It is indeed wonderful to be back at Universal Studios Hollywood (USH), the entertainment capital of L.A., after 32 years!
The first time I visited USH was in 1993. I received six complimentary tickets (for my sister, brother-in-law, two nieces, nephew, and myself), and we truly enjoyed the shows, rides, and unforgettable experiences. I featured that thrilling visit in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, where I was then working as a journalist.
This recent 2025 visit, with five tickets, including one for my 86-year-old mother, Rosita Constantino Medina, was made possible through the kindness of USH Public Relations Manager Diana O’Campo. It was even more exciting, meaningful, and memorable, with many new improvements and amenities offered at Universal Studios Hollywood.
We arrived at 8:45 a.m. at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. While there is a charge for parking, there is no general admission fee to enter the CityWalk promenade itself. You can freely stroll through the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
As soon as we reached the entrance, I was struck by the wide variety of restaurants. We had breakfast at Power Up Café. My mother and I then passed by a magic house to watch a show, while the younger ones went off to ride an exhilarating roller coaster.
Later that morning, we took the Studio Tour, which came with a clear warning:
“This tour passes through several attractions that include loud explosions, large flame effects, fog effects, and tidal wave effects. The vehicle rocks aggressively during some attractions.”
Visitors with certain conditions, including heart problems, high blood pressure, pregnancy, sensitivity to strobe or fog effects, motion sickness, or recent surgery, were advised not to ride. We were instructed to remain seated in the tram, supervise children, keep hands and feet inside, and pull the red cord in case of emergency.
The Studio Tour was mesmerizing. Highlights included the New York sets (brownstone streets, Courthouse Square, the theatre district), Earthquake, Little Europe, Six Points Texas/Western Street, Flash Flood, Jaws, the iconic picture cars from Fast & Furious and Back to the Future, Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, King Kong, Norman Bates at the Psycho house and motel, War of the Worlds, and Jupiter’s Claim from NOPE.
I was especially enchanted by Steven Spielberg Drive. It was so peaceful, with cool, breezy trees lining the road.
After the Studio Tour, we had lunch nearby at CityWalk. It’s such a comfortable place, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Around 1 p.m., we returned to USH to watch a WaterWorld show, one of the main attractions. Management warned: “You may get wet!” We prepared ourselves for a breathtaking, action-filled performance featuring death-defying stunts in a live sea-war setting.
The cast, Brian Combs, Melissa Millicano, Trevor Fisch, Robert Gardner, Yeyo Quiles, Emerson Keyes, Ricky Fiorillo, Stan Elton, and Daniel Batson, delivered superb performances.
Next, we visited DreamWorks Theater Featuring Kung Fu Panda. It was a delightful experience, and the staff were courteous and kind. We were even the first to enter the theater. I truly enjoyed the beloved cartoon character and his adventures.
Our next challenge was reaching the Lower Lot, where more thrilling rides awaited: Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic World, and Transformers 3D. We endured the trek via four escalators. The entire Starway system spans about a quarter mile and takes roughly 8–10 minutes to travel from the Upper Lot to the Lower Lot.
We relaxed at Super Nintendo World, and the younger ones braved another water ride to cool off.
To return to the Upper Lot, I requested the Alternative Transport Vehicle (ATV) for my mother, and the USH team graciously accommodated us.
While waiting, we met a kind-hearted elderly lady from Kentucky and her three companions. We chatted for a while, and I hope to see them again someday.
We capped off our day back at CityWalk with a 7 p.m. dinner. Joining us were my niece, fashion designer Ann K. Isip, and her gifted child.
How I wish I could return to Universal Studios Hollywood for another one or two days to continue exploring its exciting, informative, and entertaining attractions.
I truly love USH and deeply admire the hardworking team who strive to make every visit unforgettable.