Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and a working movie studio in Los Angeles, Southern California. It’s an exciting destination to have a fun day and stress-free moments, with different activities such as engaging lands, exciting rides, and movie magic. The magical World of Harry Potter allows visitors to walk into Hogwarts Castle and ride, such as Harry Potter and the unforgotten Flight of the Hippogriff. The other big attraction is Super Nintendo World, in which visitors can race Team Bowser in the Mario Kart ride and explore the land with the assistance of a Power-Up Band. Outside the themed lands, there is the world-renowned Studio Tour, which is a tram ride behind the scenes of an operating movie studio and sets of some classic movies. The food is delicious, and visitors can choose between themed restaurants, such as the British-spiced Three Broomsticks, located in the Hogsmeade area, the Costa Rican cuisine of the Jurassic Cafe and Toadstool Cafe. There are also a large number of shopping and eating establishments in the neighbouring CityWalk of the park.
What Are the Best Things to See & Do at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Here are the eight best activities and places to enjoy at Universal Studios Hollywood:
- Studio Tour
Studio Tour is a famous, iconic world-tour tram, which offers a backstage view of a real movie working studio. It’s a visit to sets of classic movies and TV shows, and visitors get the chance to meet with famous TV host Jimmy Fallon. The tour is a special blend of actual production backlots and special effects stages, with the collapsing bridge, the renowned Bates Motel of Psycho and a water flash flood sequence. The tour lasts 45-60 minutes and costs $33 for one hour.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Harry Potter Wizarding World is a Plunge into the fantastic world of the series by J.K. Rowling. This expansive land is decorated with the Hogwarts castle, the village of Hogsmeade with its snow caps, and Harry Potter’s magical store. It is an incredibly fast and engaging ride, which takes you flying around the grounds of Hogwarts Castle with Harry and his friends. Ollivanders has guests visit to watch a wand-choosing ceremony, and they can purchase their own interactive wand to cast spells at various locations. The charges are $99 per ticket. Visitors can also eat some typical British cuisine in the Three Broomsticks restaurant and have a Butterbeer in a street cart.
- Jurassic World – The Ride
Jurassic World – Ride is a water ride with a drop of 84 feet, which is situated in the Northern part of the Lower Lot of the park. It’s a wild adventure in a contemporary Jurassic World. The visitors begin with a serene boat ride to view splendid and realistic dinosaurs such as the Mosasaurus. The alarms go off, and the Indominus rex evades, and you experience a heart-stopping fall. It opens from 10 AM to 7 PM. The charges are $59 for adults and $53 for children.
- The Walking Dead Attraction
The Walking Dead Attraction has already been closed and replaced by the place “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash”. The initial attraction, sitting on the AMC series, was an indoor maze that featured live scare actors and animatronics in the form of zombies. It was characterised by its rather dramatic, immersive, and scary experience.
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
Transformers: The Ride 3D is a Play with the explosive game against the Decepticons with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, the leaders of the Autobots. The Riders go on a motion-platform car, and with 3D glasses, are provided with an immersive, high-tech experience with screens and special effects. It has four thousand six hundred firing motion simulation rides, found in the Lower Lot. The ride is a combination of a moving car with 3D images projected and wind, fog, and water effects, to make you feel that you are a part of the battle. This place is open on weekdays from 10 AM to 7 PM and on weekends from 9 AM to 9 PM. The ticket costs $109.
- Springfield: The Simpsons Ride
Springfield is the Simpsons motion simulator ride with fun. It’s like entering the colourful world of Springfield and boarding the Simpsons family on a simulated wild rollercoaster. The motion simulator adventure made you drive around Krustyland theme park, whereby you spin and collide with Homer, Marge. Before the ride, there is a pre-show video, and it features the appearances of favourite characters of the series. The surrounding environment is themed after Springfield, and it has restaurants, including Krusty Burger and Lard Lad Doughnuts. This place opens from 10 AM to 7 PM, and the ticket costs $119.
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a motion simulator family ride in the laboratory of Gru with a thrill. The ride leads out to an interactive dance party with Minions and is connected to the Super Silly Fun Land area, where there are shops and eateries with a Minion theme. This place opens from 10 AM to 7 PM, and the ticket costs $167.
- Super Nintendo World (Newly Opened)
Super Nintendo World is a new, fully immersive land that allows one to enter the world of Super Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom. It has Power-Up Band digital coins and stamps, interactive games, characters including Mario and Princess Peach, and a Toadstool Cafe. It’s an interactive ride in which you use the motion technology and augmented reality goggles to place you right into the middle of a live Mario Kart race. The visitors are able to play interactive games to acquire virtual keys and unlock one final interactive battle during their land journey. This place opens from 10 AM to PM, and the per ticket cost is $107- $154.
How to Get Around Universal Studios Hollywood?
Here are the four best ways to get around Universal Studios Hollywood:
- Walking (On-Site)
Walking is the best option to visit CityWalk and the theme park since it is the only route to get to places without a paid ticket. Walking provides you with the chance to enjoy nature.
- Metro Red Line (Universal/Studio City Stop)
The Metro Red Line is a public transport available in all areas of Universal Studios Hollywood and does not require parking charges or traffic congestion. The Metro Red Line costs $1.75, but the shuttle between the Universal/Studio City station and the park is free of charge. Take a stroll on Universal Hollywood Drive and Lankershim Boulevard to get on the free shuttle, which drops you off at the entrance of the park. The shuttle operates regularly throughout the day, from early morning to till late at night.
- Limo and Car Services
Limo and Car Services provide flexible and peaceful transport to visit the Hollywood theme park. Travelling to Universal Studios Hollywood by limo and car service is best because it drops you in specific locations, such as the main entrance of the building, the Cafe, and CityWalk. Limo, Uber and Lyft provide the best ride-sharing services. The cost is $160 to $350 for a one-hour ride in a Limo.
- Shuttle Services
Shuttle Services are convenient for groups of people staying in Universal hotels close to the park since they drop the passengers off at the entrance of the park. The shuttle services are free when lodged at a registered hotel. In the other areas of the city, these services cost according to distance ($1.75-$20).
Where to Eat at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Here are the six best places and foods to eat in Universal Studios Hollywood:
- Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade)
Three Broomsticks is located in the heart of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s a themed quick-service restaurant for guests. The British pub fare, like Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and drinks like Butterbeer, are its signature dishes. It opens from 10 AM to 11 PM. The average cost per meal is $13.99 to $19.99.
- Luigi’s Pizza (Springfield)
Luigi’s Pizza is the best dining option within the Springfield portion of the park. It’s delicious and the signature food item of Springfield, Universal Studios Hollywood, with the combination of meat and fresh vegetables. It costs $10 to $20 for one pizza.
- Jurassic Cafe
Jurassic Cafe is a family-friendly place located in the Jurassic Park area. It’s a family feast of Latin-inspired dishes such as Mojo pork, chicken, empanadas, and unique desserts. It opens with the schedule of the theme park (10 AM to 7 PM). It costs $14 to $18 per meal.
- Lard Lad Donuts
Lard Lad Donuts is a quick-service spot in the Springfield area, popular with fans of The Simpsons. Its special dishes are Oversized novelty doughnuts. It opens from 10 AM to 6 PM, and the cost per meal is $6 to $8.
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew (CityWalk)
NBC Sports Grill and Brew is a popular restaurant in CityWalk for those looking for a high-energy sports bar experience. Its special dishes are American cuisine and a wide selection of beers, with a sports bar atmosphere. It opens with the schedule of the theme park (8 AM to 12 AM). It costs $8 to $10 for one dish.
- Sushi Roku (CityWalk)
Sushi Roku is an upscale dining option located in CityWalk. Its signature dishes are High-end sushi and Japanese cuisine. It opens with the schedule of the theme park (4:30 AM to 9:30 PM) and costs $9 to $13 per ride.
