Hanging with Bowser. Photo by author Kylie Williams

Five Must-Hit Attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood

Before we get to these, I have to recommend the Express Pass. If you can swing the cost, the Express Pass will get you onto every ride in a fraction of the time of the standby queue. All the most popular rides at Universal have a special line dedicated to Express Pass carriers (except Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge). Express passes can be purchased with your tickets online or at the gate.  

Take the Universal Studio Tour First 

When you arrive inside Universal Studios, you’ll be faced with dozens of choices, but take my advice and head straight to the Universal Studio Tour. Why? This is the heart of the theme park, and the lines get longer and longer as the day goes on. 

Every tour is unique; you can go back again and again for new experiences, and it lasts about 60 minutes, so use the restroom and grab a snack beforehand. 

 
IRL Mario Kart. Photo by Jeremy Thompson via Flickr

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge 

If you are a fan of this classic Nintendo game, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is a dream come true. My boys couldn’t get over the opportunity to be in a “real” Mario Kart race. The line is almost as entertaining as the ride because you get an up-close and personal look at Bowser’s Castle. Keep in mind that on crowded days, Super Mario World may require timed entry reservations. 

Water World the Show

Water World is absolutely underrated. It’s so much fun and one of my boys' favorite things at the park! Make sure to carve time out to catch a show; several happen each day. If you sit in the splash zone seats, you WILL get wet. On a hot day, it may be the perfect way to refresh. On a cold day, sit as far away from those seats as possible. 

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 

Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or a thrill seeker, hit up this epic ride that combines virtual reality with a wild track through iconic scenes from the Harry Potter movies. Be wary of riding multiple times in a row- the spinning and swirling can make for some serious post-ride dizziness. 

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem 

This one is a personal favorite. My boys are huge fans of the Minions movies and got such a kick out of being turned into minions in this fun, interactive VR experience. Older kids may want to swap this one out for Jurassic Park: The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, or Transformers 3-D, but younger ones will giggle during the whole ride. 

 
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leach is perfect for little kids. Photo by Jeremy Thompson via Flickr

Best Things to Do with a Preschooler at Universal Studios Hollywood

Many of the rides at Universal are geared towards the older set, but parents of littles can still have an incredible day.

Pro tip: If you are planning to visit on a warm day, make sure that you bring along swimsuits or a change of clothes for Super Silly Fun Land. This epic splash pad is a blast, but the kids will be dripping. 

Ride the Silly Swirly

Next to the awesome splash pad in Super Silly Fun Land is this ride designed specifically for littles with a maximum height requirement of 48”. Right next to it is a small play area with slides. 

Ride The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

This slow, dark ride is great for kids 34” and up. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and The Simpsons Ride all have height requirements of 40”. 

Find All the Characters Hanging Out in the Park

When you run out of rides, walk around the park to find different characters for photos and greetings. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad can all be found at various times in Super Nintendo World, and minions can be spotted near the Minion Mayhem ride. Other characters in the park include Donkey and Shrek, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron. Dino-loving park guests will be blown away by the Raptor Encounter that's near Jurassic Park: The Ride—Blue looks pretty convincing! 

Spend Time at the Dino World Playspace Near Jurassic World: The Ride

This is a great spot for kids to run off some of their energy and explore without needing to stick right by mom and dad (Take a break on a bench, parents. You deserve it). 

 
Transformers 3-D Ride. Photo by prayitno3063 via Flickr

Best Things to Do with Tweens at Universal Studios 

Universal is packed with thrills, and tweens and teens will love going on all the fast rides such as Fast and Furious: Supercharged, Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers 3-D, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. There’s also plenty of shopping throughout the park, with merchandise specifically themed towards the rides nearby in special stores. 

Harry Potter fans of all ages should not skip the Ollivander’s Wand Experience, where one lucky visitor gets to enjoy the magic of procuring their first wand. We did this with my niece (10 at the time) and it was a core memory. 

Nintendo fans of all ages will love Super Nintendo World, especially if you spring for a Power-Up Band (more on that later). 

 
Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks photo by Ruth Hartnup via Flickr

Five Must-Try Treats at Universal Studios Hollywood

Butterbeer at Hogsmeade

It should come as no surprise that Butterbeer is a non-negotiable at Universal Studios. It tastes like a butterscotch cream soda, and it does not disappoint. Several different types of butterbeer are available in Hogsmeade- I always go for the slushie version. 

Super Mushroom Calzone at the Power Up Cafe 

The Toadstool Cafe (mentioned below) is the perfect lunch or dinner spot in the park—if you can get a reservation. But the Power Up Cafe on New York Street also offers some Mario-themed treats without the wait- and the Super Mushroom Calzone is at the top of my list. We also enjoyed all the fizziess—the kids loved dropping fizzy stars into their drinks and watching them sparkle. 

Lard Lad Donuts in the Upper Lot 

A donut bigger than your face? Say no more. These comically giant donuts also make for some fantastic photo ops- your teens and tweens will have these online faster than you can say “sprinkles.”

Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup at Multiple Locations 

Okay, Coca-Cola isn’t unique to Universal Studios, but this cup is your ticket to unlimited soda refills all day, and for me, having an icy cold Diet Coke in my hand all day long is a special kind of bliss. Souvenir cups are $19 for one or $17 per cup for two. Plus, you can bring the cup back and add an extra day of refills for only $12 the next time you come into the park. 

Mega Minion Cake Rock in the Upper Lot 

This chocolate cake ball is packed with Nutella and covered in yellow and chocolate-crunchy balls. Kids will get such a kick out of this Minion-themed dessert. 

 
Toadstool Cafe. Photo by Jeremy Thompson via Flickr

The Best Dining Options for Meals at Universal Studios Hollywood 

The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade 

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the real Wizarding World at this incredible restaurant with plenty of British-inspired dishes like fish & chips, Shepherd’s Pie, pumpkin juice, and sticky toffee pudding. Sometimes the line here is long, and you may need to book a reservation on your phone to get in. Mobile ordering is also available. 

Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World 

This dining hot spot will take some planning as Toadstool Cafe reservations fill up quickly. If you can get in, the experience is well worth it. Everything is Mario-themed, from Super Mushroom Soup to Chef Toad Short Rib Special, Luigi Burger, and more. 

 
Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo by author Kylie Williams

Wands & Wristbands - Are They Worth It? 

First, let’s talk about wands. For Harry Potter fanatics,  the wand is a must. Wands open up Hogsmeade to a new level as many shop windows have interactive features; amazing things happen if you perform a spell correctly in front of them. My niece spent three hours running around the village casting spells and perfecting her wand techniques. The wands start at $55 plus tax. 

Next up, Power-Up Bands: Similar to the wands in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the power-up bands will enhance your Super Nintendo World experience. Guests with bands can play games throughout Super Nintendo World to collect keys. Once you have completed three challenges and gained three keys, you receive access to Bowser Jr.’s final challenge, where you can win the Golden Mushroom. We decided to buy one; all the kids were able to add their points to the band. The bands start at $42 apiece. 

Also, if you have friends who have purchased either of these items, consider borrowing them for your trip. You’ll have to sync the Power-Up Band to your phone, but that is easy to do using the QR code on the back (sometimes there are used ones on resale sites like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace as well). 

Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood 

Like any theme park, Universal can be a bit pricey. If you are headed to Hollywood on vacation, consider a vacation package with four nights in a hotel, a Day in LA tour, and admission to Universal Studios. 

Through October 9, 2024 guests can buy a day and get a second day free. This deal is such a fun way for locals to revisit the park (and takes the pressure off of having to do everything in one visit). 

If you plan to visit more than once, consider an annual pass. Passes can be as cheap as $179 for the California Neighbor pass. 

If you are park-hopping, or hoping to try out a bunch of Los Angeles attractions, a Go City Pass includes admission to Universal Studios combined with other fun spots of your choice. 

 
The Chocolate Emporium. Photo by Jeremy Thompson via Flickr

Fantastic Food Near Universal Studios Hollywood   

Planning to stay near Universal? Our editor lives within walking distance from the parks, so she is the queen of great hotel and restaurant recommendations in the area. Having eaten and stayed at each of these spots more than a dozen times, here are her recommendations:

Buca di Beppo—Universal CityWalk

This Italian chain is a huge hit with kids and families, and if you're ready to get out of the park for dinner but don't want to go too far, this is the spot for tasty pasta and pizza.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen—Universal CityWalk

This restaurant is a Steampunk ode to Willy Wonka. With characters wandering the restaurant, cocktails for grownups, signature decadent milkshakes, and an attached chocolate shop, there's a little something here for everyone.

Sweet Lily Bakery—Cahuenga Blvd.

This incredible French bakery is on your way to parking at Universal and the perfect place to get a truly delicious breakfast or snack of pastries and coffee—it's better and less expensive than Starbucks!

Micelli’s—Cahuenga Blvd.

If you can wait to eat your pasta and pizza, go to this family-owned restaurant where singing waiters will serenade your table.

The Front Yard—Studio City

If parents have had enough of theme parks and chain restaurants and need a little upscale relaxation—this is the spot! Minutes from Universal, you're a world away with outdoor fireplaces, friendly staff, a vegan menu, and great mocktails for kids. While there's no kids menu, every kid will be more than satisfied with an order of the made-to-order cheese biscuits or the brunch menu's homemade Pop Tart. It's the restaurant attached to The Garland Hotel, if you need a nice place to stay, too...

 
Photo courtesy of the Beverly Garland Hotel

Great Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood

The Garland—North Hollywood 

This dreamy boutique hotel is within walking distance from Universal, but they also have a darling trolley that brings guests to the park. Kids will love the pool and the dive-in movies that are shown every night in the summer. 

The Hilton Los Angeles—Universal City 

This Hilton is onsite- a brisk walk to CityWalk and the park. If you don’t want to walk the half mile- the Hilton also offers a shuttle service to get you to the park quickly. 

The Magic Castle Hotel—Hollywood

Pick up the phone and call the popsicle hotline to get a frozen treat fast! This endearing hotel is a quick drive to Universal, but it’s worth the 10 minutes for the experience. The Magic Castle Hotel is connected with The Magic Castle, a magician’s club with shows and card magic nightly. It’s hard to get in, but hotel guests have access! Also, kids will marvel at the unlimited popsicles, candy, and snacks. 

House Rentals in the Hollywood Hills

Our editor recommends staying at a local home when visiting this area from out of town. For the cost of one regular hotel room, you could rent an entire two-bedroom house in the hills with a patio that's walking distance to Universal Studios, or a three-bedroom home that sleeps 7 (also in the hills near the park!). These house rentals fill up quickly, so start your search as soon as you know when you'll be traveling.

Want more suggestions on places to stay around LA? Check out our list of the best family-friendly hotels in LA.

All Flickr photos are shared with the CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.