All things Universal Studios Hollywood

[Too Many Hats]

Really appreciate the USH tips, everyone!

I actually ended up heading over to USH the same day I wrote that post asking for tips, haha. The lines were just so short, I couldn't resist (and also my wife and I had nothing better to do on the 4th of July lol). Maybe not the best use of money (a 1-day ticket is crazy overpriced, for sure), but oh well, we had a fantastic time.

The park was so empty that employees were handing out free Express passes. And then the lines were so short, we didn't even need the Express passes.

So thanks again for the itinerary suggestions! But there was no need for a strategy.

 

[Too Many Hats]

Any reason you don’t want to ride The Mummy? It’s one of the best rides in the park through sheer virtue or not being a screen ride and being coaster. Aside from all that it is fun. Not as good as the Orlando version from what I heard

You're completely right. Mummy was like a breath of fresh air.

I almost skipped it. I'd ridden it when I visited the park a few years ago (after a 60 min wait) and was disappointed by its inferiority to the Florida version (which is still cheesy, but longer, more thrilling, and better themed -- have you seen a POV? There's a fire effect in Florida that's totally insane). But it was a walk-on during this visit, and man, as a coaster it really does pack a punch for such a tiny footprint (there's a couple solid airtime moments). The theming still leaves a lot to be desired (the screens are pure cringe) and I wouldn't say it's a great attraction, but I was so glad I rode it. Really speaks to the need for a more diverse selection of attractions at USH.

For the tram tour go for for the third tram car as you have the best views during the various attractions throughout the ride. Right side I believe is better. Just tell the Cast Member you want to sit there.

Yeah, screwed this up. Ended up in the way back left of the last car, surrounded by guests who very badly wanted to hear themselves talk/shout over the tram tour guide. It was the only seat available; in retrospect we should've just waited for the next tram.

Get lunch at Three broomsticks. Food is just ok but ambiance is cool. Its better than almost everything else I’ve had in the park which to be honest isn’t much.

The ambiance is incredible; I had to pull myself away after finishing my meal. Got the fish and chips -- pretty solid for theme park food.

 

[Too Many Hats]

Definitely recommend making Secret Life of Pets one of your first stops.

Secret Life of Pets is probably the most satisfying attraction in the park. Bright and upbeat, packed with clever visual humor, impressively detailed, and (I imagine) endlessly re-rideable (unlike several one-and-done USH attractions). The AAs are relatively rudimentary but there are so, so many of them, and they're complemented/bolstered by charming sets and a very tasteful use of screens. Kind of blown away by the queue. What a joyous ride.

The Special Effects Show has also temporarily returned for the summer and is a good time - some cool live stunts.

Ah, wish I'd seen this post before I went. I'll admit I didn't even know this attraction existed. Just googled it and am now realizing I missed out.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Really appreciate the USH tips, everyone!

I actually ended up heading over to USH the same day I wrote that post asking for tips, haha. The lines were just so short, I couldn't resist (and also my wife and I had nothing better to do on the 4th of July lol). Maybe not the best use of money (a 1-day ticket is crazy overpriced, for sure), but oh well, we had a fantastic time.

The park was so empty that employees were handing out free Express passes. And then the lines were so short, we didn't even need the Express passes.

So thanks again for the itinerary suggestions! But there was no need for a strategy.

Hopefully you saved those passes for later. On my last day as an USH team member, I took a bunch of passes with me lol.

You should have upgraded your ticket to a pass! The cheapest pass is seriously cheap (not meant to be funny, but yeah).

 

[Too Many Hats]

Hopefully you saved those passes for later. On my last day as an USH team member, I took a bunch of passes with me lol.

You should have upgraded your ticket to a pass! The cheapest pass is seriously cheap (not meant to be funny, but yeah).

Haha, I do actually still have them. But they were just paper passes, and I'm assuming eligible only for 7/4/2022. I played rock-paper-scissors against a team member and won, and she just handed me a stack.

I thought about getting the cheapest pass, but it has a lot of Saturday blockout dates. And honestly, even though I had a great time (and consider SLOP and Forbidden Journey/Hogsmeade/Butterbeer to be spectacular) and live only 20 minutes away, USH feels like more of a once-every-few-years place to me. But yeah, the lower-tier passes are way more cost-effective than a 1-day ticket.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Haha, I do actually still have them. But they were just paper passes, and I'm assuming eligible only for 7/4/2022. I played rock-paper-scissors against a team member and won, and she just handed me a stack.

I thought about getting the cheapest pass, but it has a lot of Saturday blockout dates. And honestly, even though I had a great time (and consider SLOP and Forbidden Journey/Hogsmeade/Butterbeer to be spectacular) and live only 20 minutes away, USH feels like more of a once-every-few-years place to me. But yeah, the lower-tier passes are way more cost-effective than a 1-day ticket.

If they look like the passes that were there when I was working there, there should be a barcode with no expiration dates. It’s possible they’ve changed, but I’d still save them.

Gotcha. If that’s the case, then I agree that a pass wouldn’t make sense.

 

[mickEblu]

You're completely right. Mummy was like a breath of fresh air.

It does really pack a punch! And for whatever reason, the beginning of the ride works for me. I cant wait until my son is 48" as he likes coasters. Also cant wait for him to be tall enough for FJ and to stop being scared of Jurassic World. It's pretty much A Taste of Simulators when I take him.

eah, screwed this up. Ended up in the way back left of the last car, surrounded by guests who very badly wanted to hear themselves talk/shout over the tram tour guide. It was the only seat available; in retrospect we should've just waited for the next tram.

Oh no! Just rode it yesterday and I can now confirm 100% that Car 3, right side is the best place to be.

The ambiance is incredible; I had to pull myself away after finishing my meal. Got the fish and chips -- pretty solid for theme park food.

Ate there yesterday! Got the bangers and mash. Now I have no idea if it tastes like proper bangers and mash but I enjoyed it! Like you said - solid for a theme park. The plate came with mashed potatoes topped with gravy and "carmelized" onions, cabbage, peas, and a roasted tomato. Just really works in that setting. Its my second time getting it and I have never ever seen anybody in there ordering it or eating it. I think I'm the only one.

Anyway I had to buy a new annual pass to get in yesterday so I'm hoping we have at least 5-6 months with Super Nintendo Land next year.

 

[Too Many Hats]

It does really pack a punch! And for whatever reason, the beginning of the ride works for me.

I think my issue is, both times I've ridden, I haven't really understood the significance of what's going on story-wise (especially since I skipped the queue via Express pass this time). Admittedly I haven't seen the Mummy films. And so the campy effects seem kind of ridiculous.

But yeah, as a coaster, it's surprisingly thrilling. I'd go so far as to say it's more satisfying (as a coaster) than Big Thunder, Matterhorn, or Space Mountain.

I cant wait until my son is 48" as he likes coasters. Also cant wait for him to be tall enough for FJ and to stop being scared of Jurassic World. It's pretty much A Taste of Simulators when I take him.

Hahaha. USH is lacking in a lot of categories, but especially children's attractions. SLOP seems like a deliberate course-correction; hopefully he enjoys that ride?

Oh no! Just rode it yesterday and I can now confirm 100% that Car 3, right side is the best place to be.

That sounds about right. "Up ahead, you can see the flying cars from Back to the Future 2!" -- and in the back row you see them about 20 seconds later . On the far left, you miss Jaws entirely.

Ate there yesterday! Got the bangers and mash. Now I have no idea if it tastes like proper bangers and mash but I enjoyed it! Like you said - solid for a theme park. The plate came with mashed potatoes topped with gravy and "carmelized" onions, cabbage, peas, and a roasted tomato. Just really works in that setting. Its my second time getting it and I have never ever seen anybody in there ordering it or eating it. I think I'm the only one.

It looks solid in photos, and I've heard from friends it's pretty good. Again, graded on a curve for theme park food, but I'm going to assume way more satisfying than a mediocre burger or pizza.

Anyway I had to buy a new annual pass to get in yesterday so I'm hoping we have at least 5-6 months with Super Nintendo Land next year.

In retrospect, I probably should've gotten a pass (for this reason). After watching a POV of the Mario Kart ride a while back, I kind of lost interest in Nintendo Land entirely, but that may have been an overreaction (the land itself looks kinetic and very well done). Once the land opens here, it'll be pretty tempting to check it out. Maybe I'll grab a pass at that time.

 

[Phroobar]

Here is a look at Super Nintendo Land, the Nope tram tour and some of the mazes for HHN. Super Nintendo Land is looking fantastic. Looks like Bower's castle is nearly finished. There are lots of animated characters on the buildings. It's pretty cool to drive through Jupiter's Claim from Nope.

 

[Rich T]

More IOA thoughts from a Californian…

Zipped down to Islands of Adventure for a quick morning visit and to buy a couple of recently restocked attraction posters.

Rode Hagrid’s again — Better than ever and all effects and animatronics working beautifully. The preshow with Hagrid and Arthur Weasley is back! My first time seeing this part. The ride story always made sense without it, but now the big, elaborate pre-board room with the illusion ceiling fits clearly into the story as well. I got paired with a gentleman who’d never ridden before, so I did the right thing and asked him if he wanted the motorbike or sidecar. He said either was fine, so… motorbike for me! Seriously, who would ever pick the sidecar?

Even though TP listed today as a 4/10 crowd day, the place was very, very busy. Temperature was about 95 by 11 AM, so I took one relaxed photo-snapping trip around the park, bought the posters and the Platform 9 3/4 sign, ate lunch at Confisco and headed home. I’m looking forward to visiting the resort when the weather doesn’t feel like a steam room.

Honestly, Islands of Adventure is my favorite current American theme park that’s not named Disneyland, and that’s entirely based on the strengths of 6 of its 8 lands. And even the two comic-based lands in desperate need of updating contain great attractions.

I really don’t know what they can do to help Toon Lagoon, short of naming it Boomerville. I mean, *I* get it, it makes me smile, and I even understand every single joke and reference in the land’s obnoxious music loop (those poor, poor under-60 CMs ). I’m certain the folks who designed it are my age and fellow Bullwinkle/Popeye/Pogo/Beetle Bailey fans. What younger folks think of this area I can only guess at. Every time I walk through it, I feel like it’s a land designed just for me.

The CMs throughout the park were top notch, and the waitress at Confisco was one of the most fun and considerate CMs I’ve ever encountered anywhere.

Great morning despite crowds and heat.

 

[Professortango1]

More IOA thoughts from a Californian…

Zipped down to Islands of Adventure for a quick morning visit and to buy a couple of recently restocked attraction posters.

Rode Hagrid’s again — Better than ever and all effects and animatronics working beautifully. The preshow with Hagrid and Arthur Weasley is back! My first time seeing this part. The ride story always made sense without it, but now the big, elaborate pre-board room with the illusion ceiling fits clearly into the story as well. I got paired with a gentleman who’d never ridden before, so I did the right thing and asked him if he wanted the motorbike or sidecar. He said either was fine, so… motorbike for me! Seriously, who would ever pick the sidecar?

Even though TP listed today as a 4/10 crowd day, the place was very, very busy. Temperature was about 95 by 11 AM, so I took one relaxed photo-snapping trip around the park, bought the posters and the Platform 9 3/4 sign, ate lunch at Confisco and headed home. I’m looking forward to visiting the resort when the weather doesn’t feel like a steam room.

Honestly, Islands of Adventure is my favorite current American theme park that’s not named Disneyland, and that’s entirely based on the strengths of 6 of its 8 lands. And even the two comic-based lands in desperate need of updating contain great attractions.

I really don’t know what they can do to help Toon Lagoon, short of naming it Boomerville. I mean, *I* get it, it makes me smile, and I even understand every single joke and reference in the land’s obnoxious music loop (those poor, poor under-60 CMs ). I’m certain the folks who designed it are my age and fellow Bullwinkle/Popeye/Pogo/Beetle Bailey fans. What younger folks think of this area I can only guess at. Every time I walk through it, I feel like it’s a land designed just for me.

The CMs throughout the park were top notch, and the waitress at Confisco was one of the most fun and considerate CMs I’ve ever encountered anywhere.

Great morning despite crowds and heat.

While I may not love the IP of Toon Lagoon, I will say that Popeye and Bluto's is a killer ride. It is one of my favourite rides at the resort. Rip Saw Falls has an incredible facade and splash down, I just wish the rest of the ride didn't feel as cheap as it does.

 

[PiratesMansion]

While I may not love the IP of Toon Lagoon, I will say that Popeye and Bluto's is a killer ride. It is one of my favourite rides at the resort. Rip Saw Falls has an incredible facade and splash down, I just wish the rest of the ride didn't feel as cheap as it does.

If there's any ride that could benefit from an overlay, Ripsaw Falls is it. The actual flume is great-potentially better than Splash Mountain-but there's limited scenery and it's very cheap. What should be a showcase ride feels like they only remembered they needed to theme it a week before the place opened.

The water rides are great fun, but I only do them if I bring a change of clothes and water shoes. I can't justify the Toon Lagoon rides otherwise, even though I love them!

 

[tcool123]

More IOA thoughts from a Californian…

Zipped down to Islands of Adventure for a quick morning visit and to buy a couple of recently restocked attraction posters.

Rode Hagrid’s again — Better than ever and all effects and animatronics working beautifully. The preshow with Hagrid and Arthur Weasley is back! My first time seeing this part. The ride story always made sense without it, but now the big, elaborate pre-board room with the illusion ceiling fits clearly into the story as well. I got paired with a gentleman who’d never ridden before, so I did the right thing and asked him if he wanted the motorbike or sidecar. He said either was fine, so… motorbike for me! Seriously, who would ever pick the sidecar?

Even though TP listed today as a 4/10 crowd day, the place was very, very busy. Temperature was about 95 by 11 AM, so I took one relaxed photo-snapping trip around the park, bought the posters and the Platform 9 3/4 sign, ate lunch at Confisco and headed home. I’m looking forward to visiting the resort when the weather doesn’t feel like a steam room.

Honestly, Islands of Adventure is my favorite current American theme park that’s not named Disneyland, and that’s entirely based on the strengths of 6 of its 8 lands. And even the two comic-based lands in desperate need of updating contain great attractions.

I really don’t know what they can do to help Toon Lagoon, short of naming it Boomerville. I mean, *I* get it, it makes me smile, and I even understand every single joke and reference in the land’s obnoxious music loop (those poor, poor under-60 CMs ). I’m certain the folks who designed it are my age and fellow Bullwinkle/Popeye/Pogo/Beetle Bailey fans. What younger folks think of this area I can only guess at. Every time I walk through it, I feel like it’s a land designed just for me.

The CMs throughout the park were top notch, and the waitress at Confisco was one of the most fun and considerate CMs I’ve ever encountered anywhere.

Great morning despite crowds and heat.

Was at Islands yesterday as well! The park was empty when I got there around 4 PM! Hulk was a walk on so rode it twice, Storm Force was running near empty cycles, Spiderman was a short five minute wait, Jurassic Park River Adventure another walk on, and got to enjoy Posiedon’s Fury. Then left to go do some homework at home

Marvel Superhero Island is better than Avengers Campus, however Avengers Campus does make the land feel alive thanks to the constant entertainment offerings from meet and greets to stunt shows to the dr strange thing there’s always stuff happening!

 

[Professortango1]

Was at Islands yesterday as well! The park was empty when I got there around 4 PM! Hulk was a walk on so rode it twice, Storm Force was running near empty cycles, Spiderman was a short five minute wait, Jurassic Park River Adventure another walk on, and got to enjoy Posiedon’s Fury. Then left to go do some homework at home

Marvel Superhero Island is better than Avengers Campus, however Avengers Campus does make the land feel alive thanks to the constant entertainment offerings from meet and greets to stunt shows to the dr strange thing there’s always stuff happening!

Yep, I always visit during August and its absurdly empty. Plus, if you time it right, you can celebrate Halloween in the middle of Summer.

 

[Californian Elitist]

An Us/Nope crossover this Halloween on the backlot:

An Iconic Universal Studios Hollywood Attraction Is Giving Us The Jordan Peele Crossover We All Need

Two Jordan Peele movies are coming together in an epic crossover.

www.cinemablend.com

 

[Rich T]

Yep, I always visit during August and its absurdly empty.

Here are a few pics I took at IOA between early entry and noon yesterday. I’m still a newbie to Florida—Is this unusually crowded for August or am I just an old spoiled brat who calls more than ten people a crowd? ( I avoided the parks entirely from late June until now). Is my early morning timing backfiring on me?

 

[Rich T]

Was at Islands yesterday as well! The park was empty when I got there around 4 PM! Hulk was a walk on so rode it twice, Storm Force was running near empty cycles, Spiderman was a short five minute wait, Jurassic Park River Adventure another walk on, and got to enjoy Posiedon’s Fury. Then left to go do some homework at home

Me, I arrived a half hour before Early Entry to find a couple thousand resort guests already lined up in front of me. Waited an hour for Hagrid’s. Walking counterclockwise post-early entry, ran into crowds everywhere. I think I’m doing this backwards.

 

[Professortango1]

Here are a few pics I took at IOA between early entry and noon yesterday. I’m still a newbie to Florida—Is this unusually crowded for August or am I just an old spoiled brat who calls more than ten people a crowd? ( I avoided the parks entirely from late June until now). Is my early morning timing backfiring on me?
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I'm terrible at judging by walkway concentration. I know when we went last in late August, we were able to ride most major attractions with a wait time of 20-45 minutes. Breezing through the massive extended queues for rides like Mummy and Spider-Man lead me to believe that these waits would be 2-4 times as long just weeks earlier.

The longest line we experienced was Kong, which luckily we walked through because my fatness wouldn't let me ride Forbidden Journey so we got a pass to skip the line. I'm glad we were able to skip it as I found Kong to be insanely disappointing and I don't see me riding it again outside of the Hollywood version on the Tram Tour.

 

[Professortango1]

Me, I arrived a half hour before Early Entry to find a couple thousand resort guests already lined up in front of me. Waited an hour for Hagrid’s. Walking counterclockwise post-early entry, ran into crowds everywhere. I think I’m doing this backwards.

Hargid's will be the rope drop ride for awhile as it and Velocicoaster are the new attractions and Hagrid's appeals to those who aren't into big coasters or prefer more storytelling/themeing on a theme park ride.

 

[Rich T]

I'm terrible at judging by walkway concentration. I know when we went last in late August, we were able to ride most major attractions with a wait time of 20-45 minutes. Breezing through the massive extended queues for rides like Mummy and Spider-Man lead me to believe that these waits would be 2-4 times as long just weeks earlier.

The longest line we experienced was Kong, which luckily we walked through because my fatness wouldn't let me ride Forbidden Journey so we got a pass to skip the line. I'm glad we were able to skip it as I found Kong to be insanely disappointing and I don't see me riding it again outside of the Hollywood version on the Tram Tour.

Ok, thanks—it sounds like I’m just being a spoiled brat. I’d gotten so used to pre-summer early entry low waits that I’ve forgotten 20-45 minute standby lines are very reasonable for a major theme park.