This post covers the best things to do in Los Angeles this January, including a top 10 list as well as a family-friendly, nighttime activities, and free things to do, all updated for 2020.
This post provides details about several fun Hollywood tours including bus, studio, as well as celebrity home tours. We include information about tickets, discounts, and what you can expect and more.
If you’re looking for a general overview of the city, this is an excellent way to learn more about Los Angeles.
In addition to learning more about the area, you’ll also have the option to hop off and explore at your leisure.
Each hop on hop off bus tour includes at least 2 routes that cover popular locations such as Downtown LA, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Hollywood!Read more »
This post provides covers things to do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Hollywood, as well as how to save money on tickets.
There are a lot of different Harry Potter attractions in the world today, so it can be confusing to figure out which activities are included at each location.
This post covers the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which is located at Universal Studios in Hollywood. (We also have a post on Harry Potter World Studios outside of London).
In addition to thrill rides and digital experiences, there are also areas designed to replicate sets from the films.
Every now and then, actors will re-enact certain scenes from the movies and books on these replica film sets, giving audiences the opportunity to relive their favorite moments from the story of Harry Potter.
This photo of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is courtesy of TripAdvisor
All of the attractions available in this area of the theme park are included with admission to Universal Studios.
Check our tickets and discounts sections to learn more about how to visit the Wizarding World.
There is also a Harry Potter tour available at Warner Bros. Studios, but this is a different attraction which includes unique things to see and do which are not available at Universal Studios.
Both of these attractions are included with tourist passes, combo packages, and other deals.
This photo of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This section will cover all of the best deals on general admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, including various Los Angeles tourist passes and combo packages.
We will also provide information about how to save money on tickets with various additional discount opportunities.
Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
There are currently four tourist passes in Los Angeles that offer discounts on general admission at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The first and most popular option is the Go Los Angeles Card, which offers admission to the theme park with every 3, 5 and 7-day all-inclusive pass.
This pass also includes admission to dozens of additional attractions while it is valid, including the Warner Bros. Studio tour which features a Harry Potter tour.
3-Day Pass: $258/Adults | $222/Children
$86/day for Adults | $74/day for Children
5-Day Pass: $340/Adults | $293/Children
$68/day for Adults | $58.60/day for Children
7-Day Pass: $399/Adults | $352/Children
$57/day for Adults | $50.28/day for Children
At $57 per day with the 7-day pass, you’d literally be paying less than half the price of general admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood.
The Starline Attraction Pass is another all-inclusive pass that offers admission to this theme park at a discounted rate.
Much like their competitors, you have to purchase at least a 3-day pass for access to this activity.
Unfortunately, while the Go Los Angeles Card includes both Universal Studios Hollywood and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, you must choose one or the other with this tourist pass.
If you’re looking for a discount service that focuses primarily on theme parks, the Los Angeles CityPASS is an excellent option.
This tourist pass includes attractions like Disneyland, SeaWorld and more.
While the deals offered by this company aren’t as impressive as their competitors, the opportunity to pick and pay for just the activities you want may be a bonus for some travelers.
Alternatively, you can also use the Build Your Own Pass option from Go Los Angeles, which provides up to a 20% discount on tickets when you pick four or more attractions.
Needless to say, this discount isn’t amazing, but it’s still almost $25 off general admission prices!
Combo Packages
Although tourist passes are a great way to save money on activities like this, they aren’t always perfect for people who are only planning to do a few things while visiting Los Angeles.
If you’re only interested in a few attractions, you might want to consider getting a combo package instead.
These combination deals include anywhere from 2-4 activities for one flat price, allowing you to save some money on tickets.
This combo package can save you up to 24% off general admission prices for each activity.
It also includes both the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Harry Potter tour at Warner Bros. Studios.
If you’re not interested in all of the attractions included with that combo deal, there is another package offered by Starline which features both their Celebrity Homes tour and admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.
This is an excellent option if you only have a day or two in Los Angeles and are interested in both activities.
Both active and retired U.S. military personnel qualify for discounted tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Admission should be purchased ahead of time at participating Military Ticket Offices, and a valid ID will be required in order to get the discount.
Although you’ll get a better deal by buying your tickets ahead of time, you will still be eligible for a discount if you present a valid military ID at the ticket booth for $3 off general admission and children’s tickets.
For more details, make sure to read the Military Discount section on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
Discount Sites
If all else fails and you’re not interested in using a tourist pass or combo package, there are also several services such as Groupon and Living Social which offer discounts on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets every now and then.
In addition to the deals they may offer throughout the year, these discount sites also frequently provide coupon codes for up to 20% off local activities, which could make tickets even more affordable.
This section will cover some of the most popular attractions you can enjoy in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
We will include both thrill rides and theatrical experiences that fans may want to check out while at the theme park.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Enter the world of Hogwarts on this “Motion Simulation” ride which includes a special interactive film experience.
Strap in and enjoy the feeling of flying alongside Harry, visiting sites such as Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and more!
Flight of the Hippogriff
This rollercoaster will simulate the experience of flying through Hagrid’s Pumpkin Patch on a Hippogriff.
This family-friendly ride includes spirals, dives and swoops, but it shouldn’t be too frightening for most kids.
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
After dark, this attraction is bathed in a fantastic light show featuring creatures and characters from the Harry Potter universe flying around the castle.
The show includes music from the original score written by John Williams.
Visit Ollivander’s Wand Shop
This theatrical experience recreates the shop where young wizards find their wands.
Watch as professional actors re-enact the experience of a wand choosing its owner!
Cast Your Own Spells
Speaking of wands, there are 15 special locations throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter where young visitors can test their own skills by casting a spell.
These are interactive experiences that allow visitors to do things such as conjuring flames, open locked doors and more.
See the Triwizard Spirit Rally
During this theatrical performance, you’ll witness several students from wizarding schools including Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang participating in a special tournament.
Experience the Frog Choir
This is another theatrical experience that features students singing popular wizarding songs along with giant frogs who provide a bit more bass to the tunes!
Grab a Butterbeer
This popular drink from the world of Harry Potter is available at both the Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head taverns.
Before you ask – yes, the Butterbeer is non-alcoholic and safe for children.
Get a Bite to Eat
There are three restaurants at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter including the Three Broomsticks, Hog’s Head and the Magic Neep Cart.
Each location serves a variety of foods including turkey legs, pumpkin juice and more.
Take Your Wizards Shopping
In addition to all the fun attractions and activities available at the Wizarding World, there are also several stores selling a variety of items related to Harry Potter including wizards’ robes, wands, sweet treats, stationery, novelty items and more.
There are two major Harry Potter attractions in Los Angeles – one at Universal Studios Hollywood and the other at Warner Bros. Studios.
Universal Studios is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which includes thrill rides, theatrical performances, and many other fun activities for both young and old fans.
Just as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour includes access to their Harry Potter attractions.
While each of these activities is sure to be a hit with fans, you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
That said, hardcore fans may want to consider experiencing both attractions while they’re in Los Angeles!
This post is a guide to things to do in Los Angeles during the holiday season, including holiday tours and theme-park celebrations, winter festivals, Christmas markets, where to see Christmas lights and so much more, all updated for 2019. Don’t forget to look into our packing tips for winter trips!
Surprisingly, Los Angeles does an amazing job of making its sunny warm weather feel like a true Christmas. There are many things to do that invoke the Christmas and Holiday spirit.
You can see Christmas tree lightings, take holiday lights tours, and enjoy Christmas festivities at the big theme parks like Disneyland.
Some activities start in December and run through the New Year, but many begin in November. Be sure to read our posts on things to do in Los Angeles in November, December and January to see what other holiday celebrations are still running in those months.
If you are considering enjoying several of LA’s theme-parks, seasonal tours, and unique bus tours, you may find that a tourist pass can help you save money.
This post covers the best things to do in Los Angeles this December, including free, family-friendly, as well as nighttime activities, all updated for 2019.
This post covers the best things to do in Los Angeles in November and has been updated for 2019. It includes a top ten list, evening, free, and family-friendly activities.
This post covers a variety of popular tours of Hollywood, including walking, food, bus, GPS-led audio tours. Not all tours cover the same area or topics and we explain.
In the early 1900s, a group of independent movie producers wishing to escape the eastern movie establishment made their way west to California. Read more »
This post covers the best things to do in Los Angeles this October, including a top 10 list as well as a family-friendly, nighttime activities, and free things to do, all updated for 2019.
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