Universal Studios on a cold and dismal day

Someone stole the sun!  Kaye came back from walking Kyle and wrapped herself in a fleece. Tough guy Dave believed the great weather forecast and announced the sun would come out.  We'll see who is the smartest.

The entrance to the Theme Park section of Universal is Gate 6 and the signage is not that good.  We started at Gate 1 but our One Ton Dually Truck does great U Turns, mostly because little California cars just get out of the way.  

As we approached the main entrance (very grand) we were offered a VIP tour  package by an extremely well dressed gent for the paltry sum of $289 (+tax) each.  Why he thought we might be interested I don't know.  Maybe anyone who shows up wearing a PEI Dirt Shirt "T" shirt and shorts on a day when the mercury is struggling to get to 13c must be crazy enough to pay the price.

At the admission booth we were asked how long we were visiting for and where were we from?  "Canada and just for today", was the answer.  "I highly recommend you upgrade to the 'Front of the Line' ticket package if you are only here for the day", was the polite response coupled with a rambling explanation.  "How much would that be?"; asked Kaye.  "Only $49"...."Is that for both of us?"..."No, that is each"..."How much is the general price?"...$80..."Is that for both of us?"..."No, that is each"..."OK, it is cold out and does not look very crowded, we'll take two General Admission".

The park was as to be expected for a class act.  Well laid out, very clean, lots of staff, lots of characters in costume, etc.  Some seasonal stuff was closed (water park for the kiddies and many of the restaurants) as there was really nobody there.  We walked the back streets and viewed the working characters and their sets while we figured out the tour map and locations.  I think you will like some of these photos.

We enjoyed all of the major exhibits and rides with the pleasure of literally walking directly into/onto each one (Here's at Ya: VIP and First in Line fees). 

On the lower lot we saw: Jurassic Park, Transformers, and the Mummy.  First mistake; saw people struggling to put on clear plastic bags on their bodies and did not investigate further.  Second mistake; asking the gate keeper if we needed those plastic bags and believing him when he said; "No". Third mistake; having a wet ass in 13c temp at the very beginning of your day vice the very end.  Canadians...eh!  And "Yes" our accent was regularly recognized.

On the upper lot there are studio lot style streets of different eras and countries along with major and minor exhibits.  The major ones were; Simpsons, Shrek, FX, Animals are Stars, Studio Tour and Waterworld.  We actually had to wait about 15 minutes for the last one hour tour of the Studio Lot; which included major attractions, King Kong in 3D and the Earthquake movie underground scene (same one as Florida), but then we cruised from there to the last showing of Animals are Stars and the grand finale, Waterworld (video clip) without a seconds wait.

It was a wonderful experience and it kept us hopping all day long so the cold did not really sink in until waiting for the start of Waterworld.  I would not want to be here during a busy period and stand in line for two+ hours to see a 10 minute major attraction.  Plan your calendars and come in the off season or accept the agony and pay the price for the Front of the Line admission tickets. When the day is done you will be very happy with your decision in either case.

The Theme park here is far less than half the size of the one in Florida.  This location is more about the massive studio lots (over 100 years old) and the films/shows being made.  Florida is dedicated to being a theme park, so if your sole reason for coming is for the kids, pick Florida.