Universal Studios CA

[princesszelda]

We will be taking the kids in May. I am just trying to get things together. We will be dong two days in DL and decided to do 1 day in Universal. Any input is welcomed. I will have a car with us so we will be driving over. Kids are 11,14, and 15.

 

[phamton]

I meant to move this to the California themepark forum and accidentally chose the wrong forum. Maybe a moderator can move this to the correct forum for me.

 

[Sherry E]

I moved it!

 

[inluvwithbuzz]

I find one day at Universal Studios is sufficient. In my opinion, get there before opening. I find it can take a few to get through the gates. They are not as organized as Disneyland.

Also, head to the tram tour first thing in the morning. That way you won't have much of a wait. If you try to ride the tram tour later in the afternoon. It can get pretty busy and you can wait for 45 minutes just to get on it. And that takes up a lot of time when you can be doing other rides. After you ride the tram head to the Simpsons ride. That also is very popular and can have long wait times. I find all other rides are easy to get on with minimal wait time.

And last thing I would check out the Universal Studio Hollywood website. Get to know the rides, some of your children may not like some of the rides. For example the Jurassic Park ride has a pretty big drop at the end.

My 5yo son loves Universal Studios, so it is a must on everytrip.

 

[princesszelda]

Thank you for the information. This is the first time I have gone in 15 years or more. I will check the website as well. I just wanted to get a few pointers.

 

[carnival kid]

I agree to get there early if possible.... it can take awhile to get through the gate.

Dont get the professional photos done. They are not as good as the DL photopass and take up time in my opinion.

 

[Huff]

If you think you'll return at least once in the next year then look into a year pass. They're not expensive like Disney and can save you on dining, gifts etc.

Look into the all you can eat pass or refillable drink cups and decide if it will save you money. It easily does for us when staying from open to close. Otherwise, take a break and dine in Citywalk as they have better food at better prices.

The Tram, Simpsons and Mummy get long lines before other attractions fill up. On a hot sunny day Jurassic Park will have a long line, otherwise its often short.

 

[MrsPinup]

Sorry if this is a repeated question, but how far is the drive from DL to Universal? I haven't been since I was a kid. Thanks!

 

[Armadillo4]

Sorry if this is a repeated question, but how far is the drive from DL to Universal? I haven't been since I was a kid. Thanks!

According to Google Maps, it's 36.4 miles. Depending on when you're traveling, give yourself ample time to account for traffic. It could take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hrs depending on traffic conditions.

We will be taking the kids in May. I am just trying to get things together. We will be dong two days in DL and decided to do 1 day in Universal. Any input is welcomed. I will have a car with us so we will be driving over. Kids are 11,14, and 15.

If the OP is still around and sees this, you should know that the new TRANSFORMERS ride is rumored to be open in the spring. Given the ages of your kids, I think this would be one of their must-ride attractions. IF it's open during your trip, I would head to this ride first thing. It will be very popular!