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Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles, California

Description

Location: Universal Studios Hollywood is located just north of downtown Los Angeles, at Cahuenga Pass on U.S. 101. You can get driving directions by clicking the Universal Studios Hollywood link on Theme Park Insider's Google map of U.S. theme parks.

History: Universal has hosted spectators at its studios since the 1920s, and began tram tours in the 1960s. In the late '80s, it opened its lower lot, expanding Universal Studios Hollywood to a full-fledged theme park.

Hours: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com. Universal is open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Tickets: Buy and print online. Always try to buy your tickets in advance, to save time when you get to the park.

Reservations: Universal does not offer a ride reservation system, or table service dining inside the park.

Strategy: Most of Universal's attractions are shows, so checking the daily show schedule first is a must. Arrive early, preferrably just before the park opens, to get as many attractions out of the way before lines build.

Universal is split into an upper and lower lot, with an immense series of escalators seperating them. So you won't want to be hopping back and forth between the lots. The lower lot typically opens an hour or so after the park, so use that first hour to visit Shrek 4-D and the Studio Tour. Then head to the lower lot and ride Revenge of the Mummy, followed by the Jurassic Park River Adventure. Finish off the lower lot by visiting the Special Effects Stages and Backdraft. Walk back up to the Upper Lot to the remaining shows.

Unlike as at Universal Studios Florida, there's not a lot for the preschool set at USH. Elementary-age kids will like the Nickelodeon-themed water "sprayground" (bring a spare set of clothes), but younger kids won't have much to do here. Lugging a stroller between the upper and lower lots is next to impossible, too. Wait until the kids are older and have developed some curiosity about movies before visiting.

Rumors: Universal's developing huge sections of its property, with a mix of commercial and residential development. Also, Universal will have the same Simpsons ride replacing Back to the Future as the one in Orlando. Nickelodeon is being rethemed to Curious George.
-- Last edited by Jacob Sanders

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Attractions

Lower Lot(Rating)(Height)
Jurassic Park - The Ride946
Revenge of the Mummy848
Backdraft7
Special Effects Stages7
Upper Lot(Rating)(Height)
Studio Tour9
Terminator 2: 3D8
Waterworld8
Universal's House of Horrors8
Shrek 4-D8
Universal's Animal Actors7
The Adventures Of Curious George6
Fear Factor - Live!4
The Simpsons Ride

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Dining

Lower Lot(Rating)
Jurassic Cove Cafe7
Panda Express7
Upper Lot(Rating)
Doc Brown's Fancy Chicken8
Cantina8
Hollywood Grill8
Flintstone's Drive-In8
Louie's Pizza and Pasta8
Mel's Diner8
Dodger Dogs7

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