Universal Studio, CA

Here we are at the Universal studio again with my in laws!
Since they are aged above 50s, we made a very careful listings about the things to do and the rides that will be best for them; giving them a memorable experience with lesser jerks, and more stories around.

What to pack

Pack as much minimum content as you can and i suggest a backpack so that you can roam around free of any load in your hand. During entrance they will ask you for bag check so less the things less time they will take to look inside also they provide free lockers for bags before all rides. The size of the locker is very small(only 9.5″ wide, 11.5″ high, and 17″ deep) so keep in mind you can squeeze your bag in that size.

Comb
Hand sanitizer
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Camera
Phone and portable chargers
Lipbalm
Sunglass
Snacks
Extra clothes(some rides get you wet)

Get there early

Make an attempt to reach the park as early to enjoy all the rides with lowest waiting. The park opens at 9am to 7pm. Universal studio tour ends much early before the closing time and so do the water adventure. So try to finish them early. If you are short of patience opt for VIP ticket to skip unwanted wait line or you can use the single ride where the line moves faster if a person wants to ride single. You can click the link for an idea of how long it takes to reach your fave ride Wait list

Grab A map

Carry a map always and keep marking whatever you need to see and which park to cover. There are two lots lower and upper. I will suggest complete the upper lot first if you are a big fan of harry potter and Shrek. Also the universal studio tour is best to kick start your day where you will visit some of the most famous backdrops in movie-making history, like the clock tower from "Back to the Future",the Bates Motel and if lucky might even spot a real-life celebrity at work!

Be quick between the two lots!

The two lots has long series of escalator connected which is like never ending, slow and annoying. So just make a checklist beforehand which one of the rides you wanna hop on. Finish the studio tour on upper lot since it closes early and then quickly to hop to lower lot if you are a fan of transformer and Jurassic park.

While the escalator is slow and steady you can be quick and speedy for random clicks.

Booking ticket

Dont' ever plan your trip during holidays and when schools are shut where chances are the park will be over crowded. Falls, winter and spring have very low waiting que. Buy online tickets to avoid collecting them from the counter. Below is the helpful links where you can avail of best prices for Universal theme parks

Mousesaver
Costco Travels
Groupon.com
Retailmenot.com
Anycodes.com

Sickness and health care

Make sure you read all the preventions and cautions labelled before every rides. Jurassic park ride will end up getting you all wet and if you feel you are not comfortable in the clothes you are wearing simply opt out. Mummy return rides are very harsh and not meant for kids and old people with motion sickness. I actually hated this ride.

Lunch and dinner

Try to have meals during off-peak time that is after noon and before noon and try to have them in the Citywalk instead of restaurants inside the studio. Like Disneyland has Disney downtown Universal got Citywalk filled with restaurants and souvenirs shops to entertain oneself.

Dry snacks are allowed to bring into the park if you want to carry and no picnic lunch plus food that requires heating or cooling is allowed. I packed nuts, pringles and cookies.

Things i liked in Universal Studio

Harry potter

I was never a Harry potter fanatic but visiting the Hogswart got me why people are into this so much. Starting from magical window shops and piercing towers i actually felt i was transformed to another world. Talking about the 3D ride it was very smooth entwined with a story with no harsh jerk and bumps. Suitable for all age group.

Shrek

Just like i loved the movie i very much enjoyed the 5 D movie. Filled with comedy and adventure everyone had a good laugh start.

Transformer

I have seen the movie but experiencing this was my hubby's idea. We opt for single ride avoiding the unending Que and yeah it was more better than the Harry potter ride. Again no jerk but stories and with 5D effects.

Studio tour

The best one and should not be missed to experience the Hollywood shoot scene live!!Seated in an open windowed trolley train the ride was relaxin,comfortable and Hollywood style.

Street characters

As you walked past you are never bored since street characters are there to entertain you at every crossroad. My in laws seem to gel up real well with half of their fave characters!

As you walk past the Super Silly Funland there was a section dedicated to London, Paris and Italy making me miss London so much i had actually taken a sit back at one of the coffee shop to feel the London fog.

Minions

Citywalk

Not only is this is recreation area but it also comes with varies of pubs and club. The evening becomes more enjoyable near the Hard rock cafe side because you can see yourself in the projector as you move around the area. We did spot ourself too and it was like finding nemo.

From the 30 restaurant options we had our dinner at Tony's rio.

Things i didn't liked

Mummy return

As expected to be fun and full of mystery like the pyramids or roadway to the decoding of Egyptian symbols this was simply a waste of time. Just a horrible ride with full of jerks and the worst with no stories around. I mean i could not get why it was named after the mummy return?? Not a perfect ride for old aged group and children below certain age.

Krustyland

Now as long you are not here with kids and were never a fan of simpsons back in India i don't think you should waste time queuing up to Krustyland. So we were just happy enough to get a click from front and enjoy the Simpsons back on sofa at home.

Super Silly Funland

The same goes for Super Silly Funland. Skip it if you are not carrying toddlers to play around the water park or small tender rides.

Hope you enjoyed the post and this might turn out helpful to you guys. Do share pics when you are in Universal studio. I shared the best smile of my MIL!!

Keep hopping!