Almost all of the city’s key attractions are of the highest calibre. Here are the five finest rides at the park, in no particular order.
First, some background. First built in the mid-1960s, Universal Studios Hollywood wasn’t what you’d call a theme park in the traditional sense. There were no dark rides, roller coasters, or other attractions like those found in locations like Disneyland, and its principal feature was a studio tour. However, the park started to modify this when it integrated entertainment-oriented events and aspects into the tour. This was a significant shift in the park’s approach to filmmaking.
The E.T. Adventure, the park’s first story-based, dark-ride attraction, launched in 1991. Universal proved that it could compete with Disney and create its E-Ticket attractions by using impressive animatronics and amusing bicycle-style ride vehicles. (E.T. has since been shut down.)) When Universal Orlando first opened, the merry gang of designers known as Universal Creative, the Walt Disney Imagineers’ eponymous counterparts, got to work creating unique attractions on both coasts (and eventually at Universal parks worldwide).
And when we say extraordinary, we don’t just mean better than Disney’s offerings. Universal has made some impressive advancements in terms of ride design, immersive surroundings, and theme park narrative.
The Adventures of Harry Potter
Located within Hogwarts Castle, which acts as the ride’s queue and is so meticulously constructed, it might be a separate attraction in and of itself.
Using 3D technology for its Hollywood launch outdid its Florida predecessor. Universal has subsequently deleted the 3D images since it was causing nausea in some guests. The loss of 3D isn’t a big deal since the material is produced at a relatively high quality.
The Studio Tour
You may expect the Studio Tour to be a snoozefest, with its vintage trams, goofy tour guides, and stops on the studio’s backlot at an Old West set and other places that stretch back decades. You’d be mistaken, however.
It’s crucial to remember the past. While riding the trams, you’ll pass through the original Psycho home and a goofy Jaws shark attack recreation, to name a few highlights. In addition, it has a blend of authentic Hollywood filmmaking and interactive activities. There are genuine soundstages where movies and television series are now developing for passengers to see. Attractions like flash floods and an earthquake are also a part of the experience for visitors.
The lengthy tour (which may run for up to an hour) is exciting and educational. When the park first opened in the mid-to-late 1960s, this was the centrepiece of the attraction. The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, in contrast to other movie theme parks, gives guests a glimpse into what it’s like to work at an open film studio.
Transform into a Transformer in 3D
This dark ride transports guests into the universe of Michael Bay’s Transformers films using a revolutionary roaming motion base ride technology created by Universal Creative (for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal Orlando). This is a fast-paced, visually stunning film. This, along with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is a must-see attraction when visiting the park.
The King Kong 3-D experience
King Kong is a highlight of the Studio Tour, not just a stand-alone attraction. The trams are cleverly incorporated into a motion simulator attraction. They are confined to motion base platforms as soon as they reach the immersion tunnel. Even though you’ll feel like you’re being thrown about viciously while the enormous ape and dinosaurs fight it out, the trams never move more than a few inches. It was a blast!
Fast & Furious – Supercharged, the Studio Tours grand finale, incorporates an immersive tunnel ride concept; however, it falls short of Kong. The illusion of a tram rushing out of control is shattered by several visual aspects, which look out of proportion.
The Ride at Jurassic World
You’ll sail through artificial dinosaurs in this dark ride/water attraction and into a “realistic” version of Jurassic Park. Shoot-the-chutes thrill coaster featuring a high, steep, and rapid flume at the end is also available. The boat’s plume produces a puddle in the splashdown pool, where riders may get wet.
The Jurassic Park series was the inspiration for the original 1996 opening of this attraction. What was intended to be a peaceful dinosaur park tour quickly degenerates into chaos, and there is a dramatic plummet at its conclusion. Compared to its predecessor, the new attraction’s introductory aquarium scene incorporates an underwater Mosasaurus. New components were added to the attraction in 2021, including a massive, animatronic Indominus Rex that confronts an equally enormous Tyrannosaurus Rex.
You must make the most of your time at Universal Studios Hollywood if you only have one day. Make the most of your day with the assistance of your frog pals and self-proclaimed wizards (we’re still waiting for our Hogwarts admission letters). Take advantage of our expertise in theme parks, and we’ll show you the best attractions and eateries at Universal Studios Hollywood.
