Just 56 kilometers (35 miles) from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Universal Studios Hollywood is the must-see destination for any traveler to Southern California. A unique hybrid between a theme park and an active movie studio, it has hosted its own Super Nintendo World since 2023 — this guide gives you everything you need to know to make the most of it.
- ✦ Studio Tour: 60 min in real movie sets
- ✦ Super Nintendo World since 2023
- ✦ 2 levels: Upper Lot + Lower Lot
- ✦ ~56 km (35 mi) from Anaheim / Disneyland
- ✦ Early Access available (+$20-30)
- ✦ LA traffic to be expected on I-5
USH is smaller than Epic Universe or USJ, but entirely unique: it is the only park in the world where the movie studio is still filming — the active Studio Tour is an experience found nowhere else. Don't compare it to other Universal parks: come for what makes it singular.
Studio Tour at opening. Super Nintendo World with Early Access. Lower Lot in the afternoon when crowds spread out.
Early Access (~$25) is almost mandatory for Super Nintendo World: without it, lines exceed 90 min as early as 10 AM. Book the Studio Tour early as it is the attraction that reaches capacity fastest in terms of tram wait times.
1. The Studio Tour: A unique Hollywood experience
What fundamentally sets Universal Studios Hollywood apart from other theme parks is the Studio Tour — a 60-minute immersion in an electric tram through active movie studios. You pass through real sets used for recent productions, with life-size special effects (flash flood, earthquake, King Kong 3D attack).
Priority tip
Do the Studio Tour at opening — the first rotations are the least crowded. By the end of the day, lines to board the tram regularly exceed 45 minutes.
2. Super Nintendo World Hollywood
Integrated into the Lower Lot, Super Nintendo World Hollywood offers the same flagship attraction as Japan: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, an on-rail augmented reality system allowing you to face off against Bowser. The Californian version does not include Yoshi's Adventure (due to lack of space), but the Mario Kart experience is identical to the one in Osaka.
The Power-Up Band connected wristband (sold for about $35) is compatible between USJ, USH, and Epic Universe. If you have already visited Osaka or Orlando, your wristband keeps your data — digital stamps and collected coins persist via your Nintendo account.
Early Access tickets (about $20–30 per person) allow you to enter Super Nintendo World one hour before the official opening. This investment is considered essential by most visitors: from 10 AM, lines for Mario Kart regularly exceed 90 to 120 minutes.
Power-Up Bands
The Power-Up Band connected wristband (sold for about $35) is compatible between USJ, USH, and Epic Universe. If you have already visited Osaka or Orlando, your wristband keeps your data — digital stamps and collected coins persist via your Nintendo account.
Early Access: Indispensable
Early Access tickets (about $20–30 per person) allow you to enter Super Nintendo World one hour before the official opening. This investment is considered essential by most visitors: from 10 AM, lines for Mario Kart regularly exceed 90 to 120 minutes.
3. Getting to Disneyland from Hollywood
The Hollywood–Anaheim trip is the main logistical challenge. The distance is 56 km (35 miles) but Los Angeles traffic can double the travel time — especially on the I-5.
Train tip
The Metrolink from Union Station (Los Angeles) to the Anaheim ARTIC station is the best option to avoid I-5 traffic jams. From ARTIC, a 5-minute Uber/Lyft will drop you at the Disneyland entrance. Late returns (after park closure) are better handled by a direct rideshare, as Metrolink frequencies are reduced in the evening.
| Transport Mode | Estimated Duration | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Uber / Lyft | 50 - 90 min | $75 - $110 |
| Metrolink (train) | 45 min + bus/rideshare | $10 - $15 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 40 min (more comfortable) | $16 - $26 |
4. Ideal Combo: USH + Disneyland Resort
For a 5-day stay in Southern California, here is the recommended breakdown: