Universal Studios Hollywood – A Must for Movie Lovers

Regarded as 'The Entertainment Capital of LA', the Universal Studios theme park is a land of excitement where a multitude of rides and movie characters soak you in the world of Hollywood. Meet the Simpsons, explore the Jurassic Park, and face the House of Horrors. It seems as if the entire Hollywood has been encompassed here in form of rides and tours. You will be even more excited to hear that this Universal Studios Hollywood is not only a theme park, but also a shooting site for a variety of films and TV programs. Yes, precisely, this is the main reason as to why this park was built. The former and continual use of this park is for shooting movie scenes and immersing people of all ages into the scenes of blockbusters. The Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles is a film studio cum theme park that has made it among the oldest Hollywood parks.

Main Rides

At the Universal Studios Hollywood, the rides are split into two lots nestled on the dissimilar levels. These are labeled as the upper and lower lots and can be accessed through a set of escalators termed as the Starway. Listed below are the famous rides and tours as per the lots.

• Upper Lot
  • Waterworld: A Live Sea War
  • Shrek 4-D
  • The Adventures of Curious George
  • Studio Tour (Earthquake: The Big One, Flash Flood, Psycho, The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift, Desperate Housewives Wisteria Lane, and other sets)
  • The Simpson's Ride
  • Universal's Animal Actors
  • T2 3-D: Battle Across Time
  • The Blues Brothers
  • House of Horrors
  • Nickelodeon Splash Zone
• Lower Lot
  • Jurassic Park: The Ride
  • Revenge of the Mummy
  • The NBC Universal Experience

Race and fly over the animated zone of Simpsons via a legendary roller coaster or stand up to the most frightening indoor coaster on the planet - Revenge of the Mummy. Endure an 84-foot perpendicular raft throw in Jurassic Park or accompany Shrek and donkey on the adventure way in Shrek 4. The list of excitement is really long! There will be also some more attractions in the future namely, King Kong: 360 3-D, Transformers: The Ride (2012), and Special Effects Stage (June 2010).

Coming to the studio tours, the most exciting is the narrated tram (Glamortram) tour that will introduce you to the studio's active backlot.

Fun Characters

For some dramatic experience, the Universal Studios induced a multitude of costumed characters that wander throughout the area. A few of them are Hollywood stars such as the Marx Brothers and Marilyn Monroe; while some are related to the media such as:

• The characters from Walter Lantz like Woody Woodpecker
• The characters from Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, and Shaggy
• The classical fiends like Dracula and the Wolf Man
• The Universal Studio's film characters such as An American Tail's Fievel and Curious George
• The characters from Shrek and Nickelodeon episodes

Shopping Areas

In the upper lot, there are Kwik-E-Mart (Simpsons), Cyber Image (T2 3-D), and Shrek Shack (Shrek). On the other hand, in the lower lot, you have Tomb Treasures (Revenge of the Mummy) and Jurassic Outfitters (Jurassic Park)

Dining Areas

In the upper lot, there are Shrek Snacks, Hollywood Cantina, Flintstones Drive-In, and Mel's Diner. Jurassic Cove, Jurassic Cafe, Panda Express, and Ben & Jerry's are in the lower lot area.

Other Attractions

Outside the theme park, look for the Universal Hilton & Towers, a multi-screen theater, Universal CityWalk packed with shops and restaurants, and the Gibson Amphitheatre for concerts.

Tickets

It is recommended to go for 6 months pass or annual passes. A 6 months pass, for $60, offers entrance, invitations to the events, low pricing for Halloween Nights, and $12 off for 6 guests. Annual passes are value passes, no black-out passes, and premium star passes. On all these passes, you can avail yourself of all the facilities of a 6 months pass. In addition, a value pass ensures 10 to 15% discount on the food of citywalk and park. The no black-out pass provides the same benefits of the value pass, but without considering the black-out dates. However, a premium star pass also ensures priority entrance on the studio tour and free parking.

• Verdict: The Universal Studios Hollywood is truly a fun place where you and your children enjoy recalling the hit movies via the rides.