The granddaddy of movie theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood opened in 1964. It has evolved from a quaint backstage tram tour that allowed guests to ogle Lana Turner's dressing room to a high-tech playground. Unlike Universal Studios Florida, the Hollywood park is an actual working movie studio and the tram tour is still a vital part of the USH experience. (USF included a "studio" tour when it first opened but quickly abandoned it.) Some of the featured attractions are Florida clones, including Terminator 2:3-D and Jurassic Park...The Ride, and some are unique such as Backdraft and the WaterWorld show. USH is first and foremost a theme park but its Hollywood pedigree lends it some credibility. You almost expect to run into Russell Crowe at one of the food stands. The campus also features the CityWalk entertainment/dining/shopping complex.
- Location: Universal City, CA
- Phone: 1-800-UNIVERSAL
- Get Universal Studios Hollywood tickets in advance of your visit, and check for online discounts.
- Are you planning to visit other California theme parks? Consider getting the Southern California CityPass, which offers considerable value.
- Hotel Info: Compare rates for Universal Studios-area hotels at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.
Grinchmas
Overview of Universal's annual holidays event.
Highlights:
- Studio Tram Tour
- Terminator 2:3D film presentation
- Shrek 4-D 3-D film presentation
- The Simpsons Ride motion simulator attraction.
- Jurassic Park...The Ride themed splashdown ride
- Backdraft presentation
Coming in 2011:
Transformers Attraction
The blockbuster film and toy franchise, Transformers, would seem to be ideally suited for a theme park attraction. It's flashy, it's part of the cultural zeitgeist, it's larger than life, and...it's GIANT ROBOTS! THAT CAN TRANSFORM! In early 2011, Universal Studios Hollywood will bring the changeable robots to life in a ride that will include 3-D, high-definition projected images, 4-D sensory and special effects, and large-scale animatronic characters.
New for 2009:
Creature From the Black Lagoon- A musical production.
The Broadway-caliber show will replace the Fear Factor presentation. It will reportedly feature "the exotic sounds and scents of the jungle" along with over-the-top production numbers. The retro, Smell-O-Vision musical may not be quite as crazy as it first sounds. For one thing, Creature taps into the studios' horror film legacy and celebrates Universal's unique contribution to popular culture. For another, the studio is planning a 2009 remake of the classic film. If the show is done with the proper amount of (black) tongue in (green) cheek, it could be a load of fun and a big hit.
Halloween Horror Nights
Overview of Universal's annual Halloween Event.
Mummy vs. Mummy: How the Hollywood and Florida Mummy Rides Differ
