How Busy Is Universal Studios Hollywood

With its annual event, Halloween Horror Nights, now in it’s 20th year, along with The Great Movie Ride and Studio Tour, there are not many opportunities to take a break from all of the attractions at this theme park.

That is, unless you like over-the-top horror stories that are very entertaining! If you do, then these events are for you as they feature elaborate sets and costumes used to tell scary tales that usually include some kind of shock value or gore.

While most people enjoy attending these events, some find them too gory or even disturbing which may be an issue if you are a parent or kid who does not feel comfortable being exposed to such content.

The shows

There are many ways to experience all of the different attractions at Universal Studios, but you must know which ones are worth your time. Some people may not feel that watching a movie is enough so they spend hours in rides like Transformers or Despicable Me.

The Horror Make-up Show is an interactive show where guests get to watch actors do horror make-up effects. This includes doing scary makeup and creating horrifying scenes.

There’s also a scene where characters dress up as villains from popular movies and TV shows. Guests can laugh and scream because it is very entertaining. If there is any fear, it’s probably due to the made up villain or situation.

Universal has some great classic monsters such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Mummy so attending those is worthwhile. They are quite spectacular to see!

Some say that experiencing the theme parks with children will help them grow up wanting to be creative and explore new things. As parents themselves, we wholeheartedly agree and think it’s important for kids to exploring other styles and genres.

Facilities like this one have inspired generations of young artists to pursue their dreams.

The restaurants

In fact, there are only two types of eateries at Universal Studios in California- full service restaurant facilities or quick food places. There are no middle ground locations that serve dishes that have to be ordered ahead of time or made to order.

All of the major chain restaurants can be found here at Universal Studios, with some even having their own theme! For example, you will find IHOP, Chili’s, Applebee's, and many more under one roof. This is very helpful as it cuts down on transportation time after work.

There are also several local fast food chains available for hungry guests looking for something familiar. Some examples include Chipotle, Taco Bell, Subway, and KFC (although we cannot emphasize this enough - try the chicken!).

If you are craving sushi then look out! MiO was just awarded Two Stars from Michelin which means truly amazing Japanese cuisine. They offer lunch and dinner menus and everything is beautifully presented.

Another great option is Orson, an all day breakfast place that offers omelettes, pancakes, and other American favorites. What makes them so special though, is they use housemade granola as the toppings. It really changes how you make your eggs and toast!

And if you are still awake at night while exploring the area, hop back on the bus and get back home early! All buses run through Universal City passing by most attractions along the way.

The shopping

With all of these new things opening at Universal, it can feel like there’s always something to do! Luckily, most people agree that the best way to enjoy this place is by sticking to the attractions and experiences for which it has become known.

If you’re looking to save some money, try skipping the expensive rides or shows during non-peak times. Or if you would just rather relax than ride an attraction, then stay away from those too!

There are many ways to spend your time here without spending extra money, so don’t feel obligated to visit every single one unless you really want to. For example, you could take a tour or ferry boat trip instead of riding the Volcano or Tower of Terror.

And while they may not be considered “attractions,” there are still plenty of ways to experience the magic of Universal. Visit Ithaca and the backlot area, check out any show that sounds interesting, watch a movie under the stars, and explore the theme parks in and around LA.

Future expansions

With all of these additions, what is next for Universal Orlando? The company has announced that they are planning to expand their theme park in various ways. These plans include adding more rides and experiences, as well as changing or expanding current attractions.

The first step towards expansion comes with the opening of the Volcano Bay water coaster this September. This boat-shaped ride will take riders through five different sections, including three interactive ones.

These areas will feature lush vegetation, geothermal activity and other inspiring features. When the boat docks at the end of the ride, it will be surrounded by an active volcano!

This doesn’t stop there though, as guests can hop onto another boat waiting to take off. It looks like you get two chances to calm down after the intense experience of riding the Volcano Bay!

Another upcoming project for the park is the Sesame Street area. Starting later this year, visitors will have the chance to meet favorite characters such as Bert, Grover and Elmo while exploring themed environments.

Universal Studios Hollywood is close to many Los Angeles landmarks

Located in California, Universal Studios Hollywood is just over an hour south of downtown LA via the Interstate 105/105W freeway or the Valley Route 101.

You can get here easily by train as well! The Gold Line stops right at the back gate entrance of the park, making it very accessible. You can even take bus routes like 663 or 710 if you would rather not spend money on gas.

If your favorite movie or TV show was about space, then you should know that this area has some pretty cool sci-fi touches. For example, the hotel where Phoebe gets a room after she wins a contest for a free trip online is called the Hotel DiCaprio.

There are many famous movies and TV shows set in Los Angeles

Many of us grow up watching films and television shows that feature settings, characters, or stories from L.A.. Some examples include The Notebook, Breaking Bad, Friends, House, Grey’s Anatomy, etc.

Film and TV studios have long used locations here to enhance their stories. It is not uncommon for it to be mentioned at least once per episode that someone lived or worked in this area, or that something happened in an alley just like one you would see outside any given building in LA.

This is how most people perceive California as a place - lots of buildings with little beyond their walls. But this isn’t true everywhere in our state!

Universal Studios is a perfect example of this. Not only does it boast over 100 rides and attractions, but it also has quite a reputation for its filming opportunities.

It was first established back in 1925 under the name “Los Santos Island” before being rebranded in 1926. Since then, it has become a popular destination for moviegoers and tourists alike due to its impressive array of experiences.

You can see a variety of different cultures in Los Angeles

There are so many ways to explore, understand, and enjoy the culture of Los Angeles beyond visiting major tourist attractions. Some people call this “living” or "experiencing" L A, but I like to think about it as cultural exploration.

There are museums dedicated to every conceivable topic (except perhaps for dinosaurs). There are theaters that focus on exploring diverse themes (no matter how much they may inspire laughter, action, or tears). And there are restaurants and bars with stories to tell from all over the world.

This is not an exhaustive list!

It is however, a pretty good start if you're looking to add some layers to your understanding of what makes America unique. I would recommend trying to visit at least one museum per day while in LA, and then choose which ones make up the rest of your tour.

See how to experience Los Angeles like a local

With so many attractions, restaurants, shopping areas and services available at Universal, it can be hard to know where to go and what to do next.

If you are visiting for the first time, there is no need to feel overwhelmed. There are some key locations in the area that are great for anyone’s schedule.

You can either take an organized tour or just explore on your own! Either way, here are our top tips for getting around and exploring easily.

1. Take an escorted tour

An escorted tour is best if you have a limited amount of time in LA and want to see the highlights efficiently. You will be picked up from one location and taken to the next, with stops made along the way for pictures and snacks.

Some popular places to visit during an escorted tour include The Architecture Tour, which takes visitors through all five buildings on the UCI campus; The Food and Wine Lovers Tour, where guests enjoy sampling food and drinks; and The Hidden Gems Tour, where participants learn about different cool sites throughout the city.

2. Visit during off-peak times

During less busy seasons, such as winter (spring and fall) and early summer (late autumn), most sights and tourist spots close down or make more space for other activities. This gives you more opportunities to explore without being crowded.