Theme parks are plenty of fun, aren’t they? Not only do we get to zip, zap, and blast off to heart-pumping rides, but we also get to discover and unravel mysterious secrets waiting in the dark. And Universal Studios Hollywood, home to movie-themed thrills since 1964, has got a ton of them!
Curious? Read on to find out the park’s nine best-kept secrets. Warning: don’t be too spooked.
1. Keep your eyes peeled for the number, 469
Nothing to see here, but Vin Diesel and Project 469. Image credits: @pamelitagarcia on Instagram
Here’s a theme park trivia to jot down: when new attractions or rides are being developed, they’re named with code names like some sort of top-secret experiment. One such project is Fast and Furious: Supercharged, which started as project 469.
If you’ve been to this speedy attraction, now you know why the number, 469, is spray-painted everywhere throughout the lot.
2. The magic word is “the big pink!”
D’oh as Homer Simpson would say! Image credits: @sby_p on Instagram
Ever wondered what a D’ohnut would taste like in real life? Better head to Springfield in Universal Studios Hollywood to go grab one, but wait, you’ll need the magic word before you can order! The giant pink doughnut that Homer Simpson can’t get enough of can be purchased from Lard Lad Donuts using the code name: “giant pink.”
And, oh boy, giant is the right word! This sprinkled-covered treat is as huge as your face, or even bigger (if you’ve got a small head), and tastes as sweet as expected.
3. A spooky surprise awaits at Hogsmeade
Wizards, witches, and Moaning Myrtle wander around the village. Image credits: Aditya Vyas on Unsplash
It’s not only witches and wizards who wander the halls of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, but ghosts too! If you’ve kept up with the Harry Potter franchise, you’d be familiar with the school’s friendly but lonesome campus ghost, Moaning Myrtle. And she’s come to Universal Studios Hollywood to haunt unsuspecting victims.
Don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear a moan or a sob when you take the loo around Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—it’s only Moaning Myrtle!
4. Blink, and you’ll miss Sherlock!
Catch the detective when you ride this thrilling attraction! Image credits: @captain.vintage on Instagram
You’ll need Sherlock’s quick senses for this one: the great detective can be seen lurking on the Transformers ride. Right about when Megatron is about to shoot, his shadow appears. Now, we’re not exactly sure what brings Sherlock here, whether it’s a big case or he’s taking time off from 221 Baker Street, but a good-sized chunk of lucky parkgoers have spotted the famous Brit detective.
5. It’s all in the details at Transformers: The Ride 3D
Catch the detective when you ride this thrilling attraction! Image credits: @captain.vintage on Instagram
The building signs around the ride are also another interesting detail you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for. Just like any well-thought-out movie-themed attraction, Transformers: The Ride 3D is designed to take you on a wild and epic journey filled with small easter eggs to keep you on your toes.
While enjoying the ride, spot the building signs, such as “Coup Theatre,” along the way. These are named after the team members who created the ride. A nice touch, isn’t it?
Klook Tip: You can spot ‘em at Universal Orlando too.
6. The best seats in the park are the ones that go around with the Studio Tour
Go behind the scenes of the most iconic Hollywood films of the 21st century! Image credits: @uninewstoday on Instagram
No, it’s not the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or even the exciting Jurassic World that make Universal Studios Hollywood stand out, but it’s its Studio Tour that’s the main attraction. Before the theme park came about, this 400-acre of land was once a movie studio in 1912. Here, many iconic Hollywood hits, such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin, were shot and born. Film fans back then could tour the sets and go behind the scenes.
And you still can, too, today. With a VIP Experience, you can visit the award-winning sets and explore the movie backlot, where you can (maybe) run into your favourite stars. Also, the VIP ticket comes with cool perks, such as skipping the lines!
Trivia: The first guests in 1915 only paid five cents to tour the studio. And they also got a free chicken for lunch too. That’s too good of a deal!
Want to know more about Universal Studios Hollywood? Check out our 411 guide!
7. Skip the lines, not the survey
Blast off to adventure at Universal Studios. Image credits: Tommao Wang on Unsplash
Besides an Express or a VIP pass, another way to skip to your ride is to answer the park survey. Surveys are tools that help improve and give people what they want. And the team behind Universal Studios Hollywood knows this and uses it to their advantage.
Occasionally, you’d see customer surveys being launched. Our advice? Go and answer. Now we know the downside of surveys is that it steals time, but hey, what are ten minutes when you can skip the lines? As a reward for helping out, you’ll be offered a “front of the line” pass to the best rides.
8. Ready your bananas at the Minion Doorbells in Super Silly Fun Land
Meet Dave the Minion and his banana buddies at Super Silly Fun Land! Image credits: @navigatingparenthood on Instagram
Super Silly Fun Land is the park’s immersive Despicable Me-themed area, where both families and minions gather for some fluffy, fun adventures. Prepare to soar, spin, and meet the adorable yellow goofballs on their turf. Spot the minions on the Boardwalk, win a minion souvenir from the arcade games, and even visit your fave pint-sized buddy at Gru’s neighborhood.
Just ring the doorbell of one of the homes, and a minion will greet you. Also, don’t forget to bring bananas to feed these evil but adorable henchmen!
Can’t decide which park’s got the cutest mascots? Here’s a breakdown of Universal Studios Hollywood versus Disneyland!
9. You can return the next day, FREE!
The fun doesn’t stop at Universal Studios. Image credits: @_never_stand_still on Instagram
If the fun wasn’t enough, here’s a hack you’ll be glad to hear: you can always come back the next day for free! With the “Buy A Day, Get A Second Day Free” promo, you can relive your favourite adventures and even try out the ones you’ve missed out on. This exclusive pass is only available for a limited time, so get your hands on it now!
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