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Universal - what do I need to know?

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Old Mar 22, 2022, 9:48 pm
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Universal - what do I need to know?

Help. I’m clueless about Universal. What should we know?
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Old Mar 26, 2022, 8:26 pm
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Depending on the day you go, the park can be pretty much done in one day. The hype over Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey has died down so the hours long waits shouldn't happen. They will randomly extend park hours depending on crowds. Pay attention to show times if there is a particular one you want to see. The tram tour is still fun, just make sure to use a bathroom before the ride because there are no stops. If you're staying at a hotel near a red line/b line station, there is a shuttle from the Universal City station to the entrance area of City Walk. Check the calendar for Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theater also, if there's a show you're interested in, they're great venues. Another easy trip while you're in the area is Griffith Observatory.
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Old Mar 27, 2022, 1:32 pm
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Do not do Olivanders. We got rooked into buying a $60 wand. The cynic in me thinks olivanders assistant picked my daughter for the demonstration because she was an only child surrounded by parents and grandparents and likely spoiled.
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Old Mar 28, 2022, 9:58 am
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Originally Posted by USA_flyer
Do not do Olivanders. We got rooked into buying a $60 wand. The cynic in me thinks olivanders assistant picked my daughter for the demonstration because she was an only child surrounded by parents and grandparents and likely spoiled.
The presentation is fun if you're a Harry Potter fan, admittedly I am not. If your kids are fans or of the right age, the wands are fun to interact with displays in the windows of the shops.
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Old Mar 31, 2022, 11:39 am
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Originally Posted by SWCPHX
The presentation is fun if you're a Harry Potter fan, admittedly I am not. If your kids are fans or of the right age, the wands are fun to interact with displays in the windows of the shops.
It was fun. Until I realised I'd have to spend $60 on something that would get a day of use at most. If i asked my daughter where her wand is, i doubt she'd be able to tell me.
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Old Apr 8, 2022, 4:54 pm
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Thanks you all!
how about fast track like at Disney? Do we need it?
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Old Apr 9, 2022, 8:43 pm
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Originally Posted by gaobest
Thanks you all!
how about fast track like at Disney? Do we need it?
Mmmm, kind of hard to say unless you know how busy the park will be. It's 80 bucks extra per person minimum.
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Old Apr 9, 2022, 11:42 pm
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Originally Posted by SWCPHX
Mmmm, kind of hard to say unless you know how busy the park will be. It's 80 bucks extra per person minimum.
If it's this week, it's LA Unified School District spring break.
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Old Apr 10, 2022, 7:59 am
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Originally Posted by TWA884
If it's this week, it's LA Unified School District spring break.
I know one time that Fast Pass is absolutely essential is Halloween Horror nights. Never go without paying for it.
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Old Apr 11, 2022, 10:40 am
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Originally Posted by SWCPHX
I know one time that Fast Pass is absolutely essential is Halloween Horror nights. Never go without paying for it.
It was also essential when we went on Christmas Day. Well worth it.

The Mummy ride is still one of the best coasters I've been on.
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Old Apr 14, 2022, 7:21 am
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We got the fast pass for three days at Universal Florida and it was well worth it. Many lines were 45+ minutes but with Fast Pass we usually had less than 15 minutes.
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Old Apr 17, 2022, 3:32 pm
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Thanks all. Universal express (fast track) ftw.
the Harry Potter mini roller coaster is like 15 seconds and not worth a 40 minute wait (express wait was fast)
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