Universal Studios Hollywood Vacation
Universal Studios Hollywood provides one of the most exciting vacation experiences in America. It sweeps its visitors off their feet with thrilling and innovative rides, with so much to do, it is virtually impossible to cover everything in one article, so to give you an idea of what to expect, here are some of its highlights.
When to go to Universal Studios
If you are looking for a quiet vacation, you might want to avoid the spring, summer and Christmas holidays, since the kids are out of school, the town can be pretty crowded around these times.
During the summer, the weather is exceptionally warm, especially at midday. However, the days are longer in this season, so you have more time to enjoy the rides. If you are worried about visiting during winter when California gets most of its rain, there is no need to be concerned because the majority of the most exciting rides are inside.
Theme Park Rides
There are so many rides to choose from at Hollywood Studios that there is no way you are going to get on all of them; so here are some of the best:
- The Jurassic World – The Ride
- Flight of the Hippogriffâ„¢
- The Simpsons Rideâ„¢
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journeyâ„¢
- Revenge of the Mummy
- TRANSFORMERSâ„¢: The Ride-3D
- The World-Famous Studio Tour
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Yearly Events
Harry Potter Christmas and Grinchmas: Harry Potter and the Grinch have collaborated to bring the holidays to Universal Studios. This yearly event has become somewhat of an LA tradition. The show is brought to life with a 60-foot-tall whimsical Christmas tree, as well as a host of other interesting stage props. It is included in the entrance ticket price.
Halloween Horror Nights: Imagine all the scariest horror movie characters under one roof?! Well, that’s the best way to describe Halloween Horror Nights; enjoy live entertainment from motion pictures such as Poltergeist, Terror Tram, Trick r Treat, Stranger Things, and Universal Monsters. You will need a separate ticket for this event.
Purchasing Your Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood no longer participates in CityPass which makes it easier to get tickets. If you are going for the day, your best option is to purchase tickets online from their website. Depending on the date, you’ll save between $5-16 when you buy your tickets in advance.
Front of Line Pass – Universal Expressâ„¢
If you are traveling during the tourist season, it is advised that you get a front of line ticket called the Universal Expressâ„¢ pass. These tickets can cost a bit more, and prices will go up or down depending on the time of year. If front line passes are not in your budget, it is recommended that you get to the park early so that you are first in the line or utilize their single rider lines.
VIP Guided Tour
If you really want to treat yourself, get the VIP Experience which gives you exclusive access to behind the scenes of the worlds largest movie studio and Theme Park. You will enjoy an 8-hour tour with an expert VIP tour guide. Begin your day with valet parking and VIP access to the park and the exclusive VIP lounge with light snacks and refreshments. Savor a gourmet meal in our private VIP dining room, prepared by Universal’s very own executive chef. Your VIP guide will escort you to priority unlimited access to all the shows and rides, you will also have access to the best seats and much more. This is the ultimate way to experience Universal Studios Hollywood™.
Transportation
The truth of the matter is that driving in Los Angeles is no fun! The bad news is that if you are visiting Universal Studios there is no way you can escape the traffic. You basically have to drive through L.A because it is located north of the city. So, unless you get a helicopter ride, expect to spend plenty of time stuck in traffic. If you have booked a hotel closer to Disneyland in Orange County, it will take at least an hour for you to get there, and since there will probably be traffic, expect a journey time of up to two hours.
In case you are wondering if it will be easier to get public transport or a taxi, the answer is a categorical no! Unless you want to break the bank, it is not advised that you get a taxi, and public transport is simply unreliable.
The bottom line is that if you want to get to universal studios, either bring your own car or rent one when you get there. Even though the traffic is bad, if you drive between 10 am and 3 pm or 7 am and 9 pm, you should be fine.
Eating Out
Word has it that the food is delicious, there are plenty of eateries to choose from but some of the best options include the following:
Three Broomsticks: With excellent near-table service, the food here is not inexpensive but it’s well worth the price. The menu includes delights such as fish and chips, the great feast, shepherd’s pie, cornish pasty, smoked chicken and much more. There are also plenty of snacks you can indulge in such as sticky toffee cake and potted cream.
Krusty Burger: No trip to Universal Studios would be complete without visiting Krusty Burger. Sink your teeth into one of their legendary burgers including the Ribwich, Clogger Burger, and of course, its namesake, the Krusty burger.
Cletus Chicken Shack: The terms mouth-watering and finger-licking were birthed at this eatery – yes, the chicken is that good! Scrumptious fried chicken served in true hillbilly style. You will be spoilt for choice with their chicken thumbs, double batter chicken platter, chicken and waffle sandwich and much more.
The Simpsons: Stuff your face with guilty pleasures such as burgers, fries and waffle and chicken sandwiches.
Tips Before You Arrive
Follow these simple tips to maximize your time at Universal Studios:
- Buy your tickets before you get to the park
- Get some breakfast before leaving the hotel
- Your favorite celebrities might be at the park, so check the website before you leave.
- Go to the lower lot in the morning
- To avoid queues, go for lunch when it’s not peak time
- Find out the parks opening hours before your arrival
- Get there early
- Make the most out of your trip and stay until the park closes
- Find out showtimes
- Bring a sweatshirt as in the evenings the temperatures drop
- See the Hogwarts Castle show later in the day or line up an hour before it starts to avoid the crowds.
- Stay at a local hotel to cut down traveling time
Final Thought
As stated, there is so much fun to have at Universal Studios that it’s impossible to fit everything into one article. But at least now you have some idea of how awesome this place is. All that is left to say now is BON VOYAGE! Enjoy your trip!
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