We arrived to Universal Studios Hollywood in the pouring rain. I wouldn’t have planned it that way, but in the end, I concluded that the BEST way to do Universal Studios Hollywood is on a rainy day! Here’s why:
I was provided with two complimentary media tickets to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood for a day. I received no monetary compensation and paid for additional expenses myself. As always, all opinions are my own.
No crowds on a rainy day
I took my eldest daughter Faith on her dream Southern California adventure for her senior trip. You can read about everything we did here: Epic Southern California trip without driving!
In preparation for our trip, I had scoured the weather forecast and saw no sign of rain, so I did not pack my rain jacket, of course, right? I held out thinking that maybe the rain would change it’s mind, but that wasn’t the case. It was down pouring when we arrived at the park shortly after opening. We ran through security and presented our tickets in about five minutes flat! There was literally no one in line.
We walked right on the World-Famous Studio Tour! This is such a unique and incredible attraction. I had visited in the 80’s and was so excited to do this again.
In my research, I had read that lines for the Studio Tour are usually hours long. Since it was still raining, though not as hard as when we ran through security, we decided it would be the perfect time to be in the covered tram. It was a great call!
The Studio Tour is a 60 minute tram ride that takes you through a real working movie studio! You will journey through 13 city blocks on four acres of historic studio. Included are 2 immersive 360 experiences that are super fun. The King Kong 3-D and The Fast & Furious. They are so realistic, with amazing special effects. It feels like you’re really there!
You might also come face to face with real life celebrities and some fictional like JAWS! I sure did! I remembered this part from childhood and was so excited to see it again. Wouldn’t you know, Jaws appeared teeth bared at my tram window! I screamed uncontrollably and dropped my phone. Our tour guide could not keep a straight face. You’d think I would have been prepared for this, but nooooo. Of course, it wouldn’t have been as much fun for everyone nor as memorable, if I’d kept my composure, right? Ha ha!
Thankfully, the explosions that followed did distract everyone, and I was able to blend back in…a little!
If you’re an Alfred Hitchcock fan like I am, then you’ll love a chance to see the Bates Motel. Keep a close eye out, you may just catch a glimpse of Norman!
Free hot chocolate at Universal Studios Hollywood on a rainy day
It was cold and still sprinkling when our Studio tour ended. The first thing we did was claim our free hot chocolate at Palace Theater Cafe. It felt so good to get warm over a cup…or two of yummy hot chocolate. This is such a fantastic service provided by Universal Studios Hollywood!
Rain Ponchos and Umbrellas available for sale
After we warmed up with hot chocolate, the rain didn’t seem to be quitting any time soon. In a nearby store, we found rain ponchos for sale for $10. Also available for purchase were umbrellas! The small fold-able umbrellas were around $15, and we decided on the umbrella. That way we saved a little money and would also have a souvenir! There were also large umbrellas available as well.
On cold, rainy days it really feels like winter at Hogsmeade!
Normally, in sunny California you have to use more of an imagination at the wintry Hogsmeade scene. But on this cold, rainy day, we felt like we were really there!
Warm up at the Three Broomsticks
When we were getting chilled and hungry, the Three Broomsticks provided the perfect blend of warmth and comfort food. We enjoyed a tasty Leek and Potato soup and salad combo for $15.99 each. Note: California food prices in general are much higher than those in Florida!
And once you’re good and warm, get back out into the cold and order your Frozen Butter Beer! Y’all, we have tried all varieties of Butter Beer and hands down our favorite is the FROZEN, so even if it’s cold, it’s a must!
Little to no wait on attractions on rainy days
How we love our Universal Studios Hollywood attractions and rides. From Transformers the Ride 3D, to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, WaterWorld, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World: the Ride, and so many more exciting adventures, it is non-stop fun the entire day. On this cold, rainy day, there was little to no wait on all the attractions. Many of them, we did several times in a row!
My favorite was the Walking Dead Attraction! I was so scared to go, but Faith and I grabbed each other and plunged in. With real people in costume and make-up, not just robotic figures and special effects, we were literally running from zombies. Although they came at us with arms out, no one actually grabbed us, but I did practically run into one once! Thankfully, I got away! If you enjoy getting scared for fun, this is a blast.
Character encounters abound
Normally, on our theme park trips, we skip the character encounters simply because we don’t want to take the time to wait in lines for them.
In the evening, our favorite cute and cuddly as well as scary and creepy characters walked freely in the streets and posed in designated area.
It was so fun to get photos taken with them. These photos are our favorite souvenirs that we will cherish for years to come!
There you have it, friends! With no crowds, free hot chocolate, little to no wait times, and all the other perks, make the next rainy day in California a Universal Studios Hollywood day! Travel on!
How fun! It’s been ages since we’ve been to Universal. We need to get back. But when it rains, we just keep going.
I’ve never been to Universal Studios Hollywood before but I would love to in the future. There is so much to do there. It sounds like lots of fun. I can definitely enjoy myself in the rain just to avoid long lines. 🙂
This sounds really fun and exciting! I would love to try visiting Universal Studios on a rainy day, too and experience what you had.
Looks like you had the place to yourself. 🙂 We’ve never been to Universal Studios. Would love to explore it with my husband and son one day.
Universal Studios is a wonderful place to go, so magical! I love how they bring to life all your favorite characters.
I’ve always wanted to go to Universal Studios. Opting for a rainy day sounds like a great idea since it is less crowded. I’m trying to figure out how I can take my kids to a few of these places before my youngest is too old to care. 🙂
We enjoy theme parks on rainy days because the lines are shorter. Universal is one of our favorites
I love to visit Universal on a rainy day because the lines are so short! I always take a poncho and we just enjoy the poncho moment when it happens and often so in Florida.
Rainy day sounds like the way to go and Hollywood! It looks like you had such a wonderful time I definitely want to go to Universal Studios Hollywood now.