Universal Studios Hollywood Early Entry: Tickets & ProTips

Early access allows you to enter Super Nintendo World one hour before the park officially opens (usually starting at 8:00 AM, with the public opening time at 9:00 AM on the same day, depending on the season).

It is not included in the regular ticket. You must purchase a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Early Access Ticket separately in the "Extras" section of the Universal Studios official website. Tickets typically cost between $20 and $30 and must be purchased online in advance.

Read on for more information on early access to make your trip easier and more convenient.

What Is Universal Studios Hollywood Early Entry?

Many people confuse Early Entry with Disney's. Disney's Early Entry is usually free for guests of partner hotels. However, Universal Studios Hollywood's Early Access is a separate "add-on ticket" that requires an additional fee.

This decision of "whether or not to pay the extra fee" is probably the most difficult one for you.

How to Buy Universal Studios Hollywood Early Entry Tickets?

Step 1: Secure Your Base Ticket on Trip.com (To Save Money)

• Why: You’ll get authorized discounts (up to 30% off gate prices) and flexible cancellation options that you won't find on the official site.

Benefits on Trip.com

1. Highly competitive discounts: such as special "Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day FREE" tickets.
2. Extremely fast ticketing (smooth app experience): Trip.com is an official partner, issuing tickets instantly. A standard electronic QR code is generated directly within the Trip.com app, eliminating the need to queue for tickets on-site.
3. Flexible cancellation and refund policies: Many Universal Studios tickets on Trip.com offer flexible "Cancel anytime / Conditional cancellation" policies.
4. Trip Coins rewards: Purchasing large amounts of Universal Studios tickets (especially for family trips) can accumulate a significant number of Trip Coins, which can be used to offset the cost of subsequent Los Angeles hotels or car rentals.

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Step 2: Add-On the Early Access Pass (On the Official App/Website)

• Why: Since Universal keeps the 1-hour Early Access exclusive to their platform, just open the Universal Studios Hollywood official app/website, select the same date as your Trip.com ticket, and add the $20-$30 Super Nintendo World Early Access upgrade.

5 ProTips for Universal Studios Hollywood Early Entry

Arrive before 7:15 AM

The distance from the main gate to Nintendo World is quite far. Visitors need to go through parking lot security, walk across CityWalk, and queue for ticket verification at the main gate.

After entering, you'll need to take four super escalators (The Starway), which alone takes 10-12 minutes.

Ride Mario Kart first, then buy the Power-Up Band

The first 20 minutes after entering the park have the shortest queues.

Wearing the Power-Up Band transforms the entire park into a large-scale, real-life Super Mario game, allowing you to hit physical blocks and collect coins.

Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band | Credit: From Undercover Tourist

Use this hour to complete the "Key Challenges"

Super Nintendo World features four incredibly fun interactive mini-games (such as hitting Bowser and stopping the alarm clock), requiring you to collect three keys to unlock the final "Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown."

These mini-games will have long queues after the park opens (20-30 minutes for each).

Reserve a table at Toadstool Cafe before 8:15 AM in the app

Use your phone to scan the QR code at the park entrance or use the official app link to secure a table for 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM.

Bonus: Express Access for the studio tour

Before 11:00 AM, you can use your Early Access ticket to enter the Studio Tour through the Express Access Lane once. It's recommended to go between 10:15 AM and 10:45 AM.

At this time, the regular standby queue usually takes 45-60 minutes, but with your Early Access ticket, you can board the tour in just 5 minutes through the Express Lane.

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