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Admits holders to both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios for two days.

Adults and children over 9: $135.

Children ages 3 to 9: $122.

Two-Day, One-Park-Per-Day Ticket

Admits holders to Islands of Adventure one day and Universal Studios the other.

Adults and children over 9: $115.

Children ages 3 to 9: $102.

Flex Ticket

Admits holders to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet ’n Wild, Aquatica, and SeaWorld for 14 consecutive days.

Adults and children over 9: $275.

Children ages 3 to 9: $255.

Money-Saving Tip

If you buy your Universal tickets online, the savings can be significant. Specials vary with the season, but there’s nearly always a reward for buying early.

You can also save money with the Universal Meal Deal, especially if you have big eaters in the party. The Meal Deal basically offers you all the food you’d like from three counter-service restaurants in Universal Studios and three more in Islands of Adventure for a base price of $20 for adults, $10 for kids 3–9. If you’re visiting both parks, the one-day price is $24 for adults and $12 for kids. And the add-on drink option of unlimited soft drinks for $9 a person is a definite bargain considering the price of theme-park beverages.

Tips for Your First Hour at

Universal Studios

The parking garage is in New Jersey (it seems that way, anyhow), so arrive at least 30 minutes before the main gate opens. Parking costs $15 per car, $20 if you opt for the closer, preferred parking.

If you arrive before the main turnstiles open, you’ll have time to pose for pictures with and get the autographs of some of the Hanna-Barbera and Nickelodeon characters. This is your chance to meet SpongeBob SquarePants.

Strollers are $15 for a single, $25 for a double. Wheelchair rental is $12; and ECVs are $50 and both require a refundable $50 deposit. Lockers are available for $8–10.

You’re generally allowed through the main turnstiles and partway down Plaza of the Stars and Rodeo Drive about 20 minutes before the official opening time. If you want to ride The Simpsons, Jaws, Men in Black, or E.T. Adventure first, go down Rodeo Drive as far as you’re allowed. If you’d rather see Shrek 4-D, Twister, Revenge of the Mummy, or Disaster! first, go down Plaza of the Stars until the ropes stop you. Families who haven’t had breakfast may have time for a pastry at the Beverly Hills Boulangerie before the ropes drop.

Helpful Hint

Want to sleep in? Visit in the off-season when crowds are light and lines are short. You can arrive at Universal at 10AM and still comfortably do everything.

In the off-season, some attractions open at 9, some at 10, and some (mainly the shows) start even later. Adjust your touring plan to take in the rides as they open. Times are all marked on your touring map.

Time-Saving Tip

You can avoid waiting in lines with the Universal Express Pass (formerly, the Express PLUS Pass). The price to upgrade a one-day ticket into an Express Pass ranges from $20–60 depending on the season and upgrading a two-day ticket ranges from $26–65. While the goal is the same—giving guests ways to reduce the time they spend waiting in line—Universal runs its pass program a bit differently from the Disney Fastpass system. At Disney the Fastpasses are free, but you can only get one at a time. At Universal, an Express Pass is unlimited, meaning that you use it on any ride you choose at any time, but you do pay a significant surcharge for the privilege. (Unless, that is, you’re staying on-site. Guests of Universal resorts get Express Pass benefits for free.)

If the kids are up to it, start with The Simpsons; Revenge of the Mummy; and the Hollywood Rip, Ride, and Rockit. All of these attractions can draw major lines later in the day.

Universal Studios Touring Tips

If you’re not an on-site resort guest and you didn’t opt for the Express Pass, try to visit the major attractions—Revenge of the Mummy; Men in Black; the Simpsons; Twister; Jaws; Shrek; E.T. Adventure; Disaster!; and Hollywood Rip, Ride, and Rockit—in