California residents who plan to visit the park multiple times a year
One of the most significant differences among the choices is the Pass Member blackout dates, which include holidays and some weekends.
- Quick rule: An Annual Pass can cost less than two single-day tickets on many date patterns.
- Best for Locals or repeat visitors, especially during peak weekends/holidays when day-ticket prices spike.
- What to check: Your dates vs. blackout calendar; whether parking and merchandise discounts tip the math.
- Where to buy/compare: Check the pass price vs. your planned day-ticket total. If you only need one day, see Cheapest Tickets above. You can buy annual passes through Universal.
California Neighbor Pass
- Price: $179
- Valid for 9 months with over 175 days of access, including more than 25 weekends.
- Benefits include special event invitations, discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family, opportunities to participate in sweepstakes, discounted Halloween Horror Nights tickets, and 10-15% off at participating CityWalk locations.
Silver Annual Pass
- Price: $219
- Valid for 15 months with over 275 days of access, including more than 60 weekends.
- It includes all the benefits of the California Neighbor Pass with fewer blackout dates.
- 10-15% off at participating CityWalk locations.
- Discounted Halloween Horror Nights tickets
Gold Annual Pass
- Price: $299 online
- Valid for 15 months with over 330 days of access, including over 105 weekends
- 10-15% off at participating CityWalk locations.
- Discounted Halloween Horror Nights tickets.
- You’ll receive a 15% discount on in-park food, beverages, merchandise, free general parking (entry before 6 p.m.), and the benefits offered in the Silver Annual Pass.
Platinum Annual Pass
- Price: $599 online
- Valid for 12 months with no blackout dates.
- This pass includes all the benefits of the Gold Annual Pass, plus Universal Express access to participating rides and attractions after 3 p.m., a free Halloween Horror Nights ticket, and additional special event invitations.
Universal Studios Hollywood Parking Tips
Parking prices vary by arrival time and proximity to the entrance. Here’s what to expect:
- General Parking: $40 before 5 p.m., $10 after 5 p.m.
- Preferred Parking: Starting from $60 before 5 p.m., $20 after 5 p.m. (prices vary by date)
- Front Gate Parking: Starting from $75 (closest to the entrance)
- Valet Parking: $25 for the first 2 hours, $60 after that
Prices may be higher during Halloween Horror Nights and other special events.
Tip: I use the Universal Studios Hollywood app to set a parking reminder. This way, I don’t forget where my car is parked.
If you stay at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City or Sheraton Universal Hotel, you won’t need to move your car. The hotels share a shuttle to the park, or you can walk.
Fun Things to Do During Your Visit
Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- World Famous Studio Tour
- Super Nintendo World
- Live Entertainment
- Universal CityWalk
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Super Silly Fun Land
- Shopping to grab exclusive merch
- Holiday events like Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (NEW for summer 2026) is Universal’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster
See also: My Tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood Discount Tickets FAQs
Are there $49 Universal Studios Hollywood tickets?
No. The $49 price you may have seen circulating online refers to an old Costco Universal Studios Orlando promotion that ended years ago. There has never been a $49 ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood. The realistic floor today is around $93 for a child and $101 for an adult through our authorized partner, aRes Travel, or about $109 to $154 directly through Universal, depending on the date.
Are there $59 Universal Studios Hollywood tickets?
No. Like the $49 myth, $59 Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are not real. That price tier doesn’t exist for Hollywood at any seller, including Costco, AAA, or military discount programs. The cheapest single-day adult ticket on a low-season weekday is around $101 through an authorized reseller. Kids’ tickets (ages 3 to 9) start at a lower price, around $93. See #1 for current pricing.
Does Costco sell $45 Universal Studios Hollywood tickets?
No. Costco does not sell single-day Universal Studios Hollywood tickets at $45 or any other price. What Costco does sell is the Universal Studios Hollywood Season Pass for $179.99, which gives you 11 months of access from your registered first visit (first visit must be on or before June 30, 2026, blockout dates apply). At $179.99 the pass pays for itself in under two visits compared to gate prices. See #9 for the full Costco breakdown.
Do I need a reservation for Universal Studios Hollywood?
You don’t need to make a reservation for Universal Studios Hollywood, but your ticket is issued for a specific date. You must visit on the date selected on your ticket. Reservations are required if you use the Los Angeles CityPASS or Go City Los Angeles.
What other Universal Studios Hollywood discounts are available?
Beyond our cheapest authorized tickets at #1, you can save through Costco’s season pass (#9), AAA member rates (#10), military discounts (#8), Go City Los Angeles (#2), Los Angeles CityPASS (#3), college student tickets (#12), AARP membership (#13), or an annual pass (#15).
At the park itself, Visa cardholders get dining discounts at the park and CityWalk, and the Universal Visa Lounge on the Lower Lot is accessible to Universal Rewards Plus Visa Signature cardholders.
Is there a friends and family discount at Universal Studios Hollywood?
If you have a Platinum, Gold, or Silver Season Pass, one of the many perks included is discounts on general admission for friends and family. The discount can be as low as $95 per ticket, while one-day general admission tickets typically range from $99 to $149. If you are a season pass holder, this is an opportunity you won’t want to pass up!
How much do Universal Studios Hollywood fast passes cost?
A Universal Studios Hollywood fast pass is basically the Universal Express ticket upgrade. It gives you one-time express access to participating rides, shows, and attractions, but does not include park admission (unless you buy a combo ticket that includes it).
Current starting prices for Express + General Admission combo tickets: from $189 on Universal’s site, or from $186 through our authorized partner.
Universal Express Unlimited (ride as many times as you want) starts from $229. Prices are date-based and go up on weekends and peak days. Standalone Express upgrades are also available at the park’s Box Office if you decide you want it after arriving.
How do I get the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience?
The Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience is very easy to book. It grants exclusive backstage access to The Lot, where you can enjoy a special trolley tour and even get off to walk around. You also receive access to VIP lounges and express line privileges to rides and attractions to avoid crowds. You need a VIP Experience ticket for everyone ages 5 and up in your group (younger kids can’t come). You must make reservations.
Can you experience the whole park in one day?
Yes. Universal Studios Hollywood is much smaller than Disneyland or the Orlando parks, and most adults and older kids comfortably see everything in a single day, especially if you arrive at opening and prioritize the Lower Lot rides early. Families with little ones often choose two days, not because the park is too big, but for pace.
Touring all day with toddlers gets exhausting, so spreading the visit across two days lets you take an afternoon break, come back rested, and not miss anything. If your dates qualify for the Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day FREE deal at #1, that’s the same price as a 1-day ticket, so families who want a slower pace usually go that route.
What’s the difference between the 1-day ticket and the BOGO?
The price is the same. The Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day FREE (BOGO) deal at #1 just adds a second visit at no extra cost, as long as you can complete both visits by December 16, 2026 and your second day isn’t on a blockout date (early July, certain September and October dates, Thanksgiving weekend).
If your dates work, take the BOGO. If they don’t, the regular 1-day ticket is the same price.
Is the World-Famous Studio Tour included with park admission?
Yes. Universal Studios Hollywood tickets include The World-Famous Studio Tour. You should definitely experience it. The tour takes you around the backlot, which is basically Hollywood’s largest set. You’ll go behind the scenes of your favorite Hollywood movies and TV shows.
You’ll see the sets from classics, such as Jaws and Frankenstein. The tour also takes you through a few 3-D experiences, where you’ll ride along in the Fast & Furious—Supercharged grand finale and venture through King Kong’s jungle.
How can you get free parking?
Platinum and Gold Annual Pass holders get free general parking before 6 p.m. Everyone else pays for parking, and the rates aren’t cheap. See the Universal Studios Hollywood Parking Tips section above for current rates and after-5 p.m. discounts.
Tip: If you’re visiting in the evening, arrive after 5 p.m. for the discounted rate. If you’re staying at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City or Sheraton Universal Hotel, both offer a shuttle to the park so you can skip parking altogether.
How do I get tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Theme park guests don’t need additional tickets to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Your Universal Studios Hollywood ticket will get you into this popular attraction.
Here, you can shop for plenty of merchandise, ride Flight of the Hippogriff and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, buy a wand at Ollivanders, eat at The Leaky Cauldron, and much more.
Can I upgrade my ticket to include Universal Express?
You can upgrade your ticket at the Universal Box Office inside the park, subject to availability (I haven’t heard of it not being available lately). Usually, people do this to add Universal Express or to change to an annual pass.
Tip: If you have a Platinum Annual Pass, you get one express ride per day on each eligible attraction.
Is the Universal Express Pass worth the money?
It depends on when you go. Express + General Admission combo tickets start from $186 through our authorized partner (from $189 on Universal’s site), which is roughly $85 more than a standard 1-Day ticket on the same date. The upgrade pays for itself if your visit falls on a busy day.
On busy days (weekends, holidays, summer, spring break), wait times for popular rides like Mario Kart, Jurassic World, and Harry Potter can exceed 60–90 minutes. Express cuts those to 10–15 minutes, and you’ll realistically get through every major attraction.
On those days, the upgrade pays for itself in time. On quiet weekdays (January, February, September, October), most rides are 15–25 minutes without Express. Save your money.
Do I need separate tickets for Halloween Horror Nights?
Yes. Halloween Horror Nights tickets are sold separately from regular admission. You can purchase tickets for Halloween Horror Nights directly through Universal Studios and through our ticket site. The 2 p.m. ticket includes late afternoon daytime general admission and early event access.
It’s an incredibly popular seasonal event, and admission does sell out. At night, the park features monsters, mazes, and scary interactive experiences. The event occurs rain or shine, and no costume masks are allowed.
Are Universal Studios Hollywood tickets refundable?
Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased. There are no rain checks. The park operates rain or shine. However, if your plans change, you may be able to change your visit date depending on where you purchased. Tickets bought through Universal’s site can sometimes be rescheduled by contacting Guest Services before your visit date.
Tickets bought through authorized third-party sellers like aRes Travel are subject to that seller’s change policy. Annual passes and season passes are also non-refundable but include built-in flexibility through their validity window.
Are the discount tickets from La Jolla Mom legitimate?
Yes. Our ticket site at tickets.lajollamom.com (a subdomain of La Jolla Mom) is powered by aRes Travel, an authorized seller of Universal Studios Hollywood tickets and other major California attractions. We have helped readers purchase over 76,000 tickets since 2015. Tickets are delivered electronically and scanned directly from your phone at the park entrance.
What is the cheapest day to go to Universal Studios Hollywood?
Weekdays during the school year are the cheapest. Tuesday through Thursday in January, February, September, and October tend to have both the lowest ticket prices and shortest wait times. Spring and fall weekends are mid-tier. Summer, holiday weeks, and spring break dates are peak. See #1 for current pricing tiers.
Learn also how to find the best prices for:
- Disneyland tickets
- Knott’s Berry Farm tickets
- Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets
- San Diego Zoo tickets
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets
- LEGOLAND California tickets
- SeaWorld San Diego tickets
- Universal Studios Orlando tickets
- Walt Disney World tickets
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom tickets
- SeaWorld Orlando tickets
Reviews of Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood:
All Universal Studios Hollywood posts:
Katie Dillon
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