The park is quite simply one stunning day out with breath-taking, gasp-making, awe-inspiring attractions, shows and land. Throughout the park you will notice props from your favourite movies, recognize London, or get soaked in Nickelodeon’s Splash Zone a brightly coloured kids adventure area. There is a buzz about the park, one that with the help of classic movie tunes being pumped throughout, and staff, which are so friendly and so well trained you feel like a movie star for the day.

You shouldn’t decide to just walk round the park to see the brilliant sights you should get riding, and every ride is worth one. “Terminator 2 :3-D is a virtual adventure making it the most elaborate and technologically advanced experience ever created. An innovative 12-minute 3-D film which features the cast and crew from the Terminator films, puts gusts smack in the middle of the action through innovative 3-D film-making, live action stunt work and state-of-the-art special effects." It’s a show, which shows you the great things Universal can do on the screen, if of course their blockbuster movies such as Jurassic Park haven’t already done that! The pre-show can be a bit tedious due to its length but it makes the experience extremely realistic, so when you go into the auditorium, you’re ready for the action, which is about to commence. At times you can’t believe you eyes, the clear 3D film mixes effortlessly with the live action on stage. You really do have to see this, through your 3D glasses of course to believe it.

Back To The Future The Ride lets you fly in the Delorean through to the Ice Age and the year 2015. A very realistic simulator ride, with a good story line is the essence of this ride, the pre show runs throughout the queue line immersing you in the story, and theme of the ride and your totally immersed in that until the exit of the ride, go on….send yourself back to the future! I must quickly mention the shows at Universal, mainly the stunt-shows because what would a Movie Theme Park be like without Movie style stunts! ”WaterWorld - A Live Sea War Spectacular features a torrent of live stunts and special effects never before performed in a live arena.” Once you see those effects any others will seem boring and un-skillful! Waterworld is not to be missed; it’ll blow your socks off! The best stunt show I have ever seen, humour, falls, water, fire and planes flying in…wow!

New is Shrek 4D, couple the legendary movie with 4D action, all the original stars and you have a gem on your hands. Universal don’t disillusion you, from the witty pre-show to the 14 minute long film you will be screaming, jumping and howling with laughter. The hidden secrets of the 4D cinema make the film come to life. I for one think it is fantastic to finally see a 4D film with a decent script and plot. And of course, this is the only place to see the link between Shrek and Shrek 2, and I’m delighted to say that it doesn’t disappoint. Meet Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona, The Magical Mirror, Pinocchio, The Gingerbread Man and more on this rip-roaring cavalcade of laughs and excitement.

“The mysteries of Ancient Egypt come to life at Universal Studios Hollywood with the all-new “The Mummy Returns: Chamber Of Doom,” a monumental recreation of the ancient Egyptian ruins from the city of Hamanaptra inspired by the record-breaking blockbuster “The Mummy Returns” and “The Mummy.” Within the high walls that house this all-new interactive experience, guests will be ushered through a sequence of breathtaking and hair-raising adventures that duplicate that experience by the movies’ heroes. More than three dozen special effects have been designed for the attraction which also features over 200 props from the film.” Sounds good doesn’t it, well it doesn’t lie! Good it is, brilliant….well no but good yes! The journey through the tomb, is good fun. It could be rather scary for the younger children, and there weren’t many signs pointing that out, but for the older folk, you’ll have a good laugh as you all scream as the mummy’s say “boo!”

On the lower lot of the studios you will find, “Jurassic Park The Ride” and “Backdraft” to wet your appetite, and that’s defiantly what Jurassic Park does….well wets you at least! This attraction could make you believe Dinosaurs are real again! A boat tour round Jurassic Park, no car this time as in the film just a boat! You enter through the famous gates as the theme tune swells and the words are once again said, “Welcome to Jurassic Park.” You’re not let down as you see many realistic dinosaurs, most of which are rather mischievous in getting your boat wet. Suddenly you go the wrong way….into the raptor paddock. I don’t want to spoil anything but the T-Rex makes an intrusion on your ride, and you end in a soaking wet speedy drop! Only Universal could make this ride seem so real!

If you have got wet on Jurassic Park why not cool off on the 10,000-degree sensation, which is Backdraft. You’re treated to a visual display of pyrotechnics, fire, flame and heat to show you how the film of the same name was made. This is HOT, in both senses of the word.

Finally whatever you do don’t miss the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tram Tour. “Now updated to bring guests even closer to the world of movie making magic. Featuring state-of-the-art audio and video technology, breathtaking special effects, new attractions, a redesigned, roomier tram and surprise celebrity guests hosts, the Studio Tour will put guests on the front line of the Hollywood film industry.”

You are seated comfortably aboard the Studio Tour tram with a fun and well informed tour guide at the helm who can make or break this ride, our one certainly made it! You then, “embark on a magical journey into the world of movie making illusion. Passing 35 soundstages, movie sets, props, cameras, lights and all the action associated with the glamour of Hollywood film making, guests gain access to the Studios’ lower and back lots, where filmmakers, celebrities and technicians continue to create many of the world’s most famous movie and television productions.”

“During the 45-minute journey through Universal’s 415 acres, guests will experience sets from Jurassic Park, see the original psycho house and more”

Now 45-minutes may seem long, well it’s not long enough. Once you’ve come face to face with Jaws, King Kong, a flash flood and been in an Earthquake on this ride you’ll be begging for more, and more you are given. Seeing a real working back lot is a once in a lifetime opportunity and seeing false buildings as used in your favourite movies is another one. Combining many rides in one, if you’re going to do anything in the park, do this!

Universal Studios Hollywood was just stunning, we were made to feel famous, and I cannot find one fault with the park. The park deserves a pat-on-the-back for trying out new ride technology, which has worked so well and for having such a clean, well-kept and eye-catching park. It would be an injustice for me to not give Universal Studios Hollywood any less than 5 out of 5 ticks.  

Universal Studios and The Hollywood Bowl are THE two things to do in Hollywood, if you miss everything else, even if you miss the sign, don’t miss a chance to visit these two.

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