Unavoidable, essential … it’s impossible not to make a detour by Universal Studios Hollywood during a stay in Los Angeles. Whether you go there as a couple, with the whole family or even solo, this is the ultra fun destination that will make you happy for the rest of your stay. Our first advice: buy your tickets online and if you can, choose the Universal Express passes so that you have at least a fast access to each attraction once during the day.
Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood is obviously one of the must-see attractions that you have to do at least once with the kids. This is THE park for block busters lovers: Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, King Kong, Kung Fu Panda … they are all there. There aren’t a lot of attractions in the park, don’t expect to be at Disneyland (which is also very close to Los Angeles). No, you should rather approach Universal Studios Hollywood as a park combining rides, movies and shows.
In the end, the whole family will love it, whatever the age of your children, if they already know some of the characters. Please note, Universal Studios Hollywood is vast so you’ll have to walk a lot and obviously, if you have the opportunity to go there off season or at least during the week, you will be the king of the world!
Good to know
A must do
There are many attractions that you need to do! For us, the absolute essentials are: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (for the beauty of it), Jurassic World (for a total immersion and a huge fall at the end!), King Kong 360 3-D for an incredible visual experience. Well, obviously, the adults could also head for The Walking Dead.
The princess loved
Without any hesitation the Jurassic Park attraction which she keeps on talking about again and again (and again). She was terrified during the fall (which shows on each photo), but obviously, she loves that feeling. The huge water splash is very nice in summer. She also had fun in the Super Silly Fun Land because there was water all over the place and we came out soaked.
The ups for kids
Your kids are over 8 years old
Start with the most popular attractions, whether in the world of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park or The World-Famous Studio Tour. After all, Universal Studios Hollywood is first and foremost about movies, so try to offer them a real immersion.
Your kids are less than 8 years old
Stay the whole day and don’t rush. Kids will just love Jurassic Park (the princess was 4 years old at the time!) and will love to find their favorite characters while being in the park. You can forget about the Simpsons merry-go-round, which is not great, and prefer Kung Fu Panda. There are of course a whole bunch of restaurants in Universal Studios Hollywood: we recommend Mels Diner which has vegan options as well as Blaze Pizza which offers vegan pizza.
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Practical information
Rates
One day pass between 110 and 129 dollars; Universal Express between 169 and 249 dollars; VIP Experience from 349 dollars.
Details
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California
Website: https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
Between 28 and 50 dollars for the parking depending on which one you choose. Universal Studios Hollywood is generally open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some variations (until 7 p.m. or even 9 p.m.).