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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD GUIDE

In 1915, Univeral Studios became the first Hollywood motion picture studio to sell tours of their backlot, and give an eager public a glimpse into how movies were made. Though this practice was discontinued 15 years later, it came back with a vengance in 1964, when Universal introduced the now famous Backlot Tram Tour. It was a hit.

After a time, special effects and live shows were added until Universal gradually morphed into a full-fledged theme park spreading through the Hollywood Hills. But they never stopped making movies here. Unlike other movie-themed parks, including Universal Studios Orlando, it remains a large working studio where movie and television productions are churned out on a day-to-day basis.

Despite its growth, Universal remains a relatively small park and can get crowded in a hurry. Therefore you should avoid visiting during peak times - that is, the summer months, weekends, or any other time kids are out of school. Winter is generally the best time to visit to avoid crowds, but keep in mind that if it rains, certain attractions will be cancelled. Here are some tips you can follow to get the most bang for your buck:

Get to the park 1/2 hour before it before it opens.
Plan to go on the most popular attractions first thing in the morning before the lines get too long. Currently these are: Back to the Future, Shrek 4-D, Terminator 2:3-D, Jurassic Park: the Ride, and the Studio Tour.
Leave small children at home. There's just not a lot for them to do here.
Though not a necessity, you might consider purchasing a VIP Studio Pass if you can afford it. This will allow you to go to the front of the lines at most attractions. It also gives you the option of a personal tour on the backlot.

Attractions

Universal Studios is seperated into upper and lower lots. Listed here are the more interesting attractions of each...

Lower Lot

Jurassic Park: The Ride - This flume ride is one of the best. Great effects, animatronic dinosaurs, cool scenery, and nice drop. You will get wet!
Revenge of the Mummy - Based on the movies, this fast and furious ride features some awesome special effects, and a dark and scary atmosphere. A good ride, but a bit short and in need of some pacing.
Special Effects Stages - Live show that demonstrates a variety of movie special effects techniques and technology. Definitely worth seeing once, but there's not a lot of repeatability here.

Upper Lot

Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular - Don't let the title put you off. Way better than the movie and not nearly as long, this is a great live action show with the emphasis on action. Stunts, pyrotechnics, and jet skis abound! The "wet seats" are clearly marked, so avoid them if you want to stay dry.
Backlot Tram Tour - This is kind of a must. The tram tour remains at the heart of the Universal Studios experience. Always changing, your level of enjoyment will often depend on the what's going on in the park at the time... and if you get a good tour guide. But in any case, there's an earthquake, King Kong, Jaws, and a Mummy, so how can you go wrong?
Shrek 4-D - If you liked the movie, it's pretty much a sure bet you'll like this too. If you didn't like the movie... move along - nothing to see here.
Terminator 2: 3D - Opened in May of 1999. At that time, this show was the most technologically advanced 3-D experience ever created; blending 3-D cinematography, digital computer graphics and live stunt work. Today, it is still one heck of a production.
Back to the Future: The Ride - Like Disney's Star Tours, this simulation ride is showing its age, but it's still a lot of fun, and shouldn't be missed.

Can't miss attractions? In my opinion, you shouldn't miss Jurassic Park: The Ride, Waterworld, or Terminator 2: 3D. Oh, and because it's always an interesting crap shoot, I'd add the Backlot Tram Tour as well.

Can miss attractions? Nickelodeon Blast Zone. Too much chaos, and not as much-fun-as-you-would-think-it-would-be for the kids.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood

Connecting Universal Studios to the Universal Amphitheater, is Universal CityWalk, a three-block pedestrian link featuring dining (with over 20 restaurants and fastfood places), shopping, movie theatres, and other fun things to do. This area offers quite a bit of atmosphere with its decorated streets, neon signs, and live performers. It also boasts a few clubs and is quite the night spot.