Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood - background:

Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie-based theme park in Los Angeles, California, with many of the same exciting attractions as its Orlando cousin: Shrek-4D; Revenge of the Mummy; Jurassic Park The Ride, and more.

What's Special about Universal Studios Hollywood:

Universal Studios Hollywood is a working movie studio, a role that goes back to the early days of Hollywood and the start of the "Universal film Manufacturing Company". Today's theme park features the "Studio Tour", transporting guests through 415 acres of working soundstages and movie sets.

Guests get an inside look at movie landmarks as varied as Who-Ville and the Bates Motel; they may also see current filming going on. (Desperate Housewives' Wisteria Lane is in the backlot.)

Keep in mind about Universal Studios Hollywood:

• this theme park appeals more to older kids
• unlike Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood doesn't have its own resorts, though it does have a CityWalk shopping and entertainment area

  Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood:

  Print-at home Ticketing: a great convenience for families! Order tickets at the Universal Studios Hollywood site, print them out, and skip theline-ups at the ticket booths outside the park.

  Front-of-the-Line Pass - Bypass the line-ups for popular attractions, plus get reserved seating at all shows, and behind-the-scenes admittance at certain attractions. Cost is $89.75 to $99.75 (compared to regular admission of $49.95 - check Universal Studios Hollywood site for price updates.)Combine the two: buy Front of the Line online (probably with a buy-online discount), then do Print @ Home.

  Price by Height: on some types of the Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, discounts are offered according to height. This is because certain park attractions have a minimum-height restriction, so guests of any age who are under 48 inches tall get a lower admission price. (About height requirements: make sure your child is tall enough to ride the attractions she's excited about!)"Umbrella Policy": if you buy a ticket to Universal Stuios Hollywood on a day when the park gets over 1/8" rain by 2 p.m., you'll get a "rain check" ticket good any time for 30 days.

  VIP Experience - Premium Ticket: see the park on a personal tour, with priority-entry privileges at all rides and attractions

  Halloween Horror Nights - definitely not for the young or sensitive! But a very popular annual event; keep it in mind for Halloween fun.
  * photos courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood.

  This brief profile is meant to introduce this destination to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person. Always check web sites for updates.