Southern California Costcos currently have a $59.00 Universal ticket that's good for 5 days, and it expires one year from the first day of use, so you have a full year to use up all 5 days. Even if you don't use all the days $59.00 is still decent deal.
This seems to only be around summer time, when it's not the 5 day summer time offer then it will most likely turn into a 2 Day offer for the the same $59.00 price. Last year this offer was $55.00 but it went up this year.
It's good for everyone, so it's not specifically a southern California resident thing, it can be used to upgrade to a pass, I have not seen it online only in person.
And yes it does have block out dates (last year it didn't!), I don't have mine handy but for anyone wondering please ask/post and I will list the dates. If you do happen to go on a blocked day, as long as it is the first day you are using/redeeming the ticket you can enter without paying extra, otherwise it's $20 for a day pass and for $5 more you can upgrade to an annual pass. The Costco tickets have to be exchanged at the Annual Pass center at Universal so plan on showing up early if you buy the Costco tickets, the Annual Pass center line can sometimes be long.
