Attractions not as popular, but just as fun?

[jessirae]

My family and I are going to US/IOA May 24-29th (totally unexpected trip!!!). We have been before, and LOVE the parks and rides, but my DH and I would love to do something with our DD (11) a bit different while we are there. Do you have any suggestions of shows, attractions or tours that may not be as popular, but just as fun?

Thanks!!!

 

[rwdavis2]

Horror Makeup Show at Universal.

 

[Metro West]

If you haven't seen The Mystic Fountain in The Lost Continent area of IOA, don't miss it. It's a lot of fun to watch him interact with the people standing around.

 

[SnapesGirl]

I second the Horror Makeup show. Not scary (except maybe some of the movie clips they show), but very funny!

There was also this neat little magic show we saw which is in a magic shop around the mystic fountain, I believe. I'm not sure if they do this everyday, but if you go into the store you can ask if they are doing the magic show. Very cool!

 

[pixeegrl]

Check out Blue Man Group. They just began a new show. We are going in August and already have our tickets to see them...

 

[jessirae]

Thank you! The horror make up show looks great! I am definately going to check into the magic show and Blue Man Group.

Thanks!!

 

[damo]

Jurassic Park Discovery Centre and the Jurassic Park playground. Also, the ball area in the Kidzone at the Studios is a ton of fun for the whole family.

 

[ChrisFL]

E.T....I think it gets overlooked because of where its hidden, but if you haven't been on it, its a great ride.

 

[bumbershoot]

Jurassic Park Discovery Centre and the Jurassic Park playground. Also, the ball area in the Kidzone at the Studios is a ton of fun for the whole family.

Haven't done the playground as far as I know, but the Discovery Center and the ball area are GREAT! Fun for all ages.

The balls in the kid zone are soft soft soft; you could tag a toddler with one and it wouldn't hurt. Startle, yes (so I don't recommend aiming at toddlers), but not painful.

 

[crewser]

Our Family loves the Horror Makeup Show we do it everytime we are down usually 2 times per trip.

 

[ky07]

Animal Actors show is also great for the whole family

 

[Planogirl]

If it's not too hot, it can be fun to grab something to drink and watch the Blues Brothers.

 

[carlos.del002]

I agree... Animal Actors Live and the Horror Make Up Show. There's also a small hidden magic show in US, I don't think it even shows on the park map, but I'm not sure.

 

[Victoria3]

Beetlejuice Graveyard revue is must do.

 

[JRoyster86]

If it's not too hot, it can be fun to grab something to drink and watch the Blues Brothers.

I agree with this. I always like to grab a snack and hang out and watch the Blues Brother show. It's fun and the actors are very talented

 

[AJA]

The Jurassic Park area is great. You can use the water cannons at camp jurassic, very fun especially if it's hot. DH and DD LOVE to try to squirt me and vice versa. She might be too tall for Pteranodon Flyers but you can still play in the area. Also the Jurassic Park Discovery center is a neat area, you can play games competing against each other, especially if it's hot and you'd like to spend 20 mins or so in the air conditioning.

and as others have said, the Horror make up show. It's not scary at all and very fun.

 

[SanFranciscan]

I agree... Animal Actors Live and the Horror Make Up Show. There's also a small hidden magic show in US, I don't think it even shows on the park map, but I'm not sure.

Yes, the magic show is on Hollywood Blvd. by Mel's Diner. I have never gone to the show, but I bought a ticket for my husband to get into Universal Studios and wait for me to get off of work there. He went to the magic show which you are refering to. He liked it.

One thing that I think might be fun for an 11-year-old girl is the raft ride over in Kid Zone. I don't know what it is called because I work taking pictures at the front gate and am rarely allowed to leave, but I was allowed over in Kid Zone to take pictures once on a hot day. The children were riding downhill in little rubber rafts into a small splash. Does anyone know the ride that I am talking about? It is right next to the roller coaster for children. There were parents ridinng these little boats with some of the children, and I photographed some who seemed to be having a lot of fun.

If you want to sneak in some education on this family trip, inquire about tours explaining the mechanics and engineering of the rides. I don't know whether these exist because I am not a Universal employee. I just work there. If they don't exist, maybe Universal Studios would be willing to start one. While I worked for the Disney Museum in San Francisco, I learned that some homeschooling parents among our guests were using Disneyland in California as something of a classroom. I think it would be really great if Universal taught this country's future engineers how to blend science and art like the German engineering company did in the design of the Rip Rocket at Universal Studios, where passengers select their own music to enjoy during the ride.

I also agree with those who told you to check out The Blues Brothers. You don't have to be at all familiar with the movie to enjoy the show. It is just some great music and some funny costumes.

 

[damo]

Yes, the magic show is on Hollywood Blvd. by Mel's Diner. I have never gone to the show, but I bought a ticket for my husband to get into Universal Studios and wait for me to get off of work there. He went to the magic show which you are refering to. He liked it.

One thing that I think might be fun for an 11-year-old girl is the raft ride over in Kid Zone. I don't know what it is called because I work taking pictures at the front gate and am rarely allowed to leave, but I was allowed over in Kid Zone to take pictures once on a hot day. The children were riding downhill in little rubber rafts into a small splash. Does anyone know the ride that I am talking about? It is right next to the roller coaster for children. There were parents ridinng these little boats with some of the children, and I photographed some who seemed to be having a lot of fun.

If you want to sneak in some education on this family trip, inquire about tours explaining the mechanics and engineering of the rides. I don't know whether these exist because I am not a Universal employee. I just work there. If they don't exist, maybe Universal Studios would be willing to start one. While I worked for the Disney Museum in San Francisco, I learned that some homeschooling parents among our guests were using Disneyland in California as something of a classroom. I think it would be really great if Universal taught this country's future engineers how to blend science and art like the German engineering company did in the design of the Rip Rocket at Universal Studios, where passengers select their own music to enjoy during the ride.

I also agree with those who told you to check out The Blues Brothers. You don't have to be at all familiar with the movie to enjoy the show. It is just some great music and some funny costumes.

That is the waterslide at Fievel's Playland.

 

[SanFranciscan]

That is the waterslide at Fievel's Playland.

Oh, yeah, that's the one. Over by where Sponge Bob hangs out, or at least used to.

 

[jessirae]

That ride is right up my DD's ally! Thank you all for such great ideas. Definately checking out the Horror Make Up show and the Blues Brothers too. Now I am thinking we are not going to have enought time to do everything I want..lol!