We finally decided to check out Universal Studios Hollywood. We had talked about going and potentially getting season passes since we moved here, but without proper motivation it never happened. But then, our friends Sam and Audra invited us to celebrate Sam’s birthday and how could we say no? So we are now official season pass holders to Universal Studios Hollywood. Overall, I hope Sam enjoyed his birthday. We spent the entire day exploring Universal Studios and City Walk, had lunch at the Three Broomsticks in Harry Potter World, and gave him a year free of WoW. He said he had a good day anyway.

As for Universal Studios Hollywood, I have to say that the one in Florida is A LOT better. I’m happy that my first experience with Harry Potter World was in Florida because it just does such a better job at conveying the realism and feeling of actually being in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Universal Hollywood doesn’t even have a Diagon Alley. That being said, Universal is 1.5 hours away and is still way closer to being Hogsmeade than anything closer to home so I will definitely be back for a visit and a butterbeer (maybe for my bday!).

The Simpson’s World was actually way better at Universal Hollywood surprisingly. At the one in Florida, it almost feels like an afterthought and a grab at money. It was the most disappointing part of that trip. But at Universal Hollywood, Springfield is more fleshed out, the feeling is more immersive, and we were very pleasantly surprised. Universal Hollywood also has a ride that brings you through actually movie and TV sets. This was unique and actually fun. We got to see the set for The Good Place, a TV show we have been watching lately.

I’m really happy to be so close to a Universal, even if it is a smaller and not as spectacular one. It’s better than living in Florida. Hopefully I’ll be writing about more Universal adventures soon!