One Day at Universal Studios Hollywood: Full Itinerary
Do you only have one day at Universal Studios Hollywood? No problem! With the right game plan and timing, you can hit all the must-see attractions and still have time for Butterbeer and epic selfies. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned thrill-seeker, this Universal Studios Hollywood one-day itinerary will help you make the most of your day.
We just returned from Los Angeles and packed our Universal Studios visit into a single, action-filled Saturday during spring break. Despite the crowds and skipping the Express Pass, arriving early was a total game-changer. I hadn’t explored the park fully since a short visit back in 2011, so navigating it without a game plan on such a busy day could’ve been overwhelming—but we still had an incredible time. I’m already looking forward to our next visit—hopefully with the VIP Tour that includes breakfast and Express access. Worth considering!
🎬 Start Strong: Be There Before the Gates Open
- Arrive at Rope Drop: Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the park opens. This gets you closer to the front of the line for Super Nintendo World.
- If prioritizing Super Nintendo World Tip: Entry may require a virtual queue or reservation. Open the app immediately after scanning your park ticket to join the queue if needed.
Morning Magic: Start at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
While most guests rush straight to Super Nintendo World at rope drop (for good reason—it fills up quickly!), we took a different path and started our day in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This decision paid off big time.
We were able to walk onto several key rides within the first hour of park opening with minimal wait times, all while enjoying the immersive theming of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts without the heavy crowds. It was a calm, magical start to an otherwise high-energy day!
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Step inside the iconic Hogwarts Castle and experience a thrilling, immersive dark ride that blends practical effects with 3D magic.
- Flight of the Hippogriff: A charming outdoor family coaster that offers great views of Hogsmeade and a fun first coaster for younger guests.
- Ollivander's Wand Experience: Witness a wand choosing ceremony—someone in your group might get picked! Don't forget to explore the wand shop afterward for interactive wand options.
Lower Lot Strategy: Keep the Momentum Going
After enjoying the immersive magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we recommend heading down to the Lower Lot before the midday crowds roll in. Use the escalators (or elevators if needed) and take in the view—it’s also a good time for a quick water break.
The Lower Lot is home to some of Universal’s most thrilling attractions, and knocking them out before lunch can save you serious wait time later in the day.
- Transformers: The Ride 3D: A high-octane, motion-simulated battle with Optimus Prime and the Autobots. Lines are short in the morning, so don’t delay! (This ride is on a 4-month refurbishment and scheduled to reopen on June 20, 2025)
- Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride: This fast-paced indoor coaster is a must-do for thrill seekers. It’s dark, intense, and super fun.
- Skip DinoPlay (for now): Unless you have little ones eager to run around, save this for later if time allows.
Mid-Morning Cool Down
After tackling the thrills of the Lower Lot, it’s a great time to cool off and recharge!
- Jurassic World – The Ride: This water-based thrill ride is an absolute blast—literally. Expect to get wet! Bring a small poncho or grab one at the shops nearby if you'd rather stay dry. It's a fun ride with intense dino encounters and a soaking splash finale.
- Snack Break: Mid-morning is the perfect time to grab a quick snack. A shareable Lard Lad Donut from the Simpsons area, frozen Butterbeer at Hogwarts, and Bavarian pretzels are always hits. But if you're a popcorn lover, check out our pro tip.
Lunch Break Options
- Hollywood & Dine: Ideal for mixed tastes with lots of food court options.
- Three Broomsticks: Dine in the Wizarding World with classic British fare and Butterbeer.
Super Nintendo World: Power-Up in the Afternoon
After lunch is a great time to explore Super Nintendo World—especially if you’ve reserved a timed entry or scored a spot via the virtual queue using the Universal Studios Hollywood app. This immersive land is incredibly detailed and often less chaotic in the afternoon, once the early crowd moves on.
We had our first visit to Bowser’s Castle and were genuinely impressed. As longtime Disney fans, we have to say—Universal knocked this one out of the park. The theming was exceptional, instantly transporting us back to our childhood memories of playing Mario games in the 80s and 90s. Every detail felt authentic and nostalgic in the best way.
The queue for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge was another pleasant surprise. Even on a busy spring break day, the line moved faster than the posted wait time, and the queue itself was well-themed and comfortable, making the wait feel part of the adventure.
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: The land’s headline attraction combines augmented reality with physical sets and fast-paced fun. Be ready for a wait unless you scored a timed entry pass or chose Single Rider.
- Power-Up Band Key Challenges: Pick up a Power-Up Band to interact with themed blocks, earn virtual coins, and play mini-games to defeat Bowser Jr.—a fun add-on for fans of all ages.
Dining at Toadstool Cafe
We were really looking forward to trying Toadstool Cafe, and it absolutely delivered in terms of theming—it truly feels like you’ve stepped into a Mario game! A big thanks to our friend Maria Jose, a proud Boricua and Los Angeles local, who recommended we check it out. Her tips throughout the trip were a huge help, and we’re so grateful for her guidance!
What We Tried at Toadstool Cafe:
- 🍔 Vegan Mario Burgers: Decent flavor and a fun themed option.
- 🍝 Kids' Spaghetti: Simple, classic, and tasty for little ones.
- 🧁 Princess Peach Cupcake: A sweet highlight—beautiful and delicious.
- 🍅 Tomato and Basil Soup: A letdown—it tasted more like marinara sauce, came in a very small portion, and cost $20. We realized we were mostly paying for the decorative mushroom container it was served in.
That said, the dining process took much longer than expected. Here’s what you should know:
- 🎟️ Reservations Required: You must join a waitlist before entering. Once called, you’ll wait in a quick-service style queue to order.
- 📋 Multi-Step Process: After ordering, you’ll join another line to be seated. Our total wait time after being seated was over an hour before receiving our food.
Evening Fun to Close Your Day
Since we were already pretty tired and had a full day—especially with the Spring Break crowds—we didn’t experience everything in the evening. But if you're staying until closing or visiting on a less crowded day, you might still have time to enjoy these popular attractions:
- WaterWorld Stunt Show: Known for its explosions, jet skis, and jaw-dropping stunts, this high-energy show is a fan favorite. It's one of the few attractions we regret missing, so definitely check the showtimes in advance and try to fit it in if you can.
- The Simpsons Ride: I rode this back in 2011 during my first visit, and while the theming is spot-on and filled with sharp satire, I personally found the motion effects a bit much. I’m not usually prone to motion sickness, but this one made me feel slightly off—just something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to simulators.
- Silly Swirly Fun Ride: This colorful, spinning ride near Super Silly Fun Land is a gentle way to end your day, especially for younger visitors or families looking to wind down with something light-hearted.
Afternoon Favorites: Upper Lot
- Studio Tour: We had a great time on this legendary backlot tram ride, capturing classic sets and scenes along the way. It’s the perfect combo of theme park entertainment and Hollywood history. We even caught one of the last runs of the Fast & Furious section before it permanently closed—definitely a memorable moment.
- Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! The queue alone blew us away with its charming theming—it felt like you were really stepping into the pets’ world. As pet lovers, the ride itself was the cherry on top: sweet, creative, and full of heart. Don’t skip this one, especially if you’re traveling with family.
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: This silly simulator brought back memories of the old Jimmy Neutron ride I experienced at Universal Orlando in the mid-2000s—only better! It’s fun and chaotic, but it might not be worth a long wait unless you have a deep love for the Minions. Consider it a great filler if the line is short.
Tips to Maximize Your Day
- Download the App: The Universal Studios Hollywood app is your best friend. Use it to check real-time wait times, show alerts, mobile food orders, and virtual queue access for attractions like Super Nintendo World.
- Use Single Rider Lines: Save time by hopping into Single Rider queues—especially useful for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Jurassic World – The Ride.
- VIP or Express Pass: Want to avoid the longest waits? The VIP Experience gives you priority access to attractions, a private guided tour (including exclusive backlot areas), valet parking, and a gourmet lunch. It's surprisingly more affordable and flexible compared to the Orlando park’s version—making it a smart upgrade if you're short on time or want a stress-free visit. The Express Pass also grants access to a much shorter line for most rides and shows without the full VIP package.
- Packing Tip: Don’t forget the essentials—bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a portable charger, and possibly a light poncho for water rides like Jurassic World.
Need help planning your Universal adventure?
I’m a travel advisor partnered with Universal and can help you book everything from tickets and hotels to VIP packages and transportation, at no extra cost. Let’s make your Hollywood day as magical (and efficient) as possible!
✨ There is no additional cost to you for planning your trip with me!
Final Thoughts
With this Universal Studios Hollywood one-day itinerary, you're ready to turn even the busiest park day into a magical, memory-filled adventure. Despite the spring break crowds, we had an incredible time exploring the park as a family thanks to a little strategy, an early start, and lots of flexibility.
Some of our favorite moments included wandering through the Wizarding World early in the day with no wait times, enjoying the immersive queue at Secret Life of Pets, and getting emotional walking into Bowser’s Castle for the first time. Universal exceeded our expectations with the theming, especially in Super Nintendo World.
One small tip from us: grab the popcorn bucket! It’s refillable and a great snack to carry around throughout the day. And if you’re riding Jurassic World – The Ride, pack a poncho unless you're ready to get soaked.
🎒 Universal Day Essentials
| Park Tickets (printed or digital) |
| Portable phone charger |
| Reusable water bottle |
| Sunscreen & sunglasses |
| Lightweight poncho or umbrella |
| Hat or cooling towel |
| Comfortable walking shoes |
Let’s Make Your Universal Day Unforgettable
From the thrills of Revenge of the Mummy and Mario Kart to the iconic Studio Tour and magical moments at Hogwarts, this itinerary is built for making the most out of one full day. If you'd like help planning your own visit, I’d love to assist—let’s make your Universal day smooth, fun, and unforgettable.
✨ There is no additional cost to you for planning your trip with me!
