General Information
NFT Map: 57
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Park Information: 800-UNIVERSAL
Special Events: 818-622-3036
Lost & Found: 818-622-3522
Group Sales: 800-959-9688 x2
Website: www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Overview
If you live in Hollywood, you’ve probably a) seen a movie being filmed during your daily commute, b) been to a show taping, c) worked as an extra, or d) all of the above. Universal Studios, with its hissing animatronic Jaws and silly stunt shows, doesn’t offer much of an escape from your daily grind.
However, if you’ve got out-of-town guests, send them to Universal immediately; it rivals Disneyland with its interactive attractions for both kids (Shrek 4-D) and adults (the new Fear Factor Live). Aunt Mary will flip when she sees Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane and Uncle Jerry can channel his inner Tom Cruise while viewing the actual set of War of the Worlds. The park is much more manageable than the Happiest Place on Earth, and rides, like Revenge of the Mummy, are always improving. Plus, now that the much-hyped Simpsons ride is completed, you can expect a correlative increase in pandemonium.
Just outside the theme park gates, CityWalk truly embraces the concept of Hollywood hype. Garish storefronts beckon you into knick-knack shops and the restaurant roster reads like a condensed sampling of LA’s most popular eateries: Saddle Ranch Chop House, Wolfgang Puck Café, and Daily Grill all have locations here. Even locals come out to appreciate movies at the 19-screen CityWalk Cinemas, (call 818-508-0711 for movie times), music at B.B. King’s Blues Club, and seasonal treats like a wintertime outdoor skating rink. The new VIP Party Pass gives you access to all CityWalk clubs with a couple of free drinks and a ride on Saddle Ranch’s mechanical bull thrown in. (You’ll pay for it the morning after.)
Hours of Operation
Universal Studios is open all year (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), but operating hours are subject to change without notice, so call the park or check the website before you plan your visit. Typically the park is open from 9 am until 9 pm on weekends during peak times, and 9 am until 8 pm during busy weekdays. During the slower months, it’s open from 10 am until 6 pm. But again, check before you go.
Entrance Fees
One-day tickets cost $80 for adults and $72 for those under 48 inches tall. Children 2 and under—regardless of height—are free. Book tickets online using Universal’s Print@Home option to avoid the lines. If money is no object, consider purchasing the Front of Line Pass for $139-$159, which allows you to cut to the front of the line for rides and snag the best seats in the house for any performance.
Check the website for packages and deals like the Southern California CityPass which allows you to visit multiple parks in SoCal at a flat rate. Promotions are abundant during high season and vary wildly, so be sure to check everything from the supermarket to your empty Coke can for special coupons.
Lockers
Cash- and credit card–operated rental lockers are located just inside the park at varying costs depending on size. And since they’re inside the park, you can keep adding junk as the day goes by.
Package Delivery
If you buy merchandise within the park and you don’t feel like schlepping it around, there’s a handy delivery service that will have your parcels waiting for you as you leave. The pickup point is located near the exit at Universal Film Co.
Kennels
If you can’t bear to leave your pet at home or if you’re passing through on a longer journey, Universal provides a complimentary kennel service for park guests. Go to the Guest Services window at the entrance to the park, and your pet will be escorted to the facilities by one of the guest service representatives.
How to Get There—Driving
Universal Studios Hollywood is located between Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, just off the 101 Hollywood/Ventura Freeway. Exit at Universal Center Drive or Lankershim Boulevard and follow the signs to the parking areas.
Parking
Preferred Parking ($20) is located in the Rocky & Bullwinkle Lot and is one of the closest parking lots to the theme park. If you would prefer to park your car yourself, general parking is located in the Curious George Garage, Jurassic Parking Garage, and the Frankenstein and Woody Woodpecker Lots. All are within walking distance to any Universal destination and cost $11 for the day. If you simply must save your cash for that Jurassic Park t-shirt, park at the bottom of the hill and take the free tram to the park.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Universal Studios is the only Southern Californian theme park accessible by subway. Take the Metro Red Line to Universal City. MTA Buses 96, 150, 152, 156, 163, 166, 240, and 750 also run to Universal City Station. Shuttles, airport, and charter services are available to and from Universal Studios Hollywood with SuperShuttle. A free tram will take you to the top of the hill upon arrival. 800-258-3826; www.supershuttle.com.