Universal Studios is a fun day, and saving a day on your next stop to LA is worth the visit. It's fun for all ages and far more than just rides and thrills. You will actually come away having learned something about LA's number-one industry--movie-making!
The park is easy to reach from LA, and the parking is not a hassle. Heck, it's LA, so you can even get valet parking at the park! The lines are not as long as Disney; this was spring break, and we only waited at the front gate for 5 minutes to buy tickets.
We opted for the $79 Frontline Passes, which seems a little rude, but we feel that they were worth EVERY penny. Basically, it allows you to CUT IN THE FRONT OF ANY LINE! You never wait more than a few minutes, and for the shows you are in first and get the prime pick of seats!
The tram ride is still the best. You go through the Backlot and see real movie sets. This day nothing was in production, but in the past, movie stars have walked up to the trams to shake hands. There are a few thrills, like Jaws jumping out at the tram and King Kong trying to tip over the tram, but overall it's about movie-making and the guides have a lot of cool facts to share. The typical characters roam the park; you will see anyone from Sponge Bob to the Marx brothers. We enjoyed our day. It's not as high-tech as Disney and is more about the shows than rides. The kids loved the Spiderman show the best. It's a mix of gymnastics and hip-hop. I have to admit that the guy who played Spiderman was pretty impressive as he swung around the stage on a rope. They are really well produced and are something the kids and the parents can enjoy together.
We also advise that you splurge for the Frontline Pass--it's worth every penny and will allow you to be in shows, not waiting in lines. Check out more information at Universal Studios.