July 2024: Universal Studios Hollywood – Blockbuster Thrills in Los Angeles
Lights, camera, action! Universal Studios Hollywood is a perfect July destination for Arizona families and thrill-seekers looking for movie magic and high-octane fun. Just a short trip to Los Angeles, Universal offers a different vibe from Disneyland – blending a working movie studio with a theme park full of cutting-edge rides and shows. Here’s how to make the most of a summer 2024 visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Attractions Spotlight: Must-Do Rides and Experiences
Universal Studios might be smaller than some theme parks, but it packs in world-class attractions based on blockbuster films and TV shows. Don’t miss these highlights:
- Super Nintendo World: New in early 2023 and still super popular in 2024, this colorful land brings Mario’s world to life. Enter through a giant green pipe into Princess Peach’s castle and dive into the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride – an interactive racing adventure with augmented reality (AR) goggles that make you feel like you’re inside the game, tossing shells at Bowser. Around the land, punch “?” blocks, meet Mario and Luigi, and munch on a mushroom-themed cupcake or Luigi burger at the Toadstool Café. (Tip: Head here first thing in the morning – Nintendo World can get very crowded by midday. Sometimes they use a virtual queue to manage entry at peak times, so check the Universal app once you’re on-site.)
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Step into Hogsmeade village, where you can sip Butterbeer, cast spells with an interactive wand, and explore the halls of Hogwarts. The marquee ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you on a thrilling broomstick adventure with Harry and friends – combining a moving simulator with amazing practical effects (quiddich match, anyone?). There’s also the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff coaster, a cute quick ride past Hagrid’s hut. Don’t miss the wand experience at Ollivander’s – one lucky guest per show gets chosen for a wand “choosing them” demonstration. And stop by Honeydukes for Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans as souvenirs.
- Studio Tour: This classic ride is the heart of Universal Studios. Board the tram for a behind-the-scenes tour of the real Universal backlot. You’ll see outdoor sets like old West towns and NYC streets, possibly catch a glimpse of active filming, and experience a few immersive surprises. These include the King Kong 360 3-D encounter (Peter Jackson’s mini adventure where Kong battles dinosaurs around your tram) and Fast & Furious – Supercharged, a high-speed chase simulation that ends the tour with a thrill. You’ll also drive past the eerie Bates Motel from Psycho, see the wreckage from War of the Worlds, and maybe get splashed by a certain shark in Amity Island… The Studio Tour is about 45-60 minutes long and absolutely worth it (there’s usually a wait, but trams have big capacity). Try to do it before afternoon when lines peak.
- Jurassic World – The Ride: One of the best ways to cool off – and get a dose of adrenaline. This water ride starts as a gentle boat tour through Jurassic World’s exhibits (watch a giant Mosasaurus swim behind glass), but of course, things go wrong. Soon you’re climbing a lift hill to escape a very hungry Indominus Rex, only to come face-to-snout with the mighty T. rex – leading to an 84-foot plunge! You will get wet (especially those in the front). The Jurassic area also has an interactive Raptor Encounter where you can “meet” a life-like Blue the raptor – great for brave kiddos and dino-loving adults alike.
- Transformers: The Ride 3D: A pulse-pounding, action-packed dark ride that blends 3D film and a moving simulator base. You join the Autobots in a city battle against the Decepticons, careening through streets and skyscrapers. The 3D effects are excellent – it feels like you’re truly in the middle of a Michael Bay movie (minus the danger). If your family loves thrills, this and the Revenge of the Mummy coaster (a high-speed indoor coaster in near darkness) are the two can’t-miss intense rides on the lower lot.
- WaterWorld Stunt Show: Remember the ’90s movie WaterWorld? Even if you don’t, this live stunt show will blow you away. Set on water with a full pyro and jet-ski stunt extravaganza, actors perform daring falls from towers, zip-lines, firefights, and huge explosions that will have you gasping. It’s widely regarded as one of the best theme park shows ever. Showtimes are scheduled a few times a day – get there 15-20 min early for good seats (and note: the front sections are a “Soak Zone” – sit farther back if you don’t want to get splashed!).
- Character Encounters: Throughout the day, you might meet popular characters wandering the park – think the Transformers (huge Optimus Prime and Bumblebee bots that actually talk to guests), the goofy Minions from Despicable Me, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang, or even Marilyn Monroe and Frankenstein’s Monster representing old Hollywood. These make for fun spontaneous photo ops, so keep your camera ready.
Summer Visit Tips for Universal Hollywood
- Front of Line Pass (Universal Express): July crowds can be heavy, especially weekends. If budget allows and you want to do it all in one day, consider the Universal Express pass which lets you skip the regular lines one time per attraction. It often doubles the number of attractions you can experience. If you only have one day and it’s peak season, it can be a worthwhile investment. Alternatively, get to the park at opening and hit big rides first to minimize waiting (Nintendo World, Studio Tour, and Harry Potter rides should be top morning targets).
- Lower Lot vs Upper Lot: Universal is split into two main areas connected by long escalators (the “Starway”). The Lower Lot (downstairs) has Jurassic World, Transformers, and Nintendo World – and tends to get busy later as people filter down. It’s smart to go down there earlier in the day, then come back up for shows and the Studio Tour by afternoon. The Upper Lot (entrance level) has Harry Potter, The Mummy coaster, Simpsons Ride, shows, and kiddie stuff like the Minion ride and Silly Swirly. Bounce between as needed, but remember the escalator trek takes several minutes.
- Stay Hydrated & Cool: July in LA is warm (80s°F) but not usually Phoenix-hot. Still, you’ll be outdoors often. There are misting fans in lines like Jurassic World’s queue – use them. A neck fan or cooling towel from home can help while waiting for shows in the sun. And drink water – you can get free cups of ice water at any food stand. Consider a midday indoor break at the DreamWorks Theatre (showing a Kung Fu Panda 4D short film) just to sit in air-conditioning for 15 minutes if you need it.
- CityWalk After the Park: Universal CityWalk is the lively entertainment district just outside the park gates (no ticket required for CityWalk). After you wrap up the park (or if you take a break), spend the evening at CityWalk’s restaurants and shops. There’s everything from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to Blaze Pizza, plus the iconic Voodoo Doughnut for wild doughnut creations (open late!). Sometimes there’s live music or DJs on summer nights. It’s a fun way to extend the day, and you might spot other park-goers still geeking out about their day.
- Download the Universal App: Much like Disney, Universal has a handy app with wait times, showtimes, and a map. There’s free Wi-Fi in the park to use it. You can also do mobile food ordering at some spots via the app, and it’s useful for the virtual queue if Nintendo World triggers one on a busy day.
- Nearby Hotels & Studios: If you extend your trip in LA, Universal is close to Hollywood (10-minute drive) so you can easily pair it with a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or even a tour of Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank the next day for more movie magic. Some hotels in the Universal area offer shuttle service up the hill to the park, which can save on parking fees (which run around $30).
Ready for Lights, Camera, Fun!
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a fantastic mix of thrill rides and behind-the-scenes Hollywood magic – perfect for a summer outing. You’ll laugh, scream, and maybe learn a bit about moviemaking along the way. From casting spells in Harry’s world to racing through Mario’s kingdom, July 2024 at Universal is bound to be a blockbuster experience for the whole family.
Pack your sunscreen, wear comfy shoes (studio lots are big!), and get ready for your close-up... or at least a selfie with a Minion. Whether you’re braving a T. rex or surviving a Decepticon attack, you’re sure to have stories to tell. And as always, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more SoCal adventure tips and to catch our Universal Studios highlights (we’ll definitely share our victory photo from Mario Kart and maybe a splash zone pic from Jurassic World!). Now – that’s a wrap on our preview. Action! 🎬
Our Partner Travel Advisor @adventures_with_snacks specialize in crafting unforgettable universal Studios and Disneyland experiences tailored to your unique preferences and interests.