Universal Studios Hollywood - Tips and Tricks

So, you finally decided to go to Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA. Do you know what to do, eat and how many days should you plan on being there?  If you are like me and love people watching, let me give you OUR secret in conquering the theme park without having cranky and hungry kids who are overly tired from waiting in never-ending lines.

My goal for the day - if the wait is over 20 min (30 min tops), skip and come back later.

Stay
2 hotels are closest to Universal Studios. I bet you couldn't decide which one is better.
The truth is they are both priced similar and are located across the street from Universal Studios parking structure. Also, there is a shuttle that transports you between the theme park and the hotels. We have stayed at both hotels BUT my preference is the Sheraton Hotel. Here is my only reason: the shuttle picks you up at Sheraton Hotel before making the second stop at the Hilton. If there are a bunch of us seated on the bus from Sheraton, the shuttle may skip Hilton entirely.

Tickets
You can purchase the tickets on the website and at the gate. BUT you can also buy the ticket or season pass at Costco (online or in-store). I personally prefer to buy it on Costco but understand that you have to make an entire payment upfront and no parking comes with it.

If you are thinking about whether or not you should buy Universal Express, I would say -- why pay extra $180-$279. If you plan your day correctly, you'll be able to watch all the shows and go on the rides numerous times without waiting in line for hours. 

Play -- Itinerary for the Day

You don't need to get to the park first thing in the morning. I mean, yes - it helps but why rush why you are supposed to be on vacation, right? Say, the park opens at 9am and there is an early entry at 8am -- you can still enjoy your breakfast first and then get to the park between 9-10am.

Try to go in the same order to start BUT be flexible should there be a delay or ride closures. 

1. Kung-Fu Panda: It's a multi-sensory, motion simulation attraction. You will sit in the chairs that are in theater style. Kids loved it.
2. Transformer Ride: 3D/4D thrill ride. If you get here early, you can go on the ride multiple times as the lines will most likely be 10-15 min long only. Enjoy!!
3. Mummy Ride: A thrill ride
4. The Simpsons Ride Motion simulation 
5. The Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
6. Studio Tours: 3D/4D tour that involved going to Kong island, Fast & the Furious and studio backlot tour
7. Flight of the Hippogriff: A thrill ride
8. Harry Potter & the forbidden journey: A thrill ride

By this time, it's time to wind down for lunch. We typically love eating at Gru's Cafe. You can get BBQ chicken with corn, Nachos and many other items.

The lines are so long everywhere else and after lunch, it's time for you to go watch the shows. There are plenty of shows to watch -- Animal Actors and Special Effect show is where we tend to hide from the sun and rest our tired & sore feet. After the shows, we hang around Hogsmeade. If you haven't purchased your magic wands, you need to visit Ollivander's. At this time, our kids go around to play with their magic wands.

Pay attention to when Frogs Choir or Tri-Wizard Tournaments shows will be... it's kind of cool to immerse yourself while drinking Butterbeer. We tend to stay around here until about 3pm (people watching near Starbucks before we go for more shows, attractions, character meet & greet and also repeat some of the rides.

6pm seems like a good time to visit Jurassic World ride. The lines had somewhat dwindled down as people are getting ready for dinner. After the ride, go for dinner at Simpsons Land. We typically choose, Cletus Chicken Shack or Moe's Tavern -- oh the food is heavenly.

After all the rides are done and around 7:30pm, we watched Waterworld. You still have plenty of time to go repeat attractions before making back to Hogsmeade to watch the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle which tends to be our closure for the night.

Buy

Our kids are not really into snacking but they always ask for dipping dots ice-cream. Other than that, we bought 1 souvenir cup to refill soda (and water into our own bottles) throughout the day. The free refill expires at midnight.

Other than the Hogwarts robe and the wands (which we have bought 2 years ago), we didn't really buy anything at the theme park. We went into almost all the stores to window-shop and interact with cast members who are in character. 

Conclusion

Yes, you can visit Universal Studios - Hollywood for a day and enjoy the attractions without running to beat the crowd. At the end of the day, I hit 10,000 steps which I think isn't so bad for an entire day of fun. 

How do you conquer Universal Studios - Hollywood? Let me know.