Universal Studios is known for more than just their filmmaking. Mention the name to anyone under 18 and their thoughts immediately turn to the popular theme parks in both Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida. My family recently had the opportunity to visit Universal Studios Hollywood during our vacation to Los Angeles. (Discount tickets are available for the military at your base Information Tickets and Travel Center (ITT))Universal Studios Hollywood has something for everyone in your family, but is especially geared toward film buffs. Reminders of the golden age of the silver screen lie around every corner, making the park rich with history. Kids will love riding Shrek 4D, letting them experience one of their favorite shows in a much more interactive way. For the stouter of heart, the Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy rides are guaranteed to thrill. Our favorite was Revenge of the Mummy, which we rode several times. Another park favorite is “The Simpsons” ride, which is a unique experience that allows you to join the Simpson family on a crazy adventure. A warning to the weak of stomach, though, you might not want to eat immediately before or after riding this one! Don’t leave the park without experiencing the Studio Tour. For those of you that are movie-buffs, you will love it! It involves a tram ride through a Hollywood backlot filled with scenes from some of your favorite movies and show. It is definitely something you don’t want to miss. One nice amenity that Universal Studios offers is a “Front of the Line” Pass. For about $60 more, you can buy a pass that allows you to forego all lines like a true Hollywood VIP, giving you plenty of time to try your favorite rides over and over. This feature is a must for those who can afford it. You literally walk right on to every ride as if they were holding it just for you. It is the ultimate celebrity-like experience. While at Universal Studios Hollywood take the time to visit CityWalk – a shopping, dining, and movie-watching hot spot. Known locally for its night-life, CityWalk is a cross between a hip mall and continuous party. Most of the stores have a Hollywood theme and you will find yourself buying knick knacks from your favorite Universal films and TV shows, even if you think you can resist (ask my husband about his Scooby Doo mug!). CityWalk offers a variety of dining options. I highly recommend the Hard Rock Café. Known by name as a music history Mecca, you could spend an hour just looking around at the collectables and historical artifacts. As a self-proclaimed Hard Rock coinsurer (I travel a lot and the Hard Rock sells my favorite cheeseburger so I visit one whenever I can), I think this particular location is one of the coolest I’ve seen. My favorite is the Cadillac over the bar. You can’t miss it. It’s the first thing you see when you enter. The evenings are filled with non-stop fun. They regularly have concerts and parties that are legendary in the area. The service is friendly, the food is great and the ambiance is very California-like with floor to ceiling windows that let in the wonderful California sun. While visiting Universal Studios, we stayed at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. Known as the “Hotel of the Stars”, you will experience service and luxury in true Hollywood fashion. They are located minutes away from Melrose, Hollywood and Beverly Hills. They conveniently have a tram that delivers you from the front of the hotel to Universal Studios and CityWalk. This comes in handy for those with kids or if you want to save money on parking. The Sheraton Universal Hotel offers the military a special rate through the ITT office. You can’t miss out on the opportunity to stay at this iconic four star hotel at a special price that can’t be beat (contact your ITT office for more information).Universal Studios Hollywood might be smaller than its Florida counterpart but there is definitely something special about experiencing the theme park in its natural habitat - surrounded by the glamour and mystique of Hollywood. 
Universal Studios - Hollywood
Photos provided by Universal Studios and Hard Rock Cafe
Universal Studios Hollywood
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Universal Studios - Hollywood
Hard Rock Cafe
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