Let's start with the basics - the Original Sign.
While this is usually missed, I love seeing it as it's a great memory. This neon beast is found around the corner of the main entrance and it's easy to miss. At night it's worth just taking a quick peak if you are headed back into the park.
"New York"
If you head down the 13 Blocks of New York Street / Courthouse Square, the majority of these are just facades and used for filming outdoor scenes. Check out our list of where to see characters / celebs for some more hints on this area....
Harry Potter locker room
This was a surprise for us when we were in Universal Studios Florida but there is an hidden entrance that cuts the line just by entering through the locker room, up some stairs, and through a hidden door panel. (Check out our US Florida hints for more info on this - coming soon!) While I haven't been back to US Hollywood since Harry Potter has been put in, if anyone knows if this is recreated, let me know.
If it hasn't another way to "skip" the line is to go into the locker room, pop your stuff in, and then casually slip into the line. While it will still be long, it won't be as long as the outside line.
Secret Passwords
Wanting to skip the line without being a VIP? Most rides have daily secret passwords that you can track down. Give this code to the employee at the beginning of the line and voila, you are on the line on the next vehicle. Normally you can only get these codes if you know someone but sometimes you can get them just by asking a cast member, being friendly / helping a cast member, or you might overhear someone using one.
Child Switch
If you are going with a child that cannot ride a ride, an adult can wait with the child in the attraction’s Child Switch room. Once your party goes on the ride and returns, you get to go on the ride while they watch the kid. Best of all, they give you a pass so then you don't have to wait in line, just until there is an available ride vehicle.
Ride Breakdowns
If a ride breakdowns or stalls, a lot times the ride reps will give you a treat (candy or the golden Universal Express Pass) or even one of the secret codes mentioned again if the wait is going to be a while. If there is a ride that breakdown, you might happen to overhear someone talking about the "password".... If you are offered the Universal Express Pass, each pass is good for up to 5 people so if you are in a group/family and are planning on splitting up throughout the day, pretend to be two separate groups and get two
Single Ride Lines
While sometimes these work, you might get stuck for a while depending on the line make up. The idea of these lines is that you are a single person so you could fill up space as most people will ride rides in pairs or quads so if a vehicle that's 3 and there is a couple then you are in. If line ups are going to be hours long, it might be worthwhile to split up your group and just go as singles as it will be faster than waiting. Not every ride has a single line but you can find them at:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Jurassic Park - The Ride
Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride
Transformers: The Ride 3D
More Attractions then Rides
Universal is known for it's shows and attractions than rides. The rides are also open during the entire time the park is open but the shows and attractions aren't so make sure to plan around these rather than the rides.
Despicable Me
When walking through Gru's neighborhood, hit the door bells as no two are the same. If you take the time to wait in line then you can even play the "Super Silly Space Killer" where Agnes won her lovable stuffed unicorn -- "It's so fluffy!"
Don't Puke
All ride operators have to clean up any mess made inside the ride which means everything except blood.
