Joyful Journeys recently traveled to Southern California to learn more about some of our favorite theme parks and enjoy the glitz of Hollywood. Our home for the first day was the quaint, California retro themed hotel, The Garland. The comfortable rooms, lovely pool, fantastic restaurants, and friendly staff made for a fabulous stay. A few of us also took advantage of the well-equipped fitness center for an early morning workout (since we were awake at 3:00 am due to the time zone!). The complimentary trolley that whisked us to and from Universal CityWalk made it easy for us to shop and explore.
On our first day we took a customized private open-top van tour to see the highlights of Hollywood: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, Griffith Park and the observatory, and some movie star homes. The next day we headed to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience first-hand Super Nintendo World! Several of our Vacation Designers shared their favorite parts of Universal Studios Hollywood after our trip.
I loved the number of character interactions that were around! There are characters that will appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. From Poppy & Branch from Trolls, to I love Lucy, to Princess Peach, and Beetlejuice guests can interact with some of their favorite stars! Short waits and lively interactions made each character visit memorable. – Maureen Tully
City Walk at Universal Studios Hollywood brings a whole different element to the park with its convenient location. There are so many restaurants to eat & shops to browse. It would make for a great evening addition to any park day. – Karen Deyton
I absolutely loved The Secret Life of Pets attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. From the moment you enter the queue until you exit the ride you are completely immersed in the pets world and it is sure to be fun for the entire family and kids of all ages! Currently this attraction is only at Universal Hollywood. – Jessi Lofland
Universal Studios Hollywood has a much smaller footprint than Orlando, making it easier to accomplish in a day. Because it’s only one park, it’s a perfect add on to a Southern California trip. You get Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter, and everything in between! – Michelle Haile
Special events that pack a big punch are offered throughout the year at Universal Studios Hollywood! Whether you prefer harrowing Halloween Horror Nights (for ages 13+), Who-tacular holiday festivities with the Grinch, bringing in 2025 at Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s EVE celebration, or experiencing the all-new after hours “Fan Fest Nights” for the Back to the Future, Star Trek or Dungeons & Dragons ultimate fan, there’s something for everyone! – Gretchen Clohessy
Looking for the kids zone? Universal Studios Hollywood has given young kids a perfect little corner of the park with Super Silly Fun Land. This Minion-inspired land has fountains and splash pads, carnival games, rides for little ones to enjoy, and a dry playground. It’s a great area for kids to cool off on a hot day (a bathing suit might be necessary!), and for parents to kick back and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Universal. – Alex Hierlmeier
Universal Studios Hollywood continues to impress with its incredible theming, and the Toadstool Cafe is a shining example of this dedication. Nestled in the heart of Mario World, this eatery offers a delightful array of unique dishes that go beyond your typical theme park fare. Not only are the meals beautifully presented, but they also deliver on flavor, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or just looking for something tasty, Toadstool Cafe is a must-visit. Don’t miss out on this delicious adventure! – Caroline Millwood
The World-Famous Studio Tour is an attraction that is like no other theme park attraction. Throughout the tour, you are able to go behind the scenes of a working film lot, but you have to be on alert because around every corner is another surprise. From getting a glimpse of live filming to taking pictures of the set where your favorite television show is filmed, there are so many exciting things to be seen on this tour. – Lauren Byers
Super Nintendo World is an immersive experience for ALL AGES. Adults will love the nostalgia of entering the world of video games they loved as a child. Teens and kids will enjoy playing various games, riding rides and meeting characters. Guests can also enjoy perfectly themed food that tastes as good as it looks too! – Julie Gheesling
With only one “land” and two rides (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of The Hippogriff) Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is smaller than its Orlando counterpart. But the theming is just as magical, and it has the same great shopping, wand interactions, and dining. My favorites? Fish and chips at Three Broomsticks and Hot Butterbeer! – Lisa Lacey
As you can tell the Joyful Journeys team had a great time experiencing all the Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer! We also experienced first-hand how easy it is to make a trip to Universal a part of a larger trip to enjoy Southern California. Within a week’s time, you can see the sights of Hollywood, immerse yourself in Super Nintendo World, and even head to the original Disney theme park (Disneyland) all in one fabulous trip! Prefer to add a little more surf-n-sand instead? Head to Santa Monica or San Diego to enjoy the beautiful sunshine on the gorgeous shores of California. Our team is ready to help you level-up your vacation to Southern California. Reach out to your Joyful Journeys Vacation Designer to access all the cheat codes to a fabulous California vacation!
