Universal Studios Our First Family Visit - All You Need To Know Plus Autism Tips & Something I'd Never Do! #UniversalStudios

Universal Studios Hollywood is Pure Movie Magic Brought to Life

 

First Visits Are Always The Best... We've waited a while to visit Universal Studios Hollywood as a family.

 



 

It's a big step to take to enjoy everything Hollywood Movie Magic with kids and one on the Autism Spectrum.

 

 

Thank you to Universal Studios for having us out to experience Dark Art show on the Hogwarts Castle. Not only did we enjoy wizarding entertainment but we explored the park early beforehand! All Opinions are my own.

 

 

Since it was our first visit I thought it would be fun to do a complete separate post on just that! Tips and feedback on our 6.5 hour day at Universal Studios Hollywood. You can find our blog post on all things Wizarding World of Harry Potter here.

 

 

The lay out and navigating Universal Studios

 

There is really no way to start or finish as we found that returning to all the lands or parts of the park were a must to see more.

 

When you enter the main gate and of course take that iconic shot... grab a map and pick a starting point. Snaps some photos of your favorites along the way!

 



 

Upper and lower lots are filled with things to do but main events and shows are on the upper lot.

 

We were told by a Universal team member that it's best to take the Studio Back Lot Tram Tour during the day so that we would be able to see everything. So I'm passing along that tip.

 

 

The lower lot is stair or escalade accessible. If wheel chair is needed you can take an elevator down one leave then catch a bus ride to the bottom. Always a way to help everyone enjoy.

 

Jurassic World will be open later this year but you can peek at the construction going on coming down the escalators or riding up.

 



 

Lower lot you will find Transformers and Mummy Rides. Both are amazing and the whole family rode them.

 



 

We totally loved both rides. Lockers are available to store your goodies.. do it.. not only is it asked and suggested but the ride is super bumpy and crazy fun so just keep your bags safe!

 

 

The upper lot has just about everything else.

 

Catch that Studio Tour Tram and enjoy an hour of so much interactive movie set history it will keep you on the edge of your seat. So much so that my son had to swap over to the middle from the window seat.. haha!

 



 

 

I love that I now know how my parents felt watching my face as Jaws went by the tram when I was a kid. Priceless really!

 



 

 

Growing up the Simpson's were always a comedic relief weekly from school or soccer so of course we had to introduce the iconic funny family to our family.. right!? Yes.

 



 

Everything you can imagine seeing on TV is exactly what you walk around on site at Universal Studios.

 

 



 

My sons favorite is the Despicable Me movie line... he's a huge fan. Who am I kidding we all are.

 

Hogwarts Castle Overcome by Dark Arts Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood is Wizarding - A Must See! #DarkArts

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Is A Must See In Person

 

It's whimsically magical, with a twist of dark wizardry, the Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle is magnificent for all ages to see.

 

 





 

While our recent trip, our first family trip, to Universal Studios Hollywood we were privileged to catch a preview of the new show. All Opinions are my own, thank you Universal for the experience.

 

Step into Hogsmeade and walk into a whole world of Wizarding adventures....

 

 

I was in awe watching not only what was happening right in front of my eyes that seemed like reality but also listening to my kids ask if the Castle would be okay cause we could see the inside!

 

We've seen a few videos on YouTube and they just don't do justice to seeing something like this in person. I can not rave enough about the reality you think you are seeing while the lights and even drones used captive you in those 7.5 minutes of the show.

 

 



 

If anyone is sensitive to loud noises, bright lights or effects be aware to see a video on line and prep for any special needs. There is closer up viewing and further back so that may help too

Inside Hogsmead it is really as if you were on set walking the streets and ready to shop for your wand, pet, sweets and robe.


Around Hogsmeade

 

Ready to board the Hogwarts Express... must do photo stop.

 



 

Everything  about the Wizarding World is just potterhead amazing. One could get lost in the shops for hours and come out with many things from wands to chocolate frogs. A must right.
 

There's two rides,  a roller coaster that is pleasantly smooth and fun for the whole family and of course one inside the castle.



Keep an eye out in line and on the ride for special effects that bring you right into the movie as you remember it!



 

Everything about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is so cool there is just no other way to say it. We loved it!!
 

Ideally we would have loved one more hour to brows around and look at all the fine details but more of a reason not return.

 

There is a lot to see and so we could have spent the whole day there really.

 

 



Harry Potter is Coming to Universal Studios in a Wizarding World of a way!

It is true! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be Open on Thursday, April 7th 2016!

Universal City, California, December 8, 2015 – It’s official: “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” will open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, April 7, 2016, marking the highly-anticipated arrival of the West Coast’s dynamic new immersive experience at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.

More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is being masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood. The land will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.

From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen.

Upon entering the land through the archway, Hogsmeade will bustle to life with the same vitality of a quaint local village: merchants hard at work, a train conductor welcoming new arrivals and a pub packed to the gills with hungry patrons, but with the added element of enthusiastic guests intent on experiencing them all, including the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” and the family outdoor coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™.”

An achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will make its U.S. debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in hyper-realistic 3D-HD designed to further immerse guests in an already engaging storyline. The multidimensional thrill ride features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. In this updated adaptation of the ride, guests will sport Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles as they venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.

Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™” will open as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™, and Hog's Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.

A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™.

Currently, Universal Studios Hollywood in-park guests can experience and purchase authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles from "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," available within the Features Presentation shop, located just inside the theme park’s main entry.

As the countdown to the April 7th opening date continues, the website invites guests to learn more by signing up for the latest news and information at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/harrypotter/signup.

Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

We are so excited, can't wait for the fun and magic of Harry Potter.