Travel Derby

By the time your kids hit their teen years, they’ve probably seen it all when it comes to roller coasters, carnival games, and cotton candy. If you really want to show them something new, that’s where a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood comes in.  More than your typical amusement park, Universal Studios Hollywood offers them a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how some of their favorite movies and TV shows are made.  

Behind the Scenes Shows

Starting with the famous Studio Tour, they’ll see the sound stages and sets for class movies like Jaws, Psycho, and War of the Worlds (wreckage above).  There are also plenty of special effects surprises along the way including floods (yes, you will get wet), subway fires, 3D attacks on the tram by a T-Rex and King Kong, and a high-speed car chase with Vin Diesel and his Fast & Furious crew.  [I’d share more pictures, but the tram was so realistically shaking and the action was so fast during the 3D attacks that all I captured was a blur of open T-Rex jaws. We all definitely thought that was cool!]

​Another great way to experience movie magic is to see the Stunt Show, where live actors recreate impressive stunts for movie fans (warning to teens, don’t try these at home), the must-see big splashes of WaterWorld, or the ​high-jinx Animal Actors show featuring the star of A Dog’s Purpose (below) and many other feathered and furry friends. 

Immersive Attractions

For fans of Harry Potter, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter ​offers a soaring immersive flight in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (not for the queasy), a life-like recreation of Hogsmeade village including the Hogwarts Express, and a roller coaster ride on the Flight of the Hippogriff ​with great views of the village.

Fan Meet and Greets

Throughout the park, you’ll also run into slightly less terrifying movie characters, ​like a gregarious Beatlejuice, the Scooby Doo gang, a larger than life Japanese-speaking Transformer, a cuddly Kung Fu Panda, and a flirtatious Marilyn Monroe (another highlight for my son).

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are entirely my own and do not reflect those of the businesses and organizations mentioned.  We did not receive any special discounts or benefits on this trip. Some details have been updated from the original post. All rights are reserved © 2019.