29 Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Hollywood

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Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most popular theme parks in the world. Despite being a relatively small park (especially compared to Orlando), it still has a lot to offer.

However, if you’ve never been to Universal Studios Hollywood before, it can be hard to know what you can see and do —especially if you don’t like rides.

1. Go Behind the Scenes of a Working Movie Studio

The most unique thing about Universal Studios Hollywood is that it’s also a working production studio. Some of the movies and TV shows filmed here include:

Desperate Housewives
Back to the Future
Home Alone 2
The Good Place

You can go behind the scenes here on the one-hour-long World Famous Studio Tour, exploring scenes such as:

Bates Motel
War of the Worlds – Plane Crash Wreckage
Jupiter’s Claim
Flash Flood Simulator
Earthquake: The Big One!
Wisteria Lane – From Desperate Housewives
Jaws
King Kong 360 3-D
Fast & The Furious Supercharged

2. See the Wand Choose the Wizard at Ollivanders

Universal Studios Hollywood is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an immersive land inspired by the books and films. One of the highlights of this area of the theme park is Ollivanders.

Inside Ollivanders, you can buy a variety of different wands. However, Ollivanders is more than just a shop—it also has a special live show where “the wand chooses the wizard.”

Inside the dimly lit store, surrounded by shelves full of wands, a Wandkeeper picks one lucky person to find their perfect wand.

Pro Tip: You’re under no obligation to buy a wand. Even if the Wandkeeper himself chooses you during the show.

3. Eat at Toadstool Cafe

Toadstool Cafe is the best place to eat at Universal Studios Hollywood. Situated inside Super Nintendo World, this restaurant serves various American-Italian dishes.

This highly immersive restaurant combines quick-service and table-service dining at an affordable price. However, being the best place to eat at Universal Studios Hollywood means there’s usually a wait.

Toadstool Cafe uses a virtual line, meaning that you can still explore the theme park while you wait. To avoid disappointment, be sure to sign up well in advance of when you want to eat.

4. Skip the Lines With an Express Pass

One of the best ways to explore Universal Studios Hollywood is with an Express Pass.

An Express Pass is purchased in addition to your park admission. It allows you to skip the line on most rides, so you can spend less time waiting in line and more time exploring the park!

5. Get Lost in Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride is one of only two track-based rollercoasters at Universal Studios Hollywood.

This dark ride is located in the Lower Lot of the theme park and is perfect for thrill-seeking families. Board the ride vehicle and be propelled at up to 45mph in virtual darkness as you flee from Mummy’s revenge.

6. Take a Photo With a Universal Studios Character

Universal Studios Hollywood is home to many incredible characters you can meet and take photos with. This includes:

Scooby-Doo
King Julien from Madagascar
Beetlejuice
Hello Kitty
Shrek & Fiona
Guy Diamond from Trolls
The Minions & Gru
Optimus Prime from Transformers
Marilyn Monroe

The main meet-and-greet area is across from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter entrance. However, you can also often find characters wandering around the theme park.

7. Get Wet on Jurassic World – The Ride

The Jurassic World ride is the only water ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. This ride is in the theme park’s Lower Lot and features the latest rollercoaster technology.

During the ride, you’ll get caught in the fray as an Indominus rex confronted by her archrival, the Tyrannosaurus rex. An epic battle that will climax with you pummelling down an 84ft drop into a pool of water.

8. Collect Coins & Stamps With Your Power-Up Band

Power-Up Bands are wristbands that you can use to interact with different elements in Super Nintendo World. This includes:

Collecting coins
Collecting stamps
Playing mini-games
Recording scores on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

You don’t need a Power-Up Band to visit and explore Super Nintendo World. However, given how much they can enhance your visit, I find them to be one of the best things to buy at Universal Studios.

9. Take a Photo in Front of Hogwarts Castle

One of the most famous sights at Universal Studios Hollywood is the Hogwarts Castle.

You’ll find the ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey inside this castle. However, outside you can take one of the most iconic photos at Universal Studios Hollywood.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, I suggest arriving at the photo location as soon as the theme park opens. It’s a popular spot, so it can get busy later in the day.

Pro Tip: Enhance your photo in front of the Hogwarts Castle with a Harry Potter themed t-shirt or Hogwarts robe.

10. Chat With Donkey

Outside the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’ll find Donkey from Shrek.

Donkey is an interactive character that you can chat to, and he’ll respond. His responses are often hilarious, with clips going viral online. So, even if you’ve not seen any Shrek films, it’s still worth stopping by.

11. Watch a Film

Next to Universal Studios Hollywood is the free-to-enter entertainment district CityWalk. Here, you’ll find a range of:

Restaurants
Bars
Stores
Attractions

One such attraction is the Universal Cinema AMC. This state-of-the-art theatre with IMAX screens is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and watch a movie after a hectic day at the theme park.

12. Enter the World of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is one of the best rides for kids at Universal Studios Hollywood.

This 3D motion simulator ride sees you join Gru on an adventure to become a Minion. However, during the trip through Gru’s lab, things don’t quite go according to plan!

13. Drink a Duff Beer & Eat a Krusty Burger

Krusty Burger and Duff Beer are two of the most iconic food items from The Simpsons, and at Universal Studios, you can try both for yourself.

Inside the Springfield area of the theme park, you’ll find the Krusty Burger. This fast-food restaurant serves a range of delicious burgers and sides.

Meanwhile, you’ll find the Duff Brewery & Beer Garden across the street. Here, you’ll find an extensive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including:

Cocktails
Wines
Draft Beers, including Duff!

14. Help Protect the Allspark

Transformers: The Ride 3-D is a motion simulator dark ride. During this ride, Optimus Prime will fight to protect the Allspark from the Decepticons, and you’ll be coming along to help.

15. Make Friends With Max, Duke, Gidget & Snowball

Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash is one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s best rides for little kids.

This ride sees you become a dog, board a pet carrier-shaped ride vehicle, and try to be adopted. Along the way, you’ll be encouraged by characters from the film, including Max, Duke, Snowball, and Gidget.

16. Enjoy a ButterBeer

No visit to Universal Studios is complete without enjoying a delicious ButterBeer. You can buy Butterbeer in various formats, including:

Cold Butterbeer
Hot Butterbeer
Frozen Butterbeer
Butterbeer Ice Cream
Butterbeer Potted Cream
Butterbeer Fudge

17. Try Indoor Skydiving

Another fantastic attraction at Universal CityWalk is iFLY. This indoor skydiving experience simulates free-fall skydiving without jumping out of a plane.

This indoor skydiving experience is simulated by a powerful vertical wind tunnel, creating a smooth air column. This air allows you to float effortlessly, simulating the excitement of an actual skydive.

18. Eat at the Three Broomsticks

If you’re a Harry Potter or traditional British cuisine fan, eat at The Three Broomsticks.

Located within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this restaurant serves a range of British dishes, including:

English Breakfast
Shepherd’s Pie
Fish & Chips

19. Meet Some Awe-Inspiring Dinosaurs

In the Jurassic Park area of Universal Studios Hollywood, you’ll find the Raptor Encounter. This performance occurs several times daily and sees you come face-to-face with a dinosaur.

Pro Tip: If you’re travelling to Universal Studios Hollywood with a dinosaur fan, check out the DinoPlay area here.

20. Escape to an Epic Adventure With WaterWorld

WaterWorld is a thrilling show inspired by the 1995 science fiction film of the same name.

The show is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the earth is submerged in water, and the remaining survivors search for mythical dry land.

21. Upgrade to the VIP Experience

The best way to experience Universal Studios Hollywood is on a VIP Tour. This is an exclusive guided tour which includes:

Priority access to all rides
Guided tour
Exclusive backlot access
Gourmet lunch

22. Get Wet at Super Silly Fun Land

If you’re going to Universal Studios Hollywood in summer, visit the splash pad at Super Silly Fun Land. This area of the theme park is perfect for little kids. It features:

Silly Swirly Ride
Playground
Splash Pad

Pro Tip: Be sure to pack a spare set of clothes for your kids to change into after they’ve spent some time here.

23. Enjoy a World Famous Voodoo Donut

At Universal CityWalk, you’ll find the world-famous Voodoo Donuts.

This iconic store offers an extensive range of eccentrically designed donuts. Each of which is delicious and the perfect treat after a long day at the theme park.

24. Dine at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

The best place to eat at Universal CityWalk is Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

Despite its name, this incredible steampunk-themed restaurant serves plenty of savoury dishes alongside its famous desserts. However, as the most popular restaurant at CityWalk, I highly recommend booking a table in advance to avoid long waits.

25. Experience the Legendary Master Po

The DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda is a multi-sensory attraction that brings the world of Kung Fu Panda to life. The theatre can create an immersive experience through:

A 180-degree screen
Surround sound
Special effects (wind, water and smell)

Meanwhile, the film’s story sees you join Po and his friends as they battle villains to protect their home. This is a stand-alone story, meaning you don’t have to have seen Kung Fu Panda to enjoy it.

26. Buy All the Merch From Animation Studio Store

The Animation Studio Store is the largest store within Universal Studios Hollywood. Situated at the park entrance, you’ll find the most extensive range of Universal souvenirs are sold here.

Whether you’re looking for a retro Universal Studios t-shirt or a cool Super Mario jacket, this is the place!

27. Eat a Lard Lad Donut

Lard Lad donuts are one of the most iconic food items sold at Universal Studios. You can buy these donuts from various stores in the Springfield area of the theme park.

What makes these donuts iconic is their size. Seriously, they are the biggest donuts I’ve ever seen.

Pro Tip: Before eating the donut, consider taking a funny photo of it next to your head for comparison.

28. Experience Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights is a renowned seasonal event held at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event takes place between mid-September and early November and is a must-do for horror fans.

During the event, the theme park transforms into a nightmarish landscape filled with:

Haunted Houses
Scare Zones
Live Entertainment
Themed Food & Drink

Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights are sold separately from general theme park admission. However, this extra cost is well worth it because the experience is incredible!

Pro Tip: Universal Studios Hollywood is a family-friendly theme park. However, given Halloween Horror Nights theme, I wouldn’t suggest attending with children under 16.

29. Upgrade to an Annual Pass

You can upgrade your theme park ticket to an annual pass during your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Since this upgrade removes the ticket cost from the annual pass cost, you must do this during your visit to the theme park. However, this process doesn’t take much time out of your day.

I’ve upgraded my park ticket to an annual pass twice at the Box Office Front of Line inside the theme park and it’s never taken more than 10 minutes.