It’s time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood! : 3 Tips for your next visit.

I grew up visiting Universal Studios Hollywood more often than any other theme park. Not just because of proximity or because it was more affordable to visit, but because the magic of Hollywood is fascinating! I have vivid memories of the impression the Studio Tour Tram Ride and the Backdraft Special Effects show left on me. I grew up in complete awe of the magic of television and movies. We even had season passes some years and of course, whenever we had out of town guests this was always the number one theme park to hit. This is L.A. after all, and Hollywood is where movies are made! When the littles were born we were looking for something that could be just for Vie so she could get some “big kid” time and Universal Studios Hollywood was it! She and her dad got themselves an annual pass and would sneak off to escape big sister duties and into a magical world of Hollywood magic. Somehow the years passed and as I waited for the perfect time to take the little kids, the time since my own last visit grew vast! It had been 5 years since my last visit and I see now that it has been way too long! In those 5 years, so much was updated and NEW! I was overjoyed to see my familiar park looking so vibrant! I left with the same awe and impression as when I was a kid, seeing everything for the first time again.

If it’s been to long since your last visit, its time you plan your return! I was waiting for the kids to be a little older so that they could go on the rides and maximize our visit. My 5 year old has been into dinosaurs (absolutely LOVES Jurassic World!) and when he hit the height for Jurassic World – The Ride, I knew the time had come for their first visit! Here are a few tips to help you navigate your next visit and like us, have the best day EVER!

1. UNIVERSAL EXPRESS – Universal Express allows you express access to each ride. Your purchase allows you to use the Express lane exactly one time on each ride or show. It is about $75 more per ticket, but oh boy, it is WORTH IT especially when visiting on a busy day like a weekend. We visited on a Saturday and were able to ride every single ride in about 8 hours while some of the queues had 2 hour posted wait times. It’s a splurge but if you have to see it all in one visit, this is how!
2. Height restrictions and Rider Switch – What I liked about Universal Studios Hollywood that you don’t see in other places is that most rides have a test seat provided at the entrance of the attraction. To test for size and comfort for those with sensitivity issues. Here is a breakdown of each rides height restriction so you can best plan your day….

Lower Lot

Transformers: The Ride 3D – Riders must be at least 40” to ride.

Jurassic World: The Ride – Riders must be at least 42” tall.

Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride – Riders must be at least 48” tall.

Upper Lot

Flight of the Hippogriff – Riders must be at least 39” to ride.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Riders must be 48” to ride. This ride had a cool waiting area inside to wait for rider switch. This allows littles to enter the corridors of Hogwarts with you!

The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash  – Riders must be at least 34” to ride.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Riders must be at least 40” to ride.

All rides offer a rider switch option in case you have a little that is not quite tall enough to ride. However, I found that there is still plenty for littles to do besides these rides! The Studio Tour has no size restrictions, it’s for everyone! Universal Studios Hollywood has added Super Silly Fun Land, an elaborate play zone that brings the carnival from Despicable Me to life! It has an incredible splash zone (*pack extra clothes!) and a Silly Swirly Fun Ride for the littles. In the Lower Lot, don’t miss the Raptor Encounter where they can get up close to Blue, the velociraptor from Jurassic World! Littles can also enjoy the Dino Play area, a dino themed playground my kids did not want to leave! I was very happy to see all of these new additions geared for littles to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood too!

3. In the upper lot, you can find a Family Center between Hollywood and Dine and the entrance to WaterWorld show. This is a parent’s paradise! You can find kid sized toilets in three separate ample companion restrooms, a sink and microwave for warming baby food and feeding baby. Also two private nursing rooms with a nice lobby playing your favorite Universal movie! There is a vending machine with some emergency items like Tylenol and sanitary products available for purchase. Two other companion restrooms can be found near the Dino Play are and in the Silly Fun Land.
4. *Bonus Tip! *Preferred parking, is the closest parking to the park entrance, and also right next to this great photo op by the iconic Universal Studios Hollywood sign! Preferred parking is $10 more than regular parking but you avoid walking through City Walk at the end of the day with tired littles.

Looking ahead, we are so excited to hear the news of Super Nintendo World opening in 2023! The opening of this all new land will level up the lower lot! You can already see what a vibrant addition this will be in the park! Super Nintendo World will feature a groundbreaking ride and interactive areas to be enjoyed by the whole family! I don’t know who will be more excited, Millennial parents that grew up with Nintendo as the ultimate in tech and toy or their kids who now carry Nintendo Switch!

The magic of Hollywood is waiting for you whenever you decide to visit! I hope these tips help you plan your next visit! As always, I am happy to help with any questions you might have! To purchase tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood click here!

*Our visit to Universal Studios Hollywood was hosted however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.