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
- Hotel Info: Compare rates for Universal Studios-area hotels at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.
- Highlights:
- Studio Tram Tour
- Terminator 2:3D film presentation
- Shrek 4-D 3-D film presentation
- Jurassic Park...The Ride themed splashdown ride
- Backdraft presentation
New for 2008: The Simpsons
Homer, Bart, Marge, and the rest of The Simpsons gang are coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. Slated to open in Spring 2008, the denizens of Springfield will bring their enduringly popular, unique, and often hilarious worldview to a new attraction in the building that hosted the now-defunct Back to the Future ride film. Guests will ride along with The Simpsons as they explore Krusty Land, a toon theme park developed by the TV show's Krusty the Clown.
Halloween Horror Nights 2007 Overview
Freddy, Jason, and Leatherface join the madness this year.Mummy vs. Mummy: How the Hollywood and Florida Mummy Rides Differ
