Universal Studios Tours VIP Studio Pass

Unlike Disneyland, reservations cannot be made for

any of the attractions within Universal Studios.

However, you can get a VIP Studio Pass, which

will allow you to skip many of the lines, and will

even provide you with a personal tour of the back lot.



The cost of the VIP Studio Pass is quite affordable

– under $300 for two people, and it entitles you to

many special perks….you get to see everything,

including many things that are not part of the

standard Universal Studios Tour, although the VIP

tour actually starts with the standard Universal

Studios Tour – then it just gets better.



If you are in possession of a VIP pass, you will be

allowed to get off the tram and wonder around the

movie sets. You will be allowed to visit the props

department as well, which is great fun. You will also

be entitled to prime seating at all of the shows, and

have the opportunity to meet the cast members

after the shows.



If you will be going on a Universal Studios Tour and

visiting the theme park, the VIP Studios Pass is

definitely the way to go!

Universal Studios Tours – Nickelodeon Blast Zone

If you bring younger kids, aged twelve and under, to

Universal Studios, they will probably be most

interested in the Nickelodeon Blast Zone. Featuring

three attractions in one, this is one of the few

attractions that really appeal to the younger crowd

at Universal Studios Tours, so you can expect them

to spend a great deal of time there.



Shaped like a huge orange rocket, the Nickelodeon

Blast Zone is a big hit. This is a huge play area

basically – and it is unlike any playground that your

kids have ever experienced. There are three

sections of the playground: The Wild Thornberry’s

Adventure Temple, Nickelodeon Splash, and The

Nick Jr. Backyard.



The Nick Jr. Backyard is the only place in Universal

Studios that will be of any interest to toddlers. In

fact, it is the only safe place for toddlers. If you

bring a toddler with you to Universal Studios Tours,

plan to spend the entire day here.



Nickelodeon Splash is a water area. Bring a

change of dry clothes, because the kids will get

soaked here. They can fill buckets of water in a fun

variety of ways, create waterfalls, and stand under

waterfalls. There are also many mounted water

guns to be used and enjoyed.



The Wild Thornberrys Adventure Temple is an

extensive playground. While here, you will have

foam balls flying through the air all over the place –

the kids are able to shoot and throw them, and

since they are made of soft foam, they are safe.



The kids can also meet many characters here,

including the Rugrats and Blue’s Clues Characters.

The attraction is located on the upper lot, and is

open everyday that the park is open. If you don’t

want your child to get wet, avoid this attraction

altogether, because with all of the water flying

around and being dumped, there is really no way to

avoid getting wet. If your child is too young to enjoy

the attraction by themselves, you will be getting

wet as well.



Overall, this is the only attraction that younger kids

will enjoy at Universal Studios Tours. As a parent or

guardian, you should expect to spend most of your

time here, and you should never leave your child

unattended. This is not a place to drop your kids off

for the day while you go enjoy other attractions.

Instead, use the buddy system with other

responsible adults in your party – one should stay

with the kids, while the other adults go enjoy the

attractions, and relieve each other often so everyone

Universal Studios Tours – Incredible Rides

If you are looking for fun, thrills, and adventure,

Universal Studios is the place to go. There are rides

that will thrill you and rides that will scare you

senseless. From caves to the air, there is something

to please all of the thrill seekers out there.



Start your day with Revenge of the Mummy. This is

a psychological thrill ride that is unlike anything you

have ever experienced. This is a roller coaster ride in

total darkness. Traveling at a very high speed, you

will have many terrifying creatures jumping out at you.

If your heart is still beating and you think you can

handle more, your next stop should be Jurassic Park:

The Ride.



Jurassic Park may seem a bit tame after Revenge

of the Mummy, but it is still great fun, and there are

still many thrills. This ride entails you riding a raft

which is slowly being cranked up. Dinosaurs of

various breeds appear out of nowhere while you are

going up. Suddenly, you and your raft are falling

quickly downhill, and the ride ends with a huge

splash that leaves you soaked! Make sure you

bring a change of clothes, because you will want

to move on to Back to the Future.



Back to the Future will have you riding in a car like

the one on the movie. The scenes from the movie

literally come to life, and many people experience

motion sickness…so if you are prone to motion

sickness, you may want to skip this one. Other

attractions not to miss if you enjoy thrills include

Nickelodeon Blast Zone, Van Helsing: Fortress

Dracula, the Special Effects Stages, and Shrek 4-D.



If you get scared easily, you may want to avoid these

thrill rides and attractions. They are also not

recommended for very young children, pregnant

women, or people with heart conditions. People with

anxiety issues should avoid these attractions as well.

There are many tamer rides and attractions that can

be enjoyed in the park if the thrill seeking rides aren’t

suitable for you.



The purpose of going to the park is to have fun. If the

thrill rides and attractions scare you to the point

where it isn’t fun anymore, than they should be

avoided. Don’t allow others in your party to coerce you

into visiting the attractions that scare you too badly.

Again, there are many attractions at Universal Studios

Tours that are suitable for those who aren’t comfortable

with the thrill seeking rides – so don’t think that you

can’t have a good time without getting scared

Universal Studios Tours Hotels

When planning your Universal Studios Tours

vacation, you may wish to stay at a hotel that is

within walking distance of the park. There are only

two hotels within walking distance, and they are

both world-class hotels that are highly

recommended.



The Universal Sheraton Hotel is located at 333

Universal Hollywood Drive. The hotel has served

visitors to Universal Studios since 1969, and it is

known as the Hotel of the Stars. The hotel literally

sits on the back lot of the studio.



Featuring 436 guest rooms and suites, the hotel

often has many famous guests. There is no telling

who you might run into! Although it is in walking

distance of Universal Studios, the hotel staff believe

that everyone should be treated like a star, and

therefore, complimentary tram rides to the park are

offered.



The guest rooms feature high speed Internet

access, air conditioning, an alarm clock, cable

television, and a coffee maker. Hotel services

include a valet service, a business center and

business services, a car rental service, a concierge

service, and room service. There are 21 meeting

rooms on the property, as well as a lobby lounge

and the Baja Beach Club Poolside Lounge.



The Hotel of the Stars is the most popular hotel to

stay at, but if there are no rooms available, you

should consider the Universal City Hilton Hotel. The

Universal City Hilton is located at 555 Universal

Hollywood Drive. The Hilton offers guests fine dining

in several on site restaurants, and has several

lounges on the property as well. The hotel features

a health and fitness center, a business center, and

deluxe room accommodations. Each guest room

at the Universal City Hilton features a view of the

Hollywood Hills, including the San Fernando Valley

and Universal Studios.



These two hotels are highly recommended by

Universal Studios due to their close proximity and

the high level of quality guest amenities and service.

Because of their popularity, you should book your

trip well in advance, and make sure that you make

any special requests for additional amenities or

services at the time that you make your reservation.



Other hotels are available within driving distance of

Universal Studios Tours, but if possible, you should

plan to stay at one of these fine hotels. Again, the

proximity to the park and level of quality service

cannot be topped. You may also be able to get a

special rate on Universal Studios tickets at the

Concierge’s desk of either hotel.

Universal Studios Tours Hollywood Ticket Outlet

While visiting Universal Studios Tours, you should

pay a visit to the Hollywood Ticket Outlet booth. You

can do more than purchase tickets to great shows;

you can also request free tickets for many of the

shows that are currently being filmed. Note that the

shows are limited to the ones that allow studio

audiences.



There are other services available at the Hollywood

Ticket Outlet booth as well. These include upgraded

park tickets, visitor information, and foreign currency

exchange. The Hollywood Ticket Outlet is located by

the Blues Brothers stage inside the park, and it is

open during the same days and hours that the park

is open.



Depending on when you visit Universal Studios, and

what is going on at that time, you may be pleasantly

surprised to find some really great deals – or to find

yourself sitting in the audience of your favorite

television show! Talk about sneak previews! Even if

you don’t plan to purchase any tickets, make sure

that you stop by the Universal Studios Tours

Hollywood Outlet booth to see what is being offered

Universal Studios Tours Height Requirements

Universal Studios is a great deal of fun – for most

people. However there are some who simply will

not enjoy a day at Universal Studios Tours –

young children specifically. If you are planning a

vacation to Universal Studios, you should take

the height requirements into consideration – or

you could end up having a miserable time.



First, you must be forty-eight inches tall to ride

Revenge of the Mummy. You must be forty six

inches tall to ride Jurassic Park, and you must be

at least forty inches tall to ride Back to the Future.

If you or your child do not meet these height

requirements, you will not be allowed on the ride.

There is a measuring stick that is used in the

queue for each of these attractions.



Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can get

by if you are just a half inch below the requirements

– you can’t. These height requirements are in place

to ensure your safety, and park staff members are

trained to adhere strictly to these rules. Just a tip –

high heel shoes won’t get you in either. At Universal

Studios, they’ve seen it all!

Universal Studios Tours - Behind The Scenes

If you will be near Universal Studios on your next

business trip or vacation, you should definitely make

time for a Universal Studios Tour. This will not only

provide you with a day filled with fun and excitement

but you will also get a behind the scenes look at

what it really takes to produce the Movies that we

all wait anxiously to see.



If you are really interested in the world of movie

making, don’t miss the Universal Studios Tour. The

tour takes about one hour, and you will visit the sets

of many famous movies and television shows. You

will see the stars dressing rooms, and you may even

run into a star or two along the way, or get to see an

outdoors filming session in progress.



The Special Effects Stage, located inside the park,

is another attraction you won’t want to miss. Here,

you will learn how Hollywood creatures are made,

how sound effects are produced, and how visual

affects are designed and implemented. This is an

interactive attraction, and it only takes about thirty

minutes to go all the way through it. Even though it

doesn’t last long, there is a lot of information to be

learned here – quickly! The interaction with the

visitors makes this one of the most popular

attractions at the park.



For the most exclusive and personalized look behind

the scenes, you should definitely consider purchasing

a VIP Studios Pass. This pass costs under $150 for

one person, and it is worth every penny! This will

entitle you to a private tour of Universal Studios, and

you will be allowed in areas that standard tour visitors

won’t see. You will also have the right to move right to

the front of the line for all rides and attractions with the

VIP pass. VIP passes can be purchased online, by

telephone, or at the park – but they are limited to a

certain number of VIP passes that are issued per day,

so get yours as soon as possible.



Universal Studios is more than an amusement park,

it is an interesting and amazing learning experience

that you will never forget – no matter what age you

are. The next time you watch an action movie, you

won’t think ‘how did they do that?’ You will already

have some idea as to how those special effects

were created! You may even get so much out of

your Universal Studios Tour experience that you

think of ways that you could have done it better!

Universal Studios Tours and Television Audiences

Have you ever dreamed of sitting in the audience of

your favorite television shows? Now you can – at

the Universal Studios Tours TV Audience Booth.

This could be the opportunity of a lifetime, but you

need to move fast.



Make your way to the TV Audience Booth inside

the park. Find out what shows are filming on that

particular day, or for other days when you will be at

the park. The tickets are free, but there is limited

availability, and not all shows will be filming

everyday. You can often find out the filming

schedule for shows by calling ahead. With that

schedule, you can plan your trip to coincide with

the filming of your favorite shows.



What better way to spend part of your Universal

Studios Tour vacation? You can see what is going

to happen on your favorite television shows well in

advance. You can even make a game of it! Don’t

tell you friends that you were in the audience, and

place bets as to what is going to happen later in

Universal Studios Tours and Jay Leno

If you will be visiting Universal Studios Tours, and

you wish to see the Tonight Show with Jay Leno,

you may be in luck – if you get to the Hollywood

Ticket Outlet booth early enough. Getting to see

Jay Leno in person and be a part of the Tonight

Show audience may be the perfect end to the

perfect day!



Again, make sure that you get to the booth early.

Exclusive seating is limited to a first come, first serve

basis. Only two priority tickets will be made available

for each person, and nobody under the age of sixteen

may attend the show. These tickets go fairly fast, and

once they are gone, they are gone for good.



The Hollywood Ticket Outlet Booth is located inside

the Universal Studios Tours park, near the Blues

Brothers stage. If you get there early enough, you

could be sitting in the studio audience enjoying Jay

Leno’s monolog very shortly! Your friends won’t

believe you, so make sure that you get souvenirs

before leaving Universal Studios, and save your

Universal Studios Tours – Movies and Fun

Universal Studios began offering tours in 1964.

Today, Universal Studios still offers tours, and they

still make movies – but it has also become one of

the largest amusement parks in the world. In fact,

Universal Studios has mixed movie making with

shows and a theme park full of rides to become

one of the most popular tourist attractions in the

world.



The Studio tour is a one hour guided tour. Those on

the tour ride around the studio’s 420 acres on a

tram, and see many stars dressing rooms,

production offices, and often famous Hollywood

stars. Where else can you see a western town and

a New York City street all in the same hour? The

tour includes sets from Back to the Future, Curse

of the Mummy’s Tomb, Jurassic Park III, and The

Grinch. This is more than just your boring tour

with a boring monotone tour guide! As the tour

progresses, tourists encounter many disasters!



Once you’ve finished your tour of the studios, you

can move on to the theme park. All of the rides have

a movie oriented theme, such as Revenge of the

Mummy, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park,

Terminator 2, and Shrek. There is also

entertainment. Waterworld is a theater presentation

which features many stunts and special effects.

Other shows that include terrific stage effects are

Backdraft, Animal Planet Live, and Spider Man

Rocks.



If all of this wasn’t enough, you can also visit the

TV Audience Ticket Booth. Here you will get free

tickets that will allow you to be part of the audience

for television shows that are being taped during your

visit. This is almost like being on TV! When you visit

Universal Studios, you will have several days of fun,

and you probably still won’t see everything that is

offered.



Outside of Universal Studios you will find the

Universal City Walk. This is Universal Studios very

own Downtown. This is three blocks of stores,

clubs, and restaurants for you to enjoy. There are

no cars or motorized traffic allowed in this area, but

there are hundreds, and sometimes thousands of

pedestrians milling about enjoying all of the sights

and sounds.



Universal Studio Tours is a great place to spend

your vacation – or it is perfect as an add on to a

Disneyland Vacation. Even if you don’t have time for

the theme park, the Universal Studios Tour itself is

Universal Studios Tours – The Best Time To Visit

As with all theme parks, there is a good time and a

bad time to visit the Universal Studios Tours theme

park. You should strive to visit at a time when the

park is less crowded to get the most out of the tour

and the park.



Weekends and school holidays should be avoided.

Most of the visitors at these times are local people

who live in the area, and it becomes very crowded,

with very long lines. The park is closed on

Thanksgiving and Christmas, so don’t plan a visit

during those times.



Visit the Universal Studios website to find out which

movies are in production, or which movies will be in

production at the time of your visit. This may play in

the decision as to when to visit. If you visit during

the time of a movie production, you are likely to see

the movie set, and you may even get the opportunity

to see the stars in action!



When you do visit, plan to arrive well before the

gates open. You should arrive at least thirty minutes

in advance. You should buy your tickets in advance

for added convenience. This can be done through a

travel agent, over the phone, or online. Tickets can

even be printed out using your printer.

Universal Studios Special Services

Universal Studios strives to ensure that everyone who

visits Universal Studio Tours has an enjoyable

experience. While guest services are available for

everyone, there are special guest services available

for guests with more specialized needs.



Guests in wheelchairs should have no problem

accessing everything in the park, however, occasionally,

some assistance may be required. If this occurs,

staff members will be only too happy to assist. If

special assistance is needed, please visit the

Guest Relations desk, which is near the front

entrance of the park. You can also contact Guest

Relations in advance of your visit. Accessibility

points for wheelchairs are marked with the

International signs.



If you require a sign language interpreting service,

one will be made available to you at Universal

Studios Tours free of charge, with two weeks notice.

Arrangements can also be made for closed

captioning, assistive listening devices, and

telecommunication devices for the deaf. TTY

telephones are located at the Guest Services booth

as well, and all pay phones throughout the park

have the amplified feature.



Service animals are always welcome at Universal

Studios, and will be allowed in the restaurants, gift

shops, and the attraction queues. For the safety

and well-being of the animal, service animals will not

be allowed on some of the rides or inside some of

the attractions. Special arrangements can be made

for the service animal while it’s owner enjoys the

attractions, however. Non-service animals must be

placed in the complimentary kennel, located right

outside the park gates.



Pregnant women should avoid The Studio Tour, Back

to the Future, and Jurassic Park. These are not

suitable for expectant mothers, and may cause

complications in the pregnancy, including early labor.

Furthermore, pregnant women will be given special

stationary seating for the Shrek 4-D attraction and the

Terminator 2: 3D attraction. Speak with a cast member

for assistance. You should speak with your doctor

before planning a trip to Universal Studios Tours –

he or she may advise against such a trip.



Spanish language tours are available every day that

the park is open, and tours for other languages can

be arranged with advance notice. Again, Universal

Studios Tours wants everyone to have a pleasant

experience at the park, and they will do everything

possible to ensure this. If you have a special need,

please call and speak with a cast member at the

Guest Services Center, or visit the center upon

your arrival to the park.

Universal Studios Tours – It’s Not For Everyone

Unlike Disneyland, Universal Studio Tours are not for

everyone. While there is plenty to do and see, the

attractions are not appropriate for all ages. This

should be strongly considered if you are planning a

family vacation that includes Universal Studios.



There are no attractions that are suitable for babies

or toddlers at Universal Studios. Most babies and

toddlers will not be interested in the Universal

Studios Tour. Furthermore, getting a stroller around

the upper and lower lots is almost impossible.

Universal Studios is a great place to have some fun

– unless you are a baby, a toddler, or a parent of a

baby or toddler.



If you will be taking your vacation with a toddler or a

baby, you may be better off saving the Universal

Studios Tour for another vacation – a few years down

the road. There is no charge for admission for babies

and toddlers at Universal Studios, but there usually

isn’t if the person cannot enjoy the attractions at the

park! Remember – the baby or toddler isn’t the only

one who won’t be having any fun.

Universal Studios Tours – Attractions to See

If you are planning a trip to Universal Studios, there

are many attractions to keep you occupied,

including the Universal Studios Tour, which takes

about one hour. However, there are some attractions

that absolutely must not be missed!



All of the rides have a movie theme, and if you’ve

seen the movies, this makes the rides more

enjoyable. Start with Backdraft. This isn’t actually a

ride, but it is a fire show that features lots of stunts

and interaction. Other shows that must not be

missed include Animal Planet Live, WaterWorld, and

Fear Factor Live. With Fear Factor Live, make sure

that you know what you are getting into before you

agree to participate!



Terminator 2: 3D is the same as the movie

Terminator 2 – but it is in 3D, which you probably

have not yet seen. The Mummy Returns: Chamber

of Doom is like a haunted house that you walk

through, which is full of thrills. The Studio Tour will

have you on the set of Jaws and Psycho, in a

western town, on a New York street, and

experiencing an earthquake with King Kong.

Universal Studios Tours Annual Passes

If you live near Universal Studios, or in the Los

Angeles area, you should consider purchasing

annual passes for Universal Studios Tours. Annual

passes are reasonably priced, and will most likely

save you money on admission throughout the year.

Several different levels of annual passes are available.



A regular annual pass for Universal Studios costs

$65. With this pass, you will be granted twelve full

months of admission to the park, 15% savings on

general admission for up to six of your guests, 10%

off of all merchandise, and 10% off the price of all

food and beverages purchased inside the park.



You will also be given exclusive offers and invitations

to special events that are held throughout the year.

Some black-out dates do apply to regular annual

pass holders. You can upgrade to a deluxe annual

pass for $75. This pass will entitle you to all of the

things that a regular pass does, with one exception.

No black-out dates will apply to you.



The best value is the premium annual pass, which

costs $99. This pass will entitle you to twelve months

of admission to the park, invitations to special events

held throughout the year, exclusive offers, and 15%

savings on general admission prices for six of your

guests, 10% off the price of merchandise, 10% off

the price of food and beverages purchased inside

the park, and no black-out dates. Additionally,

you will be entitled to free parking during box office

hours, and front of the line access at Studio Tour.



If you plan to visit Universal Studios twice in one

year, an annual pass is the most logical choice.

General admission for Universal Studios Tours for

just one day costs $55. If you visit twice in one

year that is a total of $110! You can get a premium

annual pass for just $99! What this essentially

means is that if you purchase an annual pass, you

are really only paying for two days at the park, and

any additional days are the park are actually free!



As an annual pass ticket holder, you may not be

entitled to other admission discounts that are

available. However, you may be entitled to special

discounts on the annual pass in certain situations.

For instance, if you are a member of the Military,

you may be eligible for special prices on annual

passes. Contact Universal Studios Tours for more

information about any special prices or discounts

that you may be eligible for.

Universal Studios Tours – Park Information

If you are planning a trip to Universal Studios Tours,

you need to know specific information about the park

before you arrive. If you have special needs, you may

need more information than usual, and you should

contact Guest Services and inform them of your

special needs prior to your arrival.



You may purchase tickets in advance either online,

or over the telephone. Tickets can also be purchased

at Ticket Master Outlets and through travel agents.

You may also purchase tickets at the gate. General

one day admission costs $55, and those under forty

eight inches tall are charged $45. Children under

three are admitted free of charge. VIP Studio

Passes are available on a limited basis, and are

not available for children under the age of five. The

cost for VIP Studio Passes is $149 per person.

Annual tickets are also available, at a discounted

rate.



Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Los

Angeles, California, at 100 Universal City Plaza. This

is easily found right off of Highway 101, which is often

called the Hollywood Freeway. The park is about

ten minutes from the Los Angeles downtown area.



Only paid parking is available. It costs $10 for cars

and $11 for recreational vehicles. You can also get

preferred parking, which is closer to the entrance

for $17. Free parking is not available on the Universal

Studio grounds.



Realistically, it takes a full day to see all of the

attractions in the park. However, if you don’t have a

full day to spend at Universal Studios Tours, you

should purchase the VIP pass, which will allow you

to move to the front of the line for all rides and

attractions. This cuts down wait times in lines

significantly, and allows you to see all of the

attractions much faster.



Don’t allow the rain to ruin your parade! The park

remains open even when it rains, but if severe

weather is an issue, many shows may be cancelled

or relocated. In the event that the park must close

due to whether, a rain check will be issued. A

Universal Studio rain check will be issued if over 1/8

of an inch of rain falls before 2pm, and it is good for

thirty days.



Again, if you have special needs that may need

special accommodations, please contact Guest

Services by telephone prior to your visit. Some

accommodations can take up to two weeks to

arrange, so the sooner you contact Universal

Studios Tours with your special needs request,

the better the staff will be able to serve you.

Universal Studio Tours Blackout Dates

If you are a regular annual pass holder for Universal

Studios Tours, there are certain blackout dates

when you cannot visit the park unless you pay for a

one day full priced ticket for the blackout date. Not

being aware of these dates may cause you

problems, so make sure you know when they are!



In 2006, there are no blackout dates during the

months of January through June, and no blackout

dates in October. Every Saturday and Sunday are

blacked out for July and August. Additionally, July

3rd and 4th are blackout dates. September 2nd and

3rd, November 24th and 25th, and December 26th,

27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st are all blacked out.



Additionally, the park is closed on Thanksgiving

Day and Christmas Day. If you are a regular annual

pass holder, either upgrade to a premium or deluxe

annual pass, or avoid the Universal Studios Tours

on these dates so that you will not have to pay the

full one day price – which costs almost as much

as a regular annual ticket!

The Universal Studios Tours Special Effects Stages

When you visit Universal Studios, the Special

Effects Stages is an attraction that should not be

missed. This is not only a great way to learn and

understand how special effects are done in the

movies; it is also a great deal of fun. It is really

quite interesting to see how it all comes to life in

Hollywood!



There are three Special Effects Stages: The Virtual

Studio, The Creature Factory, and The Sound Lab.

Remember that this is an interactive attraction, so

you will be able to create your very own special

effects. You will learn many of the special effects

secrets used in major movies, such as The Hulk,

The Mummy Returns, Jurassic Park, and many

others. There are Universal Staff members

available to help with the effects.



The special effects stages are not designed for

people who have medical conditions that may be

affected by strobe lights, or anything resembling

strobe light effects. People with sensitive ears

should avoid this attraction, or bring and use

earplugs. The Special Effects Stages are located

on the lower lot at Universal Studios.

Security at Universal Studios Tours

If you are concerned about your safety while visiting

Universal Studios, you should not be. There are

security officers on the grounds, and security offices

are located in the upper lot by Nick Stuff and in the

lower lot inside the Jurassic Park Visitors Center.



After the 9/11 terrorists attacks, Universal Studios

put a heightened security program in place. Today,

security precautions are constantly taken for the

safety of all visitors and guests. The park stays

up-to-date on all security briefings that are issued

by local and federal law enforcement agencies,

and always takes appropriate measures to ensure

everyone’s safety and well-being.



To date, there have been no major security issues at

Universal Studios. The park has never been

threatened by terrorists or nationals. In the event that

the park is threatened, again, measures are in place

to ensure the safety of everyone. With this in mind,

enjoy yourself and all that Universal Studios Tours

has to offer – leave the worrying to the people who

are already equipped and prepared to deal with such

an emergency, should it ever arise.

Military Discounts for Universal Studios Tours

Universal Studios Tours is proud of the men and

women who serve the United States of America,

and to reward them for the great service that they

provide, specially priced tickets are offered. These

tickets are available for all active duty military

personnel, retirees, DOD personnel, members of the

National Guard, Reserves, all other military

personnel, and all dependants.



If you are unsure whether you qualify for these

special military prices, you should contact your

Commander, Universal Studios, or Commander,

Navy Region, Southwest at 619-767-6000.



In order to benefit from the special military prices,

your tickets must be purchased in advance. These

specially priced tickets are not available at the gate,

online, or over the telephone. Instead, these tickets

can only be purchased from MWR ITT/ITR offices

located throughout the United States. You must

present a military or US Government Identification

card when purchasing these specially priced tickets.



If for any reason your local base does not have

tickets available for purchase, they will order them

for you. This typically takes about five days, so take

this into consideration when planning your trip – get

your tickets as early as possible. Don’t wait too late,

or your tickets will not arrive in time for your

scheduled leave, and you will have to pay the full

price for admission into the park. No exceptions will

be made.



The only way you can order your tickets by

telephone, and still receive the special military

prices is by contacting the Commander, Navy

Region, Southwest at 619-767-6000. Your tickets

will be mailed to you, and should arrive within

seven business days. Overnight service may be

available, but there will be an additional fee. Do not

call the regular phone number for Universal Studio

tickets or you will be charged the regular price.

You will be charged the regular full price if you

order your tickets online, purchase them through a

Ticket Masters Outlet, or order them through a

travel agent as well.



The special military rates do not apply to tickets

that are sold through the Universal Studios

Hollywood Box Office. Again, for more information

on these specially prices military tickets for

Universal Studios Tours, contact your local base

MWR ticket office or Commander, Navy Region,

Southwest at 619-767-6000.



Universal Studios welcomes military personnel. If

you have served your country, make sure that you

take advantage of these very special military prices

– they were hard earned, and are well deserved!

Make the Most of Your Universal Studios Tour

If you will be visiting Universal Studios, you need to

be prepared. Arriving at the park unprepared can

literally ruin your vacation! Follow these tips to help

you get the most out of your Universal Studios Tour

adventure.



It will be very hot. Make sure that you dress in

cotton clothing that is cool. You should strongly

consider bringing a change of clothing, so you can

change into dry clothes after the rides that soak

you, or if your clothes get too sweaty. If you will be

there during the evening hours, bring warmer

clothes to change into. Do not wear new shoes!

There is a lot of walking involved, and you won’t

last one hour in brand new shoes. Wear an old

pair that are well broken in. Bring an extra pair of

shoes to change into if yours get wet.



Make sure that you bring earplugs. There is a lot of

noise at Universal Studios, and some of the

attractions are deafening. Also bring sunscreen,

sunglasses, and hats to help protect you from the

sun. Use a backpack or a fanny pack to carry your

belongings in – there are also lockers available

through guest services if you need a safe dry place

to store your things.



Make sure that you take the Universal Studio Tour

early in the day. The park will remain open several

hours after the tour has closed for the day.

Designate a meeting place with everyone in your

party, in case you get separated. Make sure that

everyone in your party has a map, and that they

know how to read it!



Leave small babies and toddlers with a sitter. They

will not enjoy Universal Studios, and they will make

sure that you don’t enjoy it either if you bring them.

Consider purchasing VIP passes which will allow

you to move to the front of the lines for the

attractions. This is a huge time saver, and will keep

you from wasting valuable time and getting bored.



Avoid eating inside the park if you can. It is very

expensive, and the food is much cheaper right

outside the gates in City Walk. Also save your

shopping for the end of the day, so you don’t have

to carry packages around with you. Universal

Studios Tours does have a package delivery

service, which will allow you to pick up your

purchases at the end of the day near the exit, in

case you find a souvenir that simply won’t wait until

closing time.



Most importantly, see and do as much as possible,

and have fun! Universal Studios has been entertaining

us for years, and entertainment is what Universal

Studios Tours is all about!

Guest Services at Universal Studios Tours

There are many services that will help you enjoy

your day at Universal Studios, and you should

definitely take advantage of the ones that apply to

your situation. The folks at Universal want you to

have a positive experience, and these services are

meant to help you do just that.



There is a ‘Will Call’ service located right outside the

gates. Here, you can have tickets that were

purchased online reprinted if necessary, get ticket

reservations, or put your pet in a kennel. Also located

outside the gate is the Group Sales Window. Here,

you can renew your annual passes, or replace lost

annual passes. The Annual Pass Center is also

located here.



The Guest Relations booth is where you will find

visitor information concerning hotels, campsites,

and other interesting things to do in the area. You

can also get assistance and guides for guests with

disabilities and audio assist units. Travel assistance,

lost and found, and the lost children’s center are also

located in and near the Guest Relations booth.



Strollers and Wheelchairs are available for rent in the

upper lot. Lockers, where you can store your items

for the day, are also available. ATM Machines are

located at the main entrance and in the lower lot by

the Jurassic Cove Café. You may use traveler’s

checks and credit cards at the ticket booth and in

the gift shops. Checks are not accepted at

Universal Studios, and proper identification is

required for the use of credit cards and traveler’s

checks.



First Aid is located in the upper lot near Animal

Planet Live. There is another first aid station inside

the Jurassic Park Visitors Center, which is situated

in the lower lot. There are eight designated smoking

areas, which are indicated on the park map.

Smoking will not be permitted in any other areas of

the park.



You should also take advantage of the Package

Deliver Service at Universal Studios Tours. This

service will allow you to buy merchandise, and then

pick it up near the exit before you leave. The package

pickup is located near Universal Film Company.



Again, all of these services are designed to make

your visit to Universal Studios Tours more enjoyable.

If you have any problems at the park, including

problems are situations that are not discussed

here you should find a staff member and request

assistance. They will do everything within their

power to help you rectify your problem, and

continue with your Universal Studios Tour.

Discount Tickets for Universal Studios Tours

When you plan a vacation, your vacation budget is

probably in the very front of your mind. Vacations

can be quite expensive, and it is important to cut

costs wherever you can, without sacrificing your

families fun. You can save quite a bit of money with

discounted tickets for Universal Studios Tours.



There are many ways to obtain discounted tickets

for Universal Studios Tours. Coca-Cola has

specially marked cans that will save $10 on

admission for a certain number of people. You can

also save money by asking your travel agent for

special deals. Many businesses also have coupons

for discounted tickets. You will save additional

money by purchasing your tickets online, and

printing out your tickets on your home printer.



Look for discounts for students and senior citizens,

as well as for children under a certain age. Many

groups are eligible for group discounts. In many

cases, you won’t know about the Universal Studios

Tours discounts unless you ask. If you attend

college, ask about discount tickets in the Registrars

office or in the Student’s Services office at your

Be Part of the Action at Universal Studios Tours

Have you ever dreamed of being on a reality show?

Here is your chance! Universal Studios Tours now

has Fear Factor Live, which is a stunt show that

uses audience volunteers. With three to five shows

each day, the chances of getting on the show are

pretty good!



Are you ready to face your fears? There are some

important things to know about Fear Factor Live at

Universal Studios Tours before you sign up. First,

this is for real. This is not a cheesy attempt to

replicate Fear Factor and please a studio audience.

The stunts are very real, and they are performed by

audience members just like you. There is no

coddling here!



If you still want to participate, simply visit the casting

office, which is located near the Terminator ride in

the theme park. You must meet certain physical

requirements to ensure that you can handle what

is about to be asked of you. You must also

complete and sign a liability form, holding Universal

Studios and Fear Factor harmless of any injuries or

damages you may incur.



Before the show begins, some audience members

who were not selected to participate are called on

stage to face smaller challenges, such as eating

various bugs. The winner of the pre-show contest

wins great prizes, such as an annual pass to the

theme park. This is followed by an audience warm

up with the hosts of the show.



The show consists of six contestants that were

chosen from the casting office – if your lucky, you

might be one of these! They are dressed just as the

contestants on the original Fear Factor dress – in

tight uniforms. A series of challenges, much like the

challenges on Fear Factor are presented to the

contestants. Falls from high places, skill tests, and

of course, the famous gross-out challenge. During

the show, a random audience member is picked

for yet another challenge – such as sticking their

head in a tank full of scorpions.



If you’ve ever watched Fear Factor, and told all of

your friends that you could handle everything that

was thrown at those contestants, be careful. Here is

your big chance to prove yourself – or your friends’

chance to prove you wrong! Win or lose, Fear

Factor Live at Universal Studios Tours could be the

highlight of your visit! If you want to be on the show,

visit the casting office as soon as you get to the

park to make sure that you meet the physical

requirements – and if you don’t meet the

requirements, ask about being in the audience.