Universal Studios Hollywood is both a theme park and a working film studio, set on a hill in Universal City above the San Fernando Valley. It is the closest major theme park to Hollywood, and you can reach it on the Metro B Line. The park is split into an Upper Lot and a Lower Lot, linked by a long set of escalators, and the famous Studio Tour runs through the backlot. This guide covers what to ride, how the two lots work, getting there, and the 2026 seasonal events.
In this guide
It is part of our theme parks near Los Angeles guide. For the Anaheim parks, see our Disneyland guide.
Universal Studios Hollywood at a glance
- Location Universal City, in the hills between Hollywood and the Valley
- Layout Upper Lot and Lower Lot, linked by the Starway escalators
- Newest ride Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a coaster that opened in 2026
- Metro B Line to Universal City/Studio City, then a free shuttle or a short walk
- Holidays November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027, included with admission
- Next door Universal CityWalk, with shops and restaurants
How the park is laid out
The main entrance opens onto the Upper Lot. Here you find the Studio Tour, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons area with Springfield, Illumination’s Minion Land and the WaterWorld show. The Lower Lot sits at the bottom of the hill and has Super Nintendo World, Jurassic World: The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers: The Ride 3D.
The Starway is a series of escalators that connects the two lots. Going down and back up again takes time, so plan your day to cover one lot at a time rather than going back and forth.
The Studio Tour
Many people come mainly for the Studio Tour. A tram takes you through the backlot, past outdoor sets and soundstages, with stops for staged scenes and effects. Because it is a working studio, what you see depends on what is filming. Many visitors ride it early, before the line grows, or late in the afternoon.
Rides worth planning around
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
The new coaster, which winds over and under the Starway with four launches and inversions. Universal calls it the fastest coaster in its portfolio.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
The main ride in Super Nintendo World, using augmented reality headsets.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
The main ride in the Wizarding World, inside Hogwarts castle.
Jurassic World: The Ride
A water ride on the Lower Lot. Expect to get wet.
Revenge of the Mummy
An indoor coaster in the dark on the Lower Lot.
The Simpsons Ride
A simulator ride in Springfield.
Check the height limits for each ride on Universal’s site or app before you go, especially with kids.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World on the Lower Lot is a land built to look like the Mario games. Along with Mario Kart, there are interactive games you can play with a Power-Up Band, which is sold separately. On busy days, entry to the land can be managed through the app, so check it when you arrive.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World on the Upper Lot has Hogsmeade village, Hogwarts castle, Forbidden Journey and the family coaster Flight of the Hippogriff. You can try Butterbeer and shop at Ollivanders. It is busiest midday.
Seasonal events in 2026
Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights through November 1, 2026. It is a separate, hard-ticket event with haunted mazes, and it is not recommended for young kids.
The holiday season follows. Per Universal’s October 8, 2026 announcement, holidays at the park run daily from Saturday, November 21, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027, and are included with admission. They include Grinchmas in Universal Plaza, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, holiday touches in Super Nintendo World and, for the first time, Illumination’s Merry Minions in Minion Land. See our Christmas lights in Los Angeles guide for more.
Tickets and Express
Universal sells dated tickets, and prices change with the date. There are also Universal Express tickets, which let you skip the regular line once per ride, and a guided VIP Experience. Buy from Universal’s own site to see the current prices for your date. On busy days, especially weekends and holidays, Express can save hours, but it costs much more than a general ticket.
Getting there
By Metro, take the B Line to Universal City/Studio City station. Universal runs a free shuttle up the hill from the station, or you can walk using the pedestrian bridge. Universal City/Studio City is the next stop after Hollywood/Highland, and the train avoids the park’s busy parking structures. See our LA Metro guide.
By car, the park has paid parking structures, with higher rates for preferred spaces. Prices change for special events, so check Universal’s directions and parking page.
Food in the park
Several of the themed lands have their own food. The Wizarding World has the Three Broomsticks and Butterbeer carts, Springfield has Krusty Burger and other spots from the show, and Super Nintendo World has Toadstool Cafe. Expect a wait at peak lunch hours, so eat early or late. CityWalk, just outside the gates, has many more restaurants if you want a sit-down meal before or after the park. Universal’s app shows menus and, at some locations, mobile ordering.
How to plan the day
Universal day plan
- Arrive before opening; the first hour has the shortest lines.
- Head down to the Lower Lot first for Mario Kart and Jurassic World, or start with the Studio Tour.
- Do one lot fully before you switch.
- Use the app for wait times and Super Nintendo World entry.
- Bring a light layer for the evening and a poncho for Jurassic World.
- Finish at CityWalk for dinner.
When to go
Weekdays outside school breaks are usually the quietest. Summer, spring break, holiday weeks and weekends draw the biggest crowds. Fall evenings can get busy around Halloween Horror Nights, because the park may close early to day guests on event nights, so check the hours calendar for your date. Summer afternoons in the Valley can be hot, so bring water and sunscreen.
How long do you need?
Most first-timers spend a full day. With Express, you can fit the main rides and the Studio Tour into a shorter day. If you are combining it with Hollywood, see our Hollywood Walk of Fame guide, which is one B Line stop away.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Universal Studios Hollywood without a car?
Take the Metro B Line to Universal City/Studio City station, then the free shuttle or walk up the hill.
What is new at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a launched coaster that opened in 2026 on the Upper Lot.
Is Grinchmas included with admission?
Yes. Universal says holiday events from November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027 are included with admission.
Is Universal Studios Hollywood good for kids?
Yes. Minion Land, Super Nintendo World and the Studio Tour suit most ages. Halloween Horror Nights is not for young kids.
Is Universal Express worth it?
On busy days it can save a lot of time, but it costs much more than a general ticket.
Official sources: Universal Studios Hollywood; Directions and parking; Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift opening; Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood 2026; LA Metro.
Photo credits
Featured image: Melocrates16 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0