Universal Studios Hollywood Is A must See For The Southern California Visitor
Did you know that Universal Studios Hollywood is the only theme park in the world that is also a working movie studio? It's also one of the top three destinations for the Southern California tourist along with Disneyland and California Adventure. On March 15, 1915, Universal Studios founder Carl Laemmle opened his 230-acre Universal City ranch located just north of Los Angeles to visitors. For just ¢25, visitors got the chance to walk around his outdoor movie studio and be witness to movie production. Today, Universal Studios Hollywood offers not only the legendary “Studio Tour,” but also heart pounding rides, shows and attractions that put you inside some of the world’s biggest and most exciting movies, including classics like Jaws and King Kong. Transformers, the 3D ride is the park's latest addition. For all this excitement, of course tickets are no longer just ¢25. Today, be prepared to spend upwards of $92 just for admission.
For your next visit, following is a “must see” list of attractions and shows at Universal Studios.
Studio Tour: Narrated by Jimmy Fallon, the Studio Tour offers guests the chance to explore the working backlot of a real Hollywood movie studio. The tram ride takes visitors past sets from films like War of the Worlds, Psycho, The Fast and the Furious, Jaws and others. The tour also includes heart-pounding King Kong 360 3D.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem: "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem," an Immersive 3D Ultra-HD Digital Animation Adventure, and "Super Silly Fun Land," an Imaginative and Interactive Play Zone premiered on April 12, 2014. This very popular family-friendly attraction immerses the viewer in a 3D Ultra-HD animation and an interactive ride vehicle system straight out of the movie. The ride’s surrounding places the visitor inside Gru’s world. The kids play zone is a Minion-inspired area that will delight the entire family.
TRANSFORMERS-The Ride–3D: In this 3D HD flight simulation technology, visitors submerge themselves in this futuristic thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Based on the popular movie franchise, this exciting and heart pounding adventure places you in the midst of the action and in the ultimate war zone as you help save the world from the clutches of evil Decepticons.
Jurassic Park-The Ride: As you begin a relatively calm and peaceful boat tour through Jurassic Park, you come face-to-face with prehistoric giants like a 50-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex and a deceitful fall straight down an 84-foot monstrous raft plunge. This is a great ride to experience during a hot summer day, as the plummet into the deep will drench you.
Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride: In this terrifying 45 mile per hour thrill coaster ride, the visitor embarks on search of treasure right out of the movie Mummy in complete darkness. As the awakened Mummy unleashes his wrath on all who dare enter the sacred temple, visitors are plagued on all sides by huge fireballs, swarms of scarab beetles and an army of warrior mummies. Guard your soul as he will attempt to capture it when you come face-to-face with him.
WaterWorld: This is your chance to see movie stunts live and in person as the hit motion picture WaterWorld comes to life in death-defying stunts and grand explosions. The 20-minute show features wild jet ski tricks, pyrotechnics, air stunts and plunges into the deep sea. Be prepared to get wet if you sit in the front “Soak Zone.” This show is consistently rated by Theme Park Insider readers as among the best live shows in the theme park business.
The Simpsons Ride™: The Simpsons Ride™ takes you on a simulator journey through Krustyland with fun animation using 80 foot screens to give the rider a virtual-reality trip in high-definition. It is a hilarious animation sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
Special Effects Stage: Ever wonder how they make monsters come to life? And how do those 3D images pop out of the screen like that? To find out, take a tour of the Special Effects Stage, where you will find out all the answers and get a behind the scenes look at amazing filmmaking secrets.
VIP Experience: For the ultimate behind-the-scenes visit, book the VIP Experience. Although pricy at $299 per person, it is well worth the extra cost. Included in the package is a tour of the backlot in a special trolley that lets you disembark and explore areas not open to the general public, VIP guide who submerges you in Universal Studios history, gives you no-wait, front-of-the-line access to all rides, and finds the best seats at any show, and gourmet lunch in the private VIP dining room, valet parking, and VIP entry and exit from the park.
Shopping and Entertainment at Universal CityWalk: Located just steps from Universal Studios Hollywood is the shopping and entertainment hub of Universal Studios Hollywood, offering over 30 stores, 25 dining options, nightclubs, live outdoor entertainment and a 19-screen movie theater with IMAX.
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