Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood Summer 2021

Thank you Universal Studios for inviting us to experience the Summer Press Days.

After more than a year, it was time to go back to one of our favorite SoCal theme parks, Universal Studios. I have a guide of what's new and what to expect when visiting the park this summer. 

The Secret Life Of Pets: Off The Leash

"The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!" opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on March 27, bringing an astounding 64 animated figures to this all-new tech-savvy ride based on Illumination’s blockbuster The Secret Life of Pets films, which answer the question, "What are your pets really doing when you’re not at home?"

The entertaining new ride features original voice talent from The Secret Life of Pets films who will unleash their animal instincts to reprise their roles for this exciting theme park attraction. The talent and their alter egos include Patton Oswalt as Max, Kevin Hart as Snowball, Eric Stonestreet as Duke, Jenny Slate as Gidget, Tiffany Haddish as Daisy, Lake Bell as Chloe, Dana Carvey as Pops, Chris Renaud as Norman, Hannibal Buress as Buddy, Bobby Moynihan as Mel, and Jessica DiCicco as Princess.

“The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” is a heartfelt experience that transforms guests into stray puppies as they journey to become loved and adopted. After all, adoption day is the ultimate rite of passage for every domesticated animal and, as such, the perfect theme of this engaging new ride as these beloved puppies find their forever homes.

Combining 64 technologically-advanced animated figures, “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” invites guests to meet some of their favorite characters from the movies, who themselves have transformed into dimensional beings. From blinking eyes to eye and eyebrow movements, from head tilts to head nods, from moving mouths to smiles, from ear curls to lip curls, from full torso twists to physically walking, the depth of mobility and function programmed within each of these loveable characters creates an experience unlike any other theme park ride.

With the addition of hyper-realistic media and projection mapping, this impressive new ride is designed to fully immerse guests in a dynamic New York City landscape. Seated within ride vehicles that resemble cardboard boxes—reminiscent of where Katie first finds her beloved Max as a puppy—guests will travel along a track towards the Pet Adoption event and the ultimate happy ending: forever homes.

The Minion Cafe

After a few rides in the upper lot I am sure you are going to get hungry. I recommend visiting The Minions Cafe. It has food for everyone such as grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos, chicken strips, salads, desserts, and more. I say if you want a sweet treat then order Minions specialty shake because you deserve a little banana flavor in your life. 

​Jurassic World—The Ride

Summer hot days call for water rides. What a better way to cool off that going on  “Jurassic World The Ride’s” the all-new, extraordinarily realistic dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, who stakes her claim at the ride’s finale in a forceful battle with her arch-rival, the Tyrannosaurus rex. Now, the giant waterfall drop at the end just adds a little bit of thrill to the ride.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

A visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is not a good visit unless you have some butter beer. It is one of our favorite treats at the park and it is great to enjoy during a hot day.

You can also enjoy these amazing rides:​

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 
  
• Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey 
  
• The Studio Tour 
  
• Kung Fu Panda 
  
• Revenge of the Mummy The Ride 
  
• Transformers The Ride 3D 

We were able to ride all of them because we had the Universal Express ticket that let's you skip the long lines.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew

Now open at  Universal City Walk Hollywood, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, brings up the concept of sports-themed dining with state-of-the-art HDTV screens. NBC Sports Grill & Brew is reflective of NBC Sports’ award-winning coverage and unparalleled collection of media partnerships that include the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, Roland Garros, and many more.

Safety first

I have to say I am super happy that Universal Studios has hand sanitizers around the park and also they are following the LA County recommendations and asking everyone to wear masks indoors.