Universal Studios

Question

Hello!

I'm trying to decide if it will be worth it to go to Universal Studios Hollywood when we are in LA in a couple of weeks. The background is my younger child and I (who is 11) went to Universal Orlando last year and did ALL the rides and things. I believe it's a lot bigger. My 17-year-old and husband didn't go but they are less interested in rides and he's no longer into Harry Potter.

My main interest is in going for the studio lot tour. But is it worth spending a day there with the crowds and expensive price of the tickets for that? Or would going to the Warner Bros tour suffice (which we are planning on doing anyway).

Appreciate any thoughts. WE do love rides but my sense is aside from the two Harry Potter rides and Mummy and Transformers there aren't a huge # of rides there. (and not even sure it's warm enough for the Jurassic water ride). Thanks!

Answer

Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles is quite different from Universal Orlando. While Orlando is a much larger resort with multiple parks, Universal Hollywood is more compact and has a strong emphasis on the studio experience. The park includes a mix of rides, shows, and the famous Studio Tour, which takes you behind the scenes of real working sets and production areas.

Given your family’s background and interests, here’s a breakdown:

Studio Tour: This is the highlight of Universal Hollywood and is unique compared to the Warner Bros Studio Tour. It lasts about 60–90 minutes and includes famous sets, soundstages, and some special effects demonstrations. For someone interested in behind-the-scenes filmmaking, it’s a standout experience.
Rides and Attractions: The park has fewer rides than Orlando. Major thrill rides include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Transformers, The Mummy, and Jurassic World – The Ride. If your 17-year-old and husband are not big ride enthusiasts, the ride options may be limited in appeal.
Crowds and Price: Tickets are expensive, and LA crowds can be heavy, especially on weekends and summer. Lines can add significant wait times unless you purchase Express passes, which increase the cost further.

Alternative Considerations:

Warner Bros Studio Tour: This is also a behind-the-scenes tour but smaller in scale. It is highly informative, shows current and past productions, and is generally less crowded. It can be a satisfying substitute if the goal is to see working studios without spending a full day at a theme park.
Combining Interests: If your younger child enjoyed rides at Orlando, they may appreciate the few key rides at Universal Hollywood, but a full day may feel long for the older child and adult.
Timing and Weather: The Jurassic water ride may be less enjoyable if it’s cooler, as it involves getting wet. Most other rides are indoors.

Recommendation: If your main interest is the Studio Tour and behind-the-scenes filmmaking, you could skip a full day at Universal Hollywood and focus on the Warner Bros Tour instead. If your 11-year-old is very enthusiastic about key rides like Harry Potter, Transformers, or The Mummy, consider spending a half-day at Universal Hollywood, using Express passes to minimize wait times, and skipping other attractions.

In summary, Universal Hollywood is worthwhile mainly for the Studio Tour and specific rides. For a family with mixed interests, prioritizing behind-the-scenes tours at Warner Bros might be a more cost-effective and less crowded option, with Universal Hollywood reserved only if rides are a high priority.

Universal Studios

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