Hurray for Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles County theme park Universal Studios Hollywood is located in the San Fernando Valley and was luckily spared from the recent wildfires plaguing California. It was originally created for tours of Universal Studio sets and still provides that opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes look with the Studio Tour ride. To this day, ticket holders can come aboard the shuttle with a guide to explore sections celebrating such iconic films as Jaws, Psycho and War of the Worlds. In this part of the park Jordan Peele's Nope is the most recent flick to pop up with an activation along with several backlot areas currently filming TV shows, music videos and movies throughout the year.

As one arrives outside of the ticketed entrances, the Universal CityWalk provides guests with restaurants and shops to enjoy while entering and exiting the premises. The fun and many opportunities to spend money won't stop thanks to catchy marketing and rapid fans full of cash. Noticeably there are new Wicked stores based on the “Popular” movie and the Wicked Hollywood and Dine serves up menu items such as Bewitching Bacon Burger and Drizmatic Corn Dogs. Where is the “Defying Gravity” ride?

Once inside the park, rollercoasters and immersive worlds might overwhelm visitors but just download the app for a map. People of all ages can find something to do in this multilevel theme park and ravenous visitors from around the globe will be blown away by what they see. There are fast passes and private tours along with extra charges for special devices to enhance certain experiences.

For example, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is included with general admission but a colorful watch adds on special interactions for the right price in Super Nintendo World.

Situated right in front, The Simpsons Ride is humorous, enjoyable and set indoors, similar to Mario Kart. Pick up a Krusty Burger or enormous donut at the Springfield complex located near the unique coaster.

One of the newer attractions nearby for younger animal lovers is The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash or try the adjacent Despicable Me Minion Mayhem inspired by the neverending franchise.

Head to the Lower Lot and prepare to get wet on Jurassic World-The Ride and then dry off as you whip around Transformers: The Ride-3D complete with a little heat.

Near to those, one of the speediest coasters Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride continues to thrill after replacing E.T. Adventure in 2003. Wrap up your day by riding this one more than once as it ends abruptly and could benefit from an extension.

Thrill seekers will notice construction as workers hammer away at the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift high-speed rotating rollercoaster slated for opening in 2026.

There's more planned in the future as Universal Fan Fest Nights will pack the park with fantasy and sci-fi fans from April 25-May 18, 2025. This separate ticket event will be the perfect place for a pop-up block party from Star Trek and Back to the Future to be paired with the already immersive areas of Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and go cosplay crazy!

Executive Chef Julia Thrash will be cooking up specially themed foods that night and expect an avalanche of merchandise available for purchase and click here for event tickets.

Check out both regular and VIP options at universalstudioshollywood.com today!