Universal Studios is all about Harry Potter

I haven’t been to Universal Studios Hollywood in many years and this was the year, because The Wizarding World of Harry Potter just opened. So, this epic family trip to Disneyland, included a day at Universal Studios. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter may not be as grand and big as Universal Studios Orlando, but if you live on the West Coast, the cheaper alternative is going to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy everything about the theme town like the unique shops and waiting in line to get your magic wand. Forgo the kiddie mini-Harry Potter roller coaster and just head straight to Hogwarts castle. The Harry Potter and Forbidden Journey ride is one the best 3D rides, like ever. Take the journey with the young Harry, Hermione and Ron.

The other attractions are hitting up the 2 Butterbeer carts for the regular or slushee version of Butterbear. It taste like cream soda. And of course, you have to eat at Three Broomsticks where you can have food from Harry Potter. I have to say, the chow at Universal Studios is lots better and decent than Disneyland. I can’t believe I’m saying that, but I am!

Watching The Simpsons all these years had me craving Krusty Burger and I just had to have it. It’s really delicious and solid burger. Besides the Harry Potter stuff, the other highlights include: Transformers – The Ride 3D, Minion Mayhem ride, the Animal Actors pet show and for legacy sake, do the Studio Tour. They have updated the ride since the 80s. I like the intense King Kong 3D stuff and The Fast and the Furious cheesy action and laugh out funny one-liners from the cast.

I only wish they would bring back the Back to the Future ride and Miami Vice stunt show. And definitely check out Universal City Walk. They have a lot more cool shops and food places than the Disneyland City Walk.