How to Buy Universal Studios Hollywood Discount Tickets

One of the biggest, oldest and most wildly successful movie studios on the planet, Universal Studios Hollywood requires little introduction. It’s here that many of popular culture’s best-known and best-loved films and TV shows were produced. We’re talking genuine household names: Jurassic Park, King Kong, Psycho, Spartacus, Minions and the Harry Potter and Transformers franchises, to name just a few.

Universal’s Hollywood HQ remains a fully operational movie and TV production studio to this day, but it's the addition of a theme park in the 1960s that has seen this once-modest studio lot mushroom into the entertainment and leisure industry colossus it is today. Visitors can expect a rollercoaster ride of a time here at ‘the entertainment capital of LA’, where a truly epic studio tour is complemented by themed zones – Super Nintendo World, Springfield, Jurassic World and more – packed with hair-raising thrill rides based on some of Universal’s most enduring hit movies. We took a look at what to expect from the theme park and how to get the best discount deals on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets. Read on for the lowdown...

Universal Studios Hollywood Highlights

• The World-Famous Studio Tour – this rip-roaring ride through 100 years of movie history more than lives up to its hyperbolic title. Step aboard an exhilarating tram ride that weaves its way through instantly recognizable sets including Back to the Future’s Courthouse Square and the Jupiter’s Claim theme park from Jordan Peele’s horror epic NOPE. You’ll come face to face with creature feature monsters like the iconic great white from Jaws, and Peter Jackson’s terrifying King Kong. You might want to consider holding onto your hat for the Fast and Furious grand finale, featuring high octane stunts and explosions.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – regardless of whether you’re Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff or Slytherin, you can’t fail to be seduced by the magic and wonder of this Harry Potter themed attraction. Soar through the hallowed halls of Hogwarts and take a ride over Hagrid’s pumpkin patch on the Flight of the Hippogriff before stocking up on your very own wand, cape and Platform 93⁄4 train ticket at the Dervish and Banges and Gladrags Wizardwear stores.
• Transformers: The Ride 3D – feeling brave? Hop aboard an immersive rollercoaster ride that pits you (a mere human) against the Decepticons (four-story high machines with names like Devastator, Devastator and Bonecrusher) in a terrifying fight for survival. But don’t worry: you’ll have the mighty Optimus Prime, Megatron and, um, Bumblebee on your side. What can possibly go wrong?
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – pedal to the metal for an exhilarating 3D motion ride based on perennial classic Super Mario Kart over in the park’s Super Nintendo World. Whiz over clouds, under water and through hoops of fire in your bid to beat the dastardly Bowser and claim the coveted Golden Cup.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – mayhem is truly the name of the game at Minion World’s star attraction. Pledge your allegiance to Gru, get yourself through Minion training camp and bust out your best moves at a completely silly Minions dance party, before grabbing an essential souvenir selfie with Stuart. Banana!

How to Buy Universal Studios Hollywood Discount Tickets

Probably the single most important rule of thumb to remember when looking for discounted tickets to Universal Studios (or at any major attraction for that matter) is that every option is cheaper than buying your ticket at the gate. Prices for entry to Universal Studios also vary by season, often surging at peak times (summer and holidays), so it makes sense to buy your tickets as far in advance as possible if you want to bag the best deals.

• Buying Universal Studios Tickets Direct – tickets for one-day general admission vary from $109-$154 depending on season. A two-day pass starts from $159 – just $50 more than for the single day – so there’s obvious value in visiting the park over multiple days. Live locally? Annual passes are available from $179 meaning you could, if you so desired, rejoin the Minions party every single day for 365 days straight. You can also buy express skip-the-line tickets from $209 and there’s even a fully pimped-up VIP option including express access, an expert guided tour of the studios and backlot, a meal, and complimentary valet parking from $379. Again, high rollers can save a few bucks versus gate prices by buying online in advance. Note that due to the popularity of the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge attraction in Super Nintendo World, you can only get express access to this ride via the VIP ticket. You can purchase early access tickets for Super Nintendo World separately, from $20, to beat the rush.
• Authorized Partners – Universal Studios Hollywood has a number of authorized ticket sales partners including local California travel agents. It’s worth shopping around as these often carry better discounts than buying direct.
• Go City Los Angeles Attraction Passes – it would be somewhat remiss if we didn’t also blow our own trumpet when recommending the best ways to get discounted tickets to Universal Studios. A pass from Go City can save you up to 50% on standard entry prices when visiting multiple attractions in and around LA, including Universal Studios Hollywood and other big hitters like Warner Bros. Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, the Hollywood sign tour, SoFi Stadium and more. There are two types of pass available. The All-Inclusive option includes Universal Studios Hollywood when you opt to visit as many attractions as you like over 3, 4, 5 or 7 days. Opt for the Explorer Pass to tick off up to seven essential attractions within a 60-day period. You can read more about each option and discover which attractions and tours are included here.

Universal Studios Hollywood Visitor Information

• Opening Hours – park hours vary through the year, but Universal Studios generally opens early in the morning and closes late in the evening. You’ll find the most up-to-date opening hours here.
• Getting There – Universal Studios is at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. There are multiple ways to get there, including by bus and metro, and a range of parking options are also available. You’ll find all the latest information here.

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Save on admission to Los Angeles attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.