Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the best attractions in Southern California, but like many theme parks, the costs can add up. Luckily, you’re about to learn how to buy Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets from authorized sellers to save money off of gate prices.
Which method you choose depends on if you’re only visiting this park, if your itinerary includes other Los Angeles attractions, or whether you belong to a particular group. Rest assured that the below methods for buying discounted tickets for Universal Studios are reliable, so that you don’t have to scour the internet for coupons and promo codes that likely won’t work.
Universal Studios Hollywood is temporarily closed until further notice. Select CityWalk shops and restaurants have reopened with new health and safety measures in place.
I specialize in helping people save money on theme park tickets and may be compensated should you purchase through some links in this post.
Important Universal Studios Hollywood Tips
This fun theme park is still a working television and movie studio that the public can get a glimpse of via The World-Famous Studio Tour. Over the last 50 years, they added nine rides and seven shows based on Universal movie properties including Harry Potter, Transformers, Minions, and Jurassic Park among others.
I’ve gone over tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in detail, but here are a few things to know before buying tickets.
Gate Ticket Prices
The cost of Universal Studios Hollywood tickets rises and falls based on season and demand. If traveling during peak season, it is wise to purchase tickets in advance to avoid surge pricing.
Park Hours
The park opens at different times, depending on the time of the year and the day of the week. Always check the online calendar before you go.
Universal Studios Hollywood Parking Tips
Usually, the general parking fee at Universal Studios Hollywood is currently $25 per car, from the time the park opens each day until 6 p.m., and $10 from 6 p.m. to the time the park closes.
However, right now self-parking is free and valet parking is unavailable likely because the park is closed. I will keep you updated in regard to the parking situation after it reopens.
If staying at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City or Sheraton Universal Hotel, they both offer shuttles to the park but are within easy walking distance.
Expected Safety Guidelines
CityWalk opened with safety guidelines that require all guests to undergo a temperature check. No one with a temperature of over 100.4 °F is permitted inside. All guests must wear face coverings and adhere to proper distancing requirements. Enhanced cleaning measures are in place and guests may be required to use hand sanitizer. The shops and restaurants operate currently at a reduced capacity.
These guidelines are pretty standard among open theme parks right now so you can expect similar requirements when Universal Studios Hollywood reopens.
Read Terms and Conditions
Read all terms and conditions before purchasing a Universal Studios Hollywood ticket. Be sure that they do not expire before your visit and check refund or transfer policies.
1. Cheapest Universal Studios Hollywood Only + Combo Tickets
aRes Travel is a San Diego based, authorized ticket seller to major California attractions. They offer some of the cheapest ways to buy discount Universal Studios Hollywood tickets for the park only or in combination with other popular Southern California theme parks for deeper savings. They charge a $2 convenience fee per ticket, but you will still likely come out ahead. You can go straight to the gate with a printed or mobile ticket.
2. Universal Studios Hollywood Vacation Packages
You can also bundle your cheap tickets with 141 different hotels from budget to luxury in a vacation package.
3. Discounted Southern California Resident Tickets and Passes
Temporarily not available UniversalStudiosHollywood.com offers an online-only California Neighbor Pass that is good for 175 days throughout the year including 25 weekend days if you can come during off-peak dates.
Promotions for one-day or two-day California resident tickets tend to come and go. As of right now, they are available direct ($99–$129 depending on the dates) but you should compare pricing as aRes Travel tickets are cheaper on many days.
4. Go Los Angeles
The Go Los Angeles pass saves up to 55% off of admission to nearly 40 top Los Angeles and other Southern California attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood, in three simple steps:
- Choose the pass option that best suits you (you can buy an All-Inclusive pass for a set number of days, an Explorer pass with a certain number of attractions, or build your own pass).
- Buy your pass in advance.
- Get your pass on a mobile device or print it at home.
- Show the pass at any eligible attraction, and you’re in.
Make sure the attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy. Options vary by the pass.
5. California Explorer Pass
Those visiting more than one major California city on their vacation should take a look at the California Explorer Pass. You’ll have 60 days to enjoy 3, 4 or 5 major attractions that include:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- LEGOLAND California
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Knott’s Soak City
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Belmont Park
- California Academy of Sciences
- California’s Great America
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Do not forget to use my promo code for an exclusive discount on these sightseeing passes.
6. Universal Studios Online
I was an advocate of buying directly through Universal Studios Hollywood. Since they eliminated early entry as a perk for guests who buy direct, it usually makes more sense to buy Universal Studios Hollywood discounted tickets elsewhere.
They sometimes offer special ticket promotions but right now there aren’t any that are better than the Universal Studios discount tickets from aRes Travel. If you are interested in purchasing annual passes (more on this below), you’ll need to buy them at universalstudioshollywood.com.
7. Military Discounts
Year-round discount options are available to all active and retired U.S. military personnel. These military tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood need to be purchased in advance at participating MWR/ITT offices throughout the United States as they are not available at the gate.
See also: How to buy San Diego Zoo Safari Park discount tickets
8. Costco
Occasionally, Costco sells Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets. The best thing to do is to search the website to see what is currently on offer. Or keep checking the theme park tickets section of your local store.
9. AAA Discount
Members of AAA can save on one-day general admission tickets and/or up-to 10% discount off VIP tickets when purchased in advance online at AAA.com/Universal or at participating AAA offices. AAA members also receive a 10% discount at select Universal CityWalk locations.
10. Group Discounts
Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets are available for groups of 10 or more people by calling 1-800-959-9688.
11. College Student Discounts
Universal Studios Hollywood partners with a long list of colleges to provide cheap tickets for students. Find your college on the list and click through to the special ticket purchasing area where you can save on 1-Day, California Neighbor, and Universal Express tickets. You can even pre-purchase parking (albeit at retail price).
12. Annual Passes
UniversalStudiosHollywood.com also offers Annual Passes. At the time of this writing, they are priced as follows.
- California Neighbor Pass: $149
- Silver Annual Pass: $189
- Gold Annual Pass: $249
- Platinum Annual Pass: $449
The differences between the various annual passes are detailed very clearly on a chart juxtaposing and comparing all three passes. Annual passes may be an attractive option for Southern California residents who intend to visit the park multiple times per year.
FAQs About Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets and More
I’ve compiled a list of related questions that I continuously receive after years of selling these tickets.
Where is Universal Studios located?
The majority of the theme park is located in Universal City, California, while the rest of the park spreads into the city limits of Los Angeles. If you’re looking for hotels near Universal Studios, many of them are in adjacent Studio City or Hollywood.
How much are Universal Studios Hollywood tickets?
The cost of admission depends on a variety of factors, including when and where you purchase your tickets, and what kind of pass and benefits you want. However, you can save money when you book discounted tickets in advance instead of purchasing your ticket at the front gate. Gate pricing currently breaks down as follows:
- California Resident 1-Day: $99–$129
- California Resident Universal Express: $169–$279
- 1-Day General Admission: $109–$129
- Universal Express: $179–$279
- 2-Day General Admission: $149-$169
- VIP Experience: From $349
How much is an annual pass to the amusement park?
The park offers several versions of annual passes, including the California Neighbor Pass, Silver Pass, Gold Pass, and Platinum Pass. Prices will vary depending on where and when you purchase the passes and what level you choose.
What other Universal Studios Hollywood discounts are available?
Bring your AMEX card to the park! American Express is an official partner which means that you can use any American Express card to receive 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases of $10 or more. You’ll also receive 10% off photo packages over $25 and 10% off select merchandise purchases of $75 or more.
You can also receive access to the park’s American Express Lounge if you purchase VIP Experience or Universal Express tickets directly through universalstudioshollywood.com online using your American Express card.
I’ve been to the lounge and it’s a nice air-conditioned place with bottled water, non-alcoholic drinks, and places to charge your devices. Personally, I think the savings by purchasing these Universal Studios Hollywood tickets at a discount elsewhere outweigh the lounge convenience.
How much do Universal Studios Hollywood fast passes cost?
A Universal Studios Hollywood fast pass is in the form of a Universal Express ticket upgrade. It gives you one-time express access to each ride, show, and attraction but does not include admission to the park (unless you buy a combo ticket that includes admission).
Or, you can choose a Universal Express Unlimited pass which allows unlimited express access. This means that you can ride and re-ride eligible attractions as many times as you like.
Unlike a Disneyland Fast Pass, you do not need to select a time before queuing. Universal Express is added to your ticket once and applies automatically to every eligible attraction so you can simply enter the express queue when ready.
The price depends on where you purchase it, the time of year, and what other tickets you are bundling with your purchase.
How do I get the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience?
The Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience is very easy to book. It grants you exclusive backstage access to The Lot, where you can enjoy a special trolley tour and can even disembark to walk around. You also receive access to VIP lounges and express line privileges to rides and attractions.
You’ll need to buy a VIP Experience ticket for every person in your group that is ages 5 and above (younger children may not attend). Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance.
Can you experience the whole park in one day?
It depends. There is a lot to see in the 415-acre park. Your ability to cover it all in one day may depend on the kind of pass you purchase, how early you arrive, and how crowded the park is during your visit.
If you purchase Universal Express with your ticket, you will get through the lines quicker. Most people can see the park in one day but a two-day ticket will allow you to tour more leisurely.
What about Universal Studios Hollywood Groupon deals?
Yes, Groupon sells Universal Studios Hollywood tickets but they are not usually priced lower than the discounted tickets that I offer through aRes Travel.
Is The World-Famous Studio Tour included?
Yes. Universal Studios Hollywood tickets include The World-Famous Studio Tour. You should definitely experience it.
The tour takes you around Hollywood’s largest set, where 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 brings you through 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 Annual Pass and Gold Annual Pass holders receive free parking before 6 p.m. All other guests are usually required to pay for parking. However, right now, self-parking is free and valet parking is unavailable.
Normally, before 6 p.m., general parking costs $25, preferred parking is $40, front gate parking is $60, and valet parking is $25 for the first two hours. All parking rates are reduced if you arrive after 6 p.m.
What are the best things to do at this Universal Studios?
The World-Famous Studio Tour is one of the top attractions in the park. Other popular attractions include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can tour the famous Hogwarts castle and practice casting spells with your favorite Harry Potter characters.
You can also meet and greet favorite characters, play carnival games, watch performances, and enjoy the best Universal Studios rides. These include a ride through Hagrid’s pumpkin patch on the Flight of the Hippogriff™ and coming face to face with dinosaurs on Jurassic World—The Ride. Join your favorite TV family on The Simpson Ride™ or tour ancient Egypt on The Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride which is my favorite thrill ride.
Don’t forget about the shows either. The WaterWorld stunt show is the most popular.
Do I need separate Halloween Horror Nights tickets?
Yes. Halloween Horror Nights tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood are sold separately from regular admission. It’s an incredibly-popular seasonal event where admission does sell out. You’ll experience monsters, mazes, and scary interactive experiences — at night in the park. However, this incredibly popular event has been canceled for 2020.
Is Harry Potter included with Universal Studios Hollywood tickets?
Yes. Tickets include entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you’ll be able to shop 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.
Are Universal Studios Hollywood tickets refundable?
No, which is why it’s important to read the terms and conditions before purchasing tickets. We are living in extraordinary times so if you hold unused Universal Studios Hollywood tickets that are valid for a date when the park is closed, they will automatically be changed to one that is valid until December 16, 2021.
How do you buy Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets?
Learn also how to save money on:
- 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
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