Fun with Minions at Universal Studios Hollywood

The newest experience at Universal Studios Hollywood, California is the new Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem 3-D ride. The audience joins Gru and becomes minions on an adventure that starts at Gru's home, goes through the super villain lab and ends with a dance party. The theme park does an amazing job at recreating the street that Gru and his adopted daughter live on and the film’s memorable seaside carnival, Super Silly Fun Land. Visitors will be thrilled to climb, jump and slide in a dry zone, ride on the Silly Swirly Fun Ride, or get soaked in the more than 80 different water-play features. Guests can also have the chance to meet and get their photo taken with a life-sized minion. Guests can also vie to win a replica of Agnes' lovable stuffed unicorn.

Guest Services at Universal Studios Hollywood

To avoid the frustration of waiting in long lines, the best way to experience Universal Studios Hollywood is by paying extra for the Front of the Line pass for $139 per person (ages 3 and older). The pass will enable you to cut the line for rides and attractions. You actually have a good chance at seeing the entire park in one day. However, be aware that the park does not move at a fast pace. The service at restaurants, shops, and rides can take longer than anticipated. Another feature parents will appreciate is the Child Switch feature that will cut down on wait time for those without the Front of the Line pass.

Thrill Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

Some of the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood are not best suited for young children, but are thrilling for adults. Here are some of the thrill rides that the park features:

• House of Horrors
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Jurassic Park
• The Simpson’s Ride
• Transformer's: The Ride-3D
• King Kong 360 3-D
• Shrek 4-D

Live Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood

See Hollywood in action at the live shows the park has to offer. Feel Donkey sneeze at the Shrek 4-D ride, watch a ramshackle city catch on fire at the WaterWorld show, see how movie magic is made at the Special Effects Stage, or witness highly intelligent animal actors strut their stuff. For a true taste of Hollywood, take the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour with action-packed fun that features King Kong, Jaws, a flash flood, and an earthquake. May not be age-appropriate for younger children. For an even more in-depth look, choose the VIP Experience, which includes guided access to working sound stages, famous sets, a VIP lounge and a gourmet lunch for $239.

While visiting the park, keep your eyes open for familiar movie characters, such as the following:

• The Grinch and Max
• Shrek and Princess Fiona
• Donkey
• Sponge Bob
• Curious George
• The Simpsons

Whether you're a movie buff, a thrill ride seeker, or just want to have a family fun adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood is bound to be a good time for all.