Thinking about visiting Universal Studios Hollywood with kids? You are in the right place!
Back in 2012, when Jamie and I were soaking up the Santa Monica sun, we’d occasionally make the trek to Universal Studios Hollywood for a dose of adventure. But stepping foot into the park now, it’s like entering a whole new universe. Massive updates have transformed the landscape, introducing a plethora of thrilling rides and captivating attractions.
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We had our trio of little explorers – a spunky 3-year-old girl and two rambunctious boys aged 5 and 7 – by our side. We embarked on this exhilarating journey, eager to witness their wide-eyed wonder as they experienced Universal Studios for the very first time. Our visit was just a stop on our California winter break road trip, which kicked off amidst the coastal charm of Santa Barbara.
Join us as we dive into our experience at Universal Studios Hollywood with kids. We are hoping to provide you with the best advice so you can make the most out of your visit.
We’ll be breezing through Super Nintendo World in this post. We have a post fully dedicated to our time in the Super Nintendo World portion of the park. Check here for a full in-depth review.
What Is Universal Studios Hollywood?
Universal Studios Hollywood, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, California, is a renowned theme park and entertainment complex that beckons visitors from around the globe. Founded in 1915 by Carl Laemmle, Universal Studios Hollywood holds the distinction of being the oldest film studio still in use. Initially designed as a studio tour showcasing the magic of moviemaking, it has since evolved into a sprawling theme park boasting an array of attractions, rides, and immersive experiences.
The park offers visitors the chance to step into the world of their favorite movies and TV shows, with iconic features such as the Studio Tour. Guests can explore backlot sets and witness live productions. From adrenaline-pumping thrill rides like Jurassic World – The Ride to immersive experiences like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Hollywood offers something for every type of visitor. It blends Hollywood glamour with cutting-edge entertainment technology. Its location in the entertainment capital of the world adds to its allure, making it a must-visit destination for movie buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
Location
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Ticket Options and Prices
Pass options can be overwhelming as it was for us when we were planning our visit. Here is a rundown.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of ticket packages to suit different preferences and budgets:
Note that these are starting prices. For the most accurate pricing check out their Tickets & Passes:
- 1 Day General Admission ($109): This ticket provides access to the park on a selected date and includes entry to all attractions and shows, including Super Nintendo World™.
- Universal Express ($209): Upgrade to Universal Express for one-time express access to participating rides, attractions, and seated shows. It also includes one-time reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World™ when reservations are required.
- Universal Express Unlimited ($249): For unlimited express access to rides and attractions, opt for Universal Express Unlimited. This premium ticket also includes unlimited reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World™ and is perfect for maximizing your time at the park.
- VIP Experience (from $379): For the ultimate luxury experience, consider the VIP package, which includes one-day park admission, unlimited express access to rides and attractions, a guided tour of the backlot, VIP dining, and more.
- 2-Day General Admission (from $159): Extend your adventure with a two-day pass to explore all that Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer.
- Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket (from $20): Get early access to Super Nintendo World™ for one hour before the park opens, including one-time express access to the Studio Tour.
Children ages 2 and younger are Free.
Our Choice: Universal Express Unlimited
Our family opted for the Universal Express Pass Unlimited option for tickets, even though it came with a hefty price tag. We knew this visit might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or at least we wouldn’t return for a very long time, so we wanted to make the most of it. Is the Express Pass worth it? Well, it boils down to a few factors.
Ideal For Crowded Days
Even on a weekday in winter, the park was crowded, highlighting the necessity of the Express Pass. Ultimately, it saved us an incredible amount of time and practically eliminated our kids’ wait in line. For me, this was worth its weight in gold—I despise waiting in lines. If you’re okay with lines and enjoy the anticipation, then the Express Pass might not be necessary. But if you have impatient kids and want to avoid stress at all costs, it’s definitely worth the splurge, despite being very expensive.
With the Express Pass, we practically walked onto every ride while general admission guests waited in lines for almost an hour or more for each ride. The most we waited was maybe 10 minutes. This applied to every ride and attraction except for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
It’s worth noting that the Express Pass Unlimited somewhat eliminates the free perk of child swap, as you’re already using the same line. However, when weighing the price difference between a general admission pass and an Express Pass Unlimited pass against the stress-free experience and guaranteed chance to enjoy the entire park, the Express Pass Unlimited is a no-brainer. We chose the Unlimited option over just the Express Pass because it allowed us to ride some attractions multiple times, which delighted our youngest ones. Looking back, a combination of passes could have sufficed, but having the Express Pass Unlimited made everything incredibly easy.
Maybe Save Some Money?
As a side note, although it’s not officially recommended, there’s a chance to save a few bucks by transferring a pass to one another. Although this could potentially lead to trouble.
Early Access Pass to Super Nintendo World
Additionally, we splurged on the Early Access pass to Super Nintendo World, which allowed us to enter the park an hour early. We got to enjoy Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge without a wait—a significant advantage considering the ride’s later wait times. Remember, Express Passes don’t work for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (at least for now anyway) I delve into more deeply in another post. This early access proved to be invaluable, especially considering that the line for this ride ballooned to over 2 hours later in the day.
Pay attention to Height Requirements
It’s important to mention that our 3-year-old daughter measured in at about 39 inches tall. Unfortunately, the majority of rides at Universal Studios have a strict height requirement of 40 inches or taller. They adhere closely to this rule, so if you fall even slightly below the mark, you’ll find yourself unable to board most of the attractions. This was a considerable letdown for us, especially considering our daughter’s adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for rides. Despite this setback, we managed to find plenty of age-appropriate attractions to keep her entertained.
Here are the height requirements from Universal Studios Hollywood
Take Advantage of Re-Entry Into The Park
An important tip to remember at Universal Studios Hollywood is that they allow re-entry into the park. After receiving a hand stamp, you’ll need to show your pass again to get back in. This feature was a lifesaver for us because it allowed us to leave all our jackets in the car. While the Southern California winter weather was perfect during the day, the temperature dropped significantly at night, leaving us freezing.
I made the trek back to the car to grab jackets for the kids later in the day. Having those jackets was essential for us to enjoy the rest of our time there. So, it’s a crucial tip to remember: if you need to leave anything in the car, you can, and return to pick it up later. You don’t have to lug everything around with you all day in the park.
Arrive Early at Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids
Let’s walk you through our day. We kicked things off bright and early, thanks to our early access passes. Although our passes granted us entry into the park at 8 am, we arrived even earlier at 7:15 am. We recommend aiming to arrive at least 45 minutes in advance to secure a good parking spot. We lucked out with a front-row spot in the ET lot, which was super convenient. However, parking can be a bit of a hassle, especially with kids, as you have to navigate through the entirety of Universal CityWalk—a sprawling area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, open to the general public.
Universal CityWalk
While it’s an interesting experience, our main focus was exploring Universal Studios, so we didn’t linger. Traversing through CityWalk, especially with little ones in tow, took us about 10 to 15 minutes, including bathroom breaks and some piggyback rides for our youngest.
Arriving At The Gate
Once we reached the gate of Universal Studios, we took some time to capture photos of the iconic entrance and the famous globe. We didn’t feel rushed, as we had allowed plenty of time. Early access passes are admitted well before 8 am, which is beneficial, as it can take a bit of time. Additionally, upon entering, you can purchase your Power-Up Band for Nintendo World at the gift shop (more on this in another post).
Again, it’s essential to budget enough time for these activities. Just before 8 am, all early access guests are directed to wait at Springfield land. Shortly before 8 am, you’re ushered to take the elevators down to the Lower Lot for Super Nintendo World. It’s quite the journey but provides a nice opportunity to familiarize yourself with Universal Studios Hollywood before it officially opens.
Starting at Super Nintendo World
At 8am we were in Super Nintendo World and our adventure began. For more on Super Nintendo World check out my other post.
The Lower Lot
After our adventure in Super Nintendo World, we ventured further into the Lower Lot, which boasts a range of attractions including Jurassic World, The Mummy, Transformers, and a kids’ playground called DinoPlay.
Transformers
While Jamie and the boys braved the Transformers ride, I stayed back with our daughter in a creatively themed waiting area that kept her thoroughly entertained. Transformers turned out to be a bit too intense for the boys, a lesson we learned the hard way. Perhaps a bit more research beforehand would have been wise, but they bounced back quickly.
We couldn’t resist getting our photos taken with Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, which the kids absolutely loved.
The Mummy
I then took our oldest, age 7, on The Mummy ride, which proved to be both physically and thematically intense. Although initially spooked, he admitted later that he actually enjoyed the experience. Again, a trial run may be beneficial to gauge your child’s reaction. Jamie later took her turn on The Mummy solo.
Jurassic World
Next, Jamie and I took turns riding Jurassic World with Grayson, our oldest son. It’s a classic Universal Studios attraction, and this updated version did not disappoint—finally, a ride that our oldest truly loved.
Dino Play
Wrapping up our Lower Lot adventures, we headed to Dino Play, a small yet impeccably themed playground that captivated the kids to the point where it was hard to tear them away.
Tip: Complete The Lower Lot
Once we finished exploring the Lower Lot, we made our way to the Upper Lot. A valuable tip we learned is to prioritize experiencing everything in the Lower Lot thoroughly before heading back up. The escalators from the Lower Lot to the Upper Lot can be quite time-consuming, so minimizing the need to go back and forth can save a significant amount of time. Unfortunately, we didn’t follow this advice as efficiently as we could have, as we found ourselves returning to the Lower Lot multiple times, particularly to revisit Super Nintendo World.
Upper Lot
The Upper Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood is the main hub of the park. You can explore Harry Potter’s world, hang out with The Simpsons, and join Gru and the minions on a wild ride. Don’t miss the Studio Tour for a cool behind-the-scenes look at movies. There are also live shows and special effects. You can grab food, shop for souvenirs, and meet characters at Universal Plaza. And there are lots of places to eat and shop around the area too!
Water World
It was time for a break from the rides, so we headed to see the epic stunt show, Water World. This show has been a staple at Universal Studios Hollywood for a long time, and it’s incredibly well done. While it can be pretty intense for kids, even our 3-year-old thought it was pretty cool. Make sure to plan your day around the showtimes, which are posted on the app and around the park. It’s definitely worth checking out during your visit!
Secret Life of Pets
Finally, it was our 3-year-old’s turn to experience a ride, and we stumbled upon the perfect one for her. The Secret Life of Pets is an ideal ride for young children. All of our kids, including Jamie and me, thoroughly enjoyed it, but our 3-year-old especially loved it. In fact, she insisted on riding it three times! (a perk of our Express Pass Unlimited.) This ride offers a gentle, level track experience with no hills or thrills, as you ride in a themed cardboard box cart. It’s remarkably detailed and exceptionally well-executed, making it a standout attraction for families with little ones.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Afterward, the boys and Jamie hopped on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a motion simulation ride that they thoroughly enjoyed. I did not experience this one as I took our youngest next door to Silly Swirly.
Silly Swirly
We decided to try out the minion-themed Silly Swirly, a classic amusement park ride reminiscent of Disney’s magic carpet ride. Our daughter absolutely adored it, so much so that we rode it three times in a row! Thanks to the Express Pass Unlimited, we saved well over an hour of wait time on this ride alone, simply walking onto it each time without any delays.
World-Famous Studio Tour
Next up was the World-Famous Studio Tour, and let me tell you, if there’s one thing you do at Universal Studios Hollywood, make it this! It’s an absolute must-see for the entire family, although some parts might be a bit intense for young kids. This tour takes you through the actual Universal Studios lot, where movies and TV shows are actively being filmed.
It’s not just a tour; it’s like several rides and experiences packed into one. You’ll come face-to-face with King Kong as he tries to take over your tram, experience a thrilling highway chase with Fast and the Furious, encounter Jaws up close and personal, explore real-life movie sets, and go behind the scenes of Hollywood magic. Trust me, you do not want to miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Save time for this one as the tour takes about 45 minutes.
DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda
Next on our agenda was the DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda, a motion simulation show with seats that move. Despite the moving seats, it’s pretty tame and kid-friendly. The 360-degree experience is quite creative, and I personally enjoyed it. In fact, we ended up doing it twice! This attraction was particularly pleasant during the winter chill, providing a welcomed break from the dropping temperatures.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Stepping into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a truly remarkable experience. Despite not being avid fans of the franchise, we were captivated by the incredible attention to detail and the enchanting atmosphere of Hogsmeade. Be sure not to miss the Hogwarts Castle light show, which adds an extra touch of magic to the area. While we decided to pass on Butterbeer and wands due to their expense, true enthusiasts might find them to be worthwhile souvenirs.
Flight of the Hippogriff
We embarked on Flight of the Hippogriff with our oldest son, a delightful rollercoaster that’s perfect for older kids. Despite its popularity, our Express Pass allowed us to bypass the long line and enjoy this enchanting ride twice. It’s a fantastic introductory rollercoaster experience, offering just the right amount of excitement without being too intense.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Next up was Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an attraction that truly takes the cake as the best ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. (unless of course you count the Studio Tour as a ride.) Combining elements of a moving ride, rollercoaster thrills, and cinematic magic, this experience makes you feel like you’re soaring high above Hogwarts Castle on a broomstick. While our 7-year-old found it a bit intense at times, he bravely joined us for the adventure. It’s an immersive journey that any Harry Potter fan shouldn’t miss.
Springfield and Krustyland
One ride we decided to skip was the Simpsons ride at Krustyland. Jamie and I had experienced it years ago when we lived in California. It’s a clever moving, 3D ride but we felt there was simply too much else to explore in the park. Additionally, the Simpsons area is one of the oldest in the park, and with our limited time, we opted to focus on newer attractions. Personally, I’m not a fan of the Simpsons as a show, and I prefer not to encourage my kids to become fans either, despite its iconic status. So, we chose to prioritize other experiences that aligned more closely with our interests.
Ending the Night Back at Super Nintendo World
We finished off the night heading back to Super Nintendo World to do some challenges that we couldn’t do earlier because of the crowds. See our other blog post for more on this.
OUR CAN’T MISS TOP PICKS – Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids
Top 5 picks for Adults and Older Kids
World-Famous Studio Tour
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the actual Universal Studios lot, featuring iconic movie sets and thrilling encounters.
Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey
Experience the ultimate adventure in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, combining a moving ride, rollercoaster elements, and cinematic magic.
Water World: Stunt Show
Witness jaw-dropping stunts and thrilling performances in this action-packed live show based on the blockbuster film.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Take on the challenge of this exhilarating ride inspired by the beloved video game, featuring high-speed thrills and immersive gaming experiences.
Jurassic World
Embark on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs with this thrilling ride, featuring realistic animatronics and heart-pounding adventure.
Top 5 Picks For Young Kids
Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
Join Max, Duke, and their furry friends on a whimsical adventure through New York City in this delightful dark ride.
DinoPlay
Let your little ones explore and play in this themed playground filled with dinosaur-themed activities and interactive fun.
DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda
Experience a fun-filled adventure with Po and his friends in this motion simulation show that’s perfect for young audiences.
Silly Swirly
Take a spin on this classic amusement park ride, similar to the magic carpet ride at Disney, that’s sure to bring smiles to the faces of young children.
Character Visits
At numerous places throughout the park you can meet and take pictures with famous characters. We met Princess Peach, Toad, Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Gru & a Minion.
Our Top Tips For the Day – Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids
Arrive Early
Take advantage of early access if available or arrive before the park opens to beat the crowds and maximize your time. If you want to experience Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge do this first before anything.
Use Express Passes
Consider investing in Express Pass or Express Pass Unlimited to skip the lines and make the most of your visit, especially if you have limited time or want to avoid long waits.
Do the Lower Lot Entirely Before Moving On
Tackle the Lower Lot entirely before moving on to other areas of the park. The escalators between the Upper and Lower Lots take a lot of time so you don’t want to waste time going back and forth.
Take Advantage of Re-Entry
Leave jackets, bags, extra food etc. in the car if you don’t need it immediately. You can go back and forth, although, its quite a long walk. But this will save you from carrying everything around all day.
A Day We’ll Remember Forever – Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids
We were at the park from the crack of dawn for the early access at 8 am until the gates closed at 9 pm. Throughout the day, our kids were absolute troopers, fueled by excitement and adrenaline. Without a doubt, the Express Passes played a significant role in keeping us energized and able to make the most of our time.
Our visit to Universal Studios Hollywood with kids was an undeniable success, filled with memories that will be cherished for years to come. Even now, our kids are still captivated by our adventures here, eagerly recounting every detail. Of course, such an unforgettable experience came with a hefty price tag. We spared no expense to enjoy the day to its fullest, but in my opinion, the investment was well worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
