Los Angeles: All-Inclusive Pass Plus with Universal Studios

This is an all-in-one LA ticket plan that tries to solve the big problem of a first trip: how to see a lot without paying for every single admission separately. You get Universal Studios Hollywood plus heavy hitters like Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and Madame Tussauds, and you can cover more ground by stacking several attractions across consecutive days.

Two things I really like about it are the one digital pass approach, and the way the Go City app helps you line everything up, including reservations where needed. The one drawback to keep in mind is that this pass is only powerful if you plan your days well, since some top stops require advance reservation and you need to stay within the pass entry window.

Key Pass Highlights You Should Know

• Universal Studios Hollywood included in the Pass Plus lineup, which often sells out or gets pricey when booked alone
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (reservation needed) for that behind-the-scenes studio vibe
• Big Bus hop-on options, including a Celebrity Homes and Lifestyle Tour for an easy sightseeing rhythm
• San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California are date-paired, meaning you can’t do both on the same day
• Pass entry is time-limited to 9am to 5:30pm, so late starts can cost you

How This Go City Pass Works in Real Life (PDF, App, and Scan Times)

The Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass Plus is built around a simple idea: one pass, lots of admissions. After you buy, you receive the pass instantly as a PDF you can save on your phone or print. You then activate and use it by presenting it at attractions included in the lineup.

The timing rules matter more than most people expect. Your pass is valid for attraction entry from 9am to 5:30pm. You can stay until closing once you’re in, but the key detail is that your pass needs to be scanned for entry before 5:30pm. Start early, because the day is not a flexible all-day pass.

It also works on a multi-day structure. You choose 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days, and those days are used over a two-week period. Once you use the pass the first time, it stays active for the number of days you purchased, not as a strict 24-hour day counter.

Finally, the pass is designed to be synced with the Go City app. That app is where you’ll plan your itinerary, and it’s also where you can check the most up-to-date attraction lineup and instructions for accessing each stop.

Price and Value: When $246 Feels Like a Win

At $246 per person, this pass is worth looking at if you plan to hit multiple major attractions, not just one or two. The pass is positioned as a “see a lot” value tool, especially if Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Studio Tour are on your must-do list.

A good rule of thumb is this: if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to do a theme park day plus at least a few other big-ticket sights, you’re already in the sweet spot. The pass can also help reduce decision fatigue, because you are committing to a set of included experiences rather than piecing together separate tickets that add up fast.

That said, value depends on execution. If your schedule is scattered, you lose time traveling between areas, or you skip reservation-required attractions, the savings shrink. The pass becomes a bargain when you treat it like a plan, not like a flexible coupon.

Universal Studios Hollywood Day: The Anchor Stop of Your Pass

Universal Studios Hollywood is the headline inclusion here, and it’s the attraction that can justify the whole pass on its own if you were going to buy tickets anyway. The pass includes single admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, and this one is marked as a reservation-required attraction.

Here’s how to make that day work smoothly. I’d plan your Universal day early in your pass sequence, since major parks tend to be the hardest to fit in at the last minute. Also, since your pass entry window is 9am to 5:30pm, you’ll want a start that gives you enough hours to actually enjoy the rides, not just sprint through.

If you want the best rhythm, I like the idea of pairing Universal with another nearby included stop on a different day rather than trying to stack too many on the same day. The included lineup includes several Hollywood area experiences, so you can build separate “clusters” and cut down on wasted commute time.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Behind-the-Scenes Time

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is also marked as reservation required, and that matters. This is one of the best “do something different” inclusions, because it’s not just another attraction on a list. It’s built around the studio tour concept, so you get that behind-the-scenes feel that feels extra worthwhile when compared to attractions that are just walk-throughs.

Since reservations are a theme of this pass, treat Warner Bros. like a fixed appointment. The pass can simplify your tickets, but it can’t remove the need to reserve for the highest-demand experiences.

One smart way to plan: use your app to check the most current access instructions, then build the rest of your day around that reservation time. With the pass entry window ending at 5:30pm, you don’t want to schedule yourself so tightly that you’re forced into rushed exits.

Hollywood Icons: Madame Tussauds and the TCL, Dolby, and Sign Stops

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is included and designed for an easy win: it’s the selfie-and-celebrity-focused stop in the lineup. If you want at least one low-friction attraction day that still feels like a “classic LA” visit, this fits the bill well.

The pass also includes Hollywood theater area experiences, including:

• Dolby Theatre Guided Tour
• TCL Chinese Theatre, with a choice of a tour or a movie and drink

And then there’s the Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour, marked as reservation required. This is the stop that turns the Hollywood hype into actual time outdoors, and it’s also the kind of experience that can help you balance a theme-park day. Walking tours are great counterweights to indoor attractions, especially if you’ve been on the go nonstop.

Two practical notes here. First, because some of these are reservation required, don’t wait until the last moment to decide which ones you’ll prioritize. Second, keep an eye on day-to-day hours and access instructions via the Go City app, because attraction operating hours can change.

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off and Celebrity Homes: A Practical Way to See the City

Big Bus is included in two forms: the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour and the Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour, with the celebrity homes tour marked as reservation required.

I like this part of the pass because it creates an easy framework for your days. You can use hop-on hop-off to get your bearings and then add walkable stops nearby. Even if you only do one or two rides, it saves you from the mental work of constant route planning.

One review detail I found especially helpful was the suggestion to take an open-air tour on the smaller bus option, and that an awesome guide named Andrew did a great job. That’s not universal info, but it signals the value of choosing the right style of tour when options exist.

If you’re short on time, a Big Bus route can also help you avoid “where do I even start” moments. You get a city overview while still staying in the pass system.

Aquarium of the Pacific and the Newport Beach Whale Tour: Water Days That Feel Different

The pass includes Aquarium of the Pacific and a Whale Watch and Dolphin Tour based in Beautiful Newport Beach, both marked as reservation required.

This is a strong combo for people who want a break from studio lots and theme parks. Aquariums naturally slow your pace down, and the whale watch type of outing adds a higher “wow” factor because it’s a real-world activity, not just a museum experience.

Because both are reservation required, I’d treat them like bookable anchors. Pair your water-day with the rest of your schedule based on geography and your energy level, not just on what sounds good on paper.

Santa Monica, Venice, and SoFi Stadium: Mixing Coast Views With Real LA Spots

The pass includes a Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour, plus a SoFi Stadium Tour. That creates a nice mix: beach scenery and a modern stadium stop.

The bike tour is a good fit if you want one active, outdoorsy experience that also functions like a sightseeing sampler. And since it’s in the included lineup, it gives you more variety than a trip that only revolves around Hollywood and studios.

SoFi Stadium is the kind of visit that can be a fun change of pace, especially if your group wants something other than museums and tours. It’s also a good “logistics-friendly” inclusion because a stadium tour is usually a straightforward appointment-based plan.

Knott’s Berry Farm and LEGOLAND California: Theme Park Energy, Built-In

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll probably spend more time thinking about parks than anything else. This pass includes Knott’s Berry Farm and LEGOLAND California (reservation required).

I like that the pass offers more than one kind of family theme day. Knott’s brings a classic theme park feel, while LEGOLAND California is the kind of experience that works well for younger visitors who want hands-on LEGO-style fun.

There’s one important date rule: LEGOLAND California and San Diego Zoo can only be visited on different days with this All-Inclusive Pass. If your plan depends on doing both, your schedule needs a little structure, not last-minute swapping.

San Diego Zoo: A Full-Day Critter Mission (With a Scheduling Catch)

The San Diego Zoo is included, marked reservation required, and it’s a major attraction in the lineup. This is your best option if you want a day that feels like an entirely different city mood from LA studios.

That same scheduling catch applies: you can only visit San Diego Zoo on days that do not overlap with LEGOLAND California. So if you have both attractions on your list, you need to decide which day becomes which.

Also, since the pass has a 9am to 5:30pm attraction entry window, be mindful that any farther-out day can get time-stressful. Plan early, and don’t create a schedule that assumes you’ll be able to magically stretch the day after 5:30pm.

Reservations, Distance, and How to Actually Use the Pass for Maximum Savings

This pass works best when you treat it like a set of planned experiences. Some attractions in the included lineup have an R next to them, which means you need to reserve in advance. In practice, the most popular activities tend to fall into that group, so it’s smart to lock in reservations quickly once you know your dates.

Then comes the big LA reality: distances. The pass can let you “do everything,” but it can’t remove traffic. One lesson that comes through strongly in the experience style of this pass is that you can save a meaningful amount, but only if you manage time and not just pick attractions at random.

If you want the best chance at covering more, I recommend:

• Start early each day, since entry must be scanned before 5:30pm
• Keep your days grouped by area when possible
• Reserve the R-tagged attractions first, then fill in the rest

Also, the Go City app is where you’ll find the most up-to-date information on hours and how to access each attraction. Attraction operating hours can change, so you should rely on the app for final details close to your trip.

What to Bring, and Small Tips That Save Headaches

You only need one standout item: a charged smartphone, because the pass is managed digitally through the app and the PDF. Still, I like having a PDF saved offline or a printed copy just in case.

The pass becomes activated with your first attraction visit. After that, your visit days follow what you purchased, within the two-week period. That means you should not leave your first scan too late if you’re paying for a shorter pass duration.

One more practical thought: when staff at attractions are scanning and validating pass entry, having your PDF ready and your phone battery healthy prevents little delays. Some people have run into situations where attraction staff need to pull up or print tickets from their end, so having your confirmation info accessible helps.

Should You Book the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass Plus With Universal?

Book it if your LA plan includes Universal Studios Hollywood and at least a few other big-name stops like Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Madame Tussauds, Big Bus, or the aquarium and coastal experiences. This is the best fit for people who want a multi-day sightseeing plan with strong cost control and don’t mind coordinating reservations.

Skip it or rethink it if you’re planning a mostly relaxed trip with only one or two admissions. In that case, the pass may not outperform buying a single ticket you’ll actually use.

If you like structure and you can commit to a schedule that starts early, this pass can be a money-saver and a stress-reducer at the same time. If your trip dates are flexible and you can sync everything in the Go City app, you’ll get the kind of freedom this product is built for.

FAQ

How long is the Go City Los Angeles pass valid after purchase?

Your pass is valid for 1 year from the purchase date. It becomes activated when you use it at your first included attraction.

What time can I enter attractions with the pass?

Your pass is valid for attraction entry from 9am to 5:30pm. You can stay until closing, but your pass must be scanned for entry before 5:30pm.

How does pass activation work?

Your pass only becomes active once you visit your first included attraction. After activation, your pass is valid for the number of days you purchased within a 14-day period.

Do I need reservations for included attractions?

Some attractions require reservations. If an attraction has an R, you need to reserve in advance, and the most popular activities generally benefit from reserving early.

Can I visit LEGOLAND California and San Diego Zoo on the same day?

No. With this All-Inclusive Pass, LEGOLAND California and San Diego Zoo can only be visited on different days.

Do I need the Go City app to use the pass?

You can use the pass via a PDF, but the best approach is to sync your pass with the Go City app. The app helps with planning your itinerary and provides the most up-to-date access instructions.

How do I receive the pass?

Your pass is delivered instantly in PDF format, which you can save on your phone or print out.

Is food and drink included with the pass?

Food and drinks are not included, unless an attraction specifically states otherwise.

Is transportation included between attractions?

Transportation is not included, unless an attraction specifically states otherwise.