What’s New at Universal Studios Hollywood
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
It was good to be back after so long to one of our favorite places in Southern California… Universal Studios. And like always, it definitely did NOT disappoint. We enjoyed all our favorite rides, attractions, characters, treats and experienced some new favorites this time around as well.
Like…….
The all new Secret Life of Pets ride
Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
Guests will first be “wowed” by the perfect replica of Katie’s NYC apartment building on Pet’s Place, where the “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” ride takes place. The 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 characters from the movies; including: Max, Snowball, Gidget, Chloe and Duke, along with other animal friends, who have all been transformed and transported into the live-action world. This ride is fun, sweet, visually appealing and so much more. Riders old and young will simply adore this new experience!
*Riders must be 34″ to ride- 2 guests per vehicle- no 3D
The line for this ride is half the fun and entertains throughout. I love when they do this! It makes waiting for the ride so much more enjoyable as you enjoy darling animatronics, videos, large colorful props, and more.
Next up for the day was checking out the new Indominus Rex on the Jurassic World Ride
Jurassic World- The Ride
This is an absolute favorite of ours, especially since they made the latest changes from Jurassic Park to Jurassic World.
Read more in depth about our first experiences with all the changes here.
And recently they added yet another element that was absolute genius! The ride now brings guests face-to-face with the 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. Spanning nearly 55 feet horizontally from head to tail and over 22 feet vertically, the Indominus’ imposing presence will be amplified by an unprecedented level of authenticity. Indominus rex will lunge from her hillside setting, stalking guests just before they descend the giant waterfall drop to escape her grasp.
We rode with a gentleman who at the end of the ride kept screaming, “Yeah Baby! That was incredible! Best ride ever! Whooooo!!! Whoooo!” His excitement over the ride was not only spot on, but also contagious! Everyone should have this incredible experience!
Watch the old video *without the Indominus Rex here
Then purchase your ticket to see the new and improved ride in person at Universal Studios’ website HERE.
You might be getting a little hungry by this point. Might I recommend checking out the Minion Cafe.
Minions Cafe
What once was known as Gru’s Lab has been transformed into a fun, colorful, and banana loving cafe, perfect for your day in Super Silly Fun Land.
With a fun, circular take on items like grilled cheese, nachos, ramen, and even salad, there is something for everyone!
And the desserts not only taste amazing, but are quite a feast for the eyes! We loved our blue raspberry and banana frozen yogurt slushy- topped with banana candy and an adorable minion straw.
The food was as good as the atmosphere. And finish it off with a fun run through the splash pad right there. Don’t forget a bathing suit and sandals!
And after a full day of fun- the best way to end it is at Universal City Walk right outside the park. The City Walk is an entertainment, shopping and dining complex that also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal City Walk Cinema. Enjoy the fun night life that happens there and be sure to grab some dinner at the all new NBC Sports Grill and Brew.
NBC Sports Grill and Brew
The NBC Sports Grill and Brew is a good time; especially for the sports lover in your life. Located across from the light up fountains, guests can enjoy all-star food while watching live sporting events (we watched the Bucks beat the Suns game 6 right there) on one of the MANY high definition screens on both the interior and exterior of the restaurant. The expansive menu curated by Executive Chef Marie Grimm is a mix of tasty classics and incredible new creations including burgers, ribs, steak, chicken and more and also offers 40+ beers (craft and bottled). This place is a party, which also makes it a good time with the family as you don’t have to worry much about your kids getting too loud!
Other info to know before visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
*For an extra fee guests can purchase an Xpress Lane, which allows you to bypass the line one time per ride throughout the day. (I highly recommend it at peak season).
*Virtual Line technology is another component for specific rides. Designed to help guests maximize their leisure time at the theme park. Guests can access Virtual Line via the official Universal Studios Hollywood app, available for free in the App Store and on Google Play or they can visit the Virtual Line kiosk located in the New York City subway station, situated adjacent to the The Secret Life of Pets ride. Both provide guests with options to experience rides based on the next available times and will be available to guests within the theme park as needed.
*Child Swap for families with younger children who cannot ride due to height limitations, be sure to ask a worker for a child swap pass, which allows the parent riding the second time + 1 guest to bypass the line. Wonderful for parents like us with a little one!
*Masks as of 7/20 are required indoors regardless of vaccination status
Universal Studios is quite honestly one of our favorite amusement parks in all of California. If you haven’t been recently, it’s time to go back. This place is amazing. Take in a show, ride the amazing rides, play on one of many themed playgrounds, get a behind look on the studio tour, meet your favorite characters around the park, and grab a treat (like frozen butterbeer or a big pink donut). There is no shortage of fun found at Universal Studios.
For more information check out Universal Studios Hollywood website here.
Or read more about our past experiences here, and here
Annnnnnd for more Southern California adventures be sure to follow us at instagram.com/socalfunfamily
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