45 Universal Studios Hollywood Tips and Tricks for an Awesome Visit in 2026

These Universal Studios Hollywood tips are designed to help you make the most of your day by minimizing line waiting and building an efficient park strategy, especially if this is your first visit.

I’m a certified Universal Studios Hollywood Specialist, and I share where smart planning can save money, so you can splurge on what actually makes the experience fun, whether that’s a new wand or a donut the size of your head.

Best Time to Go to Universal Studios Hollywood

Choosing when to visit is the first step in avoiding the heaviest crowds and the intense Southern California heat. From seasonal weather patterns to the highly anticipated 2026 event lineup, timing your trip correctly is essential for a stress-free experience.

1. Timing is everything: Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in the summer is busy, plus the LA heat is real. School is out, and this is one of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

Spring (outside of spring break), winter (outside of winter break), and fall are less busy options. It’s probably a no-brainer that public holidays should be avoided, if possible.

For Spring 2026, you need to be aware of Universal Fan Fest Nights. On select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026, the park hosts this separately ticketed after-hours event celebrating Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming, and Anime.

If you don’t have an event ticket, you may have to leave earlier than usual (often by 6 p.m.), so always check the calendar.

2. Midweek is best: Plan your excursion for midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) when there are typically fewer people. If you can be flexible with dates, check out isitpacked.com to help you decide which day will be the least crowded.

3. Celeb-spotting: Are you keen on a little celeb-spotting? This is another benefit of going midweek, as you might glimpse your favorite star hard at work on the active backlot.

4. Arrive 60 Minutes Early: Check park opening times and try to arrive at least 60 minutes before (not just 30). A line forms at the entrance gates well before the park opens. Ticket scanning has been starting 30 minutes before opening.

If you have the Super Nintendo World™ Early Access Ticket (which I highly recommend), aim to be at the gate 30–45 minutes before your early entry time starts to maximize that empty-park feeling.

Saving Money on Tickets

While a trip to a major theme park is an investment, you don’t have to pay full price at the gate. By utilizing authorized sellers and planning for premium upgrades in advance, you can maximize the value of your vacation budget.

5. Direct Tickets & Early Access: While you don’t need to buy general admission directly through Universal, you do need to secure the Super Nintendo World™ Early Access Ticket on their website.

Note: “Early Entry” is exclusively for Super Nintendo World, allowing you to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge before the crowds arrive.

6. Buy tickets in advance: This is the most essential money and time-saving tip. Gate prices for 1-Day General Admission can be significantly higher compared to online prices. Plus, having your ticket on your phone means you go straight to the turnstiles.

7. Look for Deals: There is no need to pay gate pricing on admission. I have covered in detail how to buy Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets from authorized sellers. The savings are significant, and I have partnered with aRes Travel to offer some of the lowest pricing around.

8. Consider buying the Universal Express Pass: This provides shorter wait times for eligible rides, shows, and attractions. You can choose one-time priority access via a designated queue to every eligible ride, show, and attraction.

Universal Express now includes one-time priority access to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. This is a huge change from when the land first opened.

It’s the not-so-secret Universal Hollywood secret and can also be purchased in advance at a discount.

9. Upgrade to the VIP Experience: For the ultimate stress-free day, opt for the VIP Experience. It includes valet parking, a light breakfast, a gourmet buffet lunch, and unlimited priority access to all rides. When you factor in the included meals and valet parking, the upgrade is often worth it for the unlimited front-of-line access.

10. Evaluate Multi-Day Value: If you’re worried about cramming everything into one day, a two-day pass is a good option. This allows you to take it slowly, let smaller kids return to the hotel for naps, or for Harry Potter fans to comb through The Wizarding World over and over again.

11. Check Sightseeing Passes: If you plan to visit other Southern California theme parks or Los Angeles attractions, consider a sightseeing pass like the Go Los Angeles Card.

General Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood

Navigating a working film studio and theme park requires a bit of logistical savvy, and these Universal Studios Hollywood tips cover the unique split-lot layout and the technology you’ll need to stay ahead of the crowds.

12. Download the App: Download the Universal Studios Hollywood App. This will save you time searching for shows, reserving spots, and locating restaurants and attractions. You will find it useful for wait times, and crucially, for Mobile Food Ordering.

13. Plan around Shows: Of course, how you spend your day depends on what attractions, shows, and rides are your priority. Here’s one of the most important Universal Studios Hollywood tips. Check out the show schedule when you arrive and plan everything else around that. Rides run consistently during park open hours, but shows happen only at set times.

14. Prioritize the studio tour: The World-Famous Studio Tour takes about 60 minutes. Do not board the tram less than 90 minutes before the park closes.

The World-Famous Studio Tour closes before the park does, so don’t forget to fit that in well before closing times. Doing the tour at midday is a great way to rest your feet while you relax on the tram while touring the backlot, seeing the set of Jaws, running into King Kong, and the classic Earthquake: The Big One segment.

Pro Tip: Try to sit in Car 3 or the back of Car 2 for the best unblocked views of the action.

15. Minimize lot switching: The park is divided into an Upper Lot and Lower Lot, and it’s best to see one first and then the other. Very long escalators connect the two areas. The ride takes about 10 minutes — it feels even longer than that, though luckily, the escalators are mostly covered to protect you from the sun.

Once you go down to the Lower Lot (Jurassic World, Mummy, Mario Kart), stay there until you finish everything. Don’t hop back and forth.

16. Prepare for the weather: Universal City in Los Angeles is not near the beach and can get quite hot during the summer months. However, remember to drink enough water and pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen year-round. Our SoCal sun nearly always shines, and you can get sunburned even on a foggy day in December.

17. Pick Up Birthday Buttons: If anyone in your group is celebrating a birthday, stop by Guest Relations near the entrance for a special birthday button.

Parking Strategy

Save time and money by choosing the right garage and taking advantage of CityWalk’s movie theater rebate. Use these Universal Studios Hollywood tips to make your arrival easier.

18. General Parking: If you enter via Lankershim Blvd, you are often routed to the Jurassic Parking garage, which is a shorter walk to the front gate than the E.T. garage.

19. The Cinema Hack: If you arrive later in the day, park in General Parking and pay the full fee at the toll booth (keep your receipt!). Buy a movie ticket at the Universal Cinema on CityWalk, and show your parking receipt at the theater box office. They will issue a rebate, reducing your parking cost to just $5.

Note: This rebate is usually processed at the theater box office, not the parking toll booth.

Eating & Drinking

Theme park dining has improved significantly, offering much more than just quick-service staples. To avoid long waits and ensure your group stays fueled, follow these strategies for dining inside and outside the gates.

18. Eat Breakfast Before Entry: Eat breakfast before arriving at the park. This way, you can head straight to the rides, shows, and attractions without having to stop somewhere first to soothe a grumbling stomach. That being said, they do serve a hearty breakfast at Three Broomsticks inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

19. Bring Essential Snacks and Water: You cannot bring food into the park, but you can bring water, baby food, medically necessary food, and some snacks in small soft-sided bags. I recommend packing some energy snacks and water bottles to save you time and money. 

20. Use Mobile Order at Minion Cafe: The line for Minion Cafe is deceptively long. Skip it by using “Mobile Food Ordering” in the app. You can often pick up your food at the window in minutes, bypassing the lunch rush.

21. Dine Outside Peak Hours: Peak meal times are busy, and there are no table-service restaurants where you can make reservations in advance. Time your lunch and dinner plans outside peak hours to avoid waiting ages for a table or a meal. Snacks come in handy for this reason. You can now preorder food for pickup at some locations through the app.

22. Review Dietary Food Guides: Universal Studios Hollywood tips for guests who are gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-free include checking the online dietary food guide before arriving. This knowledge makes it easy to decide which restaurant to go to, especially if you need to plan your day around it.

23. Invest in Refillable Cups: Purchase a Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup if you plan to drink more than three sodas or flavored waters. These cups offer unlimited refills every 10 minutes at any Freestyle station. Buying two or more cups at once typically triggers a multi-cup discount, making it a better value for families or groups.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips

For Harry Potter fans, Hogsmeade is often the priority. These Universal Studios Hollywood tips will help you maximize your time in the Wizarding World without fighting the morning rush at the park’s newer attractions.

24. Prioritize Hogsmeade in the Afternoon: While it was once the standard to rush to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at park opening, most guests now head to the Lower Lot or the new coaster first. You will often find shorter wait times for the castle and fewer crowds in the village by waiting until the late afternoon.

25. Visit Flight of the Hippogriff for Younger Fans: If you are traveling with younger children or fans who aren’t ready for the intensity of the Forbidden Journey, head to Flight of the Hippogriff. It is a short, tame roller coaster that offers a great view of Hagrid’s Hut and the castle.

26. Split Your Wizarding World Time: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is probably the busiest area in the entire theme park. My daughter likes to split her visit, starting and ending the day here. I think this is a good strategy, though I like to eat at the Three Broomsticks, and you can grab a craft beer at the Hogs Head bar.

If you want to see the details of Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, and the Sorting Hat without riding, or if you’re sensitive to motion, ask a Team Member for a “Castle Tour.” This allows you to walk through the queue to take photos at your own pace without getting on the ride.

27. Visit Ollivanders in the Afternoon: The line for the wand pairing ceremony is consistently longest in the morning as people rush to get their wands for the day. Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy a much shorter wait for this signature experience.

28. Buy Interactive Magic Wands: If you purchase a wand, get the interactive version. It comes with a map of Hogsmeade showing 15 locations where you can cast spells to trigger window displays, which is one of the best ways to explore the hidden details of the land.

Super Nintendo World Tips

The Mushroom Kingdom is a major draw for visitors, and these Universal Studios Hollywood tips will help you navigate the land’s unique interactive elements and reservation systems without unnecessary stress.

29. Avoid the Bag Trap: Unlike Harry Potter or The Mummy, you do NOT need a locker for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. There is room at your feet for a backpack. Don’t waste time fighting the locker crowds if you don’t have to!

30. Execute a Mario Kart Strategy: If you don’t have Early Access or Express Pass, ride Mario Kart immediately at rope drop or right before the park closes. Mid-day waits can exceed 100 minutes.

31. Join the Toadstool Cafe Queue: You cannot walk into the cafe without a reservation. Scan the QR code at the land’s entrance as soon as you arrive to secure a time slot, as these typically fill up by mid-morning.

If you can’t get into Toadstool Cafe, check out the Power-Up Cafe in the Upper Lot (New York Street). It serves Super Mushroom and Fire Flower Calzones, and Fizz drinks with no reservation required.

32. Invest in Power-Up Bands: These $40+ bands allow you to play the interactive “Key Challenges” in the land. You need to collect 3 keys to play the final “Boss Battle.”

You can buy used bands on sites like eBay before you arrive—they work perfectly fine! Also, one band can be shared among a family to unlock games, though you won’t be able to track individual scores.

You can sync your Power-Up Band to the official app to track your digital coin collection, stamps, and the keys needed to unlock the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown.

Rides, Attractions, and Shows

There are lots of Universal Studios Hollywood rides to enjoy, but don’t forget about the shows! From high-speed coasters to world-class stunt shows, there is an attraction for every type of traveler, but these Universal Studios Hollywood tips will help you manage the logistics.

33. Use the Child Switch Program: Use the Child Switch option on rides if you’ve got small children in tow. When a child is too short to go on a ride, one adult can wait in the Child Switch area and immediately get to the front of the line when the others return. 

34. Utilize Single Rider Lines: Take advantage of the single-rider lines. You won’t likely ride with your friends, but it’s the quickest way to get on a ride if you don’t have Universal Express.

35. Enter Shows 15 Minutes Early: Arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Doors close when seating reaches full capacity.

36. Store Bags in Lockers: Be prepared to put bags in lockers on thrill rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Revenge of the Mummy.

37. Verify Height Requirements: Pay attention to the minimum height requirements for rides. Knowing what younger kids can and can’t ride in advance can help avoid tears of disappointment on the day.

38. Join Virtual Lines via the App: Use the app to join the Virtual Line for WaterWorld and The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. This is essential during busy seasons. This eliminates the risk of you missing out on these incredible live stunts.

39. Prepare for 3D Motion Sensitivity: The Simpsons Ride and Transformers: The Ride-3D are 3D rides. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, these may not be for you. I close my eyes and take Dramamine, but you can also buy glasses that turn 3D movies back to 2D.

Universal Studios Tips for Maximum Time Saving

If you are visiting for just one day, every minute counts. These “pro moves” will help you keep your phone charged, your hands free, and your schedule open for the best that Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer.

40. Carry a Portable Battery: Bring an external battery because the app will drain your phone battery. There is a FuelRod station near the lockers by the main entrance. If you don’t have one of these tiny external batteries to exchange, you can buy a starter FuelRod kit.

41. Connect to Free Park Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.

42. Shop at the End of the Day: Leave your souvenir shopping until the end of the day. It’s tough to resist a giant chocolate frog or Hogwarts house gear, but it’s easiest to purchase and carry it straight to the car or hotel. Alternatively, you can hold and pick up packages at the Universal Studios Store near the exit.

43. Stay at a Nearby Hotel: Spend the night at one of the hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood so you don’t have far to travel. We like Hilton Universal City and Sheraton Universal Hotel, which I have reviewed in detail.

Both are located within walking distance of the theme park and CityWalk. Or, you can take the complimentary shuttle that runs on a loop between the two hotels, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk.

44. Use Your Visa Card for Perks: Bring your Visa card for a handful of exclusive Visa benefits and rewards throughout the park. One such promotion includes some cardholder promotions at restaurants in Universal CityWalk Hollywood: NBC Sports Grill & Brew, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Note: There used to be an American Express lounge, but it is now closed since American Express is no longer an official partner.

45. Explore Universal CityWalk: Speaking of, don’t forget about Universal CityWalk. Sure, this entertainment area is a little touristy. Still, it’s open now with some restaurants offering patio dining (some Instagram-worthy snacks are here, like Voodoo Doughnuts and Mini Monster), and you can browse most of the shops.

Final Thoughts

Universal Studios Hollywood is more exciting than ever. By arriving early, using the app for food, and saving the Wizarding World for the afternoon, you’ll stay ahead of the crowds and maximize your day.

The best memories often happen when you aren’t rushing, so take a moment to enjoy the movie magic.

What are your favorite Universal Studios Hollywood tips and tricks?