Universal Studios Hollywood is the world’s only working movie studio and theme park, and offers an entertaining mix of thrill rides based on the biggest blockbusters, live-action shows, and a Studio Tour giving guests a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes look at the world of movie-making magic. There’s no bad time to visit the Entertainment Capital of L.A.
#1 Cars from Fast Five
Only on display until September 1 is a display of cars from the latest installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise – Fast Five. The cars include Brian’s (played by Paul Walker) 2009 Nissan 370Z and Mia’s (played by Jordana Brewster) 1966 Ford GT40.
#2 Jurassic Park®
The RideBeat the summertime heat on this much-loved thrill ride, where you’ll be assailed with showers of water coming at you from all angles. As you raft down a river, you’ll encounter Raptors, a Stegosaurus, the ever-feared Tyrannosaurus Rex and other prehistoric creatures. A general admission ticket includes access to this ride, but if you simply can’t stand to wait in line for popular rides like this one, buy a skip-the-line ticket and avoid the crowds!
#3 Studio Tour
With comedian Jimmy Fallon as the new host of the Studio Tour (a part of Universal Studios in some form or another since 1915), this favorite attraction just got a lot funnier. As you relax on a tram, you’ll go behind the scenes and see very recognizable sets from TV shows and movies like Desperate Housewives, War of the Worlds and Back to the Future. The Studio Tour is included in the ticket price, but if you need more Hollywood-related fun in L.A. buy a combination
#4 King Kong 360 3-D
Part of the studio tour, ‘King Kong 360 3-D’ opened just last year and is an intense 3-D experience that takes you to a recreated Skull Island, where two enormous curved screens (the equivalent of 16 regular-sized theater screens) provide you with heart-stopping entertainment. As a 35-foot T-Rex and 30-foot King Kong battle it out around your tram, air and water effects will enhance your caught-in-the-middle experience. This ride is sure to leave your legs shaking for hours; buy a Universal Studios ticket with round-trip transportation so you don’t have to drive back to your hotel.
#5 VIP Experience
While you’re touring Hollywood movie sets, why not be pampered like a Hollywood star? With the VIP Experience, you’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the studio back lot and receive skip-the-line entry to all attractions and shows. A gourmet lunch, a walk through a working sound stage and a visit to the Archive and Collections Department (home to props, photos and costumes) are also included.
