Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

Getting Your Ticket

Purchase your tickets online in advance to save time and money.
Buy your tickets either directly from Universal Studios Hollywood or through a trusted agent.

Bring a small bag to the park to pack your belongings, including personal items, snacks, water, and other necessities. Ensure that the items you pack comply with Universal Studios Hollywood’s policies and restrictions. Click here to learn more about items prohibited in the park.
Bring an empty reusable bottle to refill with free water in the park. Insulated bottles are even better as they keep your drink cold all day long.
Bring a portable fan to stay cool in the heat, especially during the summer.
Carry sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s effects.
If you’re visiting between mid-fall and winter, monitor the area’s weather at least a week before your trip. If cold weather is expected, pack warm clothing.
Make sure to bring comfortable shoes as you’ll likely be walking all day throughout your trip. Comfortable footwear is essential to getting through the day.
Bring a portable charger to keep your phone powered throughout the day.
Adults should always carry their passport or other government-issued ID when visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. Identification may be required for park entry or purchasing alcoholic beverages.
If you’re going on a water ride, bring towels, flip-flops, and a change of clothes if you don’t want to stay wet all day. You can always wear shoes and use the flip-flops just for the water ride.

Use our FREE Universal Studios Hollywood crowd calendar to find the best days for your trip.
Take advantage of our FREE touring plan and resources to maximize your trip experience.
Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app from the App Store or Google Play Store to view wait times for attractions, showtimes, a destination-wide map, and more. By checking wait times, you can better decide which attractions to ride.
The Universal Studios Hollywood app lets you mobile order your food and beverages at select quick-service restaurants. Utilize this feature to skip the long lines at the ordering counter.
Arrive before park opening to be among the first to enjoy the attractions and shows. Our touring plan indicates how early you should arrive.
Consider using the Single Riders line, if available, to enjoy shorter wait times. Although you may be separated from your group, it can significantly reduce your wait time for popular rides.
Consider purchasing Universal Express on busy days to skip the regular lines at participating attractions. To view Universal Express pricing, click here.

Certain annual passes are eligible for discounts at various stores and dining locations throughout Universal. If your pass includes such discounts, simply show your card at a participating location.
If you’re on a budget, bring a small snack to avoid purchasing one when you’re hungry. Ensure that the items you pack comply with Universal Studios Hollywood’s policies and restrictions. Click here to learn more about items prohibited in the park.
If you enjoy soft drinks, consider purchasing a Coca-Cola Freestyle cup at select stores and dining locations throughout Universal Studios Hollywood. With an activated cup, you can enjoy refills for an entire day. To use the cup on another day, you can reactivate it for a fee to receive additional refills.

Try to limit the number of items you bring to the park; it can be a hassle to carry them all day. If needed, consider renting a locker for a fee. Free lockers are available only at attractions that prohibit loose articles; however, these lockers may not accommodate oversized items.
Dress comfortably for the day and ensure your shoes provide ample cushioning and are not too tight.
Take short breaks throughout the day if needed. Walking and standing all day can be tiring, but sitting down and stretching can help relieve discomfort.
Drink cool beverages throughout the day to stay hydrated. If you didn’t bring a bottle with you, you can get free cups of water at any dining location. However, bottled water is an additional charge. You can also purchase a Coca-Cola Freestyle cup for refills of soft drinks throughout the day.

Choose a designated meet-up spot that your child is likely to remember and find. If your child gets lost, you can reunite at that location.
If you and your child become separated, either of you can alert a Universal Studios Hollywood team member for assistance.
Take advantage of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Child Switch service, designed for those traveling with younger guests. If a child doesn’t meet an attraction’s boarding requirements or doesn’t want to experience it, other members can still enjoy the attraction without hassle. With Child Switch, at least one guest waits with the non-rider while the rest of the group experiences the attraction. When they return, the supervising guest(s) can then enjoy the attraction without waiting in the regular line again while the other members watch after the non-rider. Child Switch is available at select attractions. Check with a team member at the entrance to your desired attraction to see if this service is available. If so, inform the team member that you’d like to use it, and they will provide additional information.
Explore the various kid-friendly areas available at the park. These areas offer experiences designed specifically for children.

If you have a lot of items with you or want to ensure certain items don’t get wet, consider renting a locker when visiting a water ride, if available. Lockers will keep your valuables safe and prevent water damage.
For smaller items, you can use waterproof sealable bags to prevent them from getting wet. Simply place your valuables inside the bag and seal it.
Bring a towel to dry off afterward.
Wear flip-flops on water rides to avoid soaking your shoes all day. You can switch back to your shoes afterward.
Consider bringing extra clothes to change out of your wet ones.

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