DK Travel : Los Angeles : Universal Studios® Hollywood

Universal Studios® Hollywood

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The world’s largest movie and television studio sprang from the imagination of cinema pioneer Carl Laemmle. In 1915 he bought a former chicken ranch, brought in cameras, lights, and actors and started making silent films. The theme park began taking shape in 1964. Today, Universal Studios Hollywood gets more visitors (about five million a year) than any other attraction in LA County. Among the studio’s greatest film hits are Jurassic Park (1993) and Shrek (2001).
Note: The simulated earthquakes and floods in the tram tour may be rather frightening for very young children

Top 10 Features

1. Studio Tour

For a look at movie-making, this 45-minute narrated tram tour of the actual working studio is a must. Cruise past 35 soundstages to the vast backlot with its fabled outdoor sets.
2. Revenge of The Mummy – The Ride

The park’s first ever roller coaster is a psychological thrill ride that will bring you face to face with the fear of darkness, of insects, of speed, and of heights.
3. Back to the Future

Christopher Lloyd as “Doc Brown” enlists guests as time-travel volunteers in this motion simulator adventure. Hop into his DeLorean for a wild ride that takes you through volcanoes.
4. Shrek 4-D

The award-winning hit Shrek comes to life in this state-of-the-art attraction featuring ground-breaking OgreVision animation and sensory immersion. Voiceovers include comic talents Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz.
5. Animal Planet Live!

A psychic bull terrier, an obstreperous orangutan, and a thieving parakeet are just some of the endearing animal stars performing hilarious tricks during this 10-minute show. The kids will absolutely love this!
6. Jurassic Park – The Ride

A gentle rafting trip through a lush primordial park inhabited by cloned dinosaurs turns into a nightmare as guests come face to face with a voracious T-Rex. The only escape is an 84-ft (25-m) plunge that leaves everyone drenched.
7. Terminator 2: 3D

Action stunts, giant robots, and great 3D technology combine for a special-effects extravaganza as Arnold Schwarzenegger once again battles to save the world.
8. Water World

For the best stunts, catch this show where the polar ice caps have melted and all land lies beneath the sea. Memorable moments include a crash-landing seaplane and fireballs.
9. CityWalk

A lively carnival atmosphere reigns along this studio-adjacent promenade with its mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The best time to visit is after sunset when huge neon signs turn CityWalk into a miniature Las Vegas Strip.
10. Meeting the “Stars”

Chances of running into a real celebrity are slim, but don’t fret – there’ll be plenty of photo ops with actors dressed as classic silver screen stars such as Charlie Chaplin or even some favorite cartoon characters.

Practical Information

Dining inside the park is limited to snack bars and self-service restaurants. For a sit-down meal, get your hand stamped for re-entry and head to CityWalk’s many superb restaurants. Beat the crowds with the Front-of-the-Line Ticket or the guided VIP Experience, which includes an expanded Studio Tour (tours also run daily in Spanish). Prices vary. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 800-Universal Seasonal hours vary. Call for details. Adm $49.75/$39.75/ free for adult/child under 4 ft (1.2 m) tall/under 3s, discounted tickets available online discounted tickets available online Print-at-home ticketing is available at www.universalstudioshollywood.com