Are you planning on a holiday to California? You would be making a big mistake if you leave the city without stepping into the Universal Studios. This place gives its visitors the dual advantage of entertaining themselves in a film park and a theme park. Movie lovers can step into the film studio and watch some interesting shows while those who want to indulge in some action themselves can visit the theme park for a range of exciting rides. Universal Studios takes pride in the fact that there is some entertainment for everyone and no one would be left disappointed.
How it all began
Carl Laemmle, the founder of Universal Studios welcomed the public to his 230-acre Universal City Ranch to the north of Los Angeles in March 1915 so that they could take a walking tour of his outdoor film studio. The admission fees were quite nominal and by paying a few extra bucks, visitors could have a chicken box for lunch. However, when the studio began producing movies with sound, Laemmle had to close down its entry to the masses to offer a soundproof filming environment. With the passage of time, in July 1964, the studio welcomed the public once again with a tram tour to showcase its facilities.
Over the next couple of decades, many fixed attractions like the flash flood in 1968, the collapsing bridge in 1974 and more were added to the Upper Lot to compete with Disneyland. In 1991, Universal Studios stretched itself to the Lower Lot. This area focused on offering a horde of adventure options. In 2012, the Lower Lot won the Theme Park Insider Award for Transformers: The Ride 3D in the Best New Attraction category.
Rides and attractions in Universal Studios
Step inside the studios and you are sure to be baffled by the number of options available for kids and adults alike. With a score of rides and attractions, you will be left wondering where you should get started. Here are a few that are bound to interest you.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you on a trip to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with one of its kind ride in Universal Studios. You can visit places like Dumbledore’s office, the Room of Requirement, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and other parts of the school that you have read in your favorite Harry Potter books with a thrilling adventure.
Jurassic World – The Ride transports you to a world of dinosaurs. There is a dedicated kids area and you can quench your thirst or treat your taste buds with refreshments from the bar or café.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged puts you on a high-speed chase of 120 miles/hour in a fast car along with stars of the famous movie. The attraction covers a length of 809 feet!
Flight of the Hippogriff takes you on a roller coaster ride around Hagrid’s pumpkin patch and hut. Hagrid gives you advice on how to interact with Hippogriff – a magical creature that is a combination of a horse and a giant eagle.
The famous studio tour
A trip to Universal Studios would be incomplete without the two-hour tour of the 13 city blocks spread across four acres. You will get a first-hand experience of how a movie studio actually works! The vignettes go hand-in-hand with the live narration offered by the expert guides.
Shopping and Dining
When you want to take a break from the various rides, you can always pamper yourself with some shopping at the various shops in the premises. Foodies can end their day by checking out multiple cafés and restaurants for a slew of different cuisines. Right from indulging in a light snack to a proper meal, the place has it all.
When you decide to visit Universal Studios, you might want to keep in mind that you will mostly not be able to complete it in a day. Consider visiting the place for at least two to three full days for maximum entertainment.