Recently, a friend and I made a quick stop in Los Angeles so we could visit Universal Studios Hollywood.  I was just there for Halloween weekend and went 2 days to the theme park with my annual pass.  Last month’s will be my last time going as my annual pass has now expired.  I got to do some new things on this visit.

Getting There

Just like my previous visits, the easiest accessible way to get to Universal Studios was to get an Uber.  There are many wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) available on the app.  Staying at Rodeway Inn near Melrose Ave, it was a quick 15 minute inexpensive drive.  The rideshare drop off is the Frankenstein parkade on level 7.

Universal Studios Hollywood

We got inside the park very fast without any issues and lines.  It was 10:30 on a Thursday morning so it wasn’t overly crowded.  We went to Guest Relations to get my Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) and the lady also gave each of us a free Super Nintendo World 1 year anniversary pin.

We went during pass members days, so I also got a free Jaws Studio Tour magnet at the Universal Studios souvenir store.  Members also got 20% off shopping and discounts at select restaurants.  My friend did buy a power up band for Super Nintendo World, (which went up $2 to $42).  He got 20% off of it too.

Here is how our day went:

Power Up Cafe

(Upper Lot)

We visited the newly opened Power Up Cafe located in the Upper Lot and tried the Super Mushroom Fizz and the Fire Flower Fizz drinks along with the 1 Up Mushroom calzone. Each of these items were $13 each.

The drinks came with a fizz character that explodes with flavor when put in the drink. The calzone was really tasty and was worth the money, while the drinks were great but a bit expensive for what you get.  It is very difficult to get a reservation at Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World, so we were happy to try these.

The Simpsons Ride

(Upper Lot)

I actually went on The Simpsons Ride which is new to me.  To get on the ride vehicle, my friend had to lift and carry me inside.  It doesn’t actually move along a track but is similar to movie seats that shake, rumble and tilt.  We watch a screen and the ride vehicles simulate going on a roller coaster.

The seat tilted forward, back and side to side quite a bit, so my friend had to hold me back a few times.  The ride wasn’t overly scary and I did have fun tagging along with The Simpsons for this fun ride and would do it again.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

(Upper Lot)

We then went to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which was right next to Springfield, USA.  I was debating on going on both the rides in this land but declined.  There was: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey; and Flight of the Hippogriff.  At least my friend had fun riding them both.

We continued just with taking pics of the area and caught the last bit of the Tri-Wizard Tournament show.  I had Butterbeer many times but I finally got to try the frozen version of it.  It costs the same as the original and tastes just as good.

Studio Tour

(Upper Lot)

We then took the elevators next to Springfield to go line up for the Studio Tour.  We were told that the Earthquake segment of the tour has not come back yet as it is still being renovated.  This will be my 4th time on the Studio Tour and only experienced it on my first visit about a year ago.

As usual, my wheelchair gets tied down for studio tour.  I still really enjoy this 1 hour tour ride as it is informative, relaxing, and has elements of a  show using 3D glasses for the King Kong and Fast & Furious segments.

Character Encounters

Character Encounters are always fun and they can appear anywhere at the park.  Sometimes their appearances are listed on the app while sometimes we catch them walking around.  If lines are short, it is great trying to catch a photo with them.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

(Lower Lot)

Of course we had to check out Super Nintendo World so my friend could play the interactive games with his power up band.  I am still in awe every time I am here because I feel like I am actually in the video game.  We still couldn’t visit Toadstool Cafe but luckily we had snack items at Power Up Cafe.

Riding Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge was still fun.  My friend had no issues transferring me into the ride vehicle.  By the time we were done the ride, it was almost 7 PM, which is when the park closes on the day we went.  It was already quite empty.  We started heading towards the exit and to CityWalk.

CityWalk

CityWalk wasn’t too busy this time but we previously made a reservation at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.  The outside of the restaurant looks like something out of the Willy Wonka books/movies.  I was excited to eat at this restaurant as annual pass members get 15% off the bill plus we got a free appetizer with the purchase of 2 adult entrees.

I had the Chicken Bercy while my friend had a pasta dish.  Our free item was the chocolate almond bread which I enjoyed.  By the time we were done dinner, CityWalk was near closing so we didn’t really get to look at any shops.  We headed to the rideshare area to catch our Uber back to the hotel.

Final Thoughts

We both had fun visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for almost 8.5 hours.  I am a bit sad that my annual pass is now expired but was happy to have some snacks at the new Power Up Cafe and go on a ride I never been on yet.  It might be a while until I come back to this location though.