Universal Studios LA: Honest Review & Money-Saving Tips! 🎢✨

I went to Universal Studios Hollywood completely unplanned — and learned some lessons the hard way! Here’s everything I wish I’d known before going, from tickets and parking to the best (and most overrated) rides. 🎟️ Tickets & Parking Hacks Weekdays = cheaper & quieter Book tickets in advance online for better deals 💻 Don’t pay $35 for parking! Park at 3913 Lankershim Boulevard — just $3/day and a 10-minute walk away. Prefer not to walk? A free shuttle runs regularly! 🚗💨 🎡 Must-Do Rides & Honest Ratings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Harry Potter: Forbidden Journey Absolutely mind-blowing! It’s like a supercharged version of Disney’s Soarin’ — you’ll feel like you’re flying on a broomstick through Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, and a Quidditch match. The mix of 3D and real scenery is pure magic 🧹⚡. Worth every minute in line! ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Studio Tour A 45-minute tram ride through famous filming sets. Desperate Housewives fans will love Wisteria Lane! But you can’t get off, and most soundstages remain closed. Fun, but not unforgettable 😅. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jurassic World: The Ride Starts slow… but ends with an epic splash! You might get wet — but if you avoid the front rows, no need for a poncho 🦖💦. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge Cute theming, but the ride itself is basically a VR game. The long wait didn’t feel justified for me — though the Super Nintendo World scenery is super Instagrammable 🍄📸. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Revenge of the Mummy Thrilling, dark, and fast! If you love roller coasters like Disney’s Incredicoaster, this one’s for you — just the right mix of scares and speed 🔥. 💡 Smart Tips for a Smooth Day 1️⃣ Rush to popular rides first — don’t stop for photos early on! 2️⃣ Pack light — large bags won’t fit in free lockers; large lockers cost $5 per use 🎒 3️⃣ Wear comfy shoes & layers — you’ll walk a lot, and temperatures can change 👋 A Little About Me I’m Fu Dabao — a former tech worker who left my 9-to-5 to start anew in the U.S. 🧘‍♀️ Now a Pilates functional trainer based in San Diego, I share real stories on health, travel, and building a life with purpose. Follow along for honest adventures and heartfelt moments ❤️. Have you been to Universal Studios? Which ride was your favorite? #UniversalStudiosLA #HollywoodThemePark #TravelTips #HogwartsInLA #ThemeParkHacks