Universal Studios Hollywood,is a place for movie buffs and adventurers alike. Universal is the oldest real working studios that not only offers attractions for the entire family it also offers a wide array of entertainment and character meet-and-greets for guests to enjoy.
On the upper level of the park you can take a ride on the Studio Tour. On this attraction, guests are taken on a tour through sets from classic movies from both the past and present. Some of the sets includeWar of the Worlds, Psycho, Jaws, Wisteria Lane from the hit TV show Desperate Housewives and many others. In 2008 the famous courthouse from the Back to the Future films and the King Kong ride-through, were destroyed in a fire. This made way for a bigger and better version of KingKong. Created by Peter Jackson, this part of the tour is presented in 360-3D and takes riders to Skull Island. Riders are right in the middle of great fighting scenes between dinosaurs and a 25-foot King Kong. This was a great addition to the tour and is very realistic.
The Back to the Future ride has now been replaced with The Simpsons ride. In this six minute wild ride, guests follow The Simpsons through Krustyland on a roller coaster style car with various characters from the hit TV show. One of the characters in the ride is Sideshow Bob who escaped from prison and is seeking revenge on Krusty the Clown.
On the same level of the park, guests can take a tour through the Universal House of Horrors with some of the most frightening characters of all time including Chucky, Dracula, Frankenstein and many others. Shrek 4D is also located on the same level and is a great 4D experience. The combination of the 3D effects, motion seats and other surprises makes the audience feel as though they are a part of the adventure to save Princess Fiona.
Do you love the Terminator movies? Well if you do, make sure to go to T2-3D. This is an awesome show that incorporates 3D, special effects, animatronics and live actors to bring the audience an amazing experience.
The most exciting and most adrenalin packed attractions are located on the lower level of the park. These include Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy. In Jurassic Park, riders sit in river rafts and are taken through the wonders of Jurassic Park. The grand finale of the ride gets riders up close and personal with a 50-foot T-Rex and an 84-foot plunge. Remember that no matter where you sit you WILL get wet!! Stores on the lower level sell ponchos for riders that don’t want to get wet.
The Revenge of the Mummy ride is also one of my favorites and I must say is not for the faint of heart. This dark style roller coaster combines special effects and lots of twists and turns at up to 45mph, once you think you have reached the end and there is nowhere else to go, you end up riding backwards. When visiting the park both attractions are a must!
The Universal Experience is a walk through museam of props and wardrobe used in various film and TV shows. One of the classic attractions that was also located on the lower level, The Back Draft Experience is now being replaced with a Transformers ride. This ride is currently under construction and is due to open in 2011. The parks other entertainment, most of which are located on the upper level includes Water World, The Special Effects stage, Universals Animal actors and many more. There are also lots of live musical entertainment and characters that roam around the park that are ready for autographs and photo-ops.
I give Universal Studios five out of five stars and is a must see park. The next time you are planning a trip to California and you love movies and adventure like me, make sure to include Universal Studios Hollywood. You will never be disappointed.
Universal Studios
