Universal Studios - need advice for purchasing tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood: Need help deciding which type of ticket to buy for Universal Studios Hollywood.
I've only been to Universal in Florida and was wondering how the California one compares to the one in Florida as far as crowds. I know it's nowhere near as large, since Universal Orlando includes Islands of Adventure as well as the studio park. I was thinking of purchasing just a regular one day ticket. I see on their website they offer a Front of the Line ticket for $129 as compared to $80 for the regular ticket but it only allows you the front of the line access one time at each attraction so I'm not sure it would be worth it. We will be there sometime between June 13-17 and I'm wondering would the crowds be so bad that we would need to buy the Front of the Line ticket? If we didn't buy it, what would be an average wait time for the main attractions, such as Transformers, King Kong & Mummy that time of year?
If you're visiting other parks and attractions in the area during your visit, you're probably best off getting the SoCal CityPass, which gets you admission to Universal Hollywood (1-day), Sea World (1-day), and Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure (3-day hopper) for $306/adult. If Universal is crowded, FOTL can be added after you enter the park.
From AJ Hummel
Posted January 21, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Universal Studios Hollywood rarely gets exceptionally crowded. As long as you get there at opening, you'll likely be able to do everything in about 2/3 of a day. The park only has five actual rides, and everything else is a show. In general, lines are around 30-45 minutes during the summer, possibly a little shorter when you're visiting (the earlier you visit in your window, the less chance you have of crowds), and possibly a bit longer on weekends. Transformers and Jurassic Park (if it is hot out) may be a bit longer than this range but I've rarely seen a wait longer than 40 minutes posted for anything else at the park, even on weekends.
My advice would be to go on a weekday and do the lower lot attractions first (Transformers, Mummy, and Jurassic Park). If you do this, you definitely won't need the overpriced front of the line pass. Even if you have to go on a weekend, don't buy it ahead of time, and only purchase it if you get there and everything is posted as at least an hour wait. One other thing to note is Jurassic Park, Mummy, and Transformers all offer single rider lines, so if you're willing to split your party up you can use these and often get on within ten minutes.
Keep in mind that there is no actual King Kong ride (as far as I know). It is about a 2 minute part of the Backstage Tram tour. Don't get me wrong, it's very cool. But the Tram Tour is a long "ride" in an outdoor tram that goes through a Studio lot and shows a lot of movie areas.
Lower lot (down 4 escalators) has Transformers, Jurassic Park, Mummy. Upper lot has The Simpsons Ride and the Tram Tour. I think everything else is a show. Plenty of time to do everything in a day.
From Jay R.
Posted January 25, 2013 at 2:29 PM
As others have said, you won't need to worry about a front of the line pass.
As long as you're there when the gates open, you'll have plenty of time.
Head directly to the lower lot first (for transformers, jurassic & mummy) As long as you do that first, you'll be set!
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