Photos: Universal Studios Hollywood debuts new CityWalk security checkpoint
Universal City, Calif. – Guests visiting Universal Studios Hollywood will notice a significant change before they even reach CityWalk.
Universal Studios Hollywood has opened a new centralized security screening system that moves bag checks and metal detectors from the theme park entrance to the outer edges of the resort, creating a secured perimeter around both Universal CityWalk and the theme park. The new layout is now in operation, and Attractions Magazine has a first look at one of the new screening locations.
For years, guests could freely enter Universal CityWalk before passing through security near the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood. Now, visitors arriving from most parking areas complete security screening before entering CityWalk. Once through the checkpoint, guests can move freely between CityWalk’s restaurants, shops, Universal Cinema and the theme park entrance without encountering another security checkpoint.
The updated arrival experience is designed to create a single secured zone encompassing much of the resort.
All photos by Joe Spencer
What the new checkpoint includes
The new security plaza featured in these photos serves guests arriving from the Jurassic Parking structure, valet parking and nearby shuttle drop-off locations.
The area includes:
- Multiple bag screening stations with conveyor belt scanners
- Walk-through metal detectors
- Covered security lanes with overhead fans
After clearing security, guests enter CityWalk near NBC Sports Grill & Brew and Mr. BBQ, then continue toward the theme park entrance.
More changes
The redesigned arrival system includes three security screening locations serving different areas of the resort. Guests arriving from Jurassic Parking use the new checkpoint adjacent to NBC Sports Grill & Brew, while those coming from the E.T. and Curious George parking structures enter through another screening location near Margaritaville.
A third checkpoint continues to serve guests arriving from the front entrance and nearby hotels. Together, the three security hubs create a secured perimeter around CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood.
As part of the project, several former pedestrian entrances from the Jurassic Parking structure into CityWalk have closed. Guests are now directed to the centralized security plaza before entering the entertainment district.
Why Universal made the change
Universal Studios Hollywood says the project is intended to modernize guest arrival and align the California resort with security operations used elsewhere across Universal Destinations & Experiences.
“As the Universal Studios Hollywood destination continues to evolve, we are aligning our security protocols with other Universal destinations across the country by adding metal detection hubs adjacent to the parking structures,” a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson said in a statement.
Construction on the expanded security system has been visible to guests since early 2025 as new walkways, fencing and screening plazas gradually took shape.
What guests should know
Visitors planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood should expect a slightly different arrival process than in previous years.
Everyone entering CityWalk through the new access points must now complete security screening first, even if they are only planning to dine, shop or visit Universal Cinema. Guests arriving from the parking structures should also follow the new directional signs, as several previous walking routes into CityWalk are no longer available.
Similar to Universal Orlando
Frequent visitors to Universal Orlando Resort may find the new layout familiar. Like Universal Orlando, guests now pass through security before entering CityWalk, allowing them to move between the entertainment district and the theme park entrance without additional bag checks. The change creates a more consistent arrival experience across Universal’s U.S. destinations while streamlining guest movement through the resort.
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