Universal Studios in Los Angeles (Universal Studios Hollywood)
The comprehensive guide for travelers
Imagine a place where the line between reality and imagination is blurred, a place where you can jump straight into the scenes of your favorite movies, every step and turn leads you to a universe of dramatic adventures, a colorful world and exciting narratives. Universal Studios in Hollywood is really not a standard theme park, it's about an immersive journey through cinematic worlds that have shaped our imaginations and our lives. And once you enter the park, you will not remain just guests, but become active participants in the experience - racing alongside birds of prey in the world of Jurassic Park, exploring the magical world of Harry Potter and laughing at the mischievous characters of the minions.
We've gathered here today to sort out the mess, with the comprehensive guide to a perfect visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. Let's get going.
Universal Studios Hollywood - What's all the fuss about?
Then What is Universal Hollywood Studios? At first glance, the name may evoke images of classic movie theater, iconic movie scenes and a touch of Hollywood glamour. And while all of this is true, Universal Studios Hollywood is much more than just a glimpse into the golden age of world cinema. It's actually a multidimensional universe of entertainment, one that seamlessly blends the art of filmmaking with immersive theme park adventures.
The colorful studios are located in the city of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, under the warm Californian sun, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of their favorite movies, watch the magic of movies come to life and move into fantastic worlds inspired by blockbuster hits. Here, in a massive area of 415 acres, you can travel through the dangerous jungles of Jurassic World, through the mystical realms of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and much more, all in one day.
But the allure of the park doesn't stop at lively shows and boisterous amusement rides, because Universal Studios Hollywood is also a hub of culinary, shopping and entertainment, which make the experience even more delightful. This is a place where storytelling crosses the TV screen, a world where characters become real.
The story of the popular studios
Universal Studios in Hollywood has a rich historical story that exposes us visitors to the American film industry. The story of the studios begins in 1912, when a Jewish-American film producer named Carl Laemmle opened a production company called Universal Pictures, which within a few years became Universal City, and was the first combined movie studio and theme park ever. Lamela wanted to allow the public to visit and watch the process of making movies, so he decided to open his production studios to the general public, making Universal City a place where movies were made and shown. Visitors could tour the sets and learn about the complex and long process of making a Hollywood film.
Universal's original studio tour began in the era of silent films, and it would take studio guests through film rehearsals, a conversation with directors and creators and sometimes a meeting with the stars of the film. In 1964, after a hiatus of several years in the guided tours, the experience was reopened more widely, when it included tours that dealt with the cutting edge of Hollywood technology - through special effects, sound stages and innovative sets.
Over the years, the studio began adding more entertainment elements to enhance the visitor experience - from stunt demonstrations, special effects showcases, and eventually, full-fledged amusement facilities and attractions based on popular Universal films. In the park, countless facilities and attractions inspired by movies such as "Jaws", "King Kong", "Jurassic Park" and many others were added.
The park continued to evolve, keeping pace with technological advances and the frequent changes in the movie worlds, and the attractions became more immersive and sophisticated. One of the most notable additions in recent years was the "Wizard World of Harry Potter", which opened to the park's visitors in 2016, and has since offered fans an immersive experience into the magical universe of JK Rowling.
Today, Universal Studios in Hollywood still continues to serve as a working movie studio, along with being an innovative and colorful theme park. The studios offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the magic behind the works of Hollywood films, and to enjoy attractions and shows based on those films.
Interesting facts about Universal Studios
The history of cinema: Universal Studios Hollywood originally started as a movie studio in 1912, and is considered one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood movie studios still in use.
Number of visitors: Universal Studios Hollywood attracts over 9 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited theme parks in the United States and the world.
Park size: Universal Studios Hollywood covers 415 acres, although not all of it is accessible to the public, as the complex still functions as an active film studio.
Real movie production: Although it is a tourist attraction, Universal Hollywood Studios is still used as a working movie studio. Many movies, TV shows, and commercials are filmed there, so there's always a chance you'll meet a celebrity or stumble upon a photo shoot during your visit.
Global Impact: Universal Studios in Hollywood set the stage for the opening of Universal theme parks in other parts of the world, including Florida, Japan and Singapore.
Economic impact: The park has a tremendous economic impact on the Los Angeles area, contributing thousands of jobs and bringing substantial tourism revenue to the area.
Ferocious fires: During their long history, the studios experienced several fires, the most significant of which was in 2008, when some of the famous sets and also major attractions in the park were destroyed.
Universal Hollywood's theme areas
Universal Hollywood Park is made up of 11 theme areas dedicated to the worlds of Hollywood movies, each of them full of mesmerizing attractions and offers to take you on a journey in a world full of fantasy and fun.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Attractions you shouldn't miss
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Located inside Hogwarts Castle, this immersive ride takes you visitors on a magical journey alongside Harry Potter and his friends, encountering strange creatures and magical environments. Considered one of the park's favorite facilities, so make sure you don't miss this experience.
Flight of the Hippogriff: a family-friendly roller coaster that offers spectacular views of the Harry Potter complex, a delightful combination of entertainment and fun.
Restaurants in the Harry Potter complex
Three Broomsticks: A country tavern that serves dishes from British cuisine - from excellent fish and chips to excellent shepherd's pie.
Hog's Head Pub: Located at the back of the Three Broomsticks, the magical pub offers a variety of intoxicating alcoholic drinks, most of which are inspired by the film.
Shops in the complex
Ollivanders wand shop: If you've always dreamed of having a wand like Harry Potter's, this is the perfect place to get it.
honeydukes: A sweet shop full of candies and chocolates.
Minion Land
Attractions
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: A XNUMXD simulator where you, the guests, can turn into minions yourself.
Super Silly Fun Land: A huge outdoor play area with wonderful facilities and a fantastic giant wheel.
Restaurants
Gru's Lab Cafe: Offers a menu of sandwiches, salads and treats inspired by the Minions.
Stores
Minion Mart: Colorful and mostly yellow goods, inspired by the Minions.
The Simpsons (Springfield)
Go discover the cartoon world of "The Simpsons" when you enter Springfield in the USA.
Recommended attraction
The Simpsons Ride: A simulator ride that provides a crazy journey through Crostiland, while meeting different characters and situations from the show.
Recommended restaurants
Krusty Burger: Serves the program's special hamburger alongside other fast food options.
Moe's Tavern: A replica of the iconic bar from the series, offering drinks like the Flaming Moe alongside others.
Jurassic World
Prepare to embark on a prehistoric experience as you enter the land of Jurassic World. This land will make you feel in the heart of the ancient jungles, when you will meet huge dinosaurs and be enveloped in a mystical and scary atmosphere.
Attractions
Jurassic World – The Ride: Cruise in an adventure boat along which you will meet countless majestic carnivorous dinosaurs.
Raptor Encounter: An interactive and special experience where you and the guests can get up close and personal with a velociraptor type dinosaur.
Food
Jurassic Cafe: A cafe that serves dishes inspired by the Costa Rica region.
The park's live shows
Universal Studios Hollywood is famous not only for the exciting amusement facilities and designed lands of the park, but also for live performances that provide fun and entertaining moments. These shows offer an opportunity to see the Hollywood magic up close when they are full of impressive stunts, special effects and a lot of wonderful atmosphere. Here are some of the recommended shows in the park:
Water World show
One of the park's iconic shows, 'Water World' is based on the film of the same name, a futuristic-fiction film directed by Kevin Reynolds and starring Kevin Costner. The energetic performance presents dramatic stunts on the water, a kind of crazy battle in a post-apocalyptic world, which includes jet ski chases, firefights and diving.
Universal's Animal Actors
This show is a delightful experience for animal lovers, as it presents a wide variety of animals - birds, dogs, cats and more, who present their talents on stage. The show provides fascinating insights into how animals are trained to participate in films and television productions. The show is interactive, funny and educational.
The Special Effects Show
The special effects show is the moment when the Hollywood magic is revealed, as it takes you viewers behind the scenes of some of the world's most beloved and famous films, while demonstrating how effects play a crucial role in the making of the film.
Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
A show that takes place inside "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", a night spectacle that turns Hogwarts Castle into a living and colorful canvas. The show presents musical adaptations from the Harry Potter films, which mesmerizingly capture the spirit and magic of the wizarding world.
Important Information
The live performances of the studios take place every day of the week at different times of the day, so it is recommended to keep up to date with the daily show schedule on the studios' website or at the ticket offices.
Guided tour of Universal Studios - 'The World Famous Studio Tour'
Your entrance ticket to the park offers you a drink on a guided tour of the active Universal Studios, called The World Famous Studio Tour, and is considered by many to be the highlight of the visit to the complex. The tour takes you behind the scenes of a real film studio, an opportunity to see and discover how the successful Hollywood film industry works.
The tour takes you on a tram equipped with video monitors, guided by a professional guide who provides live narration along the route, points out famous sets, explains the processes of creating and producing the films and shares fascinating and entertaining stories.
Among the sets you will pass through, you will be able to meet the clock tower from the movie "Back to the Future", the set of the plane crash scene from Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds", along with many others. Don't be surprised if you suddenly spot celebrities or camera crews in action.
On the tour you will also be exposed to demonstrations of special effects, those that shed light on how the well-known and beloved films are produced. Among other things, you will suddenly experience a 'beige flood', a sudden rainstorm and a flood that show how to create weather effects for movies, or you will experience an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.3!.
The guided tour will take you through immersive experiences based on popular movies, with the grand finale of the tour taking you to the world of "Fast and Furious", where you will be caught up in a high-speed chase through a combination of images, special effects, and advanced motion technology.
And while the live tour guide offers plenty of information and insight, throughout the tour you'll get to watch videos hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the famous "Tonight Show" host.
Practical information
The studio tour usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
The guided tour is in English.
Universal Studios in Hollywood - location and directions
Universal Studios Hollywood is located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California, a stone's throw from Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The address of the studios: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
Arrival by car
For those arriving by car, the drive from the Beverly Hills area takes about 15 minutes, while the drive from the Long Beach area will take about half an hour.
The site has many parking lots available for a fee.
Parking costs
Standard parking: before 17:00 - 30 dollars per car, after 17:00 - 10 dollars per car.
VIP slot: before 17:00 - 50 dollars, after 17:00 - 20 dollars
Parking at the front gate - 70 dollars.
Arrival by public transport
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get from the city of Los Angeles to Universal Hollywood is to take the red line of the subway to Universal / Studio City Station, from where you can board the free shuttle that will take you to the entrance to the studios. The shuttle operates seven days a week, with frequent service throughout the park's operating hours.
Also, some hotels in the Los Angeles area, especially those near the park, offer shuttle services to Universal Studios Hollywood. You should check with the hotel reception desk.
Tips for getting around:
If driving, consider arriving early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure smooth traffic and available parking in a good location.
If you use public transport, check the timetables and plan your return journey, especially if you intend to stay late for concerts or night events.
Card options
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of ticket options to satisfy the different needs and preferences of visitors
Standard entry ticket
General admission for one day: grants access to all parts of the park for one day.
Ticket cost: Varies according to the seasons and days of the week. Starting at $109 per adult.
Universal Express Tickets
These tickets offer fast-track access to park facilities, attractions and shows.
Ticket cost: Varies according to the seasons and days of the week. Starting at $199 per adult.
VIP card
A premium experience, providing guests with a guided tour of the park and its backyard.
The benefits include:
Exclusive access to the VIP lounge, unlimited express ticket for rides, attractions and sit-down shows, breakfast, gourmet lunch in the private dining room, valet parking and VIP entrance to the park, expert VIP guides, a tour of the busiest sets of the film industry, a visit to the sound stages where blockbuster movies are filmed box office and TV shows.
Ticket cost: Varies according to the seasons and days of the week. Starting at $379 per adult.
Tips for a perfect visit
A visit to Universal Studios in Hollywood is an exciting and fun experience without a shadow of a doubt, but to get the most out of your trip, it is important to plan the experience in advance. Here are some tips that will guarantee you a perfect visit to the studios:
arrived early- Arrive at the park just before it opens, it is true, it is early in the morning, but this will guarantee you the opportunity to start the popular attractions of the complex before the crowds of visitors arrive. This is one of the busiest parks in the US and around the world, with over 9 million visitors every year. Arrive early and ensure a smooth and pleasant start to the experience.
Prioritizing must-see attractions- Before your visit or on your way there, decide on the attractions you are not willing to miss (a tip from us - don't miss the wizarding world of Harry Potter) it is recommended to start with your favorite attractions to ensure you don't miss them due to long queues.
Consider purchasing the park's express card - If you come to visit the park during peak visitor times - the summer season, national holidays and even on weekends, the Universal Express Pass can save you hours of waiting in line. The card gives you a fast queue for every ride, attraction and show in the park.
Equip yourself with a hat, sunscreen and full of water - Los Angeles may be hot and sunny. Bring sunscreen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is also recommended to equip yourself with comfortable walking shoes, nevertheless, this is a complex in a huge area.
Download the Universal Studios app- The app provides waiting times for facilities, a map of the park, show times and more. This is an important tool to have on hand.
Watch live performances- Take advantage of the live shows, such as WaterWorld and Universal's Animal Actors, to let your feet rest a bit, and of course enjoy some entertainment.
Take a tour of the studio in the middle of the day- Although it is tempting to go on the studio tour first thing, during the afternoon the wait times for the tour usually decrease, while the wait times for the other attractions such as the amusement facilities reach their peak. The duration of the tour is about an hour, providing you with a break from the busiest hours of the day
Check for special events- Before visiting, check the park's official website to see if there are any special events on the day of your visit.
Remember, while planning is key to a successful visit, it's also essential to be flexible and go with the flow. Sometimes the best memories are the unplanned moments!
In conclusion, Universal Studios in Hollywood is not just another theme park - rather it is a piece of cinematic history, one that blends the magic of filmmaking with the thrill of a colorful theme park. From tours of the movie sets to the whirlwind roller coasters, the park offers a cinematic and colorful journey inside an extraordinary Hollywood gem. So come and feel the stars for a moment in the heart of the city of stars - Los Angeles.
