Visiting Universal Studios was on our itinerary from the very beginning of our trip, and we were eagerly looking forward to it. The theme park is an absolute must-see for anyone even remotely interested in amusement parks because it offers something different from what you’ve experienced in traditional amusement parks!
Tickets to Universal Studios
It’s advisable to reserve at least one full day, if not more, for your visit because there’s plenty to see and experience, and you won’t easily tire of the rides. Initially, we had planned to spend just one day in the park, but Universal Studios was such an amazing place that we decided to go back for a second day. And here’s the best part: when you buy a one-day ticket, you get the second day for free! Tickets to Universal Studios were $129 per person, and we felt they were worth every penny. It’s a good idea to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid ticket queues at the venue.
There is ample parking space available in the area, and it’s worth checking out the options and prices on the park’s website. We parked our car at the E.T. Parking garage.
Before the park – Universal Studios CityWalk
Upon arriving at Universal Studios, you first encounter a large shopping street with various themed shops, cafes, and restaurants. At the end of the street stands the famous Universal Studios globe statue. This area is completely free, so you can visit even if you don’t plan to enter the amusement park itself. After this, there is the ticket checkpoint and the actual entrance to the amusement park.
And then to the park itself
The rides at Universal Studios are very different from traditional amusement park rides. Each ride is built around a theme, starting from the queue area and continuing until you exit the ride. There are various types of rides; some are roller coaster-style where you move at high speeds, while others are virtual, where you’re practically stationary but the effects make it feel like you’re moving fast.
Be prepared for queues, especially during the summer months. We visited in early July, and the average wait time was about an hour per ride. However, queuing is not just standing around; it’s part of the experience and prepares you for the adventure ahead.
The park is divided into several themed areas, and simply walking around is entertaining. Our absolute favorites were Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. We highly recommend staying until evening, as there’s a fantastic light show at Hogwarts Castle after dark, with various effects.
It’s worth familiarizing yourself with the park map and visiting every area. There’s one area further down in the park that might go unnoticed as it’s somewhat secluded from the rest.
Food & Drink
As in most amusement parks, food and drinks at Universal Studios Hollywood can be slightly expensive. It’s recommended to budget a little extra for food and drinks, or alternatively, consider bringing your own snacks. We found relatively affordable options, like sausage fries, priced at $15 per serving, but the portions were also relatively small.
We decided to buy the Universal Studios Coca-Cola mug for around $20-25. While the price might seem high for a single soda mug, you could refill it for free at various soda fountains in the park every hour. This was a great solution, especially on a hot day when we needed to stay hydrated.
Before boarding the rides, there were always designated areas for belongings, so we could conveniently leave our mug and other items in the safety place while enjoying the ride.
Our top 3 rides at Universal Studios:
- The Simpson Ride, which takes you on an amazing adventure through the world of The Simpsons.
- Studio Tour, where you get to take a guided tour of the studio lot and peek into familiar sets from movies and TV shows.
- Harry Potter Forbidden Journey, a truly immersive experience inside Hogwarts Castle, and the ride itself was fantastic.
Universal Studios Hollywood is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Hollywood. It’s especially great for amusement park enthusiasts, but even those who aren’t big on rides will enjoy it. The park offers entertainment, and exploring the area alone is worthwhile as it’s very well-designed, with various shows and experiences available. This cannot be recommended enough; it’s definitely worth experiencing!
