Universal Studios Hollywood SignMany people visit Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida – but there is also a Universal in the home of movies…Los Angeles.  If you’re headed for Hollywood, then you must stop by and see what Universal has to offer – including their unique Hollywood museum.

Can I get a tour of the Studios?

Yes.  The Studio Tour will let you see the sets of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Desperate Housewives and The War of the Worlds.  The Tonight Show with Conan is also filmed there.  The Studio Tour also contains an element of surprise because lots of the movies and TV programs being filmed there are not allowed to be announced online…so go and see if you get lucky!

What attractions are there?

Here are just a few to whet your appetite…

The Simpsons Ride

Readers of ThemeParkInsider.com voted this the World’s Best New Attraction for 2008.  If you love the Simpsons, this is a must-see.  The ride takes you to Krustyland, a low-budget theme park created by Krusty the Clown.  You’ll fly, float, laugh, scream and have a load of fun!

Shrek 4-D

This is the first time that an attraction has been based on an animation and involved the original cast of the film and the original production team.  You wear 3D glasses to watch this film and see characters jump right off the screen at you.  Your seat also moves to match what’s happening on screen.  A great chance to be right in the middle of a brand new Shrek film that you won’t see anywhere else!

Revenge of the Mummy Ride

This is a great ride for terrifying curves, huge drops and free-falling mummies that land inches from your face.  If you’re scared of the dark, don’t like insects, hate speed, have a fear of heights and don’t like the thought of evil spirits…but love to be scared out of your wits, then this is the ride for you.  Each car has 22 surround-sound speakers so you’re right in the action.  The producers of this ride worked closely with experts in Egyptology from the British Museum, so it’s not only horrifying – it’s historically accurate.

Jurassic Park – The Ride

If you loved the movie, you’ll love this.  Get up close and personal with a 50 foot high T. Rex and ride a raft down an 84 foot drop…

The Adventures of Curious George

Kids…and those who have never grown up…will love this crazy play area.  Experience the 500 gallon water dump and let thousands of foam balls go flying…almost more fun than you can handle!

House of Horrors

This was voted the Best Year Round Haunted Attraction in America by HauntWorld Magazine.  Do you dare enter the terrifying dark and winding maze?  You could come face to face with Frankenstein, Chucky, Wolf Man or other characters from the world’s most frightening movies!

Can we meet characters?

Yes – get your picture taken with The Simpsons, Scooby Doo and Shaggy, Shrek and Fiona, SpongeBob SquarePants, the characters from Madagascar and many, many more.

I love Theme Parks but the queues put me off…

Get yourself a Front of Line Pass.  This will give you all day admission, reserved seats at the most popular shows and priority access to all of the attractions.

When is Universal open?

Normal hours are 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays.  During the busiest times – Easter, Summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas – the park is open for longer.  To check the most up-to-date opening times, see the Park Hours Calendar on the Universal website.

Are there any height restrictions on the rides?

Yes, some have minimum height requirements:

  • The Simpsons Ride:  You must be at least 40 inches tall
  • Jurassic Park Ride:  You must be at least 46 inches tall
  • Revenge of the Mummy Ride:  You must be at least 48 inches tall

How much are tickets and are discounts available?

A ticket for one day is $67.  For those under 48 inches tall, the discounted price is $57.  Children under the age of 3 do not need a ticket.  To see a list of all tickets, and to buy them before you visit, go to the Universal Online Ticket Store. There are often savings deals for buying ahead and there are also special deals here.  Don’t miss the special deals available for the Military.

There are so many tickets and passes…I’m confused!

Universal will help you with this.  Just enter your requirements and they will tell you which ticket or pass is best for you.

A free ticket if it rains!

The park does stay open if it’s raining but if the weather is severe, some shows may be cancelled.  However, Universal Studios is the first park ever to offer a Guaranteed Rain Check.  If the park gets over one eighth of an inch of rain by 2 pm, visitors will be offered a ‘rain check’ ticket which may be used at any time during the next 30 days.

Universal is a magical place full of excitement, thrills and entertainment for all the family.  If you’re headed to the West Coast, make sure it’s on your itinerary!