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Best Time to take the Universal Studios Tour

As with any theme park, there is a good time and a bad time to visit the Universal Studios Tours theme park. You should try to visit at a time when the park is less crowded to get the most out of the tour and the park.

Weekends and school holidays should be avoided at all costs. Most of the visitors at these times are local people who live in the area, and it becomes very crowded, with very long lines. The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so don’t plan a visit during those times.

Visit the Universal Studios website to find out which movies are in production, or which movies will be in production at the time of your visit. This may play in the decision as to when to visit. If you visit during the time of a movie production, you are likely to see the movie set, and you may even get the opportunity to see the stars in action!

When you do visit, plan to get there well before the gates open. You should arrive at least thirty minutes in advance, and should buy your tickets in advance online for added convenience. This can be done here. Tickets can then be printed out using your home printer.

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Universal Studios Special Needs Services

Universal Studios strives to ensure that everyone who visits Universal Studio Tours has an enjoyable experience. While guest services are available for everyone, there are special guest services available for guests with more specialized needs.

Guests in wheelchairs should have no problem accessing everything in the park, however, occasionally, some assistance may be required. If this occurs, staff members will be only too happy to assist. If special assistance is needed, please visit the Guest Relations desk, which is near the front entrance of the park. You should also contact Guest Relations in advance of your visit. Accessibility points for wheelchairs are marked with the International signs.

If you require a sign language interpreting service, one will be made available to you at Universal Studios Tours free of charge, with two weeks notice. Arrangements can also be made for closed captioning, assistive listening devices, and telecommunication devices for the deaf. TTY telephones are located at the Guest Services booth as well, and all pay phones throughout the park have the amplified feature.

Service animals are always welcome at Universal Studios, and will be allowed in the restaurants, gift shops, and the attraction queues. For the safety and well-being of the animal, service animals will not be allowed on some of the rides or inside some of the attractions. Special arrangements can be made for the service animal while its owner enjoys the attractions, however. Non-service animals must be placed in the complimentary kennels located right outside the park gates.

Pregnant women should avoid The Studio Tour, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park. These are not suitable for expectant mothers, and may cause complications in the pregnancy, including early labour. Furthermore, pregnant women will be given special stationary seating for the Shrek 4-D attraction and the Terminator 2: 3D attraction. Speak with a cast member for assistance. You should speak with your doctor before planning a trip to Universal Studios Tours – he or she may advise against such a trip.

Spanish language tours are available every day that the park is open, and tours for other languages can be arranged with advance notice. Again, Universal Studios Tours wants everyone to have a pleasant experience at the park, and they will do everything possible to ensure this. If you have a special need, please call and speak with a cast member at the Guest Services Centre, or visit the centre upon your arrival to the park.

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Avoid taking Baby on Universal Studios Tours

Unlike Disneyland, Universal Studio Tours are not for everyone. While there is plenty to do and see, the attractions are not appropriate for all ages. This should be strongly considered if you have a baby or toddler and are planning a family holiday that includes Universal Studios.

There are no attractions that are suitable for babies or toddlers at Universal Studios. Most babies and toddlers will not be interested in the Universal Studios Tour. Furthermore, getting a stroller around the upper and lower lots is almost impossible. Universal Studios is a great place to have some fun – but it’s a really bad idea if you are a baby, a toddler or most of all a parent.

If you are going on holiday with a toddler or a baby, you may be better off saving the Universal Studios Tour for another holiday a few years down the road. There is no charge for admission for babies and toddlers at Universal Studios, but there usually isn’t if the person cannot enjoy the attractions at the park! Remember – the baby or toddler isn’t the only one who won’t be having any fun.

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Universal Studios Tours – Must See Attractions

If you are planning a trip to Universal Studios, there are many attractions to keep you occupied, including the Universal Studios Tour, which takes about one hour. However, there are some attractions that absolutely must not be missed!

All of the rides have a movie theme, and if you’ve seen the movies, this makes the rides more enjoyable. Start with Backdraft. This isn’t actually a ride, but it is a fire show that features lots of stunts and interaction. Other shows that must not be missed include Animal Planet Live, WaterWorld, and Fear Factor Live. With Fear Factor Live, make sure that you know what you are getting into before you agree to participate!

Terminator 2: 3D is the same as the movie Terminator 2 – but it is in 3D, which you probably have not yet seen. The Mummy Returns: Chamber of Doom is like a haunted house that you walk through, which is full of thrills. The Studio Tour will have you on the set of Jaws and Psycho, in a western town, on a New York street, and experiencing an earthquake with King Kong.

Here are all the Must See Rides and Attractions at Universal Studios

Hollywood Rip Ride and Rocket (now open): For an adrenaline pumping and music thumping ride, visit Hollywood Rip Ride and Rocket. You will climb straight up and a moment later, you’re screaming at 65 mph, 17 stories over Universal Studios.

The Simpsons Ride: The Simpsons are visiting Krustyland, the low-budget theme park created by famed TV personality and shameless product huckster Krusty the Clown! You are there right alongside Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie as you enter through the carnival-like midway. Once you board your vehicle you’re in for one surprise after another as you embark on a wild, over-the-top ride through the park& flying, floating, and more or less crashing your way through Krustyland’s kiddie attractions, stunt shows, and thrill rides.

Shrek 4-D: Join Princess Fiona and your heroes on an all new honeymoon adventure picking up where the Oscar-winning movie “Shrek” left off. Shrek 4-D features an original 3-D film, plus an extra dimension of special effects through the miracle of OgreVision. You see, hear and actually FEEL the action right from your seat! If you love motion simulator rides, you’ll love Shrek 4-D.

Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast: The evil Ooblar from the planet Yolkus has stolen Jimmy’s newest rocket creation… The Mark IV. Board your own rocket, and follow Jimmy on a wild chase through your favourite Nicktoons, including SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Hey Arnold!, and Rugrats.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride: Plunge into total darkness as you face fireballs, scarab beetles, and an army of warrior mummies on a psychological thrill ride totally unlike anything that’s come along in the past 3,000 years! If you love roller coasters, you are in for a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Get ready to scream!

TWISTER – Ride it Out: It’ll Blow You Away. Step into one of the most action-packed movies of all time, and feel what it’s like to be a storm chaser, looking a tornado right in the eye. Grab onto the railing and “Ride It Out,” as our special effects wizards re-create the explosive force of nature at its worst.

The Blues Brothers: It’s a party on Delancey Street in New York with Jake and Elwood, the bad boys of blues. This outdoor stage show is located in the New York backlot area, is for all guests and has no height restrictions.

Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue: Beetlejuice cranks up Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein for a Mega-Monster Rock Show filled with screamin’ demons and wailin’ guitars. This live stage show takes place in an open-air amphitheatre located in the San Francisco backlot area, has a PG-13 Rating, and no height restrictions.

Lucy – A Tribute: The Queen of Comedy lives at Universal Studios! This loving tribute is a walk through the dazzling career of America’s queen of comedy, Lucille Ball. Get a close-up look at the world’s favourite redhead on screen and off! See classic shows, costumes, scripts, and even rare home movies. You are sure to fall in love with Lucy all over again!

Terminator 2: 3-D: The Future Is Coming…After You! Join forces with the Terminator in a battle to prevent mankind’s extinction at the cold, steel hands of futuristic cyborgs. Live-action stunts, special effects, and amazing 3-D film come together in this Terminator adventure that says “Hasta la vista, baby” to entertainment as you know it.

Jaws: You’re gonna need a bigger boat! Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. a giant fin slices through the waves and you’re suddenly face to face with three tons of Great White fury. Are you ready to withstand the all-out assault of JAWS?

Fear Factor Live: Now It’s Your Turn! See if you have what it takes at the most extreme audience participation show ever – Fear Factor Live. Perform gravity-defying stunts in front of thousands as you compete against other guests, or watch all the action from the audience.

Animal Actors on Location: More fun than humanly possible! Animal Actors On Location! is an outrageous show featuring a humorous mix of video, live animal performances, and audience interaction. Don’t be surprised if things don’t always go as scripted, because as anyone will tell you, the animals are running the show!

E.T Adventure: Can you help E.T.(the extra terrestrial) make it back home? Bring the kids and board your flying bikes as you soar across the stars to help E.T save his home planet. It’s an adventure that will touch your heart all over again.

A Day in the Park with Barney: Meet Barney and his friends Baby Bop and BJ in a live sing-along, clap-along stage show. Then afterwards, have fun in Barney’s interactive playground. It’s Super-Dee-Duper!

Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster: We have a roller coaster for your young kids too! Climb into your crate and take a fun-filled ride through Woody Woodpecker’s own nut factory on this family-style coaster. It’s the nuttiest ride you’ve ever seen!

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Universal Studios Tours Annual Passes

If you are a frequent traveller to the United States, or more specifically to Los Angeles, California or even Orlando, Florida, you should consider purchasing annual passes for Universal Studios Tours. Annual passes are reasonably priced, and will most likely save you money on admission throughout the year. Several different levels of annual passes are available.

A regular annual pass for Universal Studios Tours costs that what you would otherwise pay visiting the theme parks just twice. With this an annual pass you will be granted twelve full months of admission to the parks, 15% savings on general admission for up to six of your guests, 10% off of all merchandise, and 10% off the price of all food and beverages purchased inside the park.

You will also be given exclusive offers and invitations to special events that are held throughout the year. Some black-out dates do apply to regular annual pass holders. You can upgrade to a deluxe annual pass for slightly more. The deluxe pass will entitle you to all of the things that a regular pass does, with one exception. No black-out dates will apply to you.

The best value is the premium annual pass. This pass will entitle you to twelve months of admission to the park, invitations to special events held throughout the year, exclusive offers, and 15% savings on general admission prices for six of your guests, 10% off the price of merchandise, 10% off the price of food and beverages purchased inside the park, and no black-out dates. Additionally, you will be entitled to free parking during box office hours, and front of the line access at the Universal Studios Tour.

If you plan to visit Universal Studios twice in one year, an annual pass is the most logical choice. General admission for Universal Studios Tours for just one day costs £48. You can get a premium annual pass for less than two trips to Universal Studios. What this essentially means is that if you purchase an annual pass, you are really only paying for two days at the park, and any additional days are the park are actually free!

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Universal Studios Tours – Special Effects Stages

When you visit Universal Studios, the Special Effects Stages is an attraction that should not be missed. This is not only a great way to learn and understand how special effects are done in the movies; it is also a great deal of fun. It is really quite interesting to see how it all comes to life on the Silver Screen!

There are three Special Effects Stages: The Virtual Studio, The Creature Factory, and The Sound Lab. Remember that this is an interactive attraction, so you will be able to create your very own special effects. You will learn many of the special effects secrets used in major movies, such as The Hulk, The Mummy Returns, Jurassic Park, and many others. There are Universal Studios Staff members available to help with the effects.

The special effects stages are not designed for people who have medical conditions that may be affected by strobe lights, or anything resembling strobe light effects. People with sensitive ears should avoid this attraction, or use earplugs. The Special Effects Stages are located on the lower lot at Universal Studios.

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Security at Universal Studios Tours

If you are worried about your safety while visiting Universal Studios, you should not be. There are security officers on the grounds, and security offices are located in the upper lot by Nick Stuff and in the lower lot inside the Jurassic Park Visitors Centre.

After the 9/11 terrorists attacks, Universal Studios put a heightened security program in place. Today, security precautions are constantly taken for the safety of all visitors and guests. The park stays up-to-date on all security briefings that are issued by local and federal law enforcement agencies, and always takes appropriate measures to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

To date, there have been no major security issues at Universal Studios. The park has never been threatened by terrorists or anyone else. In the event that the park is threatened, again, measures are in place to ensure the safety of everyone. With this in mind, enjoy yourself and all that Universal Studios Tours has to offer – leave the worrying to the people who are already equipped and prepared to deal with such an emergency, should it ever arise.

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How To Make the Most of Your Universal Studios…

When visiting Universal Studios, you need to be prepared. Arriving at the park unprepared can literally ruin your holiday! Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Universal Studios Tour adventure.

It will be very hot. Make sure that you dress in cool summer cotton clothing. You should strongly consider taking a change of cloths, so you can change into dry clothes after the rides that soak you, or if your clothes get too sweaty. If there during the evening hours, take something warmer to change into. Do not wear new shoes! There is a lot of walking involved, and you won’t last one hour in brand new shoes. Wear an old pair that is well broken in. Take along an extra pair of shoes to change into if yours get wet.

Make sure you pack some earplugs. There is a lot of noise at Universal Studios, and some of the attractions are deafening. Also do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to help protect you from the sun. Use a backpack or a fanny pack to carry your belongings in – there are also lockers available through guest services if you need a safe dry place to store your things.

Make sure that you take the Universal Studio Tour early in the day. The park will remain open several hours after the tour has closed for the day. Designate a meeting place with everyone in your party, in case you get separated. Make sure that everyone in your party has a map, and that they know how to read it!

Leave small babies and toddlers with a sitter. They will not enjoy Universal Studios, and they will make sure that you don’t enjoy it either if you bring them. Consider purchasing VIP passes which will allow you to move to the front of the lines for the attractions. This is a huge time saver, and will keep you from wasting valuable time and getting bored standing around.

You might want to avoid eating inside the park if you can. It is very expensive, and the food is much cheaper right outside the gates in City Walk. Also save your shopping for the end of the day, so you don’t have to carry packages around with you. Universal Studios Tours does have a package delivery service, which will allow you to pick up your purchases at the end of the day near the exit, in case you find a souvenir that simply won’t wait until closing time.

Most importantly, see and do as much as possible, and have fun! Universal Studios has been entertaining us for years, and entertainment is what Universal Studios Tours is all about, so enjoy!

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How To Get the Most Out Of Your Universal…

Universal Studios is a huge place, with lots to see and do. If you want to experience as much as possible in one day, it is important to plan your day. By planning your day, you will be able to get more done than you would if you went in without a viable plan.

Start the day with the Universal Studios Tour. It takes one hour, and you need to be there before the gates open. It is important to be on that very first tour, so you can avoid some of the long lines at the theme park.

Universal Studios is divided into two lots – the upper lot and the lower lot. When you are ready for the theme park attractions, start on one lot or the other, and visit all of the attractions on that lot before moving to the next one. This will cut down on a lot of unnecessary walking. The upper lot usually opens before the lower lot, so start at the top if possible.

After a day at the theme park, be sure to visit Universal City Walk located right outside the gates of the park. The City Walk is three blocks of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. This is a great way to end a perfect day at Universal Studios Tours.

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About Guest Services on the Universal Studios Tours

There are many guest services that will help you enjoy your day tour at Universal Studios, and you should definitely take advantage of the ones that appeal to you best. The good folks at Universal Studios want you to have a positive experience, and these services are meant to help you do just that.

There is a ‘Will Call’ service located right outside the gates. Here, you can have tickets that were purchased online reprinted if necessary, get ticket reservations, or put your pet in a kennel. Also located outside the gate is the Group Sales Window. Here, you can renew your annual passes, or replace lost annual passes. The Annual Pass Centre is also located here.

The Guest Relations booth is where you will find visitor information concerning hotels, campsites, and other interesting things to do in the area. You can also get assistance and guides for guests with disabilities and audio assist units. Travel assistance, lost and found, and the lost children’s centre are also located in and near the Guest Relations booth.

Strollers and Wheelchairs are available for rent in the upper lot. Lockers, where you can store your items for the day, are also available. ATM Machines are located at the main entrance and in the lower lot by the Jurassic Cove Café. You may use traveller’s checks and credit cards at the ticket booth and in the gift shops. Checks are not accepted at Universal Studios, and proper identification is required for the use of credit cards and traveller’s checks.

First Aid is located in the upper lot near Animal Planet Live. There is another first aid station inside the Jurassic Park Visitors Centre, which is situated in the lower lot. There are eight designated smoking areas, which are indicated on the park map. Smoking will not be permitted in any other areas of the park.

You should also take advantage of the Package Deliver Service at Universal Studios Tours. This service will allow you to buy merchandise, and then pick it up near the exit before you leave. The package pickup is located near Universal Film Company.

Again, all of these services are designed to make your visit to Universal Studios Tours more enjoyable. If you have any problems at the park, including problems are situations that are not discussed here you should find a staff member and request assistance. They will do everything within their power to help you rectify your problem, and continue with your Universal Studios Tour.

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