Universal Studios Hollywood’s hours vary seasonally and by day of the week.
Regular opening hours are from 9 am to 10 pm, but with early access hours, you can enter at 8 am itself. The Universal CityWalk is open from 11 am.
The perfect time to visit would be the weekdays for lower wait times and shoulder seasons for ideal good weather.
Peak summer hours are longer, but there will be high temperatures and crowds.
Special events like Halloween Horror Nights change the park and affect regular hours.
Let’s discover the park’s opening hours and ideal timing for your visit!
Universal Studios Hollywood Timings
Universal Studios Hollywood opening hours vary according to the season, day of the week, and special events or holidays.
Generally, the park opens at 9 am and closes between 9 pm and 10 pm.
You can check the timings on the day of your visit on the official website.
Universal Studio Hollywood Early Access Hours
Universal Studios Hollywood provides Early Access if you want to get a head start on the day at the park.
This access is exclusive to the park’s renowned Super Nintendo World area from 8 am to 9 am.
You will also get one time express access to the Studio Tour which is valid until 11 am.
Early Access needs a separate ticket apart from your regular park entrance ticket. The Early access Hours Ticket costs $20.
Benefits of Early Access
Early Access provides a wealth of perks!
You can conquer rides with short queues, fewer crowds, and make stress-free memories for small children – all before the park opens.
- Reduced Wait Times: Get a massive advantage by experiencing popular rides and attractions at Super Nintendo World with shorter waits. This lets you explore more activities before the crowds come.
- Enhanced Experience: With fewer people around, you can completely immerse yourself in the interactive components, capture beautiful images without being photobombed, and enjoy the rich details of the landscape.
- Ideal for families with young children: Young children can enjoy the excitement of Super Nintendo World at their own speed without being overwhelmed by enormous crowds.
Universal Studios Hollywood CityWalk Timings
Universal CityWalk Hollywood, the entertainment, eating, and retail zone adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, works on its schedule, often extending later into the evening than the theme park.
The regular times for Universal CityWalk Hollywood are from 11 am to 10 pm.
Halloween Horror Nights 2024 Timings
Curious about when will Halloween Horror Nights start at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Halloween Horror Nights will be open on certain evenings between September 5 and November 3, 2024. The event begins at 7 pm every night.
Which Timing is Best For You?
Family with Young Children
Weekdays, 9 am to 10 am
Recommended Ticket:
Weekdays at 9 am provide fewer lineups, which is ideal for little children. Enjoy rides and shows without waiting in long lines, making the day more accessible and less stressful for the entire family.
Movie Fans
Weekdays, 9 am to 10 am
Recommended Ticket:
On weekdays, VIP tickets let you skip the line to the movie studios and theme parks at any time of the day. You will also receive a delicious meal and valet parking. This is perfect for die-hard international movie fans.
First-Timers
Weekdays, 9 am to 10 am
Recommended Ticket:
Entry Ticket + BOGO Offer
This ticket is ideal for families with teenagers or friends on a trip. It gives two-day entry and access to all park rides, shows, and activities. It is a cost-effective way to have fun at Universal Studios without breaking the bank.
Best Time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood
You must prepare ahead of time to navigate the crowds and make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
The Early mornings of off-seasons and shoulder season will give you a pleasant visiting experience.
This detailed guide discusses the ideal times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, taking into account crowds, weather, special events, and personal preferences.
Seasonal Crowd Calendar
For the shortest lines and best deals, aim for the shoulder seasons (April to May and January to March) or the off-season (September to November), excluding Halloween Horror Nights.
But be prepared for slightly higher crowds during spring break.
Off-Season
- September through November, except Halloween Horror Nights are off-season for the Universal Studio.
- After the summer crowds go, September and October provide great weather, shorter lines, and will have low prices for entry tickets.
- Halloween Horror Nights may influence park hours at this time.
Shoulder Season:
- Shoulder season is from April to May and January to March, and it offers a lovely equilibrium with warm temperatures, minimal crowds, and reduced ticket costs.
- Spring break, typically in March or early April, will result in a rush of tourists.
Peak Summer Season:
- Expect large crowds and high heat from June to August.
- While wait times will be long, the park is often open for longer hours, and refreshing water rides relieve the heat.
Special Calendar
You can beat the crowds and get the most out of your Universal Studios Hollywood experience by preparing ahead of time, taking advantage of weekdays and early mornings, and avoiding peak season.
Weekday Magic (Monday to Friday): Visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Lower wait times allow you to see more attractions.
Early Bird Advantage: Arrive at the park opening for the least wait times. Getting coveted front-of-the-line access with Universal Express will significantly improve your experience during the high season.
School crowds: If you want shorter lineups, avoid school vacations (spring break and winter break). The crowds usually increase dramatically during these times.
Seasonal Extras
Universal Studios Hollywood provides seasonal charm like Halloween Horror Nights and Christmas decor in addition to its usual offerings.
Halloween Horror Nights (September to November): This event transforms the park into a frightful playground with haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment. While obviously exhilarating, it influences regular park hours.
Holiday Season Cheer (November to December): During this season, you can see the park decorated for the holidays, watch charming shows, and even meet renowned Christmas characters. Prepare for large crowds on busy holiday weekends.
How Long Does It Take to Visit?
The time it takes to visit Universal Studios Hollywood varies depending on your priorities. But usually it takes at least four hours to glance at everything around the park.
Here are the details of the visiting duration:
Thrill Seekers: Want to conquer all of the rides? You will require a whole day, almost six to seven hours, with minimum wait periods.
Casual Visitors: Do you prefer a combination of rides, performances, and visiting themed areas? It takes five to six hours.
Focus on Entertainment: Interested in shows, character interactions, and a slower pace? Three to four hours should be enough.
Contents
FAQs
1. Do Universal Studios Hollywood’s opening hours change seasonally?
Yes, Universal Studios Hollywood’s hours change with the seasons. Expect extended hours throughout the high summer and holiday seasons. April to May, January to March and September to November typically have lower operation hours.
2. When does Universal Studios Hollywood open on weekdays?
The park generally opens at 9 am on weekdays.
3. What is Early Access at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Early Access at Universal Studios Hollywood allows you to enter Super Nintendo World exclusively before regular park hours. This means you may enjoy popular attractions and explore the big park with fewer people for an hour before everyone else arrives.
4. What time does Early Access Hour start?
Early Access Hour starts at 8 am, one hour before the park’s regular opening time.
5. What time does Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studio Hollywood start?
The event starts at 7 pm each night from September 5 to November 3, 2024.
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Featured Image: Tripadvisor.ca