Universal Studios-  100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City    800.864.8377
http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/park_overview.html

COST:  $64 over 48" tall / $54 under 48" tall     There are several other ticket options including a Front of the Line pass.  Visit their website for more information.
HOURS:  Opening times vary depending on the day of week and time of year.  Visit the website for updated schedule. 

Universal Studios offers a fun day out for the whole family.  Rides and shows are themed around popular movies and tv shows.  The Studio Tour was a favorite for the whole family.  The narrated tram tour goes through the backlot area to see sets you will recognize from some favorite shows and movies.  There are some fun surprises along the way (hey, I can't share them or they wouldn't be surprises, would they?).   We even got to see one show being taped in one of the backlot areas.   The Shrek 4D movie, the Animal Actors show and the Water World show are worth waiting in line for.    After a hot day walking around the park, stop by the Coke Soak Zone for some cool water fun.  

There are several restaurants and snack stands throughout the park.  We had lunch at Mel's Diner and would recommend it.  They offer a good variety of sandwiches/ burgers.  They have a kid's menu with limited choices.  The restaurant is cafeteria style;  grab a tray and move down the row picking what you would like.  The food was freshly made and very hot.  While some of the employees seemed a bit grouchy, our cashier was very friendly and helpful.    There is seating inside or outside.  Pricing is a bit higher than average burger restaurants but was comparable to a sit down restaurant.  If you have AAA, make sure to show your card to receive a 10% discount at Mel's and other restaurants / shops throughout Universal. 

Parking is $11, or pay $20 for Preferred Parking (we found the extra to be worth the reduced walk time to the park).

Overall we found Universal to have more reasonably priced food and souvenirs in comparison to similar amusement parks.  They have a good variety of shows and rides, though not nearly the amount of rides as something like Six Flags or Disneyland.   We liked the fact that there were restrooms easily found throughout the property;  though it was disappointing that there were not family restrooms available.  Be warned that most of the rides are in the lower lot which is quite a distance from the main park.  The trip to the lower lot includes four large escalators (called Starways by Universal).  I would recommend finishing all of the activities you want to do in the lower lot at one time to avoid wasting time going back and forth between the levels.

For more California travel destinations, visit our website at www.familyfriendlyamerica.com