Universal Studios Hollywood is one of Los Angeles’ most well-known and visited vacation destinations.
Suppose you are feeling lost or unsure where to start your adventure. Don’t worry!
This guide will navigate the park’s layout, making it easy to explore the magic of filmmaking and enjoy all the amazing attractions.
The park comprises sets relating to many popular movies and TV shows. It also has rides, shows, and other attractions.
With a well-organized layout and plenty of attractions to discover, you will be well-equipped to make the most of your adventure.
Why Do You Need a Map?
1. Planning Your Day: The map provides a clear layout of the park, including all the rides, attractions, restaurants, and restrooms. This allows you to strategically plan your day, prioritizing must-do experiences and optimizing your time to avoid backtracking.
2. Family Fun for All: For families with young children or those with varying interests, a map helps everyone stay on the same page. Locate kid-friendly rides, adult-thrilling experiences, and dining options suitable for all ages.
3. Finding Hidden Gems: A map might highlight lesser-known attractions or hidden details you might miss otherwise, such as secret photo stops or shortcuts between areas.
4. Creating Anticipation: Get familiar with the layout of the map, make plans for the perfect day, and visualize yourself taking in every ride and attraction. The map becomes a visual representation of the fun that awaits you at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Themed Day Plans for Universal Studios Hollywood
Wizarding Wonder Day
Best for: Die-hard Harry Potter fans
Recommended Ticket: Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience
Key Activities: Dive deep into the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Must-See Rides/Shows: Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Ollivander Wand Shop, Hogwarts Express
Thrill Seeker’s Day
Best for: Adrenaline junkies and coaster enthusiasts
Recommended Ticket:
Universal Studios Hollywood Express Ticket
Key Activities: Conquer the park’s most intense rides and experience high-speed thrills.
Must-See Rides/Shows: The Studio Tour, The Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers: The Ride 3D, Jurassic World, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Family Fun Frenzy
Best for: Families with young children
Recommended Ticket:
Universal Studios Hollywood Entry Ticket
Key Activities: Explore interactive experiences, family-friendly shows, and character meet-and-greets.
Must-See Rides/Shows: Super Silly Fun Land, Flight of the Hippogriff, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Universal’s Animal Actors Show
Navigating Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is divided into two main areas with different attractions and rides—the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in 2016, is the largest themed area in the Upper Lot.
It features thrilling rides and detailed sets from the Harry Potter universe. Now, let’s take a look at the layout of the theme park.
From Where to Enter Universal Studios Hollywood?
- Universal Studios Boulevard Entrance is the main entrance for most guests. It’s located right off Universal Studios Boulevard and is easily accessible by car, taxi, rideshare, or public transportation.
- If you are staying at a hotel outside of the Universal Studios Hollywood Resort, you can enter the park through Universal CityWalk. There’s an escalator connecting CityWalk to the Upper Lot of the theme park.
The Upper Lot
The Upper Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood is where you will find a variety of iconic attractions, shows, and dining options.
It’s a vibrant area packed with entertainment for visitors of all ages.
As soon as you step past the entrance, you will be right there in the Upper Lot. Get Directions
Rides & Attractions
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Silly Swirly Fun Ride
- Super Silly Fun Land
- The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!
- Studio Tour, The Simpsons Ride
- Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular
Must-Try Restaurants
- Minion Cafe
- Cletus’ Chicken Shack
- Mel’s Diner
- French Street Bistro
- Cocina Mexicana
- Springfield USA
- Despicable Delights
- Hollywood & Dine
- Moe’s Tavern
Entertainment Options
- Celebrate with DreamWorks’s Trolls
- Despicable Me Carnival Games
- Frog Choir
- The Simpsons Carnival Games
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-do for any Potterhead visiting Universal Studios Hollywood.
It’s a land that transports you right into the magical world created by J.K. Rowling. Here, you can explore the iconic locations you have only seen in the movies.
It is located towards the back left side of the Upper Lot. You can look for signs pointing towards it or ask park staff for directions. Get Directions
Rides & Attractions
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Must-Try Restaurants
- Hog’s Head
- Three Broomsticks
Entertainment Options
- Can’t Miss Experiences in Hogsmeade
- Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
- The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
- Triwizard Spirit Rally
- Ollivander’s Wand Show
The Lower Lot
The Lower Lot is the smaller of the two lots. It offers a thrilling contrast to the magic and whimsy of the Upper Lot.
It’s accessible from the Upper Lot via escalators and offers a more intense experience with exciting rides and shows.
Rides & Attractions
- Jurassic World: The Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- DinoPlay
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Must-Try Restaurants
- Isla Nu-Bar
- Jurassic Cafe
- Mummy Eats
- Panda Express
- Starbucks
- Studio Cafe
- Toadstool Cafe
Entertainment Options
- Raptor Encounter
- Power-Up Band Key Challenges
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Universal CityWalk is a vibrant entertainment, dining, and shopping complex located adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.
Since you are already here, you won’t need to find an entrance to access the theme park — they are directly connected!
Look for large escalators within CityWalk. These will be clearly marked as leading to Universal Studios Hollywood. Get Directions
Must-Try Restaurants
- Antojitos Cocina Mexicana
- Ben & Jerry’s
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Buca di Beppo
- Dongpo Kitchen
- Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
- Panda Express
Entertainment Options
- 5 Towers Stage
- Access Hollywood
- iFLY
Shops
- Billabong
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Celebrity Authentics
- Dodgers Clubhouse Store
- Hot Topic
- Lids
- Locker Room by Lids
- Shoe Palace
- Sephora
- Nectar Bath Treats
Nightlife
- Dancing with Your Stars Club
- Mezzanine
- Universal CityWalk’s Rising Star
Note: Most nightclubs and bars at Universal CityWalk have a 21+ age restriction, so be sure to bring a valid ID.
Vacatis Tips to Navigate Universal Studios Hollywood
- Consider purchasing a Universal Express Pass if you are short on time or want to skip the long lines.
- Before your visit, familiarize yourself with the map’s layout. Understanding sections and landmarks will help you navigate the park easily.
- Lightly mark your must-do rides and events on the physical map to avoid decision fatigue.
- Locate restrooms and locker rentals on the map beforehand.
- Using the map, divide the park into sections (Upper Lot, Lower Lot, etc.). Focus on conquering each area to maximize ride experiences and minimize backtracking.
Contents
FAQs
1. Where can I get a map of Universal Studios Hollywood?
You can pick up a map at the park entrance or at Guest Services locations throughout the park, or you can download it.
2. Why do I need a map of Universal Studios Hollywood?
A map provides a clear layout of the park, including attractions, shows, dining options, restrooms, and important landmarks. It helps you plan your day efficiently and navigate between different areas of the park.
3. How can I use the map to plan my visit?
Make use of the map to find your favorite rides, shows, and restaurants. Plan your route to avoid unnecessary walking and backtracking.
4. Is the Universal Studios Hollywood map available in languages other than English?
Yes, maps in multiple languages are frequently available at the park’s entrance and Guest Services locations to assist international visitors.
