While we have visited Universal Studios every time we are on a California vacation, this is the first time that I've actually stayed in Los Angeles for a couple of days. We thought with a big group of us and a baby, that it was easier to spend a few days instead of trying to do a long day trip!
We flew in to LAX and picked up our rental vehicles and drove to our rental house - we actually found a place that was only a 10/15 minute walk from Universal Studios, in the area of Universal City. It was a perfect little family spot with a pool.
We actually walked to Universal Studios and it was a quick walk from our place, and would have been much easier had we stopped for the tram; but, we hiked up a big hill only to find a big staircase to a bridge - it isn't the most walkable location (but, I understand, it's really a huge movie studio so it makes sense that it's not the easiest just to stroll in!)
We were ally very excited that the Harry Potter part has opened in L.A. - I have been to the one in Florida; but, it's been a while and I am full on Harry Potter nerd! Hogwarts was beautiful and the ride was great. I got multiple Butterbeers and made sure I grabbed one for my walk home too! I always have to stop at Honeyduke's and load up with candy!
It's a good thing Elliott liked the characters around the park; because, that's basically all we did with a baby there! We met all the minions (even waiting while they switched), met the kids from Despicable Me and Po the Panda. Clearly Elliott liked it! We only lasted a couple of hours with him at Universal Studios and ended going back to our place for our mid-day nap and playing in the pool.
Everyone else stayed behind and did the tram ride, the Simpsons and some of the shows and all really liked it! I think it's funny though because most of the adults have a hard time going on 3 or more of the 3D rides - I do wish there was a little more balance with traditional rides; but, again they are a huge movie studio that focuses on their digital effects!
One of the coolest part about staying in L.A. for a couple of days is that we got to explore a little bit - after I did a little damage at Ulta, we ventured to the Griffith Observatory to check it out and see the views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!
It was a really neat spot - we loved checking out the inside and enjoying the views. Since the whole family was there, my mom arranged for us to have some family pictures taken and it was a cute spot.
There is so much more to see and do in L.A. - we quietly enjoyed our Universal City place; but, I would love to have more time to shop downtown and scope out some new fun spots or nightlife. We did have some beverages and get a little crazy playing Trivial Pursuit instead!
We were really happy to stay in LA for a couple of days and it was great that we had direct flights (because to Anaheim now has a layover from Calgary where we used to be able to fly direct). We had a good time; but, because Universal Studios was the main point of our stay, it was not easy to do with a baby. Disneyland was by far more family and baby friendly, so I would save the trip to Universal Studios until your kids are old enough to go on all the 3D rides - the first time we took Damian, he was 8 and it was the perfect age!
What is you favorite thing to do or spot to go to in L.A.?
Where did you find the Harry Potter hoodie? It’s epic!
ReplyDeleteI found them at a Harry Potter day out in Okotoks and it's a small company - Auggie and Ava and they custom made them for me!
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