Universal Studios Hollywood Wait Times

It is a -popular attraction in LA and worldwide, attracting over ten million visitors annually.

Hence, it is important for you to know the Universal Studios Hollywood wait times and how to avoid them.

Here is a list of the average ride wait times at Universal Studios Hollywood and some tips to avoid long lines.

Average Universal Studios Hollywood wait times- by month 

April to August and December are the busiest months in Universal Studios Hollywood.

The crowd increases during July, and things will be out by August as it is back-to-school season.

Universal Studios Hollywood has the longest wait times during the Christmas holidays.

Comparatively, fewer people visit during March, September and October, resulting in short lines at the rides.

Similarly, you can find the least crowds during weekdays.

January, February, and November have the lowest number of visitors in the year.

Visit during these months if you wish to experience Universal Studios Hollywood with almost no waiting time and lines.

In conclusion, keep in mind the months of July and December! Or you could do the smart thing and get Express or VIP tickets online!

You save time and money and won’t spend a moment out waiting in line for entry into Universal Studios Hollywood. 

Average Waiting Times at Universal Studios Hollywood by Day of the Week

Universal Studios Hollywood ride wait times are low on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

You will find the longest queues on Saturday and the average wait time is one hour.

Sundays are busy but less packed than Saturdays.

Average waiting time by rides

Jurrasic World Ride has the longest wait time among the 12 rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The average waiting time for the Jurrasic World Ride is one hour.

Simpson Ride comes second on waiting times. This ride has an average waiting time of 45 minutes.

The third most popular attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter; visitors usually have to wait 40 minutes to enjoy it.

People typically have to wait around 30 minutes for exciting rides like Revenge of the Mummy, Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Transformers, and others.

Here, we have put together a list of all the Universal Studios Hollywood wait times for individual rides:

RideLongest wait timePeak Hour
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge1 hr 50 minutes9.44 to 10.34 am
The Simpsons Ride1 hr 30 minutes10.44 to 11.14 am and 5.30 pm
Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride1 hr 5 minutes3.19 to 4.09 pm
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3D1 hr10.34 to 11.44 pm
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash55 minutes5 to 5.30 pm
Jurassic World — The Ride45 minutes11.29 am to 1.30 pm
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem30 minutes11.59 am
Flight of the Hippogriff25 minutes12.10 to 12.44 pm
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey25 minutes11.10 am to 2.10 pm
Ollivanders25 minutes3.29 pm
Studio Tour25 minutes1.15 pm
Kung Fu Panda Adventure15 minutes8.59 am to 7.04 pm
Super Silly Fun Land10 minutes1 pm and 5.30 pm
DinoPlay1 minuteAll hours

Is Universal Studios Hollywood Worth the Waiting Time?

Universal Studios Hollywood offers rides and experiences based on iconic movies and TV shows. 

If you are a fan of films produced by Universal Pictures and enjoy immersive experiences related to them, you might find the waiting time worthwhile.

The park features a mix of family-friendly attractions and thrilling rides that cater to different age groups and adrenaline levels. 

One of the highlights of Universal Studios Hollywood is the Studio Tour, which offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of movie sets and special effects. 

The park offers live shows and performances, including stunt shows and character meet-and-greets. If you enjoy this entertainment, it could add value to your experience.

Universal Studios Hollywood wait times are ridiculously long at times, but the experience is worth every second and penny you spend!

How to avoid waiting times at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood wait times are legendary due to their sheer length! 

But fortunately for you, we have some tips on avoiding these waiting times at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

1. Purchase the tickets online

Purchasing tickets online can save you money and make getting into Universal Studios Hollywood easier.

With this Universal Studios Hollywood express entry ticket, you will not stand in lines and enter the theme park seamlessly. 

2. Visit during the off-season

Visit during the weekdays instead of weekends. Tuesday through Thursday are the best days to visit Universal Studios Hollywood.

To enjoy low crowds and less waiting time, visit during fall, winter or on school days.

We suggest you avoid visiting the park during summer holidays and public holidays.

The Universal Studios Hollywood’s average wait time for rides in summer is 45 minutes.

3. Arrive Early

Make sure to arrive early.

Try to get there 30 to 45 minutes before the park opens to increase your chances of short lines and more rides.

Check the Universal Studios Hollywood opening hours before you visit. 

It’s best to familiarize yourself with the Park Map and the various sections of the park!

4. Visit the rides in the lower lot first

We recommend you visit the Lower Lot first in the morning.

During this time, visitors enjoy less waiting time for the rides here and if you arrive early, you can be the first to take the ride.

Most of the visitors take the rides at the Upper Lot first, making the waiting times long there.

The Universal Studios Hollywood Harry Potter Ride wait time is 35 minutes on average during the morning.

After mid-day, tourists move from the Upper Lot to the Lower Lot. This is the perfect time for you to enjoy the Upper Lot rides with less waiting time.

Ensure you know the minimum height requirements for the rides at Universal for the best experience.

5. Express and VIP passes

Express passes give fast-track access to the ride and allow riders to skip the general waiting lines.

If you want to travel during the busiest time of year, the VIP pass is a fantastic choice to enjoy a day like a celebrity.

This pass offers gourmet meals, VIP lounge access and more. 

6. Opt for a single-rider line

You can also avoid the usual long lines by picking the “single-rider” line.

If you’re with friends or family, you’ll need to separate from them.

However, this is a great way to avoid lines when you do not have the express pass.

Rides that offer single-rider lines are:

  • Jurassic World – The Ride
  • Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
  • Transformers: The Ride 3D
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • Flight of the Hippogriff

7. Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood mobile app

The app offers you official information about rides, show timings, park timings, restaurants, map and more.

The app is available for download on both iOS and Android.

8. Use virtual lines

Virtual lines let you save a spot for your favorite ride without standing in a real line. 

You can use the Universal Studios Hollywood mobile app to find these virtual lines and it will tell you when it’s your turn to ride.

You can go to the ride entrance whenever you want during the time they’ve reserved for you.

Universal Studios Hollywood waiting times – FAQs

1. What is the average wait time for a ride at Universal Studios Hollywood?

2. Can I skip the waiting lines for rides at Universal Studios Hollywood?

3. Is there an app to know Universal Studios Hollywood wait times?

4. What rides at Universal Studios have the longest wait times?

5. How long is the waiting time for Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood?

6. How to avoid wait times at Universal Studios Hollywood?

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