This past week Carter and I went to Universal Studios for the day while Blake was with Kennedy in the hospital. We love Universal Studios and we could not wait to visit and ride The Secret Life Of Pets: Off The Leash ride which just opened and check out everything else we love about Universal Studios. So come check out everything you can't miss this summer! You can purchase tickets here.
I highly suggest getting the Universal Express ticket. It is valid for an express access to each ride, attraction and seated show. Express access is a separate line with a shorter wait time at each ride, attraction or seated show.
Right when we got into the park we headed straight to The Secret Life Of Pets: Off The Leash. It was adorable. We are huge fans of both the movies and we loved the ride. Get ready to take a stroll along the cleverly themed Pets Place which will bring you in front of Katie’s NYC apartment building where the innovative The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash ride resides. This all-new tech-savvy adventure inspired by Illumination’s blockbuster The Secret Life of Pets films, answers the question, “What are your pets really doing when you’re not at home?” This impressive new ride combines 64 technologically-advanced animated figures with hyper-realistic media and projection mapping designed to take guests on a journey to meet some of their favorite Illumination characters from the movies, including Max, Snowball, Gidget, Chloe and Duke, along with a host of other animal friends, who have all been transformed and transported into the live-action world. From blinking eyes to eyebrow movements, from head tilts to head nods, from moving mouths to smiles, from ear curls to lip curls, from full torso twists to physically walking, the depth of mobility and function programmed within each of these loveable characters creates an experience unlike any other theme park ride.
This is the seat you sit in during the ride. They have one outside for you to test out.
The entire stroll leading up to the ride has the cutest shops, buildings and more to take photos in front of. I loved it. It makes you feel like you are in NYC!
When you exit the ride it puts you right into the Pet Store where you can adopt your favorite character from the movie and more! They literally had everything.
Next stop was visiting Hello Kitty in front of her shop on the Upper Lot. The kids love Hello Kitty and friends.
Other characters are out to take photos with and say hello.
Here are just a few places to eat inside Universal Studios Hollywood (this does not even include all the amazing restaurants and places to eat in Universal City Walk). There is Palace Deli & Market, Mulligan's Irish Pub, Cinnabon, Despicable Delights, French Street Bistro, Hog's Head, Hollywood & Dine, Isla Nu Bar, Jurassic Cafe, Magic Neep Cart, Mel's Diner, Panda Express, Phineas Q. Butter Fat's Ice Cream, Starbucks (there are two), Studio Cafe, Studio Scoop, Sud's McDuff's Hot Dogs, Three Broomsticks, Universal Tower Snack Bar and more.
The Minion Cafe is brand new and so bright and fun! You can find grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken, nachos, salads, desserts and more.
One of my personal favorites is Bumblee Man's Taco Truck! This place has the best tacos.
“Hey Hey, Kids!” No visit to Springfield would be complete without stopping by Krusty the Clown’s famous burger joint. Chomp into a Krusty-certified meat sandwich including the legendary Krusty Burger, Clogger Burger, the Ribwich, or a Sideshow Bob Foot Long. Afterwards, wash it all down with the fizzy refreshment of an authentic Buzz Cola—it’s like a seltzer blast in the face. Krusty may serve up stale, old jokes but the food here is always hot and fresh.
There is also Cletus' Chicken Shack, Duff Brewery Beer Garden, Lard Lad Donuts, Moe's Tavern and more.
Luigi's is another favorite. We love their pizzas, garlic bread and desserts.
We are beyond excited about the new Super Mario World coming to Universal Studios Hollywood on the lower lot. They have started construction and we cannot wait!
The grand reopening of Universal Studios Hollywood also brings guests face-to-face with “Jurassic World The Ride’s” all-new, extraordinarily realistic dinosaur, the Indominus rex, who stakes her claim at the ride’s finale in a forceful battle with her arch-rival, the Tyrannosaurus rex. Breaking new ground with highly complex innovations, this fully-articulated life like Indominus injects intense new thrills, excitement and intrigue to the already dynamic ride. Spanning nearly 55 feet horizontally from head to tail and over 22 feet vertically, the Indominus’ imposing presence will be amplified by the fluidity of her motions and synchronized movements that deliver an unprecedented level of authenticity. From the subtle blinking of her eyes, the flexing of her arms and claws and clenching of her jaw as she bears her razor-sharp teeth, the colossal Indominus rex will lunge from her hillside setting, stalking guests just before they descend the giant waterfall drop to escape her grasp.
From magical spells to magical creatures, from dark villains to daring heroes, it’s all at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade, and sample fare from some of the wizarding world’s best-known establishments. Plus experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magical thrills and excitement. Blake and I have read all the Harry Potter books and we have seen all the movies, so this world is one of our favorites and the rides are amazing.
Vehicles from the 'Fast & Furious' franchise will be on display within the park. Blake and I have seen all the Fast & Furious movies. We love them.
Here are a list of rides and attractions you can't miss:
The Studio Tour (Upper Lot)
Flight of the Hippogriff (Upper Lot)
Dreamworks Theater Featuring Kung Fu Panda (Upper Lot)
Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey (Upper Lot)
Jurassic World The Ride (Lower Lot)
Revenge of the Mummy The Ride (Lower Lot)
Silly Swirly Fun Ride (Upper Lot)
Special Effects Show (Upper Lot)
Super Silly Fun Land (Upper Lot)
The Secret Life Of Pets: Off The Leash (Upper Lot)
The Simpsons Ride (Upper Lot)
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter (Upper Lot)
Transformers The Ride 3D (Lower Lot)
Universal's Animal Actors (Upper Lot)
Water World (Upper Lot)
While it was great visiting Universal Studios, my favorite time to visit Universal Studios is during the holidays when Grinchmas is taking place throughout the park. It is seriously the BEST! Check out my last two blog posts from previous visits to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood, located adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, scores with today’s opening of its newest dining establishment, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, leveling up the concept of sports-themed dining with state-of-the-art HDTV screens at the iconic destination. There are 40 plus beers on tap and the food is amazing. There are wings, tacos, nachos, pretzels, salads, burgers, sandwiches, desserts, and more! There is something for everyone.
Make sure you take the time to explore Universal CityWalk. There is so much to see and do. You can eat, shop, explore, play and so much more! There is even a movie theater. You could spend all day just exploring Universal CityWalk. Click here for a list of restaurants and shops.
Halloween Horror Nights is Back with a Vengeance…
Universal Studios Hollywood announces tickets NOW on sale for Halloween Horror Nights and addition of The Exorcist and The Curse of Pandora’s Box Mazes to the killer line-up. Kicking off on Thursday, September 9 and running select nights through Sunday, October 31. Click Here to purchase tickets.
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