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In the depths of the San Fernando Valley lies the world-renowned entertainment amusement park called Universal Studios Hollywood. Focusing on the television and movie industry, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must go location to go visit while in Southern California. There are events all year round, especially during Fall and Winter, when USH has its Halloween Horror Nights and Grinchmas extravaganza! No matter what time of year you visit, there's always something for everyone to do for a full day of fun. There's no doubt that you'll definitely feel the magic of the entertainment industry while you are here!

History

German-American film producer Carl Laemmle dreamed of making the first city solely dedicated to making films in Southern California (known for its good weather) after he needed more land to create new movies for his movie studio. He invested over 1 million dollars in creating Universal City, which included not only the movie studio itself, but a fire and police station, post office, school, and even a zoo! In 1915, Laemmle went on an 8 day train ride, going from Los Angeles to Chicago, to promote the opening of his brand new city. The opening was a massive success, filled with two days of parades, air shows, and other festivities that unfortunaely ended up in the death of a stunt man during the second day at an air show. Fortunately, that did not stop Laemmle from re-opening the city to guests on movie sets and started offering admission for the public to come see movies being made (they were silent at the time) for only 25 cents. This later evolved into the world-famous studio tour which started in 1915 and cost $2.50 for a 90-minute guided tour, via tram, around the movie studio. The park itself did not open up until 1964, when the studio tours were re-introduced (they had stopped due to movies requiring sound) and the attractions of the park were slowly built around the tram tours. Universal Studios Hollywood continues to thrive and upgrade its attractions often, with the newest attraction, Super Nintendo World, expecting to open up around Spring 2023.

Recommended Activities

Attractions

If you are a thrill seeker...

• Jurassic World – The Ride


Based on the 2015 film "Jurassic World", Jurassic World - The Ride sends you on a 'peaceful' boat tour throughout the Jurassic World facilties. What will you do when the infamous Indomnus Rex comes to say hello? Run? You can't. Scream? I guess that might help...your nerves. Have fun while exploring the updated dinosaur theme park! It's totally safe. 👀

P.S. You'll probably get wet. Disposable ponchos are typically available for purchase nearby the ride.

For more information about Jurassic World - The Ride, click here.

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™


Go fly with Harry Potter on a broomstick and take a tour around Hogwarts Castle! What will you see? Go help Potter win a Quidditch match and achieve victory for the Gryffindor team! Hogwarts Castle is a pretty safe place isn't it? I don't think you'll run into you know who there. The ride takes place indoors and riders will have to navigate a horizontal escalator to get strapped in their seats before lift-off. Don't go running into any dementors, okay?

For more information about Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, click here.

If you prefer shows...

• WaterWorld


Based on the post-apocalyptic 1995 movie 'WaterWorld', WaterWorld is a classic show that you should definitely not miss during your stay at Universal Studios Hollywood. The world of WaterWorld is based in the year 2500, when sea levels have risen drastically and have resulted in every continent of Earth being covered in water. What will happen to Helen and the Mariner when the Deacon finds out that Helen has found evidence of dry land. There are several showtimes during the day that are posted on signs throughout the park as well as on the Universal Studios Hollywood app, so don't worry if you can't make it to the first show. There are 'wet zones' (covered in blue) throughout the arena where the show takes place that you will either want to sit in or avoid, depending on whether or not you feel like getting wet. The WaterWorld show is very interactive, with the Mariner's crew members encouraging audience particpation that everyone is invited to take part in. This show is a must-see for action and WaterWorld fans!

For more information about WaterWorld, click here.

• Special Effects Show


The Special Effects Show is a classic show at Universal Studios Hollywood that shows off the tips and tricks of creating movie magic. With a 25 minute run-time, the Special Effects Show involves several demonstrations of special effects technology and stunts that will wow your mind. Audience particpation is encouraged. There are several showtimes throughout the day, so there's no reason to miss out on attending at least one of the shows during your stay.

For more information about the Special Effects Show, click here.

The World-Famous Studio Tour

The World-Famous Studio Tour was the basic foundation for the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. Orignally starting in 1915 (without the trams), the studio tour has evolved through several openings, closings, and renovations throughout the years. With an approximately 60 minute run-time, the World-Famous Studio Tour invites you to ride a tram throughout hundreds of acres that consist of the backlot and the places where your favorite Universal/NBC movies and shows were produced. Tours occur in intervals all day long until about sunset. Most tours are in English, but there have been tours guided in other languages like Spanish and Mandarin. Sit down, enjoy the ride, and learn all about how Universal Studios works on this iconic tour!

For more information about the World-Famous Studio Tour, click here. .

Interacting with Characters and Character Shows

Characters from your favorite movies and television shows, as well as actors playing parts as residents of Universal Studios, can be found all around the park. A full range of characters are on the roster at USH, but you do need to use some effort to see who is hanging out where and at what time. Some beloved characters include Shrek, the Mystery Inc. gang, Curious George, Hello Kitty, Optimus Prime, a velociraptor, Poppy, and many others! Characters can sometimes change their outfit or appear for a limited time depending on the time of year. Sometimes there are shows that include character performances, such as the Tri-Wizard Spirit Rally and the Who-Ville Christmas Tree Lighting (the second is available only during Grinchmas). Go find some characters and take fun pictures to remember your day at Universal Studios Hollywood!

More information about Character Sightings can be found here.

Where to Eat

With a total of 30 food establishments (not including the concession carts and stands around the park), there's no doubt you'll find something to munch on to satisfy whatever you're in the mood for!

For more information about all of the restaurants and shops to eat at while at Universal Studios Hollywood, click here. Recommended places are listed below.

If you are feeling hungry for a full meal, you should try...

• Cletus' Chicken Shack


If your in the mood for anything chicken related, Cletus' Chicken Shack is definitely the place to go. With 5 main courses to pick from (that all include chicken), you'll be clucking your way out of there if you consider the phrase 'you are what you eat' to be true. 🐔 They also have 2 rich desserts to pick from, as well as alcoholic beverages inspired by the Simpsons universe's beer, Duff Beer. If you are looking for a hearty meal to fuel you for the day, Cletus' Chicken Shack (located on the upper lot) is a great choice to go dine at while at Universal Studios Hollywood.

For more information about the menu for Cletus' Chicken Shack, click here.

• Jurassic Café


Based on the vibes of Isla Nublar in the Jurassic Park series, the Jurassic Café is a Costa Rican inspired restuarant you don't want to run from! With 7 main courses and 2 options for a 'Kid's Meal', Jurassic Café is the perfect place to take the entire family. Specialty drinks like the Raptor Refresher and Pyroraptor Refresher are available for everyone if you want to take your taste buds on a popping and refreshing journey with fruit juice and boba. Alcoholic beverages are also available to people ages 21+. For a 'safe' (Dinosaurs are not allowed in the café...right?), tropical food adventure, Jurassic Café (located on the lower lot) is the place to dine at while at Universal Studios Hollywood.

For more information about the menu for Jurassic Café, click here.

If you are feeling hungry for a snack, you should try...

• Lard Lad Donuts


If you're looking to fill your sweet tooth with a giant pastry, then Lard Lad Donuts (located on the upper lot) is the place to go. Whether you want the classic 'Big Pink', a pink frosted doughnut with sprinkles, or any of their speciality doughnuts, which change daily and for special occasions (like for the holidays) then Lard Lad Donuts has you covered. You can also purchase regular or specialty coffees, teas, milk, or hot cocoa to eat with your scrumptious doughnut. It's the perfect snack to have with you to nibble on throughout your day at the park or to share with others (it's a really big doughnut). It's a classic snack that many guests state they must have to consider their day complete at Universal Studios Hollywood.

For more information about the menu for Lard Lad Donuts, click here.

• Studio Scoop


In the mood for an ice cream or milkshake? Then, Studio Scoop is the place to go! Located on the Lower Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood, Studio Scoop is a frozen dessert shop that offers specialty ice cream cones, or cups, milkshakes, and sundaes. It's the perfect treat for a hot day in sunny Southern California, don't you think?

For more information about the menu for Studio Scoop, click here.

Bonus Activities to do in the Area

Universal CityWalk Hollywood

Right next to Universal Studios Hollywood (you probably even walked through it if you parked at the Curious George parking lot), is Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Filled with many shops, restaurants, and attractions - like a movie theater and playable water fountain - Universal CityWalk is a great way to spend part of your day while visiting Southern California. CityWalk tends to close later than Universal Studios Hollywood, so you can even go explore it after your awesome day at USH! It is great to spend the evening there when all of the colorful lights turn on and the atmosphere gets lively. Walking around Universal CityWalk Hollywood is free. Costs for special activities and parking vary.

To learn more about Universal CityWalk Hollywood, click here.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Hollywood

Located on Universal CityWalk Hollywood, iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Hollywood is an indoor skydiving establishment that is fun and safe for the whole family! iFLY simulates a skydiving experiences through the use of a vertical wind tunnel in the flight container that helps circulates the air with an inlet contractor. The technology results in a 'smooth column of air that allows you to fly'. Safe for most people between the ages of 3 to 103, iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Hollywood is an experience that is great for the whole family! First time flying? Don't worry! All first-time flyers get training AND fly with an experienced instructor. You can get an idea of what 'flying' looks like as the flights are free to watch. To actually fly, prices vary depending on the experience you are looking for. Fly over to iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Hollywood to soar to an unforgettable experience!

To learn more about iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Hollywood, click here.

Additional Information

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Hours of Operation: Varies; Click here for their calendar and hours
Price: Varies

• For parking prices, click here
• For admission prices, click here