Even if you’ve never been to Southern California, you know one thing about it: it can get hot. The Los Angeles region typically stays cool and overcast through the spring, but once the summer hits temperatures stay consistently over 80 degrees — and stay high through October. But a little heat isn’t gonna stop a pop culture superfan from visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, nor should it! The theme park is equipped with rides, beverages, and water stations to keep you cool throughout your perfect day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Hydration starts before you even leave the house (or hotel) in the morning! We highly recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle (two liters maximum) with you to Universal Studios Hollywood. You can refill water bottles at the fountains outside of most restrooms around the park. And while you’re at it, remember to throw on a pair of comfortable shoes! It’ll be a long day of walking around in the sun.
REMEMBER: Your health and safety are the top priority at Universal. If you feel yourself getting overheated, don’t hesitate to visit one of the two First Aid stations in the park. The Upper Lot station is located immediately to the right of French Street Bistro. On the Lower Lot, you’ll find one in-between Jurassic Cafe and the Character Shop.
But if you’re just trying to chill off we’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of fun ways to take a load off, recharge, and get ready for more fun at Universal Studios Hollywood.
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
One word: Butterbeer. No, wait, two words: Frozen Butterbeer. The wizarding world beverage is not only delicious, but an excellent coolant on a hot day. Take your relaxation to the next level by enjoying it inside Three Broomsticks or Hog’s Head, two dark, cool, air-conditioned Hogsmeade eateries. If you’d prefer to grab your refreshment on-the-go, hit up The Magic Neep Cart, located just next to Gladrags Wizardwear. There, you can grab Butterbeer Ice Cream and Gilly Water. There are additional Butterbeer carts throughout the Hogsmeade streets, too.
Once you’ve had your treat of choice, head up to Hogwarts castle and hop in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The queue winds through the halls of Hogwarts, offering a welcome reprieve from the sun. While Hogwarts is notoriously cozy in the wintertime, it’s equally cool in the summer. Ollivanders wand shop is another great spot to take a breather. There, you can watch a wand choose the wizard, and get your own interactive wand, too, all in the oh-so-comfortable indoors.
Want to learn more about this magical section of the park? Check out Discover Universal’s guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
DREAMWORKS THEATRE
Speaking of A/C, what better way to escape the heat than to kick back in a dark theater? You can do just that on the motion-simulated Kung Fu Panda show at the DreamWorks Theatre. The experience features a hilarious (indoor) pre-show featuring other DreamWorks favorites (including Shrek, Donkey and Poppy), before conceding the spotlight to the Kung Fu Panda crew. Join Po, Mr. Ping and Master Shifu on a river rafting adventure as they escape baddie Kang Wolf. Plus, you may or may not get a splash of water along the ride — just what you need on a hot day.
SUPER SILLY FUN LAND
Among the best places to play on those hot summer days is Super Silly Fun Land. This family-oriented area is based on the oceanfront carnival of the same name from Illumination’s “Despicable Me.” It includes the Wet Zone, a water park with more than 80 different aquatic features. It’s the ultimate spot for summertime fun at Universal, and a real lifesaver on those sunny California afternoons. If your family didn’t bring water clothes, fear not! There are water clothes for sale at the Minion-packed store, Super Silly Stuff, just steps away from the water zone.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, swing by Despicable Delights, the Minion-themed snack window just adjacent to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. There, you can get a collectible Minion Sipper (which comes with a free refill), or a banana-raspberry Felonious Float. In the words of the Minions: “[incomprehensible babbling!]”
Keep the silliness going with Discover Universal’s guide to Minion Land at Universal Studios Hollywood.
WATERWORLD
Splash Zone. Need we say more? WaterWorld, Universal’s high-octane stunt show, isn’t just a great way to get your blood pumping — you can get a nice douse of water, too. If you want to get splashed, we recommend sitting in either the center or left sections of the audience, as close to the front as possible. And get there early! Without spoiling anything, the WaterWorld pre-show includes water launchers that just might be pointed in your direction. You’re welcome.
For the full scoop on this adrenaline pumping how, check out Discover Universal’s guide to WaterWorld at Universal Studios Hollywood.
THE WORLD-FAMOUS STUDIO TOUR
Heat doesn’t just make you sweaty, it makes you tired. The best way to recoup is to just sit down for a nice long while — but who wants to sit still when there’s so much to soak up at Universal? That, my friends, is where The World-Famous Studio Tour comes in handy. Wind your way through the Upper Lot and down the escalator to this world-famous attraction. Then, hop on the tram to enjoy an entire hour of shaded, seated fun, including peeks at backlot sets from iconic films and TV shows, and eye-popping experiences inspired by the “Fast & Furious” and “King Kong” franchises.
JURASSIC WORLD
Hop in line for Jurassic World — The Ride. On this water ride, you’ll get caught between an epic battle between the T.rex and the Indominus rex as they duke it out for the throne of the jungle. It’ll provide not just thrills, but a blast of mist during its climactic downhill rush. You’ll be simultaneously saying “AHH!” and “Ahh…”
As far as your cooling refreshments go, you’ve got options on the Lower Lot. If you’re looking to keep the Jurassic fun going, order yourself a tiki cocktail or a blended drink (the Piña Colada hits the spot) at the Isla Nu-Bar. It’s just steps away from the ride. But remember: if you get an alcoholic beverage, drink a bottle of water along with it!
But let’s get real: heat is the perfect excuse to get an ice cream cone. The menu at Studio Scoop includes an array of sundaes, curated combination cups, and over-the-top milkshakes. The Tropical Sunset soft serve is particularly refreshing.
If you’ve managed to inhale your treat without getting sticky fingers — OK, fine, even if you haven’t — swing over to Transformers: The Ride–3D. The whole line is inside, in air-conditioned darkness. It’s the human equivalent of pouring antifreeze on your engine.
Remember, if you’re experiencing exhaustion or overheating, you’re going to need more than an ice cream sundae to return to tip-top shape. Stop by one of the two First Aid stations — again, one next to the French Street Bistro, and the other next to the Jurassic Cafe — to get the medical attention you need.
UNIVERSAL CITYWALK HOLLYWOOD
Still got those water clothes on you? Just outside Antojitos Cocina Mexicana is a dancing water fountain where young families love to cool off. For those who really want to get wet, the jumping water jets provide an enticing plunge in the summertime heat. If you want something equally playful but a little less wet, get your hands on a milkshake from The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Their delightful list of milkshake flavors, from Red Velvet to Strawberry Cheesecake to Cookie Jar, has something for everybody. Plus, you can take ‘em to-go!
And, finally, the ultimate way to cool off: go to the movies! Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk has not only the biggest blockbusters, but also the most comfortable reclining seats in all of Southern California. (In my humble opinion.) Seriously. Good luck pulling yourself out once the credits roll.
What’re your favorite ways to stay cool at Universal? Let us know in the comments below!