Universal Studios Hollywood

I recently flew out to California for my first visit to Universal Studios Hollywood – technically, it was my first visit in 30 years!  The trip was part of an agent training where we also spent a couple of days at Disneyland (see my blog post) and took a tour of Hollywood.

While in California, we did a split stay at Disney’s Grand Californian and The Garland in North Hollywood.  The Garland is a retro boutique hotel just minutes from Universal Studios Hollywood and the Brady Bunch House.  I really loved the vibe of this hotel, and the location was perfect for us.  The hotel offers a super cute “Let the Good Times Roll” trolley that provides guests transportation directly to/from Universal.  We hopped right on the trolley to start our day at Universal Studios Hollywood!

After the trolley dropped us off, we checked in at the red carpet for our VIP experience!  Our VIP tour began with a light breakfast and then a studio tour (included with admission to Universal Studios Hollywood).  If you’re into movies and shows like me, then this is the tour for you.  We traveled through the historic backlot passing sound stages, attractions, and sets like The Good Place and Jupiter’s Clair from Nope (Jordan Peele’s latest film).  The studio tour is included with admission, but VIPs get an upgraded version.

Following the studio tour, we headed back into the park for rides!  One of the many perks of the VIP tour is having Express Pass (front-of-the-line access) to all the rides included.  Not having to wait in any lines is HUGE, especially on a busy day in the park.  We journeyed through New York City on The Secret Life of Pets ride, transformed into minions on Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem, helped save the planet on Transformers – 3D, and even escaped from Jurassic World (our guide handed out ponchos for this one)!

As VIPs, our lunch was served in the Moulin Rouge Restaurant, which is exclusive to VIPs.  The all-you-can-eat gourmet buffet was delicious, and we enjoyed the views overlooking the lower lot and the San Fernando Mountains. 

Like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood features the Wizarding World of Harry Potter; however, there is only one land (Hogsmeade) and no Hogwarts Express.  But there IS butterbeer!  In Hogsmeade, we rode on Flight of the Hippogriff, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, shopped for treats, and finished off with a frozen butterbeer.

Our VIP tour ended with the WaterWorld stunt show where we somehow managed to stay dry (this is definitely a water show and you will get wet!), and then we wrapped up our day watching the Universal’s Animal Actors show before hopping back on the trolley and returning to our hotel.

We were all pretty exhausted after a full day at the park, but of course we still had to take an evening stroll to check out the Brady Bunch house.  Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!  

Are you ready for the VIP treatment at Universal Studios Hollywood?  Our agents at Pineapple Escapes would love to help you plan your visit!

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