Our Trip to Los Angeles and Universal Studios Hollywood!

During our recent holiday weekend trip to Los Angeles, we visited Universal Studios Hollywood!

The tickets were about $130 a person, but we opted to purchase season passes that allowed us to return for about $50 more per person.

The rides were amazing.

Many of the rides feature 4D technology.



Our first ride was the Kung Fu Panda Adventure.

The wait was only about 5 minutes. First we waited in a room where several Dreamworks characters described the background for the ride. Then we entered a theatre where we watched Po and characters from Kung Fu Panda ride a boat to take a secret potion to the king. To achieve their goal, they have to defeat a villain.  Though we were in a theatre, we felt like we were moving along the river with the characters.

Since we traveled during Lunar New Year, Universal Studios had a few items just for Lunar New Year.  For example, we watched a traditional Dragon Dance.

In the Dreamworks area, you can also talk to Donkey from Shrek and Mr. Ping from Kung Fu Panda.

We rode the Flight of the Hippogriff along with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter section of the theme park.  The Flight of the Hippogriff is a good ride for those who prefer a simple ride.  Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a ride for those who prefer a thrilling experience, but some may find it scary (Dad and daughter ;) ).

The Mummy ride is a roller coaster inside a building.  It can be scary for kids and grown-ups (Dad), but thrill-seekers will enjoy it.

Mom and Dad enjoyed Transformers.  You ride in a car around town (you're inside a building) watching 4D video of the Transformers battling the Decepticons.

Younger kids will love Super Silly Fun Land.  You can ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.  Similar to Kung Fu Panda, you into a series of rooms that explain that the purpose of the ride is to turn you into minions.  You then go into a theatre and sit down you feel like you are moving along with what you see on the screen.  It feels somewhat like Soarin' at Disney.  Younger kids will also enjoy the Silly Swirly Fun Ride and the play area.

The highlight of our trip was the world-famous studio tour. In addition to seeing where movies and TV shows like Desperate Housewives, War of the Worlds, Back to the Future, and Bones were made, we also experienced King Kong 360 3D and Fast and Furious - Supercharged.

Tip 1: You can walk through the Forbidden Journey without riding the ride.  There are pictures of people on the walls that talk to one another and tell stories that give some context for the ride.

Tip 2: You can cut your wait time if traveling with kids by using the child switch option. You can also avoid having to put all your belongings in lockers.

Tip 3: If your kids are too little or would be scared by the rides, parents can use the single rider options for Transformers and the Mummy at the Lower Lot.

Tip 4: Save time and money on travel in Los Angeles by taking the Flyaway Bus ($9.75 each way per person) and Metro Rail (day pass is $7 per person).

We stayed at the Renaissance Los Angeles Airport.  To get to Universal Studios, we rode the hotel shuttle to LAX Airport and took the Flyaway bus to Union Station.  From there we took the Red Line on the Subway toward North Hollywood and exited at Universal City. Once you exit the station, you will cross a bridge and catch the tram or walk uphill to Universal Studios.

On the way back we exited the train at the Hollywood/Highland station to visit the Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the El Capitan Theatre.

What should we do when we visit Los Angeles again?

What do you like most about Universal Studios?

Let us know in the comments!

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Have a great week and plan for the weekend!

Sincerely,

The @WeekendsCount Family!

About Weekends Count - Weekends Count is a Millennial Family Travel, Fun, Food and Activities blog based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. We review hotels, travel and household items, and millennial family experiences!

Authors - Jennifer and Tony Edwards

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