Travel guide | Turn fanstasy into reality at Universal Studios Hollywood

Snow covered pubs and a grand, towering castle aren’t sights you’d expect to see in sunny Los Angeles. But then Universal Studios have been delivering the unexpected for decades and turning fantasy into reality. Now – after more than five years in the making – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood has opened it’s enchanted gates to record breaking success.

J.K. Rowling’s  books and the wildly successful movies have been brought to life in an immersive experience that will place the global legion of Potter fans into the heart of the magical stories that have become an iconic cornerstone in entertainment culture and a worldwide phenomenon.

Fans of the franchise will pass the magnificent Hogwarts Express train (a perfect photo opportunity) as you enter the picturesque village of Hogsmeade, the hub of wizard life. Be sure to pick up a chocolate frog at Honeydukes sweet shop or some gruesome tools for mischief at Zonko’s Joke Shop where die-hard Potter followers will be able to purchase anything from inflatable tongues to a pygmy puff.

You don’t need to know the books inside out to enjoy your time here, but if you are a Potter expert that knows their horcrux from their howler, then you’ll never want to leave. The attention to detail here is mind-blowing with nothing being overlooked. The rides themselves are – excuse the pun – nothing short of magical. There’s two thrilling rides for adrenaline junkies to experience within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Join Harry, Ron & Hermione on The Forbidden Journey, a ride featuring groundbreaking 3D technology where you’ll take to the skies on your broomstick and venture across the grounds of Hogwarts castle, through the forbidden forest and battle terrifying dementors. The ride is suitable for most ages but believe me, I was terrified at several parts. This is one heck of a thrill ride that will have you amazed and desperate to ride again and again, though it will get no less fearful even after numerous attempts.

Those who’ve been to the Wizarding World in Orlando will notice a few differences with The Forbidden Journey including extra scenes and the move into 3D. Here, the queue is part of the ride experience as you wind your way through Hogwarts castle towards the ride. Passing through classrooms and corridors filled with real props from the movie franchise. There’s plenty of interactive elements to keep the kids entertained and it’s a credit to Universal Studios that they make even the most tedious parts of a theme park into a fascinating Hollywood experience.

Then there’s The Flight of the Hippogriff which is the first outdoor roller coaster within Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s a family-friendly ride that picks up some speed as you soar through the air, taking in some of the best views of the Hollywood hills – remember not to close your eyes!

I try to avoid using the cliche of saying something will be suitable for anyone aged from 1 to 100 but it’s hard to imagine there being anybody who wouldn’t be spellbound by the Wizarding World, regardless of age or their knowledge of the Potter universe.

You could easily get lost within Hogsmeade for the whole day but be sure to leave time to explore the rest of Universal Studios Hollywood. Since opening in 1912, some of the biggest films and TV series of all time have been filmed here, including Jaws, Desperate Housewives & Indiana Jones. It’s also where Murder She Wrote was filmed and the studio tour includes a corny joke about Angela Lansbury being attacked by the Jaws shark as she rides her bike. If that doesn’t make you book your flights, I don’t know what will.

Then of course there’s the pulse-pounding thrill rides; venture to Ancient Egypt in Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, where you escape Imhotep at whirlwind speeds in almost complete darkness – a personal favourite of mine. It’s easy to see why Universal Studios Hollywood has been rightfully dubbed as ‘the entertainment capital of LA’, though I’d struggle to think of anywhere on the planet that would thrill film fanatics, adrenaline junkies and sun worshipers so perfectly equally.

After a day of travelling through Hogwarts, Springfield, Ancient Egypt & Jurassic Park, you’ll no doubt be exhausted – it’s fortunate then that there is plenty of luxury and affordable accommodation in LA. The Loews Hollywood Hotel is in an ideal central location right in the heart of LA. It’s a minutes stroll from your bed to Judy Garland’s Hollywood star. Their luxurious rooms are the perfect retreat after a day of thrill-ride roller coasters and frequently used by the showbiz elite. The hotel also offers a rooftop pool with stunning views of the city. Plus you’re surrounded by some of the most recognisable streets in the world, the best shops, bars and restaurants.

Outside of Universal, LA has plenty to offer. It’s a vibrant place full of unique characters and a landscape that ticks all boxes – mountains, beaches & a bustling city in the most showbiz location in the world.

For LA nightlife head over to West Hollywood and go straight to Santa Monica Boulevard. It’s WeHo’s trendy hub for dining, shopping and the best bars. It’s just a short, cheap taxi ride from central LA so fire up that Uber app.

Santa Monica Boulevard is home to gay venues such as The Abbey, where you’ll find go-go dancers, techno beats and a very mixed crowd. Though I was a little put off by people eating their dinner whilst I was trying to bust out my most irresistible dance moves.

Some of the other bars on the boulevard were a lot more like the scene in London’s Soho neighbourhood. I’ll let you decide if that’s a good thing or not but personally I had an absolute blast at Micky’s.

It’s a hotspot for reasonably priced drinks and a very hot crowd who seemed to proclaim each song to be their ‘jam’. Plus it was open until 2am on a Wednesday evening which was a blessing as there’s nothing worse than being on holiday where everything shuts down around 10pm.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Los Angeles is the city that gets its beauty sleep to wake up the next day even more stunning, glamorous and utterly bizarre than the day before and now it’s got that touch of extra magic thanks to Mr Potter – now the biggest star in all of Hollywood.

Words:  Jon Hornbuckle

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