Short time at Universal Studios

[Keyser]

We will have one day in the LA area that's not too planned out, other than wanting to end up in Anaheim early for bedtime. One thing we had considered was going to Universal Studios for a partial day. I'm wanting to get opinions on whether this is useful, or not.

First, we will have the SoCal City Pass, so in effect, the entry is "free" (except parking) for us - we would not consider this otherwise. We have two girls, 10 and 4, and neither of them is into scary/super-thrill rides. Our idea was to maybe go to Universal for just the morning, do a few things there, and leave very early. From what I can see, the possible activities for us might be:
- The Animal Actors show
- Curious George playground
- The Special Effects stage (would the young one get anything out of this?)
- Shrek 4D (not sure about this - kids love Muppetvision, but Its Tough to Be a Bug is too much for the youngest one; neither cares at all about Shrek)
- The studio tour (or is this too intense/scary with the Kong scene?)
- Waterworld (again - too intense? They may be OK to watch, as long as they don't feel like they're "in" it.)
- Simpsons (neither has ever seen the Simpsons, but would the ride be interesting for them anyway, or is it too intense/too Simpsons-specific?)

Pretty sure most of the headliners (Transformers, Mummy, Terminator, Jurassic Park) are not options. But, if parents got chance to do just one of those (e.g. while kids are playing at Curious George), which would be best to try?

Or, are we better off just totally skipping Universal Studios?

 

[StageTek]

From what I can see, the possible activities for us might be:
- The Animal Actors show

The whole family will love this.

- Curious George playground

They're going to get wet so be prepared.

- The Special Effects stage (would the young one get anything out of this?)

It's very funny, even for little kids.

- Shrek 4D (not sure about this - kids love Muppetvision, but Its Tough to Be a Bug is too much for the youngest one; neither cares at all about Shrek)

You could miss this one.

- The studio tour (or is this too intense/scary with the Kong scene?)

The main attraction at Universal. Some parts get loud and Kong may be scary - don't put on the 3D glasses and cover her ears she'll be fine.

- Waterworld (again - too intense? They may be OK to watch, as long as they don't feel like they're "in" it.)

It's a live show. You will sit in bleachers so you can choose to sit far awy from the action. A must see.

- Simpsons (neither has ever seen the Simpsons, but would the ride be interesting for them anyway, or is it too intense/too Simpsons-specific?)

You can miss this one. It's called the Simpsons for a reason - it's all about the Simpsons.

Pretty sure most of the headliners (Transformers, Mummy, Terminator, Jurassic Park) are not options. But, if parents got chance to do just one of those (e.g. while kids are playing at Curious George), which would be best to try?

Transformers is pretty amazing.

 

[Thundergod]

I love Universal Studios.. To be honest the Studio tour is one thing I don't really care all that much about anymore.
some twenty years ago before they changed it up it was really neat but I just don't find it interesting now.


Jurassic Park is a great ride, so is the mummy and I can't wait to do the Transformers ride.

simpsons is meh and Shrek 4D is cool to me.

Never done the water world thing nor do I care to.

 

[Huff]

Animal Planet
Fun for all. A lucky kid or two may be asked on stage.

Water World
Live action show where good guys and bad guys put on a comical action stunt show in the water on jet skis. There are loud explosions and fire used in some parts but not scary. Sit up in the back and kids should be fine. Much of the front sections can get wet.

Terminator 3D
Great 3D movie with live action. Like the actual movies it would be too intense for kids.

Simpsons
Ride is similar technology to Star Tours but each car only seats a small group. The ride simulates a roller coaster at Krustyland. For me its rather bone jarring rough but many love it. Would not be scary for 10yr old but 4yr old would not like it.

Jurassic Park
Fun ride but large Dino that roars and high drop at end would scare young kids. Rest of ride is tame.

Mummy
Sort of a roller coaster except stays on ground. Only has very small up and down dips but its rather fast and special effects would scare 4yr old.

Special Effects
Actually 3 separate small shows that show how many effects are done. Kids are asked to help out with some of them. Nothing scary as long as parent explains what kids are seeing and that its all fake.

Backdraft
One of my favorites. You stand inside a warehouse building with fire in front of you and below. Very kewl effects but a 4yr old would be scared by all the fire. Not a ride, just a show.

Tram Tour
Well done tour through old outdoor sets from many famous movies. War of the Worlds, Grinch and many other sets. I have not been on this since the original Kong burned down so can't comment there. The earthquake scene may scare your 4yr old as your tram car does shake. Otherwise its all fun.

 

[StageTek]

I love Universal Studios.. To be honest the Studio tour is one thing I don't really care all that much about anymore.
some twenty years ago before they changed it up it was really neat but I just don't find it interesting now.

What is your advice for a first time visitor? Don't go on the tour or give it a shot?

Special Effects
Actually 3 separate small shows that show how many effects are done. Kids are asked to help out with some of them. Nothing scary as long as parent explains what kids are seeing and that its all fake.

Backdraft
One of my favorites. You stand inside a warehouse building with fire in front of you and below. Very kewl effects but a 4yr old would be scared by all the fire. Not a ride, just a show.

The Special Effects Stage is now a stage show in what was the Castle Theater. Backdraft is long gone. Both closed in April of 2010.

 

[Keyser]

Thanks very much for the replies. So, it seems we'll want to go with:
- The studio tour
- The Animal Actors show
- Special Effects stage
- Waterworld show
- Curious George playground

Any idea how long we should allow for that? I'd ideally like to be able to do those from 9-noon or 10-2 or so (on a Monday in mid-August) - is that reasonable? Is there any order we need to worry about with those (e.g. to do the tour first or something)?

Also, how feasible would it be (how much time to allow) for one adult to go to see Transformers (or Mummy) while the kids were at the Curious George playground? I expect it gets a big line, but I'm not sure what a "long" wait is. And, looking at the park map, it seems that might be a long walk to get there.

 

[Thundergod]

What is your advice for a first time visitor? Don't go on the tour or give it a shot?

The Special Effects Stage is now a stage show in what was the Castle Theater. Backdraft is long gone. Both closed in April of 2010.

If you are a first time visitor the tour is the first thing I would do. if you wait very long you will be waiting for a long time. You will have nothing to compare the tour to so you will really enjoy it. I found it neat still but many things they show you are updated from what I first saw and I am kinda nostalgic and miss the old stuff.



I miss the backdraft show. I remember my oldest was only 9 months at the time when we went and saw it and he practically crawled over my shoulder and down my back trying to get the heck outta there. lol


Also, My advice is getting to Universal before it opens. if you get there early you can get anything done you want in a day. when you are done with the park go to city walk and shop a little.

 

[Huff]

What is your advice for a first time visitor? Don't go on the tour or give it a shot?

The Special Effects Stage is now a stage show in what was the Castle Theater. Backdraft is long gone. Both closed in April of 2010.

Thats too bad. Thats about the time I last visited. I loved Backdraft!

 

[StageTek]

Also, how feasible would it be (how much time to allow) for one adult to go to see Transformers (or Mummy) while the kids were at the Curious George playground? I expect it gets a big line, but I'm not sure what a "long" wait is. And, looking at the park map, it seems that might be a long walk to get there.

Both are quite a ways away from the Curious George playground - the other side of the park. And both can have long lines - maybe 30/45 minutes for Mummy and double that for Transformers. If the kids want to play for an hour or more then it's quite feasible. Transfomers has a single rider line which can make the wait time shorter.

 

[BlueBayou]

I can't believe everybody is blah about the Simpsons ride. This is my husband's favorite ride (I believe over anything at WDW or DLR) and our girls love it too. It's not my favorite - but I would still classify it as a "must see" if you are okay with simulator technology (like Star Tours).

 

[DisneytheKid]

Universal should be pretty fun. Have a great vacation!

 

[Armadillo4]

Thanks very much for the replies. So, it seems we'll want to go with:
- The studio tour
- The Animal Actors show
- Special Effects stage
- Waterworld show
- Curious George playground

Any idea how long we should allow for that? I'd ideally like to be able to do those from 9-noon or 10-2 or so (on a Monday in mid-August) - is that reasonable? Is there any order we need to worry about with those (e.g. to do the tour first or something)?

If everything works out timing wise, you could do all of the above in 3-4 hours. But I would plan on it taking a little more time. It all depends on the timing of the shows: Animal Actors, Special Effects, Waterworld. In the ideal scenario, you'd be done with one show, e.g. Waterworld, and get into line for Animal Actors or Special Effects that is just about to start. But you may end up with some lag time before the next available show starts, so that will add to your time in the park.

And like Thundergod posted, you'll want to do the Studio Tour first, since the wait time for the tour will build throughout the day. Also note, the duration of the Studio Tour can run anywhere from 40-50 minutes. There's a lot to see in the Studio Tour!

Also, how feasible would it be (how much time to allow) for one adult to go to see Transformers (or Mummy) while the kids were at the Curious George playground?

Transformers has a single rider line which is perfect for one adult! It still may take about 20-30 minutes in the single rider line, because it's such a popular ride, but certainly worth it IMHO!

(editing to add) And The Mummy also has a single rider line, which is often overlooked and usually has a very short wait. One adult may be able to do both Transformers and The Mummy while the rest of the party is at Curious George.

 

[StageTek]

I can't believe everybody is blah about the Simpsons ride. This is my husband's favorite ride

I don’t think anyone here is blah about the Simpsons ride. Keyser said her kids have never seen The Simpsons so I suggested for a short trip that would be one ride they could miss.

I agree, it’s a great ride. But for a family who doesn’t have much time at Universal and whose kids don’t really know The Simpsons it might be one ride to pass in order to see something they might enjoy more.

 

[Thundergod]

Well we went to Universal again this year. Really enjoyed Jurassic park ride as usual. They have upped the wet factor on it which is nice.

Transformers 3d=blah

One our backlot tour they didn't even have norman bates chase putting the body in the car. He was a cardboard cutout in the window. Very blah tour. Done with it until they make some changes.

We were out of the park and out in city walk before noon.

 

[agavegirl1]

Just returned from California and visited US Hollywood on a Saturday. Maybe not the best day but the one I had available. To add a little to what was said already, they have put Norman Bates back into the Studio Tour and it was a highlight. Not to mention you get to sit in the same seat and take a lot of pictures for about 40 minutes. Do it first. Universal very helpfully has a digital sign with showtimes lit up and wait times for attractions are also listed at various areas around the park. The park recommends you see the first show of Waterworld, but there is plenty of seating and if you don't need to be in front, don't worry about that.

I only had one day and wanted to see everything. I bought a FOTL (front of the line pass) and went where I wanted, when I wanted and got the VIP treatment. Kind of nice but also necessary for me as I have a recent ankle surgery to deal with.

Simpsons is a simulator ride and can be quite an issue for younger riders. If your kids don't know the Simpsons, they will not "get" the humor of the ride setup. Plus, simulators do cause motion sickness in a lot of people.

Animal Actors is a great show for families and even though it was just us grownups this trip, I love it.

Special Effects show? Perfect for families.

Shrek? You can miss it but the donkey outside interacting with guests can be amusing.

Universal Hollywood is in the hills and the park is divided in levels. The four escalator trip from the upper park (where the parking is) to the lower park takes a little time. Make sure you keep that in mind while planning your visit. Most shows are on the upper level.

Jurassic Park is on the lower level and it certainly has all it's water features turned on for Summer. I got quite wet.

Oh, and you can get wet at the waterworld show. Sit higher up.

For the adults? If you have time between shows check out the single rider line at Mummy or Transformers. Also, there are some wonderful random street acts that appear, as well as a few fabulously costumed transformers posing with kids for pics.

Enjoy your trip!