“Universal Studios Hollywood is the World's largest movie studio and theme park. You can see how the magic is made, go behind the scenes, look at special effect techniques, see a working back lot and Ride The Movies!"

“Universal Studios Hollywood is located just off the Hollywood Freeway (101) at either Universal Center Drive or Lankershim Boulevard exits. The park is open daily (except Christmas) from 8am to 10pm in the summer and 9am to 6pm non-summer Mon – Fri, 9am to 7pm at weekends.” The following is a full review of the park after our visit on Saturday August 4^th 2001.

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 favorite movies, recognize London, or get soaked in Nickelodeon’s Splash Zone a brightly colored 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 can feel even more like a movie star as well with Universal’s VIP Packages, which get you to the very front of the line, for more info on them click here.

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’s 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 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” “ET Adventure” 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 sense of the word! Kids may find that a bit too scary, so take them on ET, they’ll love it. The imaginative story and ride, allow you to fly the bikes to ET’s home planet and save him. Kids fall in love with the believability of this attraction, and so will you.

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 soundstages used for Apollo 13, and visit the locations where Arnold Schwarzenegger wrestled with the devil in End Of Days, where Adam Sandler fell in love with Drew Barrymore in “The Wedding Singer” and where Jim Carrey struggled in the pursuit of truth in “Liar, Liar.”

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 your 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.  

Click here for Park Images

VIP TOUR INFORMATION

Universal Studios Hollywood also offers some brilliant packages to give your day that extra special touch of movie magic, and to make you feel like a movie star! You can have a VIP tour of the park, or choose from a variety of ticket options allowing them front-of-the-line privileges and other such features. The Hollywood CityPass ($59 for Adults, $39 for Children) is one pass which is perfect for the tourists. It allows an all-inclusive, discounted attraction package offering visitors the ultimate tour of Tinseltown, complete with a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s largest movie studio and theme park and a grand tour of celebrity homes. The Hollywood City Pass brings seven famous Hollywood attractions together in a convenient pay-one-price program. Attractions include Universal Studios Hollywood, Starline Tours of Hollywood Movie Stars’ Homes, The American Cinemateque at the Egyptian Theatre, The Petersen Automotive Museum, The Museum of Television and Radio, Hollywood Entertainment Museum, and The Autry Museum of Western Heritage. The Hollywood CityPass is available for purchase at any of the featured attractions or online at www.universalstudioshollywood.com, making it easier for visitors to avoid most ticket lines and save on admission fees.  It is valid for 30 days from the first day it is used. All attractions purchased separately would total over $100.

If that is not your cup of tea you can try the Director's Pass ($69 for adults and children.) It gives you Full-day admission to theme park Including front-of-the-line privileges, reserved show seating at Waterworld, Wild Wild West Stunt Show, and Animal Planet Live! and free commemorative photo.

Finally, and the whole hog you can get the VIP Experience ($125 for adults and children.) This tour ushers small groups of guests through the world of movie making magic, offering front row seats to the “reel” Hollywood through private guided tours of the world’s biggest and busiest movie studio and theme park. The tour offers guests a behind-the-scenes tour through Universal Studios legendary 415-acres, including on-location visits to working movie sets and soundstages, production facilities, its world-famous property warehouse and other cinematic landmarks lead by a knowledgeable VIP Guide. Highlights feature the opportunity to walk onto practical movie and television soundstages.

Universal's famed Property Warehouse is another major point of interest exclusive to the VIP Experience. Built in 1915 the Property Warehouse is the largest of its kind in the world. The 100,000 square-foot, three-story facility contains an eclectic assemblage of more than 400,00 items representing virtually every set dressing and hand-held article required for any movie across time the world over. Strolling through the facilities long rows of carefully organized items, guest have the opportunity to see first hand the many props used in some of their favorite movies. The VIP Experience also includes front-of-the-line privileges, reserved seating at all of Universal Studios live shows and a commemorative photo. We would highly recommend this as the perfect way to enjoy your day in the park.

Park Images (Click to enlarge in a new window)

Entrance	Jurassic Park			JP from above
T2:3D		Mummy Chamber of Doom		Nickelodeon Splash Zone
Waterworld				Shrek
The Studio Tram Tour

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