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Theme Park Review: Universal Studios Hollywood

Fun, Fun, Fun in SoCal

Revised 4/2021

Dear Polite Traveler,

Since I’ve visited Universal Studios Orlando several times, it was difficult not to compare the two sites.  Both have a few similar rides and activities.  Both have a Hogsmeade with a Hogwarts Castle.  And, both have a vibrant City Walk.  Nevertheless, these similarities just make the comparison unfair to USH, since this is a much smaller park that houses an active studio (movies and television).   

Note: Follow CDC and park guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   Also, during the pandemic, some amenities may not be available.  Please remember, this is only temporary.

Rebecca posing with a Transformer before riding Transformers Ride

How about the rides?

I rode just about all the rides in Orlando and enjoyed most very much.   Here, it seemed that rides were limited and lackluster in comparison.   Both parks have the Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, The Transformers, The Mummy, Despicable Me, and Jurassic World.  All these rides were similar, but the setting is much different.  Orlando has much more space available.  Thus, the rides are typically found in a theme-related setting.  That isn’t possible here, as the studio is the priority, which is fair.  

Hogsmeade& Hogwarts

As for the rides, beware of any ride that uses 3-D like The Transformers and Despicable Me.  Simulators, such as the Forbidden Journey can be dicey as well.  These rides can cause nausea.  Rides such as the Forbidden Journey, The Transformers, and The Mummy can also be rough on our bodies, especially for young and oldsters like me.  


I was fine, but worried about hurting my neck.  We did whip around quite a bit and there’s a fast stop and reverse in The Mummy.  Jurassic World is fun and fairly mild at the beginning, albeit quite wet.  The seats travel through water after all.   The one issue for some may be the final few moments of the ride where the riders drop 84 feet into a pool of water.  I was soaked.  I’d still do it again, though.  FUN!

Best Moments of the Park

Refreshments

Typically, food and beverages are expensive in parks; we expect it.  USH is no different.  We didn’t even try The Three Broomsticks this trip—the ambiance just didn’t cut it.   We also didn’t find an outlet that interested us although there was a large variety of food options, such as empanadas, pizza, burgers, and salads, especially at those prices.  So, we tended to stick with sandwiches, tea, and espresso beverages from Starbucks.  There are two in the park and one in City Walk.  Speaking of, City Walk has some great food choices.  Please peruse this area that is directly outside the park.  

The Studio Tour—The Star of the Park

Wow!  I could stay in the tram all day for the same tour.  Our guide shared the history of the studio, the what and who of current filming and provided some entertainment, such as a simulated earthquake and a close encounter with Jaws and Norman Bates.   An exclusive to the tour is The Fast and Furious and Kong rides.   I enjoyed the Orlando version of Kong and this one as well.  Still, the Hollywood version is shorter than that in Orlando. 

Note: Most of what you’ll see is on the driver’s side.  

Don’t miss the shows!

I cannot decide which was better: The Special Effects Show or Water World.  The hosts of the Special Effects Show taught us about the different types of special effects and how they are done, including setting a man on fire.  Yep, that happened.  Water World was wild and wet.  It was like stepping into the movie with the bad guys nearly besting the good guys.  The actors were excellent, as were the stunts. 

The First Six Rows are Guaranteed to Get Wet!

Beware sitting anywhere near the first six rows.  Before the show begins, actors prepping the audience douse all they can reach.  Some are chosen from the audience for the actors to pour buckets of water over their heads.  No one seemed to mind, in fact, it appeared they expected it. 

Would I visit this SoCal park again??

I doubt it.  The studio tour was great, as were the shows.  Still, my heart belongs to Universal Studios Orlando.  For those who have never been to either and Universal Studios Hollywood in nearest, please visit.  It is fun and you can do everything in one day.  

Please Read

California Travels: Solvang, CA

CA Road Trips: Monterey & Carmel

Travel California: Amador County Wineries 

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