It’s not often that I leave my home theme park of Disneyland, but things might be changing! I had the opportunity to go to Universal Studios Hollywood last week and I want to share my experience. It has been YEARS since I’ve been to USH, so I definitely consider myself a newbie or tourist there… and I did zero preparation for my USH day— I just showed up and scanned in – no reservation required! It was very different than what I’m accustomed to, but it’s still a great option for those of us blocked out of our regular theme park over the next few weeks (Disneyland, I’m looking at you!). I’ve got some top tips for exploring the holidays at Universal. Lights… Action… Camera…
I’m a Universal Studios Hollywood Noob
To say that I’m unfamiliar with Universal would be a bit of an understatement. My only previous experience at USH was a quick visit in 2018. I remember having a good time, the main draw being the Wizarding World of Harry Potter… the magical atmosphere, rides and attractions, decorations, entertainment, and of course Butterbeer are just about all I remember! While I did try explore other areas of the park and try out a few attractions, I mainly spent my time in the Harry Potter area. So this time I wanted to try new things before revisiting the Wizarding World, especially since there is a surprising amount of new things that have been added since my last visit.
Here’s what I learned from my recent visit…
Take Your Time at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Universal Studios Hollywood operates on different hours than Disneyland. For instance, for the holidays the park doesn’t open until 9am, which is a whole hour later than Disneyland. This alleviates the rush to wake up as early as possible and be the first in place for rope drop. While I’ve been conditioned to get to theme parks before opening, I didn’t necessarily need to do that to still have a good day at USH. I found there’s no need to rush through the park, especially as getting from the Upper Lot to the Lower Lot isn’t something you can rush! So enjoy taking things slowly at Universal.
Use the Universal Studios Hollywood App
Because I did minimal planning and research for my trip to USH, the Univeral app came in super handy! I was able to do everything I wanted to do all while planning on the go. I used the app to check out show times so that I could maximize my efficiency in my flexible itinerary, and choose my food options ahead of time by looking up menus so I knew where I was going to eat, and the map on the app was very helpful in navigating the park. You’ll definitely want to download the app and utilize it in figuring out what to do while in the park.
Meet the Grinch and Enjoy Whoville
One of the things I was most excited about for my trip to USH was the opportunity to spend time with the Grinch. He’s definitely one of the highlights of the season, especially when you’re able to meet him face-to-face. He might be a “bad banana,” but he is absolutely outstanding in his meet and greet. I’d recommend getting in line as soon as possible as he can draw quite a crowd. In the middle of the day, waits were over an hour, but they did get shorter toward evening.
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There’s plenty more to see and do in Whoville besides meeting the Grinch. There are other characters from the movie waiting to meet you like Max the Dog, Cindy-Lou Who, Martha May Whovier, and The Whoville Mayor and Postmaster!
Plus you can also write letters to the Grinch and new year greetings to members of the United States Armed Forces.
Additionally, Cindy-Lou Who does a story time reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Who-ville schoolhouse, and there is a Who-Ville Welcome Committee show that welcomes all into the Who-bilation. These two short shows run multiple times per day and a schedule is posted in Who-ville as well as on the USH App.
It’s impossible to miss the giant 65-foot whimsical Who-ville Grinchmas tree, and you’ll definitely want to see it lit up!. 5pm is the first of many Grinchmas Tree Lighting ceremonies until 8pm, the multiple shows really spread out the crowd, making it easy to get a good view.
Check out more about the holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood in the article below!
Watch the Shows
In the new year, Universal is looking at shaking things up around the park. Two long-running shows will be coming to an end in January: Animal Actors and Special Effects. Since I hadn’t been to USH for several years, I wanted to take the time to see these shows one last time before they retire forever.
I particularly enjoyed the Animal Actors show. Seeing these animals up close perform their training so well is amazing; a falcon flew directly over my head as it glided down to the stage. The show is filled with acts with dogs, cats, and even humans (volunteers from the audience). This show is fun, funny, and only takes 25 minutes out of your day. I highly recommend watching it one last time!
The Special Effects show is full of flashes and lights, but it’s nothing amazing. We’ve heard some interesting rumors about what could replace these older shows…
If you’re looking for another thing to do between eating and rides, I’d recommend watching the park’s major stunt spectacular, Waterworld. The show is full of fight scenes, vehicle stunts, pyrotechnics, and….water! Take their Splash Zone warnings seriously!
Take the Studio Tour
Before this visit to USH, I had never taken the Studio Tour— and I was astounded at how incredible it is. The duration of the tram tour is approximately 40-60 minutes, and to be honest, that length gave me thoughts about skipping it. But I’m so glad that I didn’t. One thing that sets Universal apart from other theme parks is that it is not really a theme park as much as it is a fully working movie studio!
Getting to see the working backlots was really neat, but seeing whole sets and scenes from Jaws, Psycho, and most recently NOPE, was like seeing movie history for myself.
What really stood out to me though, were the immersive and 3-D experiences of the tour; the King Kong: Skull Island portion literally made my jaw drop, and the Earthquake scene was a bit of movie magic. I implore you to give the Studio Tour a try on your next Universal Studios Hollywood visit. Plus, it’s always nice to sit for a while when you’re on your feet the rest of the day in the park.
Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The absolute highlight of my time at Universal Studios Hollywood was getting to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This land really goes toe-to-toe against Disney’s best offerings. It is complete in its full scope of theming, attractions, entertainment, interactive elements, dining, shopping, and charm. Plus, Hogsmeade looks even more magnificent for the holidays with Christmas garlands adorning the eternally snow-capped buildings.
Upon entering through the arches into Hogsmeade you’ll see the Hogwarts Express puffing out plumes of smoke, candy and pastry treats at Honeydukes, crowds making their way into The Three Broomsticks, hopeful wizards and witches leaving Olivander’s and so much more. All of these sights and sounds lead to the pinnacle of the land: Hogwarts Castle.
There are entertainment offerings throughout the day that will keep you coming back into the land. On my visit, I saw several short shows such as the Frog Choir which features four singers and four magical singing frogs, a fighting display from the Durmstrang boys with their battle sticks & acrobatics, and the elegance of the Beauxbatons ladies.
And at night for the holiday season, there is a special projection show, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. This show blends John Williams’ iconic movie score with video projections on the castle walls and stunning lighting all around that will put you in a magical holiday spirit. It runs several times starting after dusk and is definitely something you should try to experience.
Of course, I needed to try out the iconic food in the land, so I went to Three Broomsticks for lunch. The theming in this restaurant is just as excellent as the rest of the land— and the food is on that same level. The Fish & Chips here are some of the best I’ve had, and the ribs are quite a plate with corn on the cob & sliced potatoes. Next door at The Hog’s Head Pub there is a large selection of British beers as well.
The best item to try is also the most iconic: Butterbeer. There are several iterations of this beverage, which include the classic Butterbeer (a cold drink with a buttery foam topping), Frozen Butterbeer (a slushy drink with the foam topping), Hot Butterbeer (which is a hot version of the drink), and also a few food items with the flavor. And while I thought the traditional Butterbeer was good, Hot Butterbeer is truly magical, especially on a cold night. Getting a Hot Butterbeer and watching the Christmas projection show is about as magical as it gets.
Look Forward to What’s Next
Although this was my first trip to Universal in several years, I won’t be waiting that long before visiting again (especially since I’m blocked out of Disneyland until next year!). In February, Universal Studios Hollywood is opening Super Nintendo World!
This is a major expansion on the lower lot and I definitely want to check it out when it opens February 17th! Get all the details in the article below:
Let’s-a-Go! Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates One Year of Super Nintendo World
There’s also a huge resturant and chocolate emporium opening in CityWalk very soon.
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Let’s Hear From You
And that wraps up my tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood! If you haven’t visited this park yet, I think you’ll find it a great alternative to Disneyland— especially in this downtime. Have you explored USH? Are you curious about seeing their holiday offerings this year? Do you think you’ll visit when Super Nintendo World opens next year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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