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Top 7 Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

November 14, 2018 By Ashley 19 Comments

What happens when a Gryffindor visits her first Universal Studios park ever? I'm about to share. 

Now that I'm back in the muggle world, day dreaming about Wizards, Quidditch, and Butterbeer, I thought I would share my top 7 things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Thank you to Universal Studios Hollywood for the passes. You made this wizard nerd very happy. All opinions and nerding out is my own.

Top 7 Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

1. Eat like a Wizard

“Why don't we go and have a butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks, it's a bit cold, isn't it?“

One of my goals for my trip to Universal Hollywood was Butterbeer. I bought some at a cart located in Hogsmeade, frozen, and MmmmMmmm it was delicious. The foam on top is everything.

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Casting spells can make you a bit peckish, so we headed to lunch at The Three Broomsticks. Where you can also buy more Butterbeer, yessss. Sometimes you can even order it warm and I would definitely suggest that because it gives it a little extra magic.

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

This sandwich is called the Cheese Toastie and was a new menu item. A wizarding grilled cheese is as good as you can imagine. Washed down with some Butterbeer, naturally.

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

2. Ollivanders

Every Wizard knows, to get a proper wand you must visit Ollivanders, makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC.

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Inside the shop you can purchase your own Ollivanders wand, character wand replicas, collectible wand sets, or an Interactive Wand which allows you to cast spells all throughout Hogsmeade. 

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Earlier in the day the line to attend the wand choosing ceremony was pretty long. I had decided I was going to skip that and just go inside to get a wand. As if they knew I was coming, when we rounded the corner only a handful of people walked in for the show, so we decided to do it as well.

And just like that, Patty and I were chosen to have the ultimate wand fitting experience. It was magical when we were matched with the wand meant to be ours. I know I was grinning from ear to ear, it was so awesome!

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

3. Flight of the Hippogriff & Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

While walking through the queue line of Flight of the Hippogriff, look around for Hagrid's Hut and Buckbeak in his nest. 

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is located inside Hogwarts! The entire walkthrough is amazing. I could've spent all day just inside the castle. The ride itself is unlike anything I've ridden. It really feels like you are flying through the scenes as if on a broomstick. That means up, down, backwards, and you get the idea.

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal offers free lockers for up to 2 hours inside the ride. Trust me you will need to use those!

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Let me just give you a little warning about Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, incase you too also traveled with a friend who might be a Slytherin masquerading as a Hufflepuff. If you're like me and are terrified of spiders, there is an entire section (I'm 100% sure the longest part of the ride) that takes place in Aragog's part of the Forbidden Forest. Which means, lots and lots of spiders. I won't even lie, I kept my eyes closed the entire time and yelled I hate you in Patty's direction a few times.  

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

 

4. Triwizard Spirit Rally

You have to catch one of the showings of the Triwizard Spirit Rally. Students from the wizarding schools of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang take the stage to get the crowd ready for the games. 

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

I'm ready to start classes, anytime. Call me? Owl Post me? Anything!

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

5. Honeydukes

Looking for more sweet stuff? Honeydukes is the place to go.

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Inside Honeydukes you will find Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, and so much more!

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Back in the Muggle world….

6. World- Famous Studio Tour

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

It never gets old visiting a Studio Lot, and this visit is not only informative but also interactive. Your tour guide takes you through the Universal Studios Lot where shows like The Good Place are filmed as well as movie sets like Jaws and Psycho.

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

What did I mean about interactive? Well hold on to your seat because you will experience King Kong 360 3D, Fast & Furious Supercharged, and Jaws all up close and very personal!

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

You may get wet. Just saying

7. Universal Express Pass

This isn't really a thing to do more like a thing to get which allows you to do all the things. Skip the lines with Universal Express Pass. When you purchase the Universal Express Pass with your tickets you get one-time expires access to each ride, attraction, and seated show inside the park. Yes, even the Harry Potter rides and the Studio Tour are accessible with the Express Pass. 

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Bonus: Adventure with a friend, preferably one who not only gets your level of nerd but who also has been to the park before and has all kinds of knowledge to help you make the most of your day. Despite her not telling me about the spiders, I had a blast exploring Universal Studios with her! 

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

A Day at Universal Studios Hollywood

 

Until next time Universal! Have you visit Universal Studios Hollywood? What is your favorite thing to do at the park?

Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Experiences At Universal Studios Hollywood, Harry Potter, Things to Do At Universal Studios Hollywood, travel, travel tips, Universal Studios, Universal Studios Hollywood, Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for Amber MyersAmber Myers

    November 16, 2018 at 9:31 am

    I just love Universal. I’ve never been to the one in Hollywood, but I have gone to the one in Orlando. It’s such a neat place to explore. And yes, I always get that express pass!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for JeanetteJeanette

    November 16, 2018 at 9:40 am

    We would love to go to Universal Studios! It is on our list to travel to hopefully in the next couple of years. It looks like you guys had a lot of fun while you were there.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Meghan CooperMeghan Cooper

    November 16, 2018 at 10:50 am

    I can’t wait to visit! Thanks for telling me about the lockers!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for candycandy

    November 16, 2018 at 11:49 am

    Maybe one of these days we will visit universal and enjoy all it has to offer. For now I enjoy reading the post and learning what there is to enjoy.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Alli SmithAlli Smith

    November 16, 2018 at 12:55 pm

    We go to the one in Orlando and have a trip planned in February. These tips will really come in handy when we return to Universal Studios. I would love to visit the Hollywood location some day.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Denay DeGuzmanDenay DeGuzman

    November 16, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    Wow! Universal Studios looks like to much fun! It’s been well over a decade since I last visited. A trip there is overdue!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Tomi CTomi C

    November 16, 2018 at 8:08 pm

    Haven’t been to Universal Studios Hollywood but we’ve visited Orlando several times and it’s always a lot of fun. I would love to visit Universal Studios Hollywood during my next visit to SoCal

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Jenn@EngineermommyJenn@Engineermommy

    November 16, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    This looks like such a great place for any Harry Potter fan. It must be so cool to check out that awesome castle!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Gervin KhanGervin Khan

    November 16, 2018 at 9:57 pm

    I have never been in Universal Studios Hollywood and even if I never seen that place I know how beautiful it is by just looking at your beautiful photos. I hope to visit and explore this place too someday!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for JennJenn

    November 17, 2018 at 1:11 am

    Yes, I love universal Studios. This is a great list. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in a big park and then miss out of things that you planned to see.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for CherylCheryl

    November 17, 2018 at 11:42 am

    Can’t wait to visit sometime soon! Great tips!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Kita BryantKita Bryant

    November 17, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    I have been to Disney but have never made it to Universal Studios. It is on my bucket. list for sure.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Nancy at Whispered InspirationsNancy at Whispered Inspirations

    November 18, 2018 at 12:03 am

    OMG, this is one of my favourite places to visit. I try to go as often as I can. Glad you had a blast!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for ricciricci

    November 19, 2018 at 2:33 am

    Universal Studios is HIGH on my list of places to visit because I am dying to go to see Harry Potter!! I love all of your photos!!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for KendraKendra

    November 19, 2018 at 1:38 pm

    I’ve never been to Universal Studios, but your trip looks really fun! You did so much in just one day. I bet my boys (who are new Harry Potter fans) would love to pick out their own wands!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for AngieAngie

    November 21, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    I want to go soooooo bad. I really want to see Harry Potter World the most!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for TabithaTabitha

    November 21, 2018 at 8:54 pm

    Ohhhh this makes me want to go back… it’s been so long. And I really want to get into Harry Potter world!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Shannon GurneeShannon Gurnee

    November 22, 2018 at 3:07 am

    We loved going to Universal Studios when we’d go. These are some great ideas!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for JennJenn

    November 22, 2018 at 9:40 am

    Anything related to Harry Potter is our all time favorite. We’ve only been to the Disney one so far.

    Reply

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Avatar for JennAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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