About this Plan
This touring plan is carefully crafted to optimize your time experiencing Universal Studios Hollywood’s rides and attractions. It’s tailored for single-day visitors, but it can also be used by those spending multiple days at the park. If you’re visiting the park for more than one day, follow this plan on your first day to ensure you hit the top attractions, then revisit your favorites or the ones you previously skipped on subsequent days.
Download the App
Before visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, we recommend downloading the Universal Studios Hollywood app from the App Store or Google Play Store. The app provides wait times, showtimes, a destination-wide map, and more.
Entering the Park
We suggest arriving at the park entrance at least 30 minutes before the park opens, especially on projected busy days. You can check the crowd level forecast for your visit using our FREE Universal Studios Hollywood crowd calendar. Keep in mind that it may take up to 30 minutes to reach the front gates from the parking booth if you’re driving. It’s a good idea to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app in advance to view attraction wait times, check showtimes, navigate the park, and much more.
Experience Before Midday
The following attractions typically have the longest wait times, so you should visit them as soon as possible. Visit the attractions in this specific order for quicker access. Please note that the crowd levels throughout the day may impact when you can complete this part of the touring plan.
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
This attraction may use a Virtual Line, requiring a time slot reservation via the Universal Studios Hollywood app or an in-park kiosk. Plan accordingly.
Attraction type: Kid-friendly dark ride
Height requirement: Minimum height of 34 in (86 cm)
Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
Attraction type: High-speed roller coaster
Height requirement: Minimum height of 48 in (122 cm)
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Attraction type: AR interactive dark ride
Height requirement: Minimum height of 40 in (102 cm)
Jurassic World – The Ride
Attraction type: Water raft ride
Height requirement: Minimum height of 42 in (107 cm)
Transformers: The Ride-3D
Attraction type: 3D motion-base dark ride
Height requirement: Minimum height of 40 in (102 cm)
Eat Lunch
You should take a meal break just before 12 PM, whether or not you’ve completed the above section (you can always finish it after). Taking a break before noon can help you avoid the afternoon dining rush. We’ve highlighted some nearby dining locations for your convenience. Alternatively, you can pack snacks or buy some from the many concession stands in the park if you prefer to minimize your time dining.
Toadstool Cafe
Toadstool Cafe is a quick-service restaurant in Super Nintendo World. The menu features Nintendo-inspired meals, including Mario and Luigi burgers, Fire Flower spaghetti & meatballs, and more.
Jurassic Cafe
Jurassic Cafe, a quick-service restaurant located on the Lower Lot, serves ribs, burgers, grilled chicken, and more.
Cocina Mexicana
Cocina Mexicana is your stop for Mexican cuisine. This spot serves taco platters, sopes, nachos, and more.
Vegetarians and Vegans
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of meals for you. Click here to view our Universal Studios Hollywood vegetarian and vegan guide. This guide highlights various dining locations throughout the park with meals that cater to your dietary needs.
Experience by 5 PM
The attractions in this section have moderate to busy wait times. Follow this specific order when visiting, but be prepared to make slight adjustments to catch any scheduled shows. Crowd levels might impact when you can complete this segment of the touring plan.
Studio Tour
Attraction type: Behind-the-scenes tour and motion-base ride
Height requirement: Any height
WaterWorld
This attraction has scheduled showtimes. Plan accordingly and arrive early.
Attraction type: Live-action stunt show
Height requirement: Any height
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Attraction type: Motion-base dark ride
Height requirement: Minimum height of 48 in (122 cm)
Flight of the Hippogriff
Attraction type: Kid-friendly roller coaster
Height requirement: Minimum height of 39 in (99 cm)
Eat Dinner
After enjoying the attractions in the section above, take a break and enjoy a meal. We’ve provided a list of nearby dining locations for your convenience.
Three Broomsticks
Three Broomsticks is a quick-service restaurant in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade. The remarkable level of detail and excellent food quality make it a standout spot. The menu includes fish & chips, bangers & mash, spare ribs, shepherd’s pie, roast chicken, and more.
Mel’s Diner
Mel’s Diner takes you back to a ’50s-themed diner inspired by the American Graffiti film. At this quick-service eatery, you can enjoy burgers, chili cheese dogs, milkshakes, and more.
Minion Cafe
This quick-service dining location, situated near the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, features a menu that includes rotisserie chicken, ramen, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, nachos, and more.
Vegetarians and Vegans
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of meals for you. Click here to view our Universal Studios Hollywood vegetarian and vegan guide. This guide highlights various dining locations throughout the park with meals that cater to your dietary needs.
Experience by Last Few Hours
The attractions in this section can be enjoyed during the final hours of park operation. They are either less immersive or have manageable wait times.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Attraction type: Motion simulator ride
Height requirement: Minimum height of 40 in (102 cm)
Experience at Any Time
The attractions below usually have low wait times, making them accessible most times of the day compared to the park’s other attractions. Please note that although listed in the “Experience at Any Time” section, some of these attractions may close before the park does; they are included here because of their minimal wait times. The list below is not in any specific order; prioritize the attractions based on your interests and their proximity.
Unlisted Attractions
Several attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood are not included in this touring plan. This is due to them being play areas or consuming too much time. However, if you have extra time, are visiting for multiple days, or are traveling with children, consider experiencing the unlisted attractions. To view all attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, click here.
For complete information on all of Universal Studios Hollywood’s rides and attractions, click here.
Additional Information
Tips
- If you’re visiting the park for just one day, we recommend having breakfast before you arrive to maximize your time for enjoying the attractions.
- To reduce your wait times, consider purchasing Universal Express to skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions.
- If you’re using Universal Express, continue following this touring plan to efficiently navigate the park and make the most of your time.
- At select quick-service restaurants throughout the park, you can use the Universal Studios Hollywood app‘s mobile ordering service. This feature allows you to order your meal in advance, so when you arrive at the restaurant, you can quickly pick up your food and avoid long lines at the ordering counter.
- Don’t rush from one attraction to another. Take your time to explore the different themed areas of the park, especially The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
- Remember to capture your memories by taking photographs with characters and in the various themed areas.
To see more tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, click here.
Note
This touring plan includes most rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, so visiting them all in a single day may not be feasible if crowd levels are high. It’s best to choose the attractions that interest you the most.
