doing everything at universal studios hollywood | hogsmeade, nintendo world, toadstool cafe, & more

As someone who’s only gone to Disneyland and DisneyWorld for the first time as an adult, I’ve discovered the joys of themed amusement parks later in life than most (I think). So I’m super excited to be going to Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time everrr, and during their holiday season as a bonus (the most magical time of the year IMO). I’m hoping to see the Christmas theming and decorations and experience Hogsmeade because I’m a big Harry Potter fan. I can’t wait to be a WITCH and cast magic spells and drink butterbeer and blow all my galleons at honeydukes.
We’ll check out all the rides, merch stores, and Super Nintendo World -- and maybe save Princess Peach while we're at it :D
CHAPTERS
DAY 0: arriving in LA
0:00 Preview
0:25 Checking into the Hilton Universal Hotel + room tour; this place is conveniently located on-property and a five minute walk from the park entrance
3:36 Exploring Universal CityWalk: (the shopping area that’s open to the public) harry potter merch, super nintendo world merch, voodoo donuts
DAY 1: first day at universal studios
12:38 Exploring HogsMead: Olivanders, wand selection ceremony, choosing a wand, breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, trying butterbeer for the first time
16:19 Harry Potter rides: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey + Flight of the Hippogriff
19:50 Springfield: a quick walkthrough of the Simpsons’ hometown and lunch at Cletus’ Chicken Shack
22:41 The Lower Lot: Jurassic World Ride, The Mummy Ride, giant Korean-style corn dog?
24:34 Super Nintendo World: getting our powerup bands, seeing Mario and Luigi, collecting coins, fighting bowser jr.
28:04 Hogsmeade at Night: the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle (Christmas themed) + honeydukes
DAY 2: second day at universal studios
34:01 Upper Lot: Krustyland ride, Whoville Christmas Tree and Townsquare, photos with Scooby Doo
38:51 The Secret Life of Pets street + ride
47:10 Toadstool Cafe: cute theming but was the food (and wait) worth it?
51:11 Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
53:35 Transformers: The Ride 3D
54:02 Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride
55:16 WaterWorld Show: a thrilling performance featuring water, a dystopian future setting, and action packed stunts
55:53 Casting ALL the spells at Hogsmeade and passing all our OWL exams within a day
1:00:21 Trying Bubba Gump for the first time: is the seafood any good or is it just a tourist gimmick?
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