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When you’re headed to Universal Studios, or any theme park really, there are a few musts beforehand: Check out the newest rides, create a plan of attack, maybe even plan what you’re going to wear (no sweating, no chafing, no freezing on indoor rides, no blistered feet). You’ve brought cash and packed sunscreen, and you’ve basically thought of everything. Well, almost everything.

You see, what you may not have realized is that there are several Easter eggs hidden throughout the park — little surprises tucked away that only those in-the-know can experience. They completely change the way your day goes, adding a little magic to all of the lines, rides and gift shops.

Consider this your bucket list for your next visit:

Unlock the Secret Songs on the Rip Ride Rockit.

Just because Universal’s only rollercoaster comes with a dashboard letting you select 20 or so of the hottest songs from the oldies through, uh, circa 2008, doesn’t mean you have to stick with that lineup. Hold down the Rip Ride Rockit logo for about 8-10 seconds, and a screen will pop up, prompting you to enter a 3-digit code from this list of songs. You’ll have to memorize the code you want in advance, since you won’t get a dropdown menu or anything to help you choose. Madonna, Metallica, John Legend, Muse, Journey and Eminem are just a few of the secret-menu options to choose from.

Butterbeer - Photo: Candace Braun Davison
Photo: Candace Braun Davison

Skip the Butterbeer in favor of this drink.

At the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, everybody raves about the Butterbeer, pumpkin juice and color-changing Gillywater, but if you’ve had all of those, head to the Three Broomsticks and order a Pumpkin Fizz. Inspired by Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, people say the little-known drink tastes like pumpkin pie soda with a hint of cider.

Forgo the Gift Shops at the End of Every Ride in Favor of This.

If you veer right after entering the park, past Shrek as if you’re heading toward the aging Terminator ride, you’ll see Williams of Hollywood on the left, which has recently been reopened as a prop shop. That’s where the park sells several of the props used in rides and window displays throughout the park, from zombies for Halloween Horror Nights to full-size cows from the former Twister ride. There’s no cooler place to snag a souvenir.

Chat directly with the Ministry of Magic on this secret line.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is chock full of surprises (could you expect any less though?!), but there are a few really cool ones you shouldn’t miss. First, the phone booth: Step inside and dial 62442 (MAGIC), and you’ll be connected to the Ministry of Magic. Then, as you pass 12 Grimmauld Place, check the window — Kreacher, that dreaded house elf, peeks out every once in a while. Head to the Magical Menagerie and talk to the snake in the window; he’ll chat back. So will the goblin bank teller you pass in line for the Gringotts ride. You can also exchange cash for Gringotts bank notes, which can be used same as cash in any Diagon Alley shop.

Get a perfect score during your MIB training.

Getting the highest score possible — 999,999! — while shooting up aliens on the Men in Black ride takes work. First, shoot nonstop (simply shooting earns you points, according to insiders). Second, shoot Frank the Pug. I know it seems wrong, but he’s the key to tons of points, and he’s hidden by the newsstand in the second room, far right. Third, push the red button at the very end of the ride for even more bonus points. Good luck!

 

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