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Recently, our family ventured to Southern California, making it a priority to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, renowned as “The Entertainment Capital of LA”. For movie aficionados, this place is a dream come true. With themed attractions, shows, guided tours, shopping, and scrumptious food, it’s impossible to experience it all in just one day.
6 Must-Experience Attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood:
- The Enchanting World of Harry Potter:
Ahead of our journey, we binge-watched all the Harry Potter films to familiarize ourselves. Stepping into Hogsmeade was like entering the pages of the books! Ollivander’s was a major stop where we procured a magical wand, allowing us to try out 15 unique magical interactions (watch out for the Alohomora spell!). Even though my youngest couldn’t join the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride due to height restrictions, he was perfectly content exploring the Owl Post, Zonko’s, and Honeydukes. Sipping Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks was a delightful experience. Interactions with characters from Drumstrang and Beauxbatons, witnessing the Hogwarts Toad Choir, and meeting the Hogwart’s Express conductor made our day truly magical. - Behind-the-Scenes Studio Tour:
Our children were fascinated to learn that shows were being filmed live on the studio lot. The blend of insights about ongoing shows, the art of scriptwriting, along with immersive 3D movie experiences like King Kong and Fast and the Furious, was enchanting. The sets from classics like Jaws and Psycho were a highlight for my husband, and the vintage movie cars were a hit with everyone. - Thrilling Rides:
Our children had a checklist of rides they were eager to try. Besides the attractions at the Harry Potter World, they were thrilled by the Minion Mayhem, Transformers: The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, and some brave souls even ventured into The Walking Dead Experience. Every ride seemed to pull us straight into the cinematic universe. - Captivating Performances:
The variety of performances at Universal Studios caters to all movie lovers. Waterworld was my top pick – and trust me, you need to see it to believe it! Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest was a favorite among my boys, while my eldest was intrigued by the Special Effects Show. Universal’s Animal Actors provided a generous dose of laughter and fun. - A Culinary Journey:
From iconic food stops like the Kwik-E-Mart to the delicious offerings at Three Broomsticks, there’s a plethora of culinary delights. Honeydukes was irresistible with its range of magical sweets. My husband, being a George Lucas aficionado, insisted we dine at Mel’s Diner from American Graffiti. The park’s assortment of themed cuisines can literally transport you into your favorite films. - A Shopper’s Paradise:
Universal offers a range of exclusive merchandise. My husband’s retro JAWS t-shirt was a cherished find. My children adorned themselves with Hogwarts house gear, while also splurging on quirky items from Zonko’s and a few owls. Even though the Jurassic Park Ride was being revamped, my boys couldn’t resist some dino-themed merchandise. We could have shopped even more, given the plethora of unique stores.
Our time at Universal Studios was an adventure-packed escapade, making us eager for our next visit.
