This summer we became Universal Studios Hollywood passholders. My kids have been wanting to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a long time. Add the new Super Nintendo World into the mix and they were thrilled with our first visit! Mike and I hadn’t been since we were dating–which means that we had never taken kids before. This was not only our first Universal Studios day with kids, it was also our first FULL theme park day with lucky baby #7. We definitely learned some things for our next visit! Keep reading for three tips for doing Universal Studios with a baby. Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.

Universal Studios Hollywood with a baby

baby wearing is key

If you have never been to Universal Studios Hollywood before you should know that it is built on a hillside. There is an upper lot, and a lower lot. And yes, you will want to experience both. The main way to get between the two areas is by utilizing the escalators or stairs. FYI–it’s a LOT of escalators and stairs. There is an elevator for those that need it. However, the line to wait for the elevator can get quite long. We opted to take the baby out of her stroller and go on the escalator with an empty stroller. Note that that is allowed, but no child can be in the stroller.

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Baby wearing come in handy while traveling between the upper and lower lots. There are also some areas where a stroller is simply not allowed at all. In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter I was told to park my pram to enter any store–including Ollivanders Wand Shop. Meanwhile, strollers aren’t even allowed into Super Nintendo World at all. It’s understandable because the area is very small and gets very crowded. You will have to park your stroller outside that section and experience Super Nintendo World without it.

utilize the child swap system

Much like another famous theme park, Universal Studios offers a child swap system. This gives families with small children that might not be tall enough (or brave enough) to ride, the chance to ride rides without waiting in the same line multiple times. However, at Disney parks they use their app to assign rider swap. At Universal Studios, it’s merely a matter of waiting in the line together. Truth be told, I kind of like Universal’s system better!

| Read: Visiting Disneyland While Pregnant |

Some rides utilize child swap slightly differently. Because of that, always mention to the ride attendant at the front that you want to use child swap. Usually, however, the whole party will wait in the line together. Once you get to the loading area, the first group will ride, while the people waiting are ushered to the waiting area. On some rides, like Flight of the Hippogriff, this area is a small square you stand in at the loading area. For other rides, like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, it’s a waiting room near the exit. The nice thing about this is that you’re still able to see all the neat aspects of the queue by waiting in the line together.

get there at park opening

I admit that this last tip is my advice for any theme park, whether or not you have a baby with you. If you are not a morning person I promise that it will be worth it to get up early. Our first two hours at the park were a 180° difference from the rest of our day. We experienced six rides and attractions in our first two hours. That includes the extra time for child swap and getting from the upper lot to the lower lot. It also makes for much better pictures before the typical morning marine layer burns off and the crowds get in your shots.

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One way to make getting into the park easier is by staying at a hotel nearby. Get Away Today is partnered with several hotels in the area, some even within walking distance to save you the parking fee! Additionally, at this time you can purchase an add-on early entry for Super Nintendo World. This is an additional $20 but it lets you into the park one hour before the rest of the guests. We were not able to purchase this add-on, because they were sold out a week before our trip.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to stop at Guest Relations to pick up a “First Visit!” pin to commemorate your baby’s first trip to Universal Hollywood!

Have you been to Universal Studios Hollywood before?