What to see at Universal Studios, Hollywood
- Thread starter The Wolf
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wannab
Sr Member
Went there in March.
There are a few good rides (Mummy (scary and fast moving for little ones), Jurassic Park (85 foot drop at end is the payoff), and Simpsons (a virtual roller coaster) and the Waterworld live action stunt show is decent (must see really). Terminator 2 3D is stale (past its prime), City Walk is just an outdoor mall. House of Horrors is a large scale Halloween fright house (bit gory) -- no go for the little ones. The studio back lot tour is lame (just isn't the same since the fire) with the exception of the very brief King Kong tunnel (my 4 yr old was terrified). The guys doing the Blues Brother were okay, but it's a short deal. Can't say anything about Shrek 4D, Animal Actors, or Special Effects Stage as we didn't get to them. A few characters walking around for photo ops. Lots of food choices. Decent way to spend a day, but it has lost some mojo over the years. I'd give it a C+ (or B- if you like -- lol).
Forgot to add, if you need a stroller for the kids and stuff you bring, be aware there is no way to get them down to the lower level. You park the stroller at the top and get a new one at the bottom. Three very long escalators to get down there (and back up), I had to hold my 4 yr old while he napped, man were my arms tired! They have locker rentals as well, if needed.
Have fun!
Doug
There are a few good rides (Mummy (scary and fast moving for little ones), Jurassic Park (85 foot drop at end is the payoff), and Simpsons (a virtual roller coaster) and the Waterworld live action stunt show is decent (must see really). Terminator 2 3D is stale (past its prime), City Walk is just an outdoor mall. House of Horrors is a large scale Halloween fright house (bit gory) -- no go for the little ones. The studio back lot tour is lame (just isn't the same since the fire) with the exception of the very brief King Kong tunnel (my 4 yr old was terrified). The guys doing the Blues Brother were okay, but it's a short deal. Can't say anything about Shrek 4D, Animal Actors, or Special Effects Stage as we didn't get to them. A few characters walking around for photo ops. Lots of food choices. Decent way to spend a day, but it has lost some mojo over the years. I'd give it a C+ (or B- if you like -- lol).
Forgot to add, if you need a stroller for the kids and stuff you bring, be aware there is no way to get them down to the lower level. You park the stroller at the top and get a new one at the bottom. Three very long escalators to get down there (and back up), I had to hold my 4 yr old while he napped, man were my arms tired! They have locker rentals as well, if needed.
Have fun!
Doug
EvilRocketeer
Master Member
I think you are being a little to generous :lol
I would give Universal Studios a C- or D+
The rides are lame.......Mummy is very short and not worth the wait in line.....Jurassic Park was a huge disappointment...kinda sucked as much as watching Jurassic Park 3........Studio Tour was good, but not sure if kids will really like it....it is a long tour, so make sure they use the restroom before hand
Only good ride is Simpson's Ride........
Also, depends how old are your kids because there is a small water park area near the shrek 3d area........
SmilingOtter
Master Member
I'm a bigger fan of the Islands of Adventure than the original park. The Marvel rides (Spiderman, Hulk, etc.) are very well done, and I understand the Harry Potter area is insanely popular. As relatively simple as it is, I enjoyed the Cat in the Hat ride a lot more than I expected to.
wannab
Sr Member
I can't believe anyone would recommend the back lot tour. There is really nothing to see anymore. Bates Motel? Who cares? You see the outside for about a minute with a Norman walking up to the tram -- "and we're off!". . Mechanical Jaws, the flood and rickety bridge (stale). Really the only (sort of) interesting thing to SEE on the tour was the 747 wreckage from WOTW. There was a lot of this kind of thing, "and in this building is where they shoot Desperate Housewives, etc." wow a big square building! The new (post fire) exterior settings are bland and nothing is going on not even a set up. They are so new there isn't even a good bit of filming history to talk about.
As far as standing in lines, just go Monday-Thursday little to no lines. Although school is out, who knows? We went on Spring Break on a Monday and had no problem.
Doug
As far as standing in lines, just go Monday-Thursday little to no lines. Although school is out, who knows? We went on Spring Break on a Monday and had no problem.
Doug
wannab
Sr Member
LOL, I guess I have a soft spot for a studio that has entertained me over the years.
Doug
robstyle
Master Member
Universal, in my eyes, was at its prime in the late 70's when the studio tram ride was at its peak and still the main attraction. Then the large scale rides started to make their way onto the lot.
I highly, highly suggest you do some research on Universal Studios in general before going. The old Phantom of the Opera set was recently used for the new Muppet's movie. Just google "universal studios hollywood history" and start reading. It will make the studio tour that much more interesting.
And do keep your eyes open for stars walking around. Jim Carrey used to raid trams while doing Man on the Moon in character as Andy Kaufman. While working on "Delirious" John Candy walked up to a tram to say hello and sign some autographs. It is a functional film studio after all.
I highly, highly suggest you do some research on Universal Studios in general before going. The old Phantom of the Opera set was recently used for the new Muppet's movie. Just google "universal studios hollywood history" and start reading. It will make the studio tour that much more interesting.
And do keep your eyes open for stars walking around. Jim Carrey used to raid trams while doing Man on the Moon in character as Andy Kaufman. While working on "Delirious" John Candy walked up to a tram to say hello and sign some autographs. It is a functional film studio after all.
Jesfa
Member
Absolutely 100% would endorse the Jurassic Park portion of Universals Island of Adventure. I could have spent all day there alone, simply incredibly modeled after the movie all around, the atmosphere there was friggin awesome.
I've heard a lot about the Harry Potter area as well, wasn't finished when I was there last
The backlot tour is always fun, no its not the most amazing, but it's still cool. Shrek 4D was fun, and good for the family. ET is always a favorite of mine though, assuming your kids know who/what ET is, thats a great one.
I've heard a lot about the Harry Potter area as well, wasn't finished when I was there last
The backlot tour is always fun, no its not the most amazing, but it's still cool. Shrek 4D was fun, and good for the family. ET is always a favorite of mine though, assuming your kids know who/what ET is, thats a great one.
wannab
Sr Member
Absolutely 100% would endorse the Jurassic Park portion of Universals Island of Adventure. I could have spent all day there alone, simply incredibly modeled after the movie all around, the atmosphere there was friggin awesome.
I've heard a lot about the Harry Potter area as well, wasn't finished when I was there last
The backlot tour is always fun, no its not the most amazing, but it's still cool. Shrek 4D was fun, and good for the family. ET is always a favorite of mine though, assuming your kids know who/what ET is, thats a great one.
Must be talking about Florida.
Doug
wannab
Sr Member
/me facepalms.
Didn't see it said Hollywood, my apologies. I'd suggest flying to Florida instead >_>
It sure sounds a lot cooler! :thumbsup
Doug
Goonie
Sr Member
I didn't enjoy Universal the last time I was there in '07. I found the whole place way too noisy. T2 was noisy (the sound was cranked way too high). Shrek was noisy. And just walking around the upperlot it was noise, noise, noise.
Jurassic Park was short, thus a little disappointing. Didn't go on Mummy. The walkthrough House of Horrors was a lot of fun. BTTF was still open. And now they're building that new Transformers ride.
I still don't get why they're keeping Waterworld around. I miss the Wild West Stunt show.
Jurassic Park was short, thus a little disappointing. Didn't go on Mummy. The walkthrough House of Horrors was a lot of fun. BTTF was still open. And now they're building that new Transformers ride.
I still don't get why they're keeping Waterworld around. I miss the Wild West Stunt show.
