The Ultimate Family Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood: Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Day
- Christianne Klein
- Sep 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Our family recently spent an incredible day at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it was one for the books. Between the breathtaking rides, magical moments, and helpful planning hacks we picked up along the way, it was an experience filled with laughter, thrills, and even a few happy tears. If youāre planning your own trip, hereās everything we learned at Universal Studios Hollywood- plus our best tips for making the most of your day.
Go on a Weekday (If You Can)
Crowds make or break your theme park experience. If possible, plan your visit for a Tuesday through Thursday, when crowds tend to be lighter. We went on a Tuesday and paired it with Universal Studios Hollywood Express Passes. It was a total game-changer. We zipped through nearly every line and had time to ride our favorites multiple times.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
For Potterheads like me, this part of the park is pure magic. The crown jewel is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which may just be my favorite ride of all time. The detail, the special effects, and the immersive storytelling left us awestruck. We rode it four times in one day- and easily could have gone ten more.
Our daughter loved Flight of the Hippogriff too, a fun, family-friendly outdoor coaster that gave her a thrill without being too intense. It's also very short, so a good stop for Muggles.
Donāt miss Ollivanders Wand Show. One lucky wizard is chosen for the magical moment when the wand chooses them. Our little wizard was selected, and Iāll admit it- I cried real tears.
If youāre ordering a Butterbeer, get the frozen version. As a Potterhead, I felt obligated to order one, but itās very sweet- frozen is definitely the most refreshing. And for a meal, head straight to Three Broomsticks. The hearty British food is surprisingly delicious, and the setting feels straight out of the movies.
Jurassic World, Transformers, and More
Universal isnāt all about Harry Potter, though I couldāve happily stayed there all day. Some of our other favorites included:
Jurassic World ā The Ride: Perfect in the heat of the day since youāll get splashed. Bonus points to Universal for placing misting fans and shaded rest areas throughout the park.
Super Nintendo World: Growing up playing Super Mario Bros., I was extra excited for this part of the park. Walking through the giant green pipe into the Mushroom Kingdom feels like stepping straight into the game. The big highlight is Mario Kart: Bowserās Challenge, a mix of AR, physical sets, and racing that had us laughing the whole way through. I even managed to score a respectable 140 points- not bad for my first time behind the wheel in Bowserās castle!
Transformers: The Ride 3D: High-energy and action-packed- our daughter absolutely loved it. Another ride we went on more than once.
Revenge of the Mummy: A thrilling indoor roller coaster in the Lower Lot. It moves FAST!
Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!: Adorable and perfect for younger kids.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: A silly, family-friendly favorite.
The Famous Studio Tour: A must-do classic that now includes more āride-likeā elements than on our last visit. Itās a fascinating mix of Hollywood history and cutting-edge special effects. Plus- you get to see the iconic shark from Jaws for it's 50th!
Smart Park Strategy
Universal Studios Hollywood is built on a hillside with massive escalators connecting the Upper LotĀ and Lower Lot. To save time and energy, commit to one area before moving to the other. We tackled the Lower Lot first (home to Jurassic World, Transformers, and The Mummy), then headed up for the Wizarding World, Studio Tour, and the family-friendly attractions.
Extra Tips to Make Your Day Smooth
Arrive early: The first hour often has shorter waits.
Parking: Options range from General to Preferred. If you want to save walking at the end of the day, Preferred is worth it.
Download the Universal Studios Hollywood App: It shows real-time wait times, maps, and even mobile food ordering.
Height requirements: Plan ahead if you have kids. Forbidden Journey requires 48", Flight of the Hippogriff 39", and Jurassic World 42".
Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle. There are fountains and water stations throughout the park.
Donāt skip character encounters: From Transformers to Minions to a Raptor Trainer in Jurassic World, these surprise moments make for great family photos.
Best Time of Year to Visit
If you can, visit in the fall (SeptemberāOctober)Ā when crowds are lighter and the weather is cooler. December brings incredible holiday decorations, but itās also one of the busiest times of year.
Halloween Horror Nights: If youāre planning a fall visit, consider timing it with Halloween Horror NightsĀ (typically SeptemberāOctober). Universal goes all out with movie-quality haunted houses, scare zones, and spooky overlays. Itās definitely more for teens and adults than little kids, but if you love a good scare (or just want to see how Hollywood does Halloween), itās an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts
Universal Studios Hollywood blew us away. Between riding Forbidden Journey four times, seeing our daughter chosen at Ollivanders, and cooling off on Jurassic World in the afternoon sun, it was a day full of memories weāll never forget.
If youāre planning a trip: go midweek, consider Express Passes, download the app, and donāt be afraid to let your inner kid- or wizard- out. Youāll have an unforgettable time at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Disclosure: We were provided media passes by Universal Studios Hollywood. All experiences and opinions are 100% our own.
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