Is Universal Studios Hollywood Good for Toddlers?
The park is known for thrill rides, Halloween Horror Nights, and intellectual property that appeals to tweens and teens. Should you bother with little kids? Is Universal Studios Hollywood good for toddlers?
Is Universal Studios Hollywood Good for Toddlers?: Things to Consider
1. The Park is Two Levels
2. There Aren’t Many Toddler Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
3. Child Switch is Your Friend
4. You Don’t Need to Waste Money on Universal Express
5. There Are Toddler-Friendly Shows
6. The Park is Swimming with Characters
7. The Splashpad is Worth a Visit
8. There is a Great Play Area
9. You Can Knock it Out in a Day
10. Your Toddler Might Be Able to Get in for Free
11. What Do You Need to Bring?
12. There Are Cute Restaurants
13. There is No Dedicated Baby Care Center
14. You Can Rent a Stroller
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Is Universal Studios Hollywood Good for Toddlers?
1. The Park is Two Levels
The park is basically planted on the side of a mountain. It makes for a nice view, but it isn’t easy to navigate with a stroller.
Attractions are located on the upper and lower levels of the park. To travel between the two levels, you need to ride several escalators or jockey with a lot of people with strollers to get on an elevator. Get ready to throw down.
2. What Rides Can a Toddler Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Is Universal Studios Hollywood toddler friendly? Not really when it comes to rides. If your kid isn’t tall, you can count your options on one hand and don’t need all your fingers.
However, each section of the park is heavily themed. It is worth a walk around even if you’re not riding. Don’t miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and Springfield U.S.A with little kids.
Pro tip: Universal loves motion simulators. Don’t forget motion sickness medication.
Bonus pro tip: Download the Universal Hollywood app before your trip. It has a map and current wait times.
Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood for Toddlers with Low or No Height Requirements
The Secret Life of Pets
The Secret Life of Pets ride is a must-do with a toddler. The indoor, air-conditioned queue takes you through various apartments from the movie. The queue alone is worth a walk.
The ride itself is a slow-moving ride through various scenes from the movie with a ton of animatronics and detail.
Location: Upper Lot
Height requirement: 34″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Silly Swirly Fun Ride
Silly Swirly Fun Ride is a stereotypical toddler ride. It is basically a ride in a circle in the Despicable Me-themed section of the park. While the ride is not that exciting, it comes with an amazing view.
Location: Upper Lot
Universal Hollywood ride height requirement: 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
The World Famous Universal Hollywood Studio Tour
This Universal Hollywood backlot tour is a commitment, clocking in at almost an hour. During this tram ride, a guide takes you through actual movie lots. This is a long one with toddlers.
Two 3D rides are also incorporated into this longer tour, Fast and the Furious and King Kong 360. King Kong in particular may scare young kids.
Pro tip: There are no bathrooms available during this ride. None. Make sure your kids go beforehand. There are bathrooms right next to the queue.
Studio Tram Tour Universal Hollywood location: Upper Lot
Universal Studios Hollywood requirements for height: None
Will toddlers like it?: Questionable at best
Rides for Tall Toddlers
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Despicable Me is a motion simulator wherein you become a Minion and travel through Gru’s laboratory. There is a cute pre-show during which a member of the audience’s personal hygiene is called into question. The ride itself has lots of fun colors and bright lights. It is great for toddlers.
Location: Upper Lot
Height requirement: 40″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff is one of the Harry Potter rides at Universal Hollywood. It is a teeny, tiny roller coaster. It is not worth a substantial wait.
Universal Hollywood location: Upper Lot
Height requirement: 39″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride is the mother of all motion simulators. You are sure to feel sick at the end if you are sensitive. Toddlers, on the other hand, will probably feel fine.
Location: Upper Lot
Universal Hollywood height requirement: 40″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Transformers
Transformers is another motion simulator ride, this time in cars that move through a track. Employees yell at you in line for funsies. While a toddler can technically ride, it is unlikely to be a favorite.
Location: Lower Lot
Universal Hollywood height restrictions: 40″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Eh
Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge
Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge is a ride with Super Mario characters with goggles. If your kid is tall enough, it is likely to be a hit.
Location: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Height requirement: 40″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
3. Utilize Universal Studios Hollywood Child Switch
What can toddlers do at Universal Studios Hollywood? Not ride most rides. Don’t let your short child hold you back. You can still go.
The child switch program allows the whole family to wait in line once. One adult waits with the child while the other rides, then the adults switch without waiting a second time.
Pro tip: You can utilize this program even if your child is tall enough for the ride but doesn’t want to try it.
Bonus pro tip: If you have an older child, he or she can likely ride with both adults.
4. Don’t Waste Money on Universal Express
Universal Express allows you to enter a shorter line at the park. It does not come cheap. It is in no way worth it with a toddler. You won’t have a problem getting on the few rides they can use.
5. There are Toddler-Friendly Shows
There are several shows to see throughout the day. Be sure to check the schedule on the app.
Animal Actors
Animal Actors is a 20-minute show starring domestic animals that are trained to be in movies. It is a cute show and worth a stop. The stage is outside, so be prepared to sit in the sun.
Pro tip: Check the daily schedule. You may be able to meet the animals.
Location: Upper Lot
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda is a short movie starring the characters from the movie. There is some 4D-type stuff happening, including some minor shaking, but everyone can handle this. It is a great option for the afternoon.
This movie plays continuously. You do not need to select a specific time.
Location: Upper Lot
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Special Effects Show
The Special Effects show demonstrates stunts and effects used in movies. It runs for 25 minutes, which is a lot of minutes if your toddler is freaking out about loud noises.
Location: Upper Lot
Will toddlers like it?: Probably not
Universal Hollywood WaterWorld
WaterWorld is a 20-minute show featuring jetskis, fire, and explosions. It is loud. You may need noise-canceling headphones if your child doesn’t like loud noises.
Location: Upper Lot
Will toddlers like it?: Questionable at best
6. There Are Tons of Characters
You can meet characters throughout the day in various locations for free. These may include characters from the Transformers, Minions, Simpsons, Shrek, Curious George, Frankenstein, and Scooby Doo. There is even a giant raptor.
Unlike Disney, the characters roam fairly freely and without much handling. This makes for some priceless pictures. On our last trip, Frankenstein casually petted a security dog.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the giant Donkey from Shrek that talks to you.
7. Don’t Miss the Splashpad
The Despicable Me section of the park has a large water play area that will be a big hit with toddlers. They will get wet. Plan your day accordingly.
Location: Upper Lot
8. There is a Great Play Area
Is Universal Studios fun for toddlers? The Jurassic Park-themed playground, DinoPlay, certainly is. Kids can excavate fossils, examine dinosaur bones, and burn some energy running around.
Location: Lower Lot Universal Hollywood
9. You Can Knock it Out in a Day
Universal Studios Hollywood is a lot smaller than its Orlando counterpart. It only has one theme park. You can easily do everything a toddler wants to do in a day or less.
Pro tip: Toddlers aren’t big fans of lines. Check a crowd calendar to pick the best time of year to visit. Generally speaking, when kids are in school, it will be less crowded.
Bonus pro tip: Arrive early. Like before the park opens early. Your toddler will be awake already, and most teens won’t. The park will be much less crowded than it will be in the afternoon.
Extra bonus pro tip: Check out the park map and make a rough touring plan before you arrive. Toddlers can’t ride most of the big ticket attractions, so you won’t have as much competition as the average guest. If you plan to ride the Simpsons Ride, head there first. The lines will get long in the afternoon.
10. Your Toddler Might Be Able to Get in for Free
Kids ages two and under are free at Universal Studios Hollywood. Even if your child doesn’t get much out of the park, he or she will certainly get enough value to justify the cost of admission. The bigger concern is whether the rest of the family will be satisfied with the experience for the cost. Fortunately, there are ways to save.
Pro tip: Parking is not free. It starts at $30 per day and goes up to $70 per day. Discounted rates are offered after 5:00 p.m. Some hotels offer free shuttles. Consider picking one that does or staying within walking distance of the park. We love Hilton Los Angeles-Universal City. It is an easy walk to the park and CityWalk from that hotel.
Short Kids Pay Less
Your toddler will be free, but your older kids won’t. The park sells discounted tickets to Universal Hollywood for guests under 48″ at the gate only. If you have short children, call ahead for the price to figure out the best deal for you.
Visit at an Off Time
Universal Hollywood prices vary by the day. You will get a better Universal Studios Hollywood deal at off-peak times.
Check for Specials
If you don’t have a short kid, tickets for Universal Hollywood are generally cheaper online than at the gate. You can sometimes find a deal that includes a free day. Check the offerings at the time of your visit.
Universal Hollywood Packages
Universal Hollywood does not have its own hotels, but you can purchase a vacation package that includes an off-property hotel stay and other tourist attractions. Do the math carefully here. You may be able to do better on your own.
Consider an Annual Pass
If you are planning to visit multiple times, do some math. Do annual passes make sense?
Military Discount
The park offers deals for military personnel. You must purchase them from a military ticket office.
Discount Tickets Through Third Party Brokers
You can purchase Universal Studios Hollywood tickets for less through third-party brokers like Undercover Tourist, Get Your Guide, Tiqets, and Viator.
AAA Discount Tickets
You may be able to purchase discounted tickets through AAA.
Groupon
You may be able to find discount tickets on Groupon. This is not always your best option. Be sure to do the math.
Multiple Attraction Passes
If you are visiting multiple tourist attractions in the area, a pass from Go City may make sense for you.
11. What Do You Need to Bring?
You shouldn’t overpack, but you will be able to shove a lot of junk in your stroller. Keep in mind that you will leave your stroller unattended regularly. Don’t leave anything that you will be devastated to lose.
Pro tip: Check the weather before you go so you know what to expect.
Bonus pro tip: Check out our free packing list for Universal Hollywood.
The following items should be in your day bag:
A. A poncho
B. A hat or sunglasses
F. Sunscreen
G. A portable phone charger (the app will drain your battery)
H. Baby stuff you need in a typical day
I. Snacks (Note that the park only allows you to bring in water, small snacks, and food for people with special dietary needs.)
12. Where Should You Eat?
Universal has a ton of themed restaurants. Some are better than others. Most can accommodate dietary restrictions. Talk to an employee if you need something specific.
Pro tip: The restaurants have menus posted online. Check them to see what interests you.
Bonus pro tip: Eat at an off time. Wait times will be better.
Consider trying the following restaurants with toddlers:
Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
Bumblebee Man’s is a food truck serving tacos, obviously, in the Simpsons section of the park. The food is decent and reasonably priced.
Location: Upper Lot
Lard Lad Donuts
Lard Lad Donuts is a Simpsons-themed counter service with giant donuts. Like one donut serves at least four people giant.
Location: Upper Lot
Minion Cafe
Minion Cafe serves some of the best food at Universal Hollywood at a fair price. Some of the choices include sandwiches, nachos, salad, and pasta. Do not miss the Felonious Float.
Location: Upper Lot
Three Broomsticks
Three Broomsticks is a Harry Potter-themed quick service that serves English food for all three meals. You can get Butterbeer here as well. What you cannot get are soft drinks. Universal really committed to the theming on this one.
Location: Upper Lot
13. There is No Dedicated Baby Care Center
Disney parks offer baby care centers. Universal does not. If you need to nurse, you can do it at the first aid station.
14. You Can Rent a Stroller
The park has strollers for rent. You will be much better off bringing your own, but a rental is an option in a pinch.
Final Thoughts – Is Universal Studios Hollywood Good for Toddlers?
Is Universal Studios Hollywood good for toddlers? Yes and no. How many vacation days do you have?
You can definitely fill a day, and your toddler will have fun. You won’t regret a visit. If you’re strapped for time, however, head to Disneyland. There is so much more to do.
This is cool and loves the art on the wall. Great for taking pictures as well. Thank you for sharing!
Awesome! Will be saving this for future travel to Universal Studios Hollywood!
This is cool and loves the art on the wall. Great for taking pictures as well. Thank you for sharing!
So many great tips!
Great tips for moms!
This is such a helpful list of tips! It will be a big help for planning a trip with my grandkids. Thanks for sharing!