Universal Studios Hollywood is a terrific theme park experience here in Los Angeles, and it’s always a fun time when you go. This Summer, there are 10 extra reasons to visit – and some are brand new!
If you’ve been to Universal Studios before, you know you’ll have a chance to see things like the Waterworld show, go on some super fun rides, and possibly hang out with some Minions – or tons of other characters from the Universal family. And of course there’s the world- famous Studio Tour Tram Ride.
But this Summer there are 5 brand new reasons to visit, in addition to the 5 more still-awesome reasons to come!
10 Reasons to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood this Summer:
1. The new Jurassic World ride is open! Finally!
Jurassic World – The Ride is now open and as they say, “It just got real!” Inspired by the Jurassic World movies, this totally reimagined and redesigned ride is sure to delight and scare the pants off you and your whole family. More dinosaurs, more magic, more screams – still the same splash at the end! You WILL get wet on this ride – and in the Summer, that’s great!
2. New Raptor Encounter w/ Blue and Baby Raptor
Have you ever met a Velociraptor up close? Well, you’ll get your chance at the park’s brand new “Raptor Encounter.” Blue, one of the most popular velociraptors from the blockbuster Jurassic World franchise (and I’m told a close personal friend of Chris Pratt) comes out to say hello and pose for pictures every 30 minutes, and the dudes assigned to handle her get to ham it up every time. Plus there’s a baby raptor that you can pet.
3. Delicious Food and drinks at the new Jurassic Cafe and Isla Nu-Bar
There’s a new restaurant in town at Universal, and it’s serving Costa Rican-inspired cuisine. Plus the Isla Nu-Bar is serving Tiki Cocktails. The portions at the restaurant are huge, and the food I sampled was amazing. You get your money’s worth for sure.
4. Nighttime Lights Are Back and Darker than Ever – But Not For Long
The famous and delightful Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are back for a limited time. This Summer’s show is called Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle, and plays nightly through August 11th. So hurry!
Pro Tip: pay the extra fee and get the Express Pass. It lets you cut to the front of the line on practically every ride and experience, and saves you from literally hours of standing in line.
5. Guy Diamond the Troll is here to Dance with You
Dreamworks’ Trolls return to the park as Guy Diamond joins Poppy and Branch for a Summer of glittery fun.
6. DreamWorks Theatre
Visit the DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest,” which opened in 2018. It’s a gorgeous new venue, with an immersive visual and motion experience, showcasing DreamWorks animation films in newly-created stories, designed especially and exclusively for this theater. The screen wraps around half of the room, and the theatre seating moves with the action. Bonus? It’s air-conditioned!
7. Dress up Like Hermione and Snape
Got a Prom anytime soon? Or do you just feel like being the best-dressed people in town? Then check out the newest items for sales at Gladrags Wizardwear. Costume replicas of Professor Severus Snape’s robe and Hermione’s Yule Ball dress, which are conveniently available in adult and kid sizes. Gorgeous and with amazing attention to detail.
Looking for places to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood?
Try one of these VRBO rentals or Hotels via our Stay22 Map and Affiliate links.
8. Say it with me: Butterbeer!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been one of the big draws at Universal Studios ever since it opened, and Butterbeer (the beverage) has been a big hit. Whether you’re interested in cold Butterbeer for the Summer, or Hot Butterbeer in the Winter, it’s all good.
9. New Wand Magic Inside Wizarding World of Harry Potter
It must be said that we are Harry Potter fans here at MomsLA, so we love seeing Hogsmeade come to life at the Wizarding World. They’ve made it extra fun with the wand magic spots around the park, and now there are two new ones to try out: the Incendio fire-making spell and the Alohomora unlocking spell.
10. The park is a terrific Family Experience
As if 1-9 weren’t enough reasons, the fact is that Universal Studios is not only a theme park, but is one of the oldest working studio lots in Hollywood. It’s where the magic gets made, and the tram ride takes you through a living history of American cinema.
Plus, there are misting fans placed all over the park so it’s less likely you’ll melt from the heat, and we didn’t even get to mention all the shows – wow! , There are a lot of reasons to take your family to Universal Studios Hollywood this Summer.
Sarah Auerswald is the co-Founder of MomsLA.com. MomsLA was given complimentary admission to the park for this review.
