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Front of the Line and Behind the Scenes: Universal Studios Hollywood

July 16, 2017 By Lena

What happens when your kids have complete control of your vacation itinerary?

Oh, you just have the most amazing trip, ever.

For our recent trip to #kidifornia, the boys had a “wish list” – in quotes, because if you have children, you’ll know that any wish list is actually translated to a “must do, won’t accept no for an answer, has to happen” kind of demand. Of course, when Universal Studios Hollywood is at the top of that list, we’re happy to oblige.
From rides and attractions to shopping and entertainment, Universal Studios Hollywood is a mecca of fun. Here’s five things kids LOVE about Universal Studios Hollywood. 

1. The Rides. Of course they love the rides! From Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (crazy, hilarious, exhilarating fun) to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (there are no words!), Universal Studios offers world-class rides and attractions that your family won’t soon forget. My boys particularly raved about Transformers: The Ride-3D, The Simpsons Ride and – shudder – Revenge of the Mummy. (Nine-year olds will be nine-year olds, I suppose.)
Most of the rides offer an immersive 3D or 4D experience, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Ride height requirements vary between 39 and 48″ tall, meaning that Universal Studios Hollywood is best enjoyed by children post-kindergarten age.

2. Front of the Line. Make the most of your day at Universal Studios Hollywood with a Front of the Line ticket. (With kids? A MUST DO.) Of course my boys loved skipping the lines! A Front Of Line Ticket, available at an extra cost (fee varies depending on date selected), provides you with one-time priority access at each attraction and priority seating at each show, in addition to all day admission to the Park. And trust me, kids who aren’t waiting for hours to ride an attraction are happy kids.
3. Character Sightings. Kids – of all ages! – love meeting characters in the park. The best part? Since Universal Studios Hollywood generously rotates characters throughout the day, the lineups are very manageable and you’ll never have to wait long. My boys had a chance to meet so many of their favourites, including Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron from Transformers, the Minions and even a Raptor!
4. Behind the Scenes. The pièce de resistance at Universal Studios Hollywood is the World Famous Studio Tour. In this hour-long tour, you’ll visit 13 city blocks and get behind the scenes on four acres of historic studio lot – built with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself. Jimmy Fallon hosts via video feed and there are many surprises along the way which will have your kids saying “wow!”

Don’t be tempted to watch spoilers online; trust me, this is one thing you want to experience without a sneak peek. You never know who or what you’ll run into… including a knife-wielding psycho. Yikes!
5. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Attention Potterheads of all ages! Visit Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, where you can see a wand choose a wizard and purchase your own Ollivanders wand. Then, explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle and get ready to soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. On a scale of 1 to 10, kids rate this attraction an 11!

(P.S. Don’t forget the Butterbeer!)
Of course, the very best part about Universal Studios Hollywood is that can be conquered in a day, making it the perfect kid-friendly activity and a must-do in Southern California.

Ready to be part of the movie? Visit Universal Studios Hollywood to plan your visit. Here, you’ll find information on hotels and packages, park tips, early park admission and more. And…. action!

This post is sponsored by Visit California. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #kidifornia, universal studios hollywood, visit california

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kristen visser

    July 17, 2017 at 10:45 am

    what a crazy cool experience that must have been! I would be having the time of my life on those rides. My daughters would get a kick out of the character sightings

  2. kathy downey

    July 17, 2017 at 11:05 am

    Oh my what a wonderful place to make amazing memories ! Your boys are certainly growing into handsome young lads!

  3. HEIDI C.

    July 17, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    I visited Universal Studios several years ago while in L.A. for a coference and had so much fun. I would love to take my kids there :).

  4. Susan T.

    July 18, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    I remember visiting Universal Studios Hollywood when I was a kid and it was such fun! There were no Harry Potter or Simpsons areas back then! I seem to remember Jaws and Star Trek.

  5. nicky

    July 18, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    I really really really want to go to USH! It’s on my bucket list – I’ll make it there one way or another!

  6. Marissa

    July 19, 2017 at 7:40 am

    Wow! That must have been an amazing experience and lots of fun especially for your boys. They are at the right age now to make good memories. Love the picture in action of your little guy by the “Transformers.”

  7. Lynda Cook

    July 20, 2017 at 11:31 am

    Sounds awesome! forget the kids I would love to go and enjoy all of this myself..lol so many awesome attractions and rides, I would never want to leave!!

  8. Caryn s

    July 20, 2017 at 11:28 pm

    Universal studios looks amazing! I know my whole family would be in awe too of spending the day there.

  9. Kristi Friesen

    July 20, 2017 at 11:50 pm

    It looks like so much fun. I would love the Studio tour!

  10. Debbie White Beattie

    July 27, 2017 at 10:07 pm

    Universal Studios looks like a really fun place but more importantly your sons always do such a great job with their poses. Lol

  11. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    July 28, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    My oldest is absolutely dying to go and see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – he’s 40!!!

  12. Ron

    July 31, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    I’ve never been to Universal Studios but I think it would be a fascinating place to visit. Will have to go see it.

  13. JoKing

    August 9, 2017 at 9:43 am

    I loved Universal Studios when I was there many moons ago.

  14. Lushka Smith

    August 13, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    Looks like a blast for young and old alike.

  15. Tammi L.

    August 24, 2017 at 2:41 am

    The last time we went to Florida we stayed in a Universal Hotel (usually won’t pay the extra) and it was sooooo worth it to have the express pass! We LOVED it! What a difference!

  16. Patricia

    August 24, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Too cool, still trying to convince my husband that we need to go here

  17. Sherry Altoft

    August 30, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    I would have loved to visit Universal Studios – Hollywood and Disney World, Alas I don’t think I’ll ever get there!

  18. kathy downey

    September 8, 2017 at 10:09 am

    I love the photo’s your kids are sure handsome boys

  19. Stephanie LaPlante

    September 12, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    That must’ve been one memorable trip! I’ve wanted to go there for ages!

  20. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    October 25, 2017 at 11:01 pm

    I’ve not been to Universal Studios Hollywood but it does sound like it would be worth a visit. :-)

  21. Brad Kinchen

    November 28, 2017 at 8:32 am

    It looks like a great place for big kids like me as well!

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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