Universal Studios Hollywood is a great place to spend your staycation.

We participated in a Staycation this Spring Break. It was so easy and relaxing. It all started one perfect Sunday at 8:00 AM. We drove to Universal Studios Hollywood, about an hour away from our home. The kids had never visited before and they were curiously excited to get on the rides. The minute we arrived and parked the car, it was clear, we would have lots of fun. We could see and feel the excitement of season pass-holders as we watched them running to the front entrance. Once we got inside the park, we immediately headed toward the Kung Fu Panda Adventure ride.  Continue to read this post to find how to get discounts on Universal Studios Hollywood admission prices.

The kids were excited when we used our upgraded Express Pass to enter the Kung Fu Panda multi-sensory attraction. It was our first time visiting Universal Studios and using express passes therefore we did not know what to expect. Quickly, we realized that EXPRESS was the way to go. 

This benefit is well worth the additional ticket price as we were able to save time in line allowing us to enjoy more of the theme park in less time. We highly recommend your family upgrade your ticket(s) to include the Universal Express Ticket. 

The ride invites you into a waiting area where Poe and all of his Kung Fu friends entertain you on screens above the main theater entrance. When we entered into the main theater, sat down and started the ride, we got a case of the giggles. The ride hit our funny bones as our seats swished and swayed along with the movie on the screen. The motion made it feel as though we were on a raft riding over waterfalls and fast moving river rapids. Water droplets sprayed us from the ceiling as Poe was guiding us down the rapid river. It was exhilarating. We laughed the entire time.

We exited the Kung Fu Panda Adventure ride and headed straight to the Harry Potter Wizarding World. There we splurged on candy, shopped the stores and drank Butter Beer. The Harry Potter section of Universal Studios is extraordinary because it makes you feel as though you are inside the movie. You have to see the picture below to understand what we mean. Our boys jumped on the Flight of the Hippogriff, Universals first outdoor roller coaster. We ended our tour with a stop to enjoy the Frog Choir, watching in amazement of some Wand Magic and taking photos in front of the train station. 

After taking in the view of the castle and all other things Harry Potter, we briskly walked to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. My husband and I realized we had turned into teenagers as we were pointing and planning the next ride we would all enjoy. Minion Mayhem was my favorite because I really enjoyed the series of Despicable Me Movies. For this ride, we needed 3-D Glasses as we went on another adventure with Gru and his Minions attempt to turn us humans into Minions to help with his new thievery plan. 

Our visit continued with the classic and great experience of the Universal Studios Tour featuring a tram tour of the back lot where you can experience movie making at its finest. From an earthquake simulation to a speed expedition with Fast and the Furious, the Bates Motel of Psycho and Jaws, the tour gives you a detailed experience in movie making. Our day rounded out with taking rides on The Simpsons Ride, joining Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee for a fight against the Decepticons on Transformers the Ride 3D, a thrill ride on Revenge of the Mummy, experiencing movie magic in the Special Effects Show and rounding out our adventure at the highly exhilarating and absolutely adventure show, Waterworld! Unlike any other theme park, Universal Studios brings the fun to you with a completely different and exciting spin to adventure. 

The theme park is spread out over a very large area. We walked over 17,000 steps or the equivalent of 8.7 miles the day we visited. Honestly, there was so much to see and do, we really didn't notice until we looked at our step counter during dinner at Universal City Walk. The City Walk has a huge selection of eateries including Pinks, Panda Express, Pizza, Voo Doo Doughnuts and greats like the Hard Rock Cafe and much more. Retail stores line the City Walk for those that need to get their shopping in. Universal Studios has excellent and abundant parking structures and best of all, you can get a great evenings rest with the nearby Sheraton and Hilton Hotels. Enjoy one of the best vacations ever with a Staycation at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are all our own. Travel, Food and all other incidental items paid by Field Trip Mom. We were invited as part of media. We did not receive any compensation. 

Deals and Discounts:  If you are a Costco member, check out these two amazing ticket discounts for your whole family to enjoy.

https://www.costco.com/Universal-Studios-Hollywood-3-Visit-Ticket,-eTicket.product.100483504.html

https://www.costco.com/Universal-Studios-Hollywood-18-Month-Pass-eTicket,-California.product.100483582.html