So, you have your tickets and you’re ready to hit the park. What do you do next?

Parking

Parking is outrageously expensive nowadays. So, to be on the safe side, always have a twenty dollar bill ready for the attendant to collect.

Is Preferred Parking Worth It?

In one word, no. Preferred Parking is definitely not worth it, not for what you get at least. For those who aren’t aware of the option, Preferred Parking is a section of the lot that allows you skip CityWalk by parking near the entrance of the park. However, despite this, you usually save around ten minutes of walking time – at most. As such, it’s almost never worth the 50% prince increase compared to regular parking.

Park Entrance

The world famous Universal Studios arch. You won’t find this design anywhere else. Much like the park itself, it still retains its distinctive mark in comparison to the much larger arches featured elsewhere around the world.

Security Checkpoints

To make things go as quickly and efficiently as possible, please have your belongings ready to be checked before entering into the queue. If you aren’t carrying any large belongings, feel free to simply pass right through.

Entrances

There are two branches of gates on either side of the arch. The left gate is usually reserved for annual pass holders, while the right gates are normally used for guests. As an annual pass holder myself, I usually head on over to the right side to help expedite the entrance process. Because of the sheer amount of annual pass holders at the park, it’s sometimes quicker just to use the normal turnstiles instead of those reserved for pass holders.

Tickets

Have your ticket ready and be aware that they’re going to get your fingerprint. If you’re returning for a second day, write your name on your ticket. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent watching families stress out over tickets. Also, please be sure to remember which hand you used and give a clear print while you're at it.

For repeat visitors who are planning to use their tickets for another visit, it may be wise to write your name on the ticket to prevent future conflicts. The park employs fingerprint readers to verify ticket holders, so it’s extremely important to ensure each person matches up correctly with his/her ticket.

Park Layout

The park’s layout is unconventional at best, so most first time guests have a somewhat bewildered attempt at navigating through quickly and efficiently.

First off, the park is divided into two main sections, the Entertainment Center (commonly called the Upper Lot)...

...and the Studio Lot (commonly called the Lower Lot).

Generally speaking, the Entertainment Center houses most of the shows and productions while the Studio Lot is left with the main rides. The two main sections are divided by a steep hill interconnected via a series of four long escalators, otherwise known as the StarWay.

As you might have guessed, the StarWay is a huge bottleneck for guests to navigate through, especially multiple times a day, so I suggest finishing off one section before heading off to the other. It’ll save you both your time and your breath.

Attractions

Studio Tour

Start your day here. The Studio Tour houses a significant stake in the park’s attraction roster, including Earthquake – The Big One, King Kong 360 and Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Though it’s approximately one hour long, wait times are shorter during earlier portions of the day, saving your time as the day goes on.

Shows

What I consider the heart and soul of the park. Generally speaking, Universal will have show times posted on electronic displays throughout the park and on pamphlets distributed alongside park maps. Live performances (WaterWorld, Special Effects Stage) usually have up to five or six shows, while automated performances (Shrek 4D, Terminator 2:3D) end up running on thirty minute intervals throughout the day.

Live performances: our community has always dictated that you should arrive at least 15-20 minutes before posted show times in order to guarantee yourself and your party a seat. Many guests make the mistake of rushing to each performance and arriving at exact show times, only to be turned away or refused a seat. Show times are approximate estimates at when the show actually begins – not what time you should start queuing up. Follow the 15 minute rule, and you should be fine.

Automated performances: these usually include theater shows that run on rotation throughout the day. Because of the numerous opportunities to see them, I usually put these on hold whenever it’s convenient to me – as should you. My only advice is to avoid the very last performances. Like with other shows, once the theater fills up, you’re out of luck.

Rides

Rides are run on rotation daily. The lower lot, which houses the majority of the rides at Universal, operates 30 minutes after the park opens and shuts down 30 minutes before the park closes.

General advice has always been to ride whichever ride you would prefer at your own leisure. However, as one forum member writes, it may be a better idea to go against the flow of guests. As he writes…

Want more detailed information?

More information on specific attractions, restaurants and shops can be found on their respective pages. As always, if you have a question regarding Universal, please visit our community forums.

After the Park

So you’re finished. What do you do next? Read "After the Park" for our suggestions.