Have you ever wanted to experience what it would feel like to actually be in a movie? And not just a movie set, but an actual movie? Well, Universal Studios is where you can make that dream into reality. Comfortably located atop the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Universal Studios is a movie theme park that the whole family can enjoy.

History And Location

Universal Studios Hollywood functions as both a movie studio and a theme park located in Universal City, California in the area of Los Angeles County. With a marketing headline of “The Entertainment Capital of LA,” Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the oldest and most famous movie studios in the area that is still being used today. While the studio has always offered tours of its lot since its earlier days, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the tour would begin to grow into a full-fledged theme park.

Attractions

If you think that Universal Studios Hollywood is just a simple tour of a movie lot, think again. Divided into two separate sections – Upper Lot and Lower Lot – the theme park offers numerous attractions and amenities that are sure to keep you busy, day and night.

Upper Lot

The Upper lot is the larger of the two lots, and features most of the family oriented attractions and shows.

• The Simpsons Ride: Join the Simpsons family on a ride through Krustyland in this midway, carnival-themed ride that features state-of-the-art digital projectors.
• The Adventures of Curious George: Have some family-friendly fun with your favorite monkey in the Curious George play area. Just make sure you bring an extra change of clothes, or avoid the giant water dump.
• Terminator 2 – 3D: Live the experience of this classic sci-fi hit in this 3D interactive show.
• Shrek 4D: This is a 3D show that features the voices of the original Shrek cast, along with some amazing special effects that put you right in the movie.
• WaterWorld: Universal Studios Hollywood has always been known for its spectacular showcase of real-life stunt shows. In the WaterWorld stunt show, experience death-defying feats and amazing explosions that are sure to “wow” the crowd.
• Special Effects Stage: Curious about the special effects used to make movies so realistic nowadays? The special effects stage is a show at Universal Studios Hollywood that reveals some of those movie secrets where you will learn about CGI, 3D, motion capture and stop motion techniques and technology.

Lower Lot

While the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood features a mix of shows, rides and other attractions, the Lower Lot is where thrill seekers will really get their kicks.

• Jurassic Park – The Ride: Jurassic Park was a movie based on theme park filled with real dinosaurs. While the ride at Universal Studios Hollywood can’t promise the same thing, it does get you as close as possible to coming face-to-face with an actual dinosaur.
• Revenge of the Mummy: Who says Universal Studios is missing thrill seeking rides? How about a ride that jolts you at 45 miles per hour into complete darkness. If that’s not enough for you, then the special effects will surely leave a sight to remember.

Studio Tour

The studio tour is where it all started and is the main attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. Here, guests will board tour trams in bunches to explore four acres of the historic, Hollywood studio where they will get to see popular sets from movies and TV shows of the past and present. The biggest feature of the Studio Tour has always been coming face-to-face with the monstrous King Kong. A new, revamped version of this feature by Peter Jackson features the famous primate in 3D form. Brace yourself for a spectacular duel between King Kong and a 35-foot T-Rex. Did that dinosaur escape from the Jurassic Park lot?

Park Characters

Every theme park has its own official mascot and theme characters. Disneyland has Mickey Mouse and other popular Disney characters, and Knott’s Berry Farm has Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. At Universal Studios Hollywood, expect to see some of your favorite Hollywood characters and icons who are ready for photo ops with park guests. Here is a list of who you might see:

• Dora the Explorer
• Marilyn Monroe
• Shrek and other Shrek characters
• Curious George
• Spongebob Squarepants
• Beetlejuice

Accommodations And Amenities

For those looking to actually stay on or near the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, there are on-site accommodations available through the Sheraton Universal or the Hilton Universal City. These hotels offer shuttles to and from the park. Hotels in the area also tend to accommodate guests with private shuttles to and from the theme park.

Expect to find a host of shops and restaurants throughout Universal Studios Hollywood. Popular destinations are the Flintstone’s Bar-B-Q, Jurassic Café and the world famous Pink’s hot dog stand. The park is also located near the Universal Citywalk, a popular shopping and entertainment center featuring numerous shops and eateries.

Admission

• One-day admission: $77
• One-day, discounted admission (guests under 48”): $69
• One-day admission, plus front of the line pass: $129 to $149 (depending on the season)
• VIP park pass (includes exclusive guided tour of the park plus priority access to all rides and attractions): $249 to $259 (depending on the season)

Visit the park website for news on discounts and online specials at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.