Stepping into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter feels like we walked right into the pages of J.K. Rowling’s books. My son has read nearly every book in the series, so a visit to Universal Studios to experience the mysteries of Hogwarts castle while sipping on frozen butterbeer has been on his bucket list for a very long time. We have not been to Universal Studios Hollywood in years, so when I told my kids we would be visiting the studio and theme park this summer, they asked me every single day when we would be visiting because they could not contain their excitement. There is so much to experience at the movie-themed park, so I thought I would share the Ten Things You Must Do at Universal Studios Hollywood this summer!
Consideration provided by Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood
When I was 16 years old, I decided that I wanted to work at Universal Studios Hollywood. I grew up in Los Angeles, where the glitz and glam of Hollywood was always very appealing to me. My father and I bonded over classics like Jurassic Park and E.T., so working at the studio where these films were made was a dream. I spent my high school summers working in their gift shops and then went on to pursue a career in nursing. But the studio-themed park holds a special place in my heart with childhood memories of The Flinstones and Beetlejuice.
Universal Studios Hollywood is located adjacent to Hollywood and encompasses a movie-based theme park and a working studio. It is Hollywood’s oldest and most famous film studio and currently still operates. During our visit, we saw Mario Lopez filming an episode of Extra along with other hot sets during the Studio Tour.
The park recently introduced a variety of new experiences including The Walking Dead daytime attraction, Fast & Furious – Supercharged, and Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.
Ten Things You Must Do at Universal Studios Hollywood This Summer
- Join Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest: The release of Kung Fu Panda ten years ago introduced families to aspiring Kung Fu legend Po, who’s hilarious antics and martial arts sequences made the franchise widely popular. This new, multi-sensory attraction was inspired by the films and takes families on a thrilling, immersive journey. On the morning of The Emperor’s Great Feast of Heroes, dragon warrior Po embarks on a wild and perilous mission to deliver the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power to the Palace, while enlisting guests to join him on the exciting adventure complete with raging rapids, river pirates, awesome magic and Kung Fu. Along with immersing guests in 180 degrees of action, the attraction features the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping with images so realistic it is impossible to recognize that this is an illusion. Additional physical effects like water and wind will invite guests to join in on this exciting adventure.
- Meet Po, Tigress, and Mr. Ping: For a limited time, you can meet Po, Tigress, and Mr. Ping at the Universal Plaza. Po and Tigress appear at scheduled times throughout the day and are available for photo opps and lessons in Kung Fu! Mr. Ping can be found serving up advice (and noodles) at his Noodle Shop. See your favorite Kung Fu Panda characters through August 19, 2018.
- Get a Taste of Authentic Asian Cuisine: Mr. Ping wants you to try his secret ingredient Stir Fry Noodles and other Asian Fare at his Noodle Shop. The pop-up dining venue, located at Universal Plaza, features Dragon Warrior Bao, Po’s Dumplings, Oogway Egg Rolls, Secret Ingredient Stir Fry Noodles, and a selection of hot and cold Asian beverages including green tea.
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- Ride Jurassic Park – The Ride Before It Becomes Extinct: Jurassic Park – The Ride will close on September 3, 2018 to prepare for the new Jurassic World Ride, slated to open in 2019. This thrilling river raft adventure was inspired by the film and showcases dinosaurs in their natural habitat. The ride culminates in an 84-foot plunge where you will make a splash (literally).
- Cretaceous Close-Up: Come face-to-face with Blue, one of the most popular dinosaurs from Jurassic World. Raptor Encounter is located right outside Jurassic Park – The Ride, and gives guests the opportunity to take a photo and engage with the infamous raptor.
- Go Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Films: The Studio Tour has been a longstanding favorite attraction of ours. Much of the tour has changed, including the addition of Fast & Furious – Supercharged. As a fan of the Fast & Furious films, I absolutely loved this new experience. Ride along with the cast on a high-speed chase where you are immersed in cutting-edge, hyper-realistic special effects projected across 360-degree screens. The Studio Tour takes you on a backlot tour of 13 city blocks where you will experience an 8.3 earthquake, a flash flood, an encounter with King Kong, a shark attack, a crime scene, and an aviation disaster.
- Channel Your Inner Wizard: The latest additions to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are spellbinding. New wand magic includes the Incendio fire-making spell and the Alohomora unlocking spell. You can also visit Gladrags Wizardwear to find new costume replicas of Professor Severus Snape’s robe and Hermione’s Yule Ball dress.
- Let the Wand Choose You: Magic surrounds you inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. When you visit Ollivanders, you can see the wand choose a wizard in this interactive experience. Wave your wand, recite the spell, and watch the magic unfold throughout Hogsmeade. Inside the store, guests can choose from an expansive selection of wands including Ollivanders wand, Harry Potter character wand replicas, collectible wand sets, and Interactive Wands (which are required to unlock the magic throughout Hogsmeade).
- Get the Butterbeer: It’s delicious! The popular wizarding beverage which resembles butterscotch and shortbread is now available as a hot (latte) or cold drink, a frozen beverage, ice cream, fudge, and potted cream. You can find Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks, along with a British fare such as Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and their new menu items which include the Ploughman’s Lunch, Cheese Toastie With Chicken, and a Sunday Roast Sandwich.
- Culminate Your Night With Lights: The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle returns nightly through August 19 and September 1-2, 2018. Watch as projections are cast against the stunning backdrop of Hogwarts castle. This stunning display of lights, music, and fireworks is the perfect way to end your day at Universal Studios Hollywood. There are 3 nightly showings with the first and second being the most crowded. Check the Universal Studios Hollywood app for specific showtimes.
Best Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood is busy, as is typical of all theme parks in Southern California. However, if you plan your day well and consider the tips below, you can easily experience (and enjoy) much of the park.
- Start early. This really is my best tip. Parking, walking to the entrance, and going through security all take time, so expect it to take at least 30 minutes to get inside once you have parked. The park opens at 9 am on most days with early admission one hour before opening. Any guest who purchases a ticket or Preferred Hotel Package online will receive early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Don’t forget summer essentials: I like to pack a light backpack with the following items: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, light sweatshirts (for nighttime experiences), phone charger/battery pack, and either a poncho or change of clothes. If your kids plan to visit Super Silly Fun Land, you might also consider packing a swimsuit and a light towel. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing since temperatures can soar into the 80s and 90s in Southern California during the summer months.
- Rent a locker: If you plan to spend the entire day at Universal Studios Hollywood, lighten up and enjoy the park without being loaded down with heavy backpacks and bags. Lockers are available to rent both in front of the park and at select locations throughout the park. Some rides (such as Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey) require that all bags be checked into a locker, which is provided free of charge for a certain amount of time while you ride.
- Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app. The app includes an interactive map, offers the option of creating a personal itinerary, and displays current ride wait times and showtimes.
- Plan your day. Decide which experiences you want to enjoy and plan your day accordingly. If your day includes a visit to the Lower Lot, try to enjoy all of the experiences downstairs before heading to the Upper Lot. Be sure to check showtimes and character appearance times to be sure you do not miss out on experiences you are most interested in.
- Consider Universal Express: We rode every single ride and saw practically every show at Universal Studios Hollywood thanks to Universal Express. This pass includes one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and seated show plus admission to the park. If you purchase it online, you will save $10!
- Purchase your tickets online: Not only will this save you time when you arrive, you’ll enjoy one extra hour at the park inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Plus, you will enjoy the best prices!
Universal Studios Hollywood Address and Parking Information
Universal Studios Hollywood is located at:
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Parking rates are as follows:
- Front Gate Parking – Before 6PM: $50; After 6PM: $30
- Preferred Parking – Before 6PM: $35; After 6PM: $20
- General Parking: Before 6PM: $25; After 6PM: $10
- Valet Parking: $25 first 2 hours, $45 over 2 hours
For more information, follow Universal Studios on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (#UniversalStudiosHollywood).
12 Things You Need to Know About The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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