We’ve all been there: You’re getting psyched up for your big day at the theme park, meticulously planning out every activity, every meal and every last bit of exhilaration. “Gosh,” you think, “if only there were two of me, then I could actually get to everything!” Well, we can’t duplicate you, and I don’t think we can get our hands on a Time-Turner after some kids smashed the whole stock in the Department of Mysteries. But you can do the next closest thing to doubling yourself: double your day passes for Universal Studios Hollywood.
Sure, it’s totally possible to pack a ton of fun into just one day at Universal Studios Hollywood. But if you really want to soak up the complete experience, you’ve got to give yourself two days of fun. Spreading your visit out over two days means taking things at a more leisurely pace and being able to soak in everything the theme park has to offer. So without further ado, here’s our ultimate two-day itinerary to Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
DAY 1: UPPER LOT
MORNING
Once you’ve honed your wizarding skills, head up to Hogwarts castle and hop in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Between exploring the school in the queue and the ride itself, Harry Potter fans will experience everything from the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom to the Quidditch Pitch and all of the magic in-between. Get the full scoop on this can’t-miss magical adventure right here.
There’s so much to experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! So take your time exploring it. You can stop by Hagrid’s hut and learn how to approach a Hippogriff on the Flight of the Hippogriff ride, check out the Triwizard Spirit Rally near Hogsmeade, and even shop for your favorite Hogwarts house merch while you’re there. For an in-depth look at this land, check out Discover Universal’s guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter here.
Once you’ve honed your magic skills, head up to Hogwarts castle and hop in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Between exploring the school in the queue and the ride itself, “Harry Potter” fans will experience everything from the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom to the Chamber of Secrets and all of the magic in-between. Get the full scoop on this can’t-miss magical adventure right here.
There’s so much to experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! So take your time exploring it. Make sure you get a taste of Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class on the Flight of the Hippogriff ride, check out the Triwizard Spirit Rally, and shop for your favorite Hogwarts house merch while you’re there. For an in-depth look at this land, check out Discover Universal’s guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter here.
MIDDAY
Next up on your Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary: lunch. Head over to Hollywood & Dine, located in — you guessed it — the Hollywood section of the theme park. The menu at this spot changes every so-often, and is usually themed to a holiday, event, or new Universal movie. That means, more likely than not, returning guests will have new dishes and drinks to try at Hollywood & Dine. Check out the current offerings at this sit-down dining spot right here.
AFTERNOON
Hope you’ve saved room for bananas, because Minion Land is up next on our perfect Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary! This section of the Upper Lot is dedicated to all things Illumination.
There are two attractions here you won’t want to miss. The first is Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a motion-simulated ride where you’ll be transformed into a Minion and undergo a training session. The other is The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. This dark ride — one that primarily uses practical effects — transforms you into a puppy and takes you on an adventure through New York City with Max, Duke, Gidget, and the rest of the “Pets” gang.
Next up: swing into Super Silly Fun Land. Fans will recognize this as a recreation of the seaside carnival featured in the first “Despicable Me” movie. This section of the park totally lives up to its namesake, with carnival games like Minion Mishap and Banana Cabana; Silly Swirly, a ride perfect for all ages; and the wet zone, which boasts 80 different water features and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re with a kid or just channeling your inner kid, there’s something for everyone at Super Silly Fun Land.
Feel like having a snack? Of course you do. Head back into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to satisfy your mid-afternoon cravings. I’d recommend either grabbing a drink at Hog’s Head (where they serve hot, cold, frozen and dairy-free Butterbeer). Or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, order a soft-serve ice cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Counter, which is located inside Honeydukes.
Once you’re snackisfied, it’s time for the crown jewel of Universal Studios Hollywood: the World-Famous Studio Tour! No Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary is complete without it. The Studio Tour first launched over 60 years ago, and essentially birthed the entire Universal theme park experience. Today, the tour features real-life movie sets, immersive 3D rides, and jaw-dropping practical effects, giving guests a comprehensive sense of how Hollywood magic is made. Plus, it’s just plain fun.
PRO TIP: The Studio Tour is an unforgettable experience no matter where you sit. But if you want the very best views of certain moments, check out our blog,“Guide to the Best Seats on the Studio Tour.”
EVENING
You’ve packed a ton of fun into one day, so it’s time to kick back and relax over dinner. Once you make your way back up the escalators from the Studio Tour, you’ll find yourself smack-dab in the middle of Springfield, U.S.A. If you’ve got any picky eaters in your group — or you simply can’t all decide on what you’re in the mood for — the Simpsons-themed land is for you.
Craving classic fast-food? Head over to Krusty Burger. Just want a slice of ‘za? Luigi’s Pizza has you covered. Hungry for no-fuss Mexican grub? Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck is for you. Or there’s Cletus’ Chicken Shack, or Suds McDuff’s Hot Dogs, or maybe you just want a donut for dinner (no judgment!) at Lard Lad donuts. And don’t forget to close the night out with (yet another) ice cream cone at Phineas Q. Butterfat’s Ice Cream!
Once your whole party has secured their ideal dinner, reconvene over carnival games for a few rounds of friendly competition. Between Dunk or Flunk with Principal Skinner, the Full Nelson, Wild and Willie, and more, there’s a game for everybody.
DAY 2: LOWER LOT
MORNING
Up and at ’em for the second day of your perfect Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary! It’s time to head down the escalators and see what the Lower Lot is all about! Upon entering the theme park, make your way across the Upper Lot, into Springfield, U.S.A. and down the series of escalators to your left. Make sure you check out the panoramic view of the San Fernando Valley while you’re on your way down!
First stop in the Lower Lot: the QR code just outside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD! It might seem silly, but the first thing you’ll want to do is make a reservation at Toadstool Cafe. This eatery, located inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, is quite popular, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your time locked in. Scan the QR code on the sign just outside the themed land and select your preferred lunchtime.
OK, now wheel around for the real first stop on the Lower Lot: Jurassic Cafe. This eatery, located (appropriately) in the Jurassic World section of the theme park, serves breakfast on select days, making it the perfect spot for carnivores and herbivores alike to start their day. I’d recommend the breakfast burrito, which can be made with either sausage or vegan chorizo, as well as scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, shredded Jack and cheddar cheese and pico de gallo, all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla.
Once you’ve finished the Most Important Meal of The Day, head out of Jurassic World (don’t worry, you’ll be back!) and into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD!
This themed land is completely and totally immersive. Truly. From the familiar Nintendo sound effects, to the spinning shells dotting Mt. Beanpole, to beloved characters gracing the land for meet-and-greets, the attention to detail in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is truly remarkable. So make sure you take time to explore it! I’d recommend getting your hands on a Power-Up Band, which are available at select retail locations, to get the most out of your experience. These colorful accessories will allow you to collect digital coins and stamps, compete with friends and family in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and unlock one of the coolest interactive activities in the entire theme park: the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. Learn everything you need to know about Power-Up Bands right here.
And speaking of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge — that’s an absolute must-do in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. On this ride, you’ll get to join Team Mario (woo hoo!) and race against Team Bowser for a chance to win the Golden Cup. The attraction uses state-of-the-art interactive technology to let you toss (virtual) shells at Team Bowser and gain digital coins along the way.
PRO TIP: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge now has a Universal Express Lane! If you want to cut your wait time (way) down, consider making this upgrade. Or, if you don’t mind your party being split up, hop into the Single Rider line for a short wait time.
Can you believe it? Discover Universal has a complete guide to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD! Check it out here.
Once you’ve (hopefully) defeated Team Bowser — but that’s up to you, as the race outcome isn’t guaranteed! — it’s time to play the Key Challenges! There are four at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood: Piranha Plant Mishap, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Goomba Crazy Crank, and Thwomp Panel Panic. If you have a Power-Up Band, win three Key Challenges to unlock the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown.
MIDDAY
You’ve no doubt worked up an appetite by now, so thank goodness you made that lunch reservation! Head over to Toadstool Cafe for a feast inspired by the Mushroom Kingdom itself. I’d be remiss if I didn’t especially encourage you to get the Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots and the Super Mushroom Soup. Oh, and definitely save room for dessert; the ? Block Tiramisu and the Mt. Beanpole Cake are as delicious as they are photogenic.
AFTERNOON
I told you you’d be back in Jurassic World, and lucky you! That time has arrived. Get psyched up for Jurassic World – The Ride, a river raft adventure that takes you on a cruise through Jurassic World itself. A cruise that… may or may not go completely awry, and may involve several close calls with the terrifying Indominous rex. Oh, and be prepared to get wet. It’s not a guarantee you’ll get soaked, but let’s just say anything could happen.
The Jurassic World section of Universal Studios Hollywood also includes some great ways to chill out. If you have little kids in tow, DinoPlay offers a Jurassic-themed jungle gym to explore. If you’re feeling brave, head over to Raptor Encounter to meet the Velociraptor Blue face-to-face — just know that she can be fierce. You’ve been warned!
Got another ride in you? Of course you do. It’s time for Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, located next to the escalators. On this ride, you’ll try to escape an Ancient Egyptian curse on a high-speed mine cart in total darkness — it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
You’re probably feeling peckish by now, and luckily, the Lower Lot is packed with delicious snack options. Fancy a drink? Isla Nu-Bar offers an irresistible slate of tiki cocktails to quench your thirst. Or, for a non-alcoholic sippable, mosey over to the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Popcorn and Drink Cart (located just outside the land, across from Isla Nu-Bar) for a fruity soda themed to your favorite Super Mario characters. And, of course, there’s always ice cream. Studio Scoop, located just adjacent to Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride serves up unbeatable sundaes, scoops and shakes.
Cap the afternoon off on the Upper Lot with the grand finale: the WaterWorld stunt show. This is one of my absolute favorite things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood, and no itinerary is complete without it. This 20-minute show is jam-packed with pyrotechnics, eye-popping physical stunts, and a whole lot of crowd-splashing. There’s a reason why it’s been running at Universal for nearly three decades. Dig deeper into the WaterWorld show with Discover Universal’s attraction guide.
PRO TIP: Make sure you check the WaterWorld show times so you can plan out your day appropriately! You can find them on the board outside the WaterWorld venue, or check them on the Universal Studios Hollywood app. The last show typically runs in the late afternoon, but exact times vary.
EVENING
You’ve packed a ton of fun into the last two days at Universal, so it’s time to kick back and relax with a sit-down dinner at Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
The entertainment district has no shortage of excellent dining options, so you really can’t go wrong. Got an adventurous palate? I’d recommend The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen, which boasts a chocolate-inspired menu with plenty of savory options. In the mood for tacos? Head to Antojitos Cocina Mexicana for authentic south-of-the-border cuisine. And nothing quite hits the spot like a glass of wine and a bolognese at VIVO Italian Kitchen.
And for the ultimate wind-down, catch a flick at Universal Cinema. Not only is it one of the only theaters in the world that screens films in 70mm IMAX (only available for certain movies), it also has really, really, ridiculously comfortable recliners. Like, the coziest. And after two days of running all over Universal Studios Hollywood with this itinerary, you deserve to put your feet up.
That’s it for our two-day itinerary for Universal Studios Hollywood! What are you most excited about experiencing at the theme park? Let us know in the comments below.
The post The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary to Universal Studios Hollywood appeared first on Discover Universal.
