Universal Studios Theme Parks

‌Universal Company, aside from producing movies, owns and operates four theme parks worldwide.‌ Three of the four parks are called Universal Studios and have locations in Florida, California and Japan. All the theme parks have thrill rides, shows and family entertainment. Many of the Universal Studios attractions are based on classic and familiar Universal movies. Though there are three Universal Studios parks, they each offer their own selection of rides, and they are different experiences.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a functioning movie and television studio lot, along with being a thrilling theme park. ‌Guests can take behind-the-scenes tours of the sets for blockbuster movies and TV shows, and learn about the Universal movie-making process.‌ The theme park also includes a house of horrors, multiple 3-D shows and rides based on the movies "Jurassic Park" and "The Mummy." Outside the theme park is Universal's City Walk, which offers shopping, dining and live entertainment. As of 2010, a one-day general admission ticket to the park costs $69 for guests over 48 inches tall, and $59 for guests under 48 inches tall. It is advisable to purchase tickets on the website, since there are often Web-only deals and discounts.

Universal Studios Hollywood 1000 Universal Center Drive Universal City, CA 91608 (800) UNIVERSAL universalstudioshollywood.com

Universal Studios Florida, located in Orlando, is part of the Universal Orlando Resort. ‌The resort includes a downtown area called universal City Walk, with shops, on-site hotels, restaurants and two theme parks.‌ Universal Studios Orlando offers some of the same rides as Universal Studios Hollywood (for example, they both have a roller coaster inspired by the movie "The Mummy" called revenge of the mummy and a Hollywood rip ride rockit), but many of the attractions are distinct. There are multiple roller coasters, 3-D shows and family-friendly rides based on movies like "E.T." featuring an e.t. adventure ride, “shrek”, “Jurassic World” featuring a velocicoaster, “Transformers”, and "Men in Black” alien attack ride. Universal Studios Florida also offers guests back-lot tours where you can see props, set pieces and costumes from famous movies, it also includes the wizarding world of Harry Potter featuring a Hogwarts ride around diagon alley and hogsmeade as well as hagrid’s magical creatures motorbike adventure and escape from gringotts.

Another popular attraction is despicable me minion mayhem, amazing adventures of spider-man, and the Simpsons ride. As of 2010, a one-day ticket to Universal Studios Florida costs $79 for adults, and $69 for children ages 3 to 9. ‌Next door to Universal Studios Florida is another theme park, universal’s Islands of Adventure, which has its own unique set of rides and shows.‌ When visiting Universal Studios Florida, try to also include a visit to Islands of Adventure by getting a park-to-park pass to experience everything Universal Orlando Resort has to offer.

Universal Orlando Resort 1000 Universal Studios Plaza Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 363-8000 universalorlando.com

‌The Universal Studios theme park in Japan incorporates a blend of rides and shows based on many well-known American movies, with characters more well known in Japanese pop culture.‌ There are rides similar to those found at Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Studios Florida, based on movies like "Back to the Future," "Jaws" and "Spider-man." There are live musical performances, and 3-D adventures. Japanese and American influences blend together, and kids can enjoy meeting costumed characters, like the Charles Schultz "Peanuts" gang, or "Hello Kitty" from the popular Japanese company "Sanrio." "Space Fantasy: The Ride" is a state-of-the-art adventure through the universe, designed specifically for Universal Studios Japan. At night, enjoy the Magical Starlight Parade, with brilliant floats of familiar characters. As of 2010, admission to the park costs 5,800 yen ($64.59) for adults and 3,900 yen ($43.43) for children ages 4 to 11, though these prices are subject to changes in exchange rates.

Universal Studios Japan 2-1-33 Sakurajima Konohana, Osaka 06/4790-7000 usj.co.jp/e

Overall, universal parks & resorts offers a lot of things that parks like Walt Disney world, disneyland and seaworld can’t offer, such as halloween horror nights, a water park, and universal’s volcano bay.

Tip

when deciding which theme park to go to, make sure you check park admission, park hours, and park ticket prices ahead of time in order to be prepared and cut costs.