Last time I was at Universal Studios CA, they were advertising the "brand new" collapsing bridge. I'd expect they've updated a thing or two since then.

With all the run-down/out of service attractions over at DL and the ho-humm at best reviews of DCA I'm thinking of skipping Disney altogether and going for Universal on my upcoming Father&Son trip to SoCal.

So what's the overall state of the park? What are the top two or three not to miss attractions? Any special insider secretes / advance planning I need to know?


Thanks for any hints..

MANY changes since you were here that's for sure.

The park is in good shape and well cared for.

Jurassic Park The Ride is a not to miss 110 Million Dollar attraction that is at the bottom of a GIGANTIC escalator...an attraction in itself.

ET The Ride is down and the new Mummy Coaster is going in (not open yet)

Back To The Future is a big ride if you haven't been on it yet...getting a bit rough but well worth the bumps. Make sure you sit in the FRONT two seats of the car.

"Back Draft" is pretty neat and a walk through with some amazing effects.

The Western Stunt Show is gone but the biggest and baddest live stunt show is Water World, A Sea War Spectacular. See thhis both in the daylight AND in darkness. (The Pyro at night is very cool) MUST SEE! Sit in the middle (Just as the initial walkway bends to the left)...down toward the front (may get wet...but there is an element that makes this seat worth while).

Shrek is terrific! (3-D movie) Not to miss.

The Tram is always fun and there are MANY new elements since you've been there...No Spoilers here!

Lots of other NEW experiences and things to do both UP and Down the big escalator.

The Mummy's Tomb dark walk-through is fun and the new Animal Show is a good one. All in all there is PLENTY to do and all is at the top of the food chain when it comes to QUALITY attractions.

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Note Get there EARLY as the park is not open late.

After the park, City Walk can be a blast at night. GREAT multi plex movie theaters too!

Universal Hollywood remains a major player and deserves your trip!


The best Hotel we've found (safe, nice and lot's of celebs stay there too! (Not TOO fancy either which adds to the comfort.)
Is the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn...near the park witrh a free shuttle...any where from $99 a night to $129 I believe. Good restaurant on property as well.

I had never been before last June and Ivisited then along with Disneyland and California Adventure. I must say I was a little disappointed with Universal Studios. It was much smaller than I expected it to be and there were less attractions than I thought.

Having said that, I did enjoy the rides there, such as Shrek 3D, Jurassic Park ride and Terminator 3D. I returned to California again in November and returned to both Disneyland and Californai Adventure, but decided not to return to Universal Studios, simply because I felt I had "done it".

Thanks for the info. It looks like there is enough there at universal to "book a day" of our trip. Add another day to visit Hollywood, the tar pits, and El Capitan, one more for a deep sea fishing trip and we have the start of a fun vacation....

Now if only Indian Dune's was still around.... :(

Oh yeah...I forgot Terminator 3-D...pretty cool show.

And there's he Erthquake...King Kong...Special Effects Stages and good chicken at Doc Brown's..

Originally posted by Steve0
Thanks for the info. It looks like there is enough there at universal to "book a day" of our trip. Add another day to visit Hollywood, the tar pits, and El Capitan, one more for a deep sea fishing trip and we have the start of a fun vacation....

Now if only Indian Dune's was still around.... :(

Oh for definate you'll get a day's fun out of it. I have jsut remembered actually that I went to see The Waterworld show at Universal and it was one of the highlights of the day - I highly recommend that if its still on.