Universal Studios Hollywood Map and Brochure (2023 – 1980)

Location: Universal City, California

Years Active: 1964 – Active

Universal Studios Hollywood, located in Universal City, California, stands as an iconic amusement park that has captivated the hearts of visitors since its grand opening on July 15, 1964. Nestled amidst the entertainment hub of Los Angeles, this captivating park seamlessly melds the enchanting world of movies with immersive attractions.

As one of the United States’ oldest and most cherished theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood offers an irresistible blend of cinematic magic, thrilling rides, and vibrant surroundings, making it an essential destination for entertainment enthusiasts of all ages.

This page is an archive of Universal Studios Hollywood maps and brochures dating back to 1980. I’m proud to say (AFAIK) that we’re the only site on the Internet to document the annual updates to the official Universal Studios Hollywood map. But before you check those changes, let’s explore some fascinating history and fun facts about Universal Studios Hollywood…

Universal Studios Hollywood History

At Universal Studios Hollywood’s core, the park revolves around the theme of the silver screen, inviting visitors to step into their favorite movies and TV shows. Iconic attractions like “Jurassic World – The Ride,” “Transformers: The Ride 3D,” and the world-famous “Studio Tour” offer guests an up-close and personal encounter with beloved cinematic universes.

Universal Studios Hollywood is also renowned for its annual events and festivals, such as “Halloween Horror Nights,” which both terrify and thrill visitors with haunted mazes and spine-tingling experiences. These events draw crowds from around the globe, solidifying the park’s status as a year-round entertainment destination.

With ambitious expansion plans on the horizon, Universal Studios Hollywood promises exciting new experiences and attractions, ensuring its enduring appeal and ability to evolve and innovate. This beloved institution continues to offer a captivating blend of cinematic magic, thrilling adventures, and immersive storytelling for generations to come.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1980

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1993

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1996

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1997

Compare Universal Studios Hollywood maps from 1997 and 1996 to see the changes and additions within just one year.

Overall Park Layout:

• The overall layout of the park remains largely unchanged between 1996 and 1997. The Upper and Lower Lots are still divided by the lagoon, with most of the major attractions located on the Lower Lot.

New Attractions in 1997:

• The most significant change in the 1997 map is the addition of the Nickelodeon Central area in the southwest corner of the Upper Lot. This area featured several Nicktoon-themed attractions, including the Nicktoon Blast roller coaster, the Rugrats Movie Adventure boat ride, and the Aaahh!!! Real Monsters Slime Time Live show.
• The 1997 map also shows the E.T. Adventure attraction in the northwest corner of the Lower Lot, where it remained until its closure in 2003.

Attractions Removed in 1997:

• The Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theatre is absent from the 1997 map, suggesting its closure sometime in 1996.
• The Universal CityWalk area appears smaller on the 1996 map, indicating that it was expanded in 1997.

Other Changes:

• The Studio Perks program, which offered discounts on merchandise and dining, is introduced on the 1997 map.
• The Last Backlot Tram Tour departure time is listed as 4:15 pm on the 1997 map, while it is not shown on the 1996 map.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1998

Discover the differences between the Universal Studios Hollywood maps from 1998 and 1997, and witness the changes and additions within just one year.

Overall layout:

• The overall layout of the park is very similar in both maps. The main areas, such as the Upper Lot, the Lower Lot, and the Studio Tour, are in the same place in both maps.
• However, there are some minor changes to the layout of the park. For example, the entrance to the park has been moved from the Upper Lot to the Lower Lot in the 1998 map.

Attractions:

• There are a number of new attractions that have been added to the park in the 1998 map. These include:
  • The Mummy The Ride
  • Nickelodeon Blast
  • Shrek’s Ogre Adventure
  • Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• A number of attractions have also been removed from the park in the 1998 map. These include:
  • The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular
  • An American Tail Live Show
  • T2-3D: Battle Across Time
  • Animal Actors/Animal Planet Live

Other changes:

• The Studio Tour has been changed in the 1998 map. The Jaws attraction has been removed, and the Back to the Future: The Ride attraction has been replaced with The Mummy The Ride.
• The E.T. Adventure attraction has been renamed to simply E.T. in the 1998 map.
• The park has been renamed from Universal Studios Hollywood to Universal Studios’s Islands of Adventure in the 1998 map.

Universal Studios Hollywood Brochure 2004

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2006

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2007

Explore the comparison of Universal Studios Hollywood maps from 2007 and 2006.

Overall changes:

• The most significant change in the park from 2006 to 2007 is the addition of The Mummy: The Ride in the Revenge of the Mummy building. This replaced the Nicktoons Blast attraction.
• The T2 3-D attraction was still operating in 2006, but it was closed in 2007 to make way for the King Kong: 360 3-D attraction, which opened in 2008.
• The Shrek 4-D attraction opened in 2007, taking the place of the E.T. Adventure attraction.
• The Fast and the Furious: Extreme attraction opened in 2006, replacing the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theatre.
• The Curious George Goes Ape! attraction opened in 2007, replacing the Stage 18 soundstage.
• The Jaws attraction closed in 2006. The Skull Island: A King Kong Adventure attraction opened in 2016, in the same location as the Jaws attraction.

Other changes:

• The Lower Lot entrance was moved from the south side of the park to the north side in 2007.
• The Studio Tour route was changed slightly in 2007, to include a stop at the War of the Worlds set.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2009

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map 2009

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2010

Take a look at the comparison between the Universal Studios Hollywood maps from 2010 and 2009.

Overall layout:

• Both maps are divided into the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot, with the Studio Tour starting near the entrance in the Lower Lot.
• The 2010 map has a more detailed legend and includes Universal CityWalk, while the 2009 map has a larger Upper Lot section.

Attraction changes:

• 2010 additions: The Mummy Returns: Curse of the Pharaoh dark ride replaced Backdraft in the Lower Lot. In the Upper Lot, the Terminator 2:3D show was replaced with a new attraction called “Girth of Destruction.”
• 2009 additions: The “Kung Fu Panda” attraction opened in the Upper Lot, replacing the Nickelodeon Theatre.
• Removals: The “A Little Romance” water ride was removed from the Lower Lot in 2009.

Other changes:

• The 2010 map shows the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” as part of the Studio Tour, while the 2009 map does not.
• The 2010 map has a “What is Child Switch?” section explaining the park’s policy for parents with young children.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2018

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2021

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2022

Below, you’ll find a comparison of the Universal Studios Hollywood maps from 2022 and 2021.

Overall layout:

• The most noticeable change is the addition of the Super Silly Fun Land attraction in the Lower Lot, replacing the KidZone area. This new section features rides and attractions themed around popular Universal franchises like Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets.
• The Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride rollercoaster has been renamed to Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives. The ride itself appears to have the same layout, but the theming and storyline have been revamped to focus on classic Universal monster movies.
• In the Upper Lot, the Universal Amphitheatre has been renamed to the Horror Hotel. This suggests a change in the type of shows and events held there, possibly with a focus on horror-themed entertainment.

Rides and attractions:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter remains largely unchanged, although the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride appears to have a slightly modified queue line.
• The Jurassic World area also seems unchanged, with rides like Jurassic World – The Ride and the Jurassic Flyer still present.
• In the Springfield area, Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl has been replaced with the new The Simpsons Movie – The Ride. This motion simulator ride takes guests on an adventure through the events of the 2007 film.

Other changes:

• Several restaurants and shops have been renamed or replaced. For example, the Monsters Cafe in the Lower Lot is now called The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Treats.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map PDF 2022

Universal Studios Hollywood Brochure 2022

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map 2023

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map PDF 2023

Is Universal Studios California worth it?

Universal Studios California is a popular entertainment destination located in Universal City, near Los Angeles. It is widely regarded as worth the visit for various reasons. The park offers a diverse range of attractions, including thrilling rides, immersive shows, and opportunities to experience the magic of filmmaking. Visitors can explore iconic movie sets, enjoy themed dining experiences, and encounter beloved characters from Universal Pictures’ films. The park’s rich history and Hollywood connections make it a unique and enjoyable destination for fans of movies and theme parks alike.

What city in California has Universal Studios?

Universal Studios is located in Universal City, which is situated within the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. This cinematic attraction is easily accessible from various parts of Los Angeles and is a prominent landmark in the area.

Which is better: Universal Orlando or Universal California?

The comparison between Universal Orlando and Universal California largely depends on individual preferences and priorities. Universal Orlando, located in Florida, is known for its larger size, more extensive attractions, and the inclusion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across two separate parks. It offers a wider variety of experiences and is particularly appealing to Harry Potter fans.

On the other hand, Universal California, while smaller in size, provides a more intimate and manageable experience, making it suitable for a shorter visit or those with limited time. It has its unique charm, including attractions like the Studio Tour, which offers an insight into the world of filmmaking in Hollywood.

Ultimately, the choice between Universal Orlando and Universal California depends on the visitor’s interests, travel plans, and the kind of experience they seek, with both parks offering their own distinct appeal.