Universal Studios Hollywood

A theme park inside a working film studio. The studio tour, Harry Potter's World of Magic and the Super Nintendo World, opened in 2023, are its three signature attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Universal City, north of Hollywood. Universal Pictures, founded in 1915, still films here, and studio tours have been open to the public since 1964. It is the only theme park in the world built inside a working film studio. The park is split into upper and lower levels, connected by four long escalators. The upper level has the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the 4D ride 'Forbidden Journey' inside the Hogwarts Castle, the Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster, the Three Broomsticks restaurant with butterbeer, and Ollivanders wand shop. It also has Super Nintendo World, which opened in 2023 and features Mario Kart AR rides, where you can buy power bands to collect coins interactively. There is also the Simpsons' Springfield, the Minion area, and the WaterWorld stunt show. The lower level has Jurassic World: The Ride, Transformers: The Ride 3D, the Mummy roller coaster and the Fast & Furious experience. The most distinctive attraction is the 45–60 minute Studio Tour. You ride a tram through real filming sets, including Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, the lake from Jaws and the Bates Motel from Psycho. Along the way you experience King Kong 360 3D, a Fast & Furious tunnel, and earthquake and flash flood effects. Chinese-language audio guides are available throughout. Ticket prices vary by date: a one-day adult ticket costs about $109–159, and an Express pass costs about $199–299. The Express pass is strongly recommended during peak season, saving 2–3 hours of queuing. Buying online is usually cheaper than at the gate. The best plan is to enter when the park opens, head to Super Nintendo World first (virtual queuing in peak season), then go to Harry Potter, and take the Studio Tour in the afternoon. Getting there: exit at Universal City station on the Metro B Line and take the free shuttle up the hill. Driving yourself costs $30–40 for parking. Outside the park, Universal CityWalk is a free dining and shopping street that is lively in the evening. Note: summer sun is strong, and there is little shade in Super Nintendo World and the Harry Potter area. Food in the park is expensive, so bring water and snacks.

Universal Studios Hollywood

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