What to know about Universal Studios Hollywood: step inside the screen
The iconic globe rotates slowly, movie music fills the air, and the vibe is immediate. At Universal Studios Hollywood, you do not just watch movies, you literally step inside the Hollywood dream machine. The adrenaline of the rides mixes with the authentic magic of working production sets.
Why this park is different from the rest
What makes this place special is its dual identity. It is both a theme park and, most importantly, a working movie studio that has been in operation for over a century. Every corner breathes cinema history, from the silent film era to today's blockbusters, offering an experience you will not find anywhere else in Los Angeles.
The World-Famous Studio Tour: at the heart of Hollywood secrets
The park's historic, must-do experience is the studio tour. Aboard the famous tram, you leave the ride areas to explore the actual backlot where the magic happens. It is a fascinating mix of behind-the-scenes discovery and thrills.
- Set exploration: You will drive past iconic film and TV sets, from the suburban streets of Desperate Housewives to the Psycho house.
- Immersive simulations: You will come face-to-face with a great white shark, survive a simulated earthquake, and get caught in the middle of a high-speed chase with the Fast & Furious crew.
- King Kong 360 3-D: An all-encompassing, intense 3D experience created by Peter Jackson himself.
Diving into iconic cinematic worlds
Beyond the studio tour, the park fully immerses you in worlds you have only seen on screen. Each area is a detailed recreation designed to engage all your senses.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Walk the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade, sip on some Butterbeer, and explore the halls of Hogwarts castle. The flagship ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is a technical feat that has you flying alongside the famous wizard.
Super Nintendo World
Step inside a real-life video game. The colors, the sounds, the question-mark blocks waiting to be hit: everything is there. Take on Bowser's team in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an augmented reality race that is genuinely impressive.
More than just rides: shows and encounters
The Universal Studios experience would not be complete without its live shows. Do not miss WaterWorld, a stunt show featuring explosions, jet skis, and action sequences worthy of a major film. It is the most impressive show in the park and a timeless classic.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
With its unique geography, the park is really pretty to walk through, with an overlook of the famous Hollywood studios and attractions that are all high quality. There is a lot of 3D, but that is not all! There is something for everyone and it is very enjoyable. We went on a Monday in October, and except for Super Mario World, we were waiting between 5 and 20 minutes everywhere, so it was really top notch.
A must do: the studio tour, which lasts about an hour and is one of a kind, so definitely do not miss it!
In 2026, the Fast & Furious ride is going to open, and I can tell you that it looks INCREDIBLE!