by JQ Adams

Created on: March 22, 2009

Lights! Camera! Action! Visit Universal Studios in Hollywood, California where the film industry has its roots. Don't scrimp on this vacation; there is plenty to see in a short time, so you need to be prepared to spend a little extra for the best view of this Hollywood landmark.

Hotels are easy to come by, and there is one for every budget. Think of safety first and settle on a higher end hotel. That doesn't mean the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, but possibly a Sheraton or Hilton. Both the Sheraton and Hilton are within walking distance to Universal and you don't cross any busy streets, just the road that leads into the theme park. Other small hotels may be great, but off the beaten track in Hollywood is a gamble.

When you purchase your tickets for Universal Studios, do it online at www.universalstudioshollywood.com and get the Front of the Line Passes. You will get the best price online and these passes will allow you to see the bulk of the park in one day. You get to go in a different line where your wait for any attraction or line is no longer than five minutes or so.

Do not get carried away and get the VIP Package unless you have a burning desire to be chaperoned your entire trip. You will have a tour guide and be placed in a group with about 10 to 15 other people. They take you from ride to ride and even give you ponchos for the wet rides. If you like tour guide trips, you may prefer this one.

The All You Can Eat Pass is questionable. Be careful, only some of the restaurants at the park are covered by this and no drinks are covered. If you plan to sit down for your meals this may be a deal, but you have more selection without the pass.

If you are a planner, get a park map and make a plan prior to your visit. You should be able to arrange your day to see most, if not all, of the park in one visit.

Once you are inside the park, go straight to the Audiences Unlimited Ticket Booth. If there is any filming going on you can see it for free based on availability.

Carve out enough time during your visit for City Walk. It is on the outside of the park and has shops to visit, an IMAX theater, concerts, nightclubs, restaurants and entertainers on the sidewalks performing. There is no admission fee and you can get away with spending very little if you steer clear of the souvenir shops and higher end restaurants.

Universal Studios is one of those places that once you visit, you remember it well and it doesn't change much over the years. It is a different type of park, but one worth visiting.

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