As part of our California road trip we couldn’t resist visiting the original Universal Studios park. After visiting in Orlando in 2019 we were excited to see how they differed.
Our first visit to Universal Studios Hollywood was unforgettable. While it’s smaller than Universal Orlando, the Studio Tour and Super Nintendo World made it a unique experience. The crowds and queues were a challenge, but with a little planning and Express passes, we had an amazing day. If you’re a fan of movies, theme parks, or just looking for an adventure-packed family outing, this park is absolutely worth a visit!
Universal Studios Hollywood Park Review
It is possible to have a one-day adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood. More so than if you visited Orlando. Our family of three – two adults and our then 12-year-old – visited Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time. Having experienced Universal Orlando before, we were excited to see how Hollywood compared. With only one day to explore, we packed in as much as possible, from thrilling rides to immersive lands, all while navigating the inevitable queues and the need and want to stop for snacks! Here’s our experience and top tips for making the most of your visit!
Super Nintendo World – A Must-See (But Be Prepared!)
As huge fans of Mario games, we couldn’t wait to step into Super Nintendo World. The moment we walked in, we were transported straight into a real-life video game, surrounded by giant coin blocks, moving characters, and that iconic green pipe entrance. The attention to detail is mind-blowing, but so are the crowds! If you want the full experience, I highly recommend buying the power up bands. These bands let you interact with the world, complete challenges, and collect digital coins. George had a blast punching blocks!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Pure Magic
Having visited the Orlando version, we were curious to see how Hollywood’s Wizarding World compared. While smaller, it’s just as magical, and we still got swept up in the immersive details. Walking through Hogsmeade with its snow-covered rooftops, hearing the familiar movie soundtrack, and seeing Hogwarts Castle towering above was a breathtaking experience. Of course, no visit would be complete without a Butterbeer – we opted for the frozen version, perfect for a warm California day.
Even though we didn’t take our wand from our trip to Orlando, it was fun to see visitors casting spells around Hogsmeade with their interactive wands, making windows move and lights flicker. The Hogwarts Express photo spot provided the perfect backdrop for a family picture, and we loved browsing the shops, from the colourful sweets at Honeydukes (chocolate frogs, anyone?) to Hogwarts house gear at Filch’s Emporium. Every little detail contributed to making us feel like we had stepped into the Wizarding World.
Top tip:
Arrive Early – Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood early is essential, not just because of the crowds but also due to the layout of the park. The walk from the parking garages through City Walk is longer than you might expect, so factor in extra time just to reach the entrance. Once inside, remember that Universal Hollywood is split into Upper Lot and Lower Lot, connected by massive escalators. Moving between levels takes time, so plan your route efficiently.
Our Highlights from our one-day adventure
Jurassic World – The Ride – This was one of our family favourites! The T. rex finale was intense, and yes, we got soaked. You can see the evidence over on my Insta!
Power-Up Bands – If you want the full experience, these bands let you interact with the world, complete challenges, and collect coins. They truly do add to the experience but be warned they are $40 and you only need one per family.
Studio Tour – As first-time visitors to California, this was a must. Seeing real movie sets, including Jaws and Psycho, felt surreal.
Butterbeer! – A must-have treat.
Meet a Transformer – A fun packed experience that we all couldn’t get enough of.
Final thoughts
CityWalk – it is the perfect start and end to your day. Before even stepping into the park, Universal’s City Walk sets the stage for an exciting day. This lively entertainment district is packed with restaurants, shops, and street performers, making the walk to the entrance feel like part of the experience. We loved stopping by Voodoo Doughnut for a quirky, over-the-top sweet treat before heading in. After a long day in the park, CityWalk is also a great place to wind down—whether it’s grabbing dinner at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana or checking out the huge Universal Studio Store for souvenirs. CityWalk is worth taking the time to explore, even if just for a snack or a quick browse!
And that’s our Universal Studios Hollywood Park Review.
AD – Our day spent at Universal Studios Hollywood was gifted to us. I have not been paid for writing this review however it was part of the collaboration that I would share my honest opinions.
I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x
