Going to Universal Studios Hollywood Alone

February 26, 2018 7:57 AM

I think this Friday I'll arrive in the Burbank area early enough that I could spend most of my day at Universal Studios Hollywood. I've never gone to a theme park solo. Does anyone have any tips?

I have heard that theme park rides sometimes have a "single rider" line you can take advantage of. I am a big fan of roller coasters and thrill rides, so that sounds like fun if I can do that. I'm also a big Simpsons fan, so I'll likely spend a lot of time in that area. I'd also like to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but I'm nervous about doing that alone for some reason.

Also it looks like it is not as large as the Universal park in Orlando, which I've been to a few times. Is there anything else in the area I should check out if I feel like I've gotten my fill of the park?

posted by obtuser to Travel & Transportation around Los Angeles, CA (7 answers total)

Best answer: I am so into going to theme parks alone that I have done whole trips to Disney parks (with travel) solo. It's awesome; don't worry, you will have lots of fun. Harry Potter world is smaller than in Orlando but there are still plenty of shows, rides, and experiences (like the wand shop!) to keep you busy. Being alone means you can devote your full attention to all the in-queue details in the Hogwarts ride, and more easily find a place to sit during the lunch rush. Look for tips sites like this as they are legion. A lot of the stuff is common sense and probably familiar from Orlando, but it will help you have a game plan for your day and know which rides have single-rider lines you can use.

As for what else to do in Burbank, I haven't spent much time there but I guess you could add other studio tours, but if it were me and I needed to do something after having my fill of theme park, I'd check out the OG Bob's Big Boy. You may have better taste than me, though.
posted by bowtiesarecool at 8:12 AM on February 26, 2018 [5 favorites]

I totally think you could go solo. I was there in September. The park is "small". Like simpson's land is one ride, and a couple of gift shops and snackbars. I bet you could do the whole park in 4 to 5 hours if you use the single riders line.
posted by TomFoolery at 9:52 AM on February 26, 2018

I'd check out the OG Bob's Big Boy.

Especially on Friday night! They have a terrific car show in the parking lot. Nobody does cars like Southern California.
posted by John Borrowman at 11:00 AM on February 26, 2018

If you can afford it, get the Front of The Line pass for Universal. A group of us did that this past winter when we visited and it made a world of a difference - we breezed by lines that were two to three hours long.
posted by Everydayville at 11:03 AM on February 26, 2018

Best answer: A note of caution: you may get hooked on solo theme park visiting and never want to go with people again. Have fun.
posted by potrzebie at 12:30 PM on February 26, 2018 [3 favorites]

If I had a day in Southern California, I wouldn't waste it at Universal Studios. Didn't even really have rides, just the tram, when I was there; but that was a long time ago. On the other hand my little brother, who's been many times, says that nowadays the train ride between Universal and Harry Potter World is the best thing ever.
posted by Rash at 2:40 PM on February 26, 2018

No wait, that must be the one in Florida. But if it's rides you want, head north, to Magic Mountain.
posted by Rash at 3:14 PM on February 26, 2018