Old Hollywood Day at Universal

We just attended our very first Old Hollywood Day at Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA.  We live really close to Universal but do not go all that often.  We are thrilled about the new Harry Potter World but we will be happy when (if) the crowd sizes ever go down.  We also feel like Universal doesn't have the magical polish that the Disney Parks have.  It definitely could use a little more glam and that is why we were so excited to hear that an unofficial event for people like us was being organized.  We heard that the theme for this Old Hollywood Day was "Beach Bash", so we threw together some last minute outfits that might be fitting.

Here we are, all glammed up and ready for some fun at Universal. Photo by Eva Perry.

Ella wore a lovely 40's inspired pineapple dress that we got off the sale rack at Unique Vintage in Burbank.  Her fascinator came from Match Accessories and was a reuse from a prior event.  The vintage handbag was an Ebay purchase that was also used prior.  Her jewelry was borrowed from Mom.

Heidi wore one of her favorite black party dresses, originally purchased at H&M.  Definitely NOT vintage but it was a really hot day and sometimes comfort wins.  The necklace was the most antique of her entire ensemble... bought at Banana Republic, circa 2004.  The glasses and flower barrette came from Unique Vintage.  And the parasol, which inspired the outfit, was a souvenir from last Spring's Dapper Day at Disneyland.

All that matters to us on these days is comfort.  And one area where we refuse to suffer is on our feet.  Comfortable shoes are a must.  Thankfully we had some decent flats that worked with what we were wearing.

Ella had camp that day until 3:30 pm, so after rushing home from the bus she traded her dirty cut-off shorts in for fancier threads.  Fun fact: Gloves are an excellent way to hide dirty, unpolished fingernails. 

Catching some rays in Harry Potter's neck of the woods.

We walked around the park for close to an hour and did not see any other people wearing dapper attire.  By the time we got there, it was well over 4 hours since the Noon meet up.  We grabbed some Butterbeer and made the best of it.  And boy, did we get a lots of looks.  We suppose we looked like creatures from another planet.  Or just really confused.

Spotting an owl flying high above Hogsmeade

There are actually quite a few fabulous places to take photos at Universal.  We nearly wiped out our phone batteries, snapping up gems like these.

Fun, color pop wall outside Moe's Tavern

As it turns out, Springfield USA also has a lot of fun places to take photos.  If it weren't so insanely crowded, we would have taken more.  We predict that we will head there again soon some morning, just to do a photo shoot.  We have season passes now, so we have a good excuse. 

TIP: The best place to score park tickets/season passes to Universal Studios Hollywood is at Costco.  We purchased the Gold Annual Passes for $199/each.  If we bought them at the park/online they would have been $299/each.  And with the Gold Pass, you also get free parking + discounts on food and merchandise inside the park and at some Citywalk locations for an entire year, minus a couple of blockout weeks.  You can also save time and buy the Costco tickets online, if you are a member.

Ella hoping to catch a ride via Arthur Weasley's car

After some time, we finally found some of "our people".  But we were too shy to talk to them.  They all looked like the summer heat had taken its toll.  The fab group were resting in the shade, Butterbeers in hand, in Hogsmeade.  We did get a supportive nod or two.  Which was all we needed.  Here is a link to the OHD Instagram page to see how fabulous everyone else looked.  There is no question that we will be back for more, next Old Hollywood Day!!

Obligatory globe shot.  Au revoir, Universal Studios...