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. (word count 429)

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 school. (word count181)

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 Cafй. 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. (word count 412)

How To Get the Most Out Of Your Universal Studios Tour Experience Universal Studios is a huge place, with lots to see and do. If you want to experience as much as possible in one day, it is important to plan your day. By planning your day, you will be able to get more in than you would if you went in without a viable plan. Start the day with the Universal Studios Tour. It takes one hour, and you need to be there before the gates open. It is important to be on that very first tour, so you can avoid some of the long lines at the theme park. Universal Studios is divided into two lots – the upper lot and the lower lot. When you are ready for the theme park attractions, start on one lot or the other, and visit all of the attractions on that lot before moving to the other one. This will cut down a lot of walking time. The upper lot usually opens before the lower lot, so start at the top if possible. After a day at the theme park, be sure to visit Universal City Walk right outside the gates of the park. The City Walk is three blocks of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. This is a great way to end a perfect day at Universal Studios Tours. (word count 216)

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! (word count 448)

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! (word count 405)

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. (word count 180)

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. (word count 182)

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! (word count 175)

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. (word count 426)

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. (word count 413)

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. (word count 186)

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. (word count 180)

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. (word count 405)

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. (word count 215)