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Universal Studios Hollywood Implements New Security Checkpoints, Integrating CityWalk Into Park Perimeter
Universal Studios Hollywood’s latest security makeover, rolled out on June 18, 2026, reshapes how guests move through the park and its adjoining CityWalk district. The new layout adds three dedicated security hubs and brings the popular entertainment district inside the park’s perimeter, allowing visitors to slip between rides and restaurants without re‑entering security.
The first checkpoint sits behind NBC Sports Grill & Brew, serving guests arriving from Jurassic Parking, the shuttle from the Universal City/Studio City Metro station, and those who enter through the main gate. Escalators now carry visitors directly from Jurassic Parking to this hub, while the old CityWalk access points from that lot have been closed.
A second checkpoint remains in front of the park’s globe, handling guests who park in the Frankenstein lot or use valet service. Those guests still pass through the original gates.
The third hub, located at the far end of CityWalk, processes guests who park at the ET lot or arrive by rideshare.
According to the resort’s statement, the reconfiguration lets guests move freely between the theme park and CityWalk with a single security pass for the day. Restaurants and shops along the three‑block district become more accessible for lunch or dinner breaks.
Universal Studios Hollywood, owned by NBCUniversal and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, is one of the oldest theme parks in the United States. In 2024 the park drew 8.7 million visitors, ranking it 16th worldwide.
CityWalk has historically served as the gateway to the park. By bringing it inside the security perimeter, Universal aligns its operations with those of Disneyland Resort and Universal Orlando, where dining and retail areas are also screened.
The upgrade is part of a broader initiative announced earlier this month that includes a permanent sheriff sub‑station and additional security hubs across the resort. The changes aim to improve guest flow, enhance safety, and streamline access during peak periods.
Guests who previously had to exit the park to visit CityWalk now benefit from a single pass for the entire day. The new checkpoints also accommodate the shuttle service that transports visitors from the Metro station up the hill to the park entrance.
The resort’s official communications note that the old CityWalk access points from Jurassic Parking are now blocked, and the only remaining options for guests parking in that area are the new escalators to the NBC Sports Grill & Brew checkpoint.
The new security layout does not alter the park’s existing attractions, such as the Studio Tour, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or the Universal Express Pass system. It does, however, provide a more seamless experience for guests who wish to dine or shop in CityWalk during their visit.
Universal’s announcement comes amid a trend of theme parks expanding their security infrastructure to balance guest convenience with safety. The changes are expected to reduce congestion at the main entrance and improve overall guest satisfaction.
The updated security checkpoints are already operational, and Universal Studios Hollywood encourages guests to plan their visits accordingly. The resort’s website provides updated parking maps and directions to the new security hubs.
In summary, Universal Studios Hollywood’s new security checkpoints integrate CityWalk into the park’s security perimeter, streamline guest movement, and align the resort’s operations with those of other major theme park destinations. The changes are part of a larger security overhaul that includes additional hubs and a permanent sheriff sub‑station.
The resort will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the new system and may make further adjustments as needed. Guests are advised to review the latest parking and security information on the Universal Studios Hollywood website before visiting.
The first checkpoint sits behind NBC Sports Grill & Brew, serving guests arriving from Jurassic Parking, the shuttle from the Universal City/Studio City Metro station, and those who enter through the main gate. Escalators now carry visitors directly from Jurassic Parking to this hub, while the old CityWalk access points from that lot have been closed.
A second checkpoint remains in front of the park’s globe, handling guests who park in the Frankenstein lot or use valet service. Those guests still pass through the original gates.
The third hub, located at the far end of CityWalk, processes guests who park at the ET lot or arrive by rideshare.
According to the resort’s statement, the reconfiguration lets guests move freely between the theme park and CityWalk with a single security pass for the day. Restaurants and shops along the three‑block district become more accessible for lunch or dinner breaks.
Universal Studios Hollywood, owned by NBCUniversal and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, is one of the oldest theme parks in the United States. In 2024 the park drew 8.7 million visitors, ranking it 16th worldwide.
CityWalk has historically served as the gateway to the park. By bringing it inside the security perimeter, Universal aligns its operations with those of Disneyland Resort and Universal Orlando, where dining and retail areas are also screened.
The upgrade is part of a broader initiative announced earlier this month that includes a permanent sheriff sub‑station and additional security hubs across the resort. The changes aim to improve guest flow, enhance safety, and streamline access during peak periods.
Guests who previously had to exit the park to visit CityWalk now benefit from a single pass for the entire day. The new checkpoints also accommodate the shuttle service that transports visitors from the Metro station up the hill to the park entrance.
The resort’s official communications note that the old CityWalk access points from Jurassic Parking are now blocked, and the only remaining options for guests parking in that area are the new escalators to the NBC Sports Grill & Brew checkpoint.
The new security layout does not alter the park’s existing attractions, such as the Studio Tour, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or the Universal Express Pass system. It does, however, provide a more seamless experience for guests who wish to dine or shop in CityWalk during their visit.
Universal’s announcement comes amid a trend of theme parks expanding their security infrastructure to balance guest convenience with safety. The changes are expected to reduce congestion at the main entrance and improve overall guest satisfaction.
The updated security checkpoints are already operational, and Universal Studios Hollywood encourages guests to plan their visits accordingly. The resort’s website provides updated parking maps and directions to the new security hubs.
In summary, Universal Studios Hollywood’s new security checkpoints integrate CityWalk into the park’s security perimeter, streamline guest movement, and align the resort’s operations with those of other major theme park destinations. The changes are part of a larger security overhaul that includes additional hubs and a permanent sheriff sub‑station.
The resort will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the new system and may make further adjustments as needed. Guests are advised to review the latest parking and security information on the Universal Studios Hollywood website before visiting.
