Address: 100 Universal City Plaza
Pricing: $69.99 per person, adults; $59.99 under 48" tall
Phone: 800-864-8377
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (extended summer hours)
How To Get There:
From Los Angeles International Airport, head south on World Way toward West Way. Take the ramp onto S Sepulveda Blvd. Turn right onto the I-105 E ramp. Keep left at the fork to continue toward I-105 E and merge onto I-105. Take the exit on the left onto I-110 N. Take the exit onto US-101 N toward Hollywood. Take the Lankershim Blvd exit toward Universal City. Destination will be on the right.
Parking:$14 full day in lot ($10 after 3 p.m.)
Visit Website
Universal Studios Hollywood: Spot a star, watch a flick, take a ride!
Jan 19, 2010
For visitors to Los Angeles who want to experience the ultimate in thrills, not to mention an iconic Southern California attraction, a day-long stopover to Universal Studios Hollywood is an absolute must.
Admission to Universal includes a tour of the famous studios as well as unlimited admission to the amazing movie-themed rides and live shows. Classic action and animated movies, sunshine and a literal boat load of entertainment options await you at Universal. Expect to spend a full day here, especially if you’re with family.
There’s a ton to experience, even excluding the park’s enormous collection of attractions, which include live shows like “Fear Factor” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” And even if you spend the time necessary to get to the major rides, Universal CityWalk is a quick walk outside the studio's property and includes movies, night clubs and shopping.
Universal Studios Hollywood has experienced consistent growth over the decades since its opening in 1915, when owner Carl Laemmle began charging the public 25 cents to see movies being filmed. The transformation to theme park, however, didn’t officially occur until 1964, when Universal unveiled its popular backlot tram ride – a feature that’s been replicated at theme parks across the world. The tram tour has since drawn more than 80 million visitors, making it the major highlight of the theme park. These days it’s actually a ride-like attraction. Dodge Jurassic Park’s spitting dinosaurs, get a close up of Jaws’ teeth, experience an earthquake and get to see the destruction of Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds and the appealing silliness of Dr. Seuss’s Whoville.
Besides the tram tour, other highlights include the relatively new Simpsons Ride; Shrek 4-D; Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride; Jurassic Park – The Ride; Terminator 2: 3D; and Adventures of Curious George.
A few important HelloLosAngeles tips:
• Get to the park about a half hour before the opening hour to avoid crowds.
• Plan ahead by downloading a map ahead of time at the official web site and plan your day around scheduled programs.
• Start your day off with the backlot tour – you’ll get the best experience.
- by Jim Brown , Los Angeles Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jim Brown Jim Brown is a longtime freelance aviation, travel and destination writer and communications professional. A former reporter for Aviation Daily, Air Safety Week and World Airline News, Jim served for more than 15 years as a senior public relations executive for American Airlines, TWA and AirTran Airways.
