Theme Park Insider

Universal Studios Hollywood reviews

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Posted: February 20, 2012

Universal Studios Hollywood might be the nation's most unusual major theme park. USH evolved from its famous Studio Tour, the tram ride through Universal's back lot that remains the heart of the park. At 45 minutes (give or take a few, based on what's filming on the back lot), the Studio Tour lasts far longer than your typical theme park ride, which are over in anywhere between one to 10 minutes. Universal Studios Hollywood is also unusual in that it's not built on some huge flat lot in the suburbs, but on the side of a mountain just a few minutes from downtown Los Angeles, California.

Making movies isn't merely the theme of this theme park - it's what Universal does here, every day. There's no nightly fireworks or laser show, and no daily parade. You won't find any carousel or flat rides in the park, either. But if you're a movie fan who wants to see the actual locations where some of Hollywood's classics were created, there's no more authentic experience anywhere in the world.

The park's layout divides into two major sections, an Upper Lot at the entrance, and a Lower Lot at the bottom of a series of long escalators. Go ahead and start your day with the Studio Tour and its new King Kong 360: 3-D experience, then head to Lower Lot for Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy. (If you've been to the Universal Studios park in Florida, be warned that the Mummy ride here is much shorter than the Orlando version, and skips the Brandon Fraser plot entirely.)

Return to the Upper Lot and visit The Simpsons Ride, Special Effects Stage, Shrek 4-D, Terminator 2: 3-D and the park's best show, Waterworld. Yes, it's based on the widely-derided Kevin Coster movie, but here's one example of a theme park attraction that far surpasses its source material.

In April 2012, the park will open the first U.S. version of Transformers, a next-generation theme park ride that's debuting in Singapore this year and is being developed by the same designer who created the award-winning Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Speaking of Harry Potter, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood, too, though no opening date or site has been announced.

Buy your tickets online to get the best deal and avoid lines at the gate. The park's open 365 days a year, but check Universal's website for specific operating hours. You can get driving directions to Universal Studios Hollywood on our Google Map of America's top theme parks.

Universal Studios' Park Hours are:
Off Season Sep-Mid March 10:00am-5:00pm (Weekdays)
(Weekends)10:00am-7:00pm
On Season: Mid-March to August, October, and December (Weekdays) 10:00am-7:00pm (Vary by crowds or holiday)
(Weekends) 9:00am-8:00pm (Varys by crowd or holiday)

Scroll down to links for Theme Park Insider readers' reviews of Universal Studios Hollywood attractions and restaurants. Or search our archives for more news about Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Readers' Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

[227 + / 34 -] When the park opens go to the Simpsons Ride first and by the time you're out, the lower lot should be open and you can ride Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy with little to no wait.

[75 + / 14 -] Pre-school kids won't find much to do here (unlike at the Florida version). Wait until your children at at least 7 or 8 years old before visiting.

[47 + / 13 -] Hit the lower lot early in the morning to avoid the long line at the thrill rides

Where to stay at Universal Studios Hollywood

Readers' reviews:

Attractions
Lower Lot(Rating)(Height)
Transformers: The Ride 3D1040
Jurassic Park - The Ride942
Revenge of the Mummy848
The Universal Experience7
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter(Rating)(Height)
Harry Potter Ride
Upper Lot(Rating)(Height)
Waterworld9
The Simpsons Ride940
Special Effects Stage8
Studio Tour8
Universal's House of Horrors8
Terminator 2: 3D8
The Adventures Of Curious George7
Shrek 4-D7
Universal's Animal Actors6

[Add a missing attraction]

Dining
Lower Lot(Rating)
Jurassic Cove Cafe9
Panda Express6
Upper Lot(Rating)
Doc Brown's Fancy Chicken9
International Cafe9
Mel's Diner9
Flintstone's Drive-In9
Louie's Pizza and Pasta7
Hollywood Grill6
Cantina6
Dodger Dogs5

[Add a missing restaurant]

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