Universal Studios Hollywood One Day Itinerary
Do you need help planning a Universal Studios Hollywood one day itinerary? Feeling overwhelmed? No worries! I have a lot of Universal Studios Hollywood tips to share!
We recently went to Univeral California and loved it! There are so many things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood. I am excited to share with you how to do Universal Studios Hollywood in one day!
You might be asking, “Can you do Universal Studios in one day?” In this post, we will give you the best Universal Hollywood itinerary to be able to accomplish this. We will also give you a two-day Universal Studios Hollywood plan so that you can take things at a slower pace.
Before we jump into the Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary section, we will start with some basic and really important tips for Universal Studios Hollywood that will help you know the best way to do Universal Studios Hollywood.
This will help answer any questions you might have about planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood!
Let’s plan the best one day Universal Hollywood itinerary!
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When is the Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood?
The best time to go to Universal Studios Hollywood is when it works for you. Yes, certain times can be busier than normal, but with a little planning, you can have fun at Universal CA anytime.
If you are looking for the best time to go to Universal Hollywood when the crowds are lower consider going during the following months.
Best Month to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
- Middle to End of January
- February (Except Presidents Day)
- May
- August
- September
- October (During the week)
- Early November
- Early December
What is the Best Day of the Week to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
Busiest Times to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Hollywood is very busy during the following times and holidays.
- Week before Christmas until the week after New Years Day
- Presidents Day Weekend
- Spring Break (March and April)
- Summer Holidays
- Weekends in October for Halloween Horror Nights
- Week of Thanksgiving
Visiting Universal Studio Hollywood Tips
If you are going during a more busy time don’t worry! The best way to experience the park is to book a 2-day ticket. Spreading your time over two or more days will give you enough time to ride every ride in the park.
If the park is really busy you probably won’t be able to do everything in one day unless you book express passes.
Our Experience
We have booked Universal Florida during Spring Break and although it was very crowded at times it was very enjoyable.
We booked a 5-day pass that included Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. We learned that you could go on almost any of the rides in the last hour of the park and not have to wait very long.
This seemed to be true for Universal Studios Hollywood as well.
How Long Should I Spend at Universal Hollywood?
We are going to create a one-day Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary. We are going to assume you only have one day!
If we did not have the express passes I would say you would need two days to ride all the Univeral Hollywood rides.
Universal Studios always has amazing promotions! You can ask me in my Facebook Group what the current promotion is.
I have seen buy one day get one free and many other amazing offers.
Express Pass
Before you decide which ticket is best consider purchasing an Express Pass. The Express Pass will allow you to skip the lines on every single ride!
It does cost more money but I think it was totally worth it if you only have one day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
If you book two or more days you probably do not need it.
1-Day Ticket
A one day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket is your first option. The one-day ticket is the highest-priced ticket. The longer you stay the less per day you pay.
2 Day Ticket
Typically a two day ticket is going to be significantly less for the second day. Hopefully, that makes sense. You will pay the normal 1 day fare but the day two fare will be a fraction of day 1.
Basically, if you have the time to go 2 days the ticket for the 2nd day is not too much more.
VIP Experience
We actually saw a lot of people on the VIP tour. With the VIP Experience Ticket, you will have a guide that takes you on every ride (Unlimited Express Passes) and gives you VIP access to Universal Studios backlot.
It also includes a VIP gourmet meal, refreshments, and snacks. Valet parking is included.
Early Access Ticket
Universal Studios Hollywood is currently offering an early access ticket that allows you to arrive an hour before the park opens to explore the newest land Super Nintendo World. It also includes a single express pass to the backlot tour.
Getaway Today
Where should you get your tickets? Well, GetawayToday is one of the best Universal Studios Hollywood travel agencies out there.
They know all things Universal and can really help you plan your trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.
If you want a Universal Hollywood vacation package I have a coupon code: Planaway10 (This will get you $10 off)
Best Universal Studios Hollywood Accomodations
Unlike Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood does not own hotels. But that doesn’t mean you can not book vacation packages that include both the hotel and accommodations.
Universal has partnered with hotels nearby to give you that option.
Closest Hotels to Universal Studios Hollywood
Best Attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood
There are so many amazing rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood! I made a list of favorite top 10 rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.
You can check that out for more details about each ride.
Top Attractions and Rides
- Bowsers Challenge
- Secret Life of Pets
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Jurassic Park
- The Studio’s Tour
- Water World
Get the Universal Studios Hollywood App
You will want to download the Universal CA app. This will be a very useful tool as during your visit.
Cool Things About the Universal Studios Hollywood App
- You can enter your tickets here and scan them on your phone to enter.
- Order Food at Restaurants. (Instead of waiting in lines)
- Grab a Virtual Line return time for the newest or most popular Universal Hollywood rides.
- Find wait times for each ride.
- Gives access to keep score on games (with band) at Super Nintendo World.
Universal Hollywood Itineary for Express Pass
If you decide that you want to make the most of your one day at Universal Studios, this Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary is for you!
You will have a lot of flexibility with an express pass. If your goal is to ride every ride in the park in one day this is the plan for you.
In this plan, we are going to do everything on the upper lot and then head down to the lower lot.
Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda Dream Works is located a the front of the park. If you want to do this first it is one of the first rides you will see. You can also wait and do this last depending on your interest.
Minion Land
Minnon Land is really great for kids. One of the newest rides Secret Life of Pets is located here.
Ride:
- Despicable Me
- Secret Life of Pets
The Super Silly Fun Land is a splash pad and a recreation area of the amusement park Gru (from Despicable Me) took the girls in the first movie. There are also carnival games located here.
If you have minnion lovers I would plan to spend about 30-40 minutes in this area. If this area doesn’t excite you I would just ride the rides and move on.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
After Minions I would head over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Rides
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
Harry Potter World is an experience. If you are a fan you can head to Ollevanders Wand Shop and purchase a wand. (Express Pass is not included for this.)
This is also an experience so even if you do not want to purchase a wand you can watch the show.
Throughout Hogsmeade, there are locations where you can cast spells and use your wand. It is really cool.
Shows
- Frog Choir
- Triwizard Spirit Rally
- Castle Lightshow (During Certain Times of the Year)
Food
- Butterbeer
If you are a Harry Potter fan, I would spend about an hour in this area. You will still have time to ride all the rides.
Krusty Land
If you are a fan of the Simpson you can spend some time exploring this area. It is pretty detailed.
Ride
- The Simpson Ride
Food
- Big Pink Donut
I wouldn’t spend too long in this area. Less than 30 minutes.
Studio Tour
After you have had a butterbeer and a big pink donut jump on the Studio tour. This tour takes 45-60 minutes.
It is a great time to rest and enjoy the ride. The ride is a backlot tour of Universal Studios. This is a real film location. Many movies have been produced on this lot.
During your tour, you will be able to experience Kong 3D and Fast and the Furious Supercharged.
This is a great tour!
Lower Lot
At this point, you have done everything on the upper lot. I would head down to the lower lot and grab lunch. (Jurassic Park Cafe is a great place.)
Rides
- Jurassic Park
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Transformers
Take your time exploring this area. Enjoy all of the rides. There is a Jurassic encounter with the raptors and a dino play land.
There is also a character meet and greet with the transformers.
Jurassic Park is a wet ride so bring ponchos!
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World is AMAZING! As you walk in you feel like you are stepping into a video game. It is really cool!
Ride
- Bowsers Challenge
The line is incredible and the ride is amazing (a little confusing but amazing.) The express pass will save you so much time! It was worth it for this ride alone.
Bands
Super Nintendo World has interactive locations where you can play a game. You will need to purchase a Mario band. You can tap your band in certain areas and gain points throughout the land.
Character Meet and Greets
You will also be able to take pictures with your favorite Mario characters.
This plan will probably take you the entire day. You will have ridden every ride and enjoyed almost everything in the park.
One thing I left out of this itinerary is Water World. You might have time to do this depending on when the showtimes are.
Your express pass only allows you to go on each ride one time.
Universal Studios Itineary for First Timers
If this is your first time to Universal Studios and you decide not to get the Express Pass. I highly encourage you to book 2 days.
This is a two-day Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary. Based on a moderately crowded day.
Day 1
Day one is spent almost entirely on the lower lot.
Go straight to the Lower Lot and right to Super Nintendo World right when the park opens.
Ride
- Bowsers Challenge
Explore this area after you ride. The ride line can easily take 60-90 minutes. You will be spending much of your morning here.
After the ride you have 3 rides in this area.
- Jurassic Park
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Transformers
These lines can easily be an hour for each ride. This will take you to late afternoon.
Food
- Jurassic Park Cafe
- Toadstool Cafe
Go to Upper Lot. You may have time to go on 1-2 more rides. I would suggest going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Check out line times. Explore the area.
As you come closer to the end of the day, the lines will get lower. I would ride the rides you want to most.
Day 2
As you enter the park check your app for a Virtual queue for Secret Life of Pets. It will tell you what time to come. (This doesn’t mean the line will be short.)
Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Ride
- Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
Experience
- Shows
- Ollevanders
Food
- Butterbeer
- Candy/ Chocolate
Minnion Land
Head to Minnion Land
Ride
- Despicable Me
- Secret Life of Pets
Check your call-back time for Secret Life of Pets, If you have time ride Despicable Me first and hopefully your time will be ready for Secret Life of Pets.
This area will probably take almost 2 hours to ride both rides.
Take a break and eat lunch.
Ride
- Kung Fu Panda
Watch
Water World
Studios Tour
The Studios Tour is one of the most popular rides at the park. You will probably have to wait at least an hour on a moderately busy day. The tour does take about an hour as well. (So plan 2 hours to complete this tour.)
After you are done, it will probably pretty close to park closing. Jump on the Simpson Ride and you will have done everything at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Universal Studios Hollywood Intinerary for Harry Potter Lovers
Your my people! I am the biggest Harry Potter Lover Ever!
The first time I went to Universal Studios Orlando Harry Potter World, I was mad that I didn’t spend my entire day in this area.
Universal Hollywood is a little smaller so you probably will have time to do other attractions but I would plan to spend 3 hours exploring the area.
If my main objective was just Harry Potter World, I don’t think I would get an Express Pass. Basically, because I think you will feel pressure to ride every ride in the park.
If you arrive when the park opens you will probably not have to wait too long in the ride lines.
Ride
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Ride Flight of the Hippogriff
Once you are done riding, grab a butterbeer and head to Honeydukes. Take some time to look around!
Ollevanders
If this is your first time to Harry Potter World, you might want to get a wand. These interactive wands give you the ability to do spells and move objects around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Ollevanders is not only a Harry Potter souvenir store but an experience.
You will be able to see how a wand is fitted to a wizard. If you have kids that are close to 10 or 11 try standing on the left side. Your kid may be chosen for the demonstration.
It is really fun! You can then enter the wand shop and choose a wand. The wands can be from the wands of characters in the movie or unique wands.
Once you have your wand head outside and look for gold spots along the road. These areas will show you how to cast a spell and you will be doing magic in no time.
I spend quite a long time doing magic and enjoying my wand.
Shows
There are two shows that are shown daily.
- Triwizard Spirit Rally
- Frog Choir
After the show, you can take pictures with the performers.
During special times of year such as summer or Christmas time, a light show will display on the Castle.
Souvenirs
I love all the Harry Potter merchandise. I love looking at brooms, and the dress Hermoine wore to the Yule Tide Ball.
I could spend hours just looking at all the shops along Hogsmeade. Inside the shops, you will see fun objects like the book Magical Care of Creatures (Monster Book) or a Firebolt.
Restaurant
The Three Broomsticks offers a quick service breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You can get pumpkin juice, cold butterbeer, hot butterbeer, and frozen butterbeer. You can decide if you want a Stein souvenir with it.
We have eaten here and I wouldn’t say it is my favorite. Maybe a little too English style for me. But if you love that English food you might love this restaurant.
Universal Studios Hollywood Intinerary for Nintindo Lovers
Super Nintendo World is WOW! It really is unbelievable. The detail is incredible!
Early Access Ticket
If I were a huge Super Nintendo fan or if one of my kids were I would buy the early access pass. It is not too expensive and will allow you into the land 1 hour before the park opens.
One Day Universal Studios Hollywood Itinerary for Super Nintendo World
Reservations are not always required however, on the day you arrive be sure to check your app and see if you need to get in a Virtual Queue.
I would plan to spend half a day at Super Nintendo World.
Get Your Band
Once you arrive you will most likely want to get a Power Up Band. These bands cost around $45. This band will allow you to experience the game in real life.
When you choose your band you can pick from these characters: Mario, Luigi, Toad, Yoshi, Princess Peach, or Princess Daisy.
You will join whatever team your character is.
To Activate your Power Band
You will open your app and scan the QR code on your band.
This will keep track of the coins you collect and keys that will help you in your final showdown against Bowser.
Mario World
Throughout the land, there are interactive experiences you can use your band on. Even special rooms that only those with bands can go in.
Ride
- Bowsers Challenge
Before you do anything with your band you will want to head straight to Super Nintendo World and get in line for the Bowsers Challenge. This line is long throughout all times of the day.
I wouldn’t get an Express Pass if my plan was to spend most of my time in Super Nintendo World because you wouldn’t be able to fully use it.
Characters
You will get to take pictures with all of your favorite characters. Head to the Toadstool and get ready to see Mario, Luigi, Toad, Yoshi, Princess Peach, or Princess Daisy.
If you have a band you will receive an enhanced experience with each character.
Restaurant
Toad Stool Cafe is located in Super Nintendo World. You will need a reservation.
You can only get a reservation on the day of your visit. You will want to check your app.
Reservations open up as early as 7:00 am but can be as late as 9:00 am. Start checking at 7:00 am until they become available.
You can also join a waitlist at the park.
Plan to spend an hour to 1.5 hours with this dining experience.
The restaurant has souvenir Mushroom and Fire Flower bottles with the purchase of a drink.
The menu offers a combination of Italian and American. ( Spaghetti and Burgers) The food is all themed. It is so cute!
The restaurant itself is so themed that if you look at the windows you will see scenes happening as you eat. Beware of Bowser!
Shop for Souvenirs
Take your time and shop for Nintendo Souvenirs at the 1 Up Factory. You will find costumes, dolls, clothes, and so much more!
Power Up Cafe
The Power Up Cafe is located on the Upper Lot. It is one of the first places you will see when you walk into the park. They offer really cool drinks!
After you explore Super Nintendo World check out this fun cafe.
Are you Ready to Plan your Universal Studios Hollywood Itinerary?
Hopefully, you are ready to plan your Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary. I hope I gave you enough Universal Studios Hollywood tips so you can plan the best Universal Studios Hollywood one day itinerary!
There are so many options and things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood! We love visiting Universal Hollywood. It is so fun!
I hope you have an idea of how many days you will need at Universal Studios Hollywood and what fun Universal rides you plan to go on!
Have so much fun!
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