The best family vacations are the ones that create memories that will last a lifetime. My family’s first visit to Universal Studios Hollywood this year was 100% one of those experiences. It is an immersive and thrilling place for people of all ages, but especially for teens and older kids. The kids loved this family vacation — as in, “post-about-it-on-the-’Gram” loved.
Hollywood is the world’s entertainment capital, and we felt every bit of that when visiting the iconic theme park. It gave us a special blend of movie magic and real-life adventures that even impressed my teenagers, which any parent knows is nearly impossible to do. We were astounded by the explosion of sensory details in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and the epic World-Famous Studio Tour was a giant hit with my whole family. There is so much to see and do at this fantastic theme park, so let’s dig in!
Where to Stay
After a long flight and a challenging travel day, walking into the Sheraton Universal Hotel‘s vibrant, lively lobby felt like an oasis. As soon as we unlocked the doors to our two rooms, I sank into the heavenly bed.
This hotel was a great home base for our Universal Studios Hollywood vacation. We could walk to the park in about 10 minutes but opted for the complimentary shuttle, which runs frequently — no need to schlep the family around in the car. The guest rooms are spacious and modern and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Each room has a mini-fridge and several built-in charging ports, crucial for any family with tweens and teens.
Because you’re in Los Angeles, there are lots of hotels close to Universal Studios Hollywood at every price point. Many of them offer complimentary shuttle services to the theme park and Universal CityWalk, too. Take a look at the nearby options here.
Ticket Options to Maximize Fun
Consider getting the Universal Express Pass, Express Unlimited Pass or Early Access Ticket to make the most of your time at Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Express Pass offers one-time (per day) front-of-the-line access to most attractions (excluding Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge) and shows. Express Unlimited Pass takes it further with unlimited front-of-the-line privileges for all attractions and shows. On busy days, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD might require reservations — both Express Passes get you one-time access to the land on those days.
If your kids are like mine and are bouncing off the walls eager to explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, you may want to buy the Early Access Ticket. This limited, in-demand ticket gives you access to the area one hour before the park officially opens to check it out without the crowds. Early Access tickets also include one-time Express access to the Studio Tour (valid until 11 a.m. only). It will save you both time and sanity.
Family-Friendly One-Day Itinerary
If you only have one day to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, the most important thing is to get there as early as possible to maximize your time. Check the appbecause opening times vary throughout the year. You can also use the app to check wait times on attractions throughout the theme park and plan accordingly.
Morning: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
To enter the theme park, we walked through Universal CityWalk Hollywood, past the oft-photographed Universal Globe and through the main entrance into the Upper Lot. We made our way quickly through the wide streets and effortlessly found our way to wherever we wanted to go. There is a feeling of Old Hollywood glamor from the first moment you step through the turnstiles onto Universal Boulevard, and that feeling carries throughout the whole theme park.
We were on a mission. We whisked through the Upper Lot, descended the escalators and headed straight to our ultimate goal: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
This land is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first area dedicated to Mario, Luigi and friends, and it doesn’t disappoint! It is hard to express how amazing this place is. You will want to get there as early as possible and plan to spend a good chunk of time enjoying everything here. You will want to get a schedule a time to join the queue at Toadstool Cafe as soon as you arrive. To do so, scan the QR code posted at the entrances to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Toadstool Café and follow the instructions from there. Once your meal time is scheduled, hop in line for the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride.
Make sure you take a moment to stand back and absorb the sounds and sights of the Mushroom Kingdom. We let the kids roam free, collecting digital coins with their Power-Up Bands and trying to earn their chance to battle with Bowser Jr. Don’t forget to check out the character meet and greets, the 1-UP Factory store, Key Challenges, and more. Get the full scoop on SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with the Discover Universal guide right here.
PRO TIP: On the way back to the Upper Lot, stop between the Upper and Lower Lot to take in the spectacular San Gabriel Mountains in the distance. It’s a fantastic spot for a family photo!
Mid-Morning: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Now it’s time to retrace your steps to the Upper Lot to dive into all the magical fun at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! When we visited, I spent time exploring the fun details and wizarding shops in Hogsmeade while the kids rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the family-friendly roller coaster Flight of the Hippogriff over and over. I sat in the shade of Hogwarts castle with a frozen Butterbeer and watched the two live shows, Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally, on the outdoor stage. It was awesome. Check out the Discover Universal guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the full details.
PRO TIP: You can now find dairy-free Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! My lactose-intolerant husband tried it for the first time, and it was love at first sip. Now he understands how much I enjoy this beverage!
Our Family’s Favorite Lunch Options
Toadstool Cafe
This place is so cool and was a highlight of our trip. Yes, the food was delicious (OMG, the Princess Peach Cupcake!), but it was the unique design and fun atmosphere that made it memorable. Read the Discover Universal guide to Toadstool Cafe here.
Three Broomsticks
We adore the Three Broomsticks. The meals are hot and hearty, and they offer several vegetarian options, which is perfect for my teenage daughter. The Great Feast includes a variety of food, making it a well-rounded meal for 4 to 6 people (depending on age and hunger level).
PRO TIP: When you order, let the attendant know if anyone in your party has a food allergy. We have found all the restaurants at Universal Studios Hollywood to be very conscious of food allergies. With several kids allergic to various items, being able to relax and enjoy the food is so helpful.
Other in-park sit-down dining spots we love:
- Krusty Burger (Upper Lot)
- Cletus’ Chicken Shack (Upper Lot)
- Mel’s Diner (Upper Lot)
- Jurassic Café (Lower Lot)
Afternoon: The World-Famous Studio Tour
I wasn’t sure what to expect when we took the iconic Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. I knew we would see behind-the-scenes of famous movies and TV shows, but it was so much more than that. It includes innovative experiences while riding the tram, such as finding ourselves in the middle of Skull Island in King Kong 360 3-D and racing through the streets in Fast & Furious – Supercharged.
There are about 30 film sets and 35 working sound stages here, which have been used since 1915. For the last 60 years, guests of Universal Studios have been able to hop on the Studio Tour tram for a hour-long cinematic journey. During our tour, we traveled around the studio lot, learning about its history and enjoying the countless props, animatronics and special effects used to create some of Hollywood’s most timeless films. Tours are available in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
It’s not just about the history, though. The Universal Studios backlot is still very much a working set. While we zipped by, we got a peek at a crew setting up an elaborate commercial on the Wisteria Lane set. Even my painfully hip 16-year-old daughter excitedly exclaimed that it was “legit” the best thing she had done in forever.
Late Afternoon: WaterWorld
Universal Studios is in Hollywood, so it should be no surprise that the live shows are superb. We attended the WaterWorld stunt show and saw an action-packed live performance that kept us on the edge of our seats. It was adventurous, funny and exhilarating. Do not miss this show! As a bonus, it is a great place to sit down, get out of the sun and relax. My kids wanted to see it again immediately afterward. I wish we had not waited until the last show of the day.
Evening: Thrill Rides
After relaxing for a bit, it was time to spice things up! Three of my four kids are thrill-seekers and were anxious to experience all the fun rides; one was not. So, my fifteen-year-old and I searched for the perfect afternoon snack (which we found in the giant pink-iced confection at Lard Lad Donuts). My husband and our other kids used the Unlimited Express Passes to ride on some of their all-time favorites repeatedly. They included:
- The Simpsons Ride: Everyone loves this simulated roller coaster ride with The Simpsons characters in the always-fun Springfield, U.S.A.
- Jurassic World – The Ride: Since it was a scorching day, the kids were happy to get a little wet while experiencing this ride’s thrilling 85-foot plunge. If you ride it three times in a row like my kids, every inch of you will be soaked!
- Transformers: The Ride-3D: My 11-year-old was a little wary of this high-tech, 3D dark ride, but he loved it. The mildly intense motion simulation makes it seem more real than expected.
Dinner at Universal CityWalk
We wanted to make the most of our time at the park, so we put off dinner until later in the evening. We practically fell into the booth when we made it to Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen atUniversal Citywalk Hollywood. Thankfully, we found we didn’t need reservations at most CityWalk restaurants. My mushroom risotto was incredible, both flavorful and creamy. It was just what I needed to revive myself after a day in the theme park.
PRO TIP: I can’t blame my kids for begging for one of Toothsome’s specialty milkshakes! However, they are gigantic, indulgent treats, so we infused some teamwork into our dinner and had the kids share. We bought three milkshakes for the six of us and still couldn’t finish them all, but they were delicious.
There are lots of other family-friendly dining options to choose from on CityWalk, including: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, VIVO Italian Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co and so many more.
Late Night: Seasonal Nighttime Shows
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of seasonal nighttime shows and entertainment. You won’t be disappointed by The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle. Be sure to get your hand stamped any time you leave the park so you can return. There are a few times of the year when park reentry isn’t available, so check the app to plan accordingly for park hours, show times, ride availability and special events.
Universal Studios Hollywood gave us one of the best family getaways my family has ever had. It created a memorable and magical experience infused with the essence of Hollywood’s cinematic charm. We visited seeking a simple day of fun but got an unforgettable adventure instead. And you can, too, even if you only have one day to do it!
What’s your family most looking forward to doing at Universal Studios Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below.
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