Universal Studios Hollywood

Yes, there is an amusement park dedicated solely to film, and television; located in Los Angeles, California. Being a film fanatic, it’s hard not to love this amusement park. I have being coming here ever since I was a child, yes I went on the old E.T ride before they tore it down and added the Mummy Ride. I admit I miss the E.T ride, with the majestic waiting room in the form of a forest, with scenes from the movie. Then you are whisked away on the bike ride, through the stars and eventually spotting E.T throughout the ride. It is the equivalent to the “It’s a Small World” boat ride at Disneyland in the sense that it is a classic. However the replacement is just as thrilling fast paced and I love it. A mini roller coaster indoors, it starts out slow taking you through several eerie room filled with mummies, scarabs and of course as you hear the spooky, raspy voice of Imotep(from the mummy series)- you are automatically zoomed forward at a incredibly fast pace that is the indoor roller coasters. Just when you think its done. It isn’t. Another favorite ride of mine, that’s equally as scary with a 90 foot drop is the Jurassic Park boat ride. You are transported to a abandoned island, with some ahem monsters lurking about. Be careful as you cruise through the island, maybe you will have a run in with Ingen’s self created monsters that will give you a fright!
Other than scary rides there are a lot of fun features that people of all ages will enjoy. First off, Universal Studios added a new ride that is quite frankly genius. The Simpsons ride- the long running show has been transformed into a amusement park ride. How genius is that? Its kid friendly, but also something everybody will enjoy. You will see a replica of the Kwik-E-Mart that boasts Simpson souvenirs. Unfortunately you will not see Abu there, but you might run into characters from the Simpson’s cast, perhaps Sideshow Bob? ..
Let’s not forget the most famous ride of Universal Studios, the Universal Studios Tour. What is it? It is a tram ride that takes you through the back-lot of Universal studios where movies are made. You might run into stars, see some scenes being filmed and famous sets from your favorite movies. On this tour you will see the set from Phantom of the Opera (the original one), Jaws, Psycho (Norman Bates hotel), The Truman Show, Desperate Housewives and War of the Worlds. Along the way there are mini rides that are just as fun; however a fire broke out several years ago and burned the set of Back to the Future (the clock tower) and King Kong. If you have never visited, don’t worry they are rebuilding the King Kong Skull Island set only bigger, better and from what I hear it will be 3-D this time around. The new feature will be open this coming summer, from what I saw of the construction during my time there it looks amazing. Be sure not to miss it.
When I was there for my birthday, it’s easy not to feel like a child again, slurping on a big soda cup in the shape of Homer Simpsons, Shouting on roller coaster rides, and the occasional churro treat from the food carts. Everything here is about the magic of movies, the old and new Hollywood. I just simply love it and you will too.
I know there is one out in Orlando, I haven’t visited there yet, but keep an eye out for my post for when I do visit(How can I miss the new feature they are adding, Harry Potter!). From Citywalk, which is filled with shoppes and restaurants to the Studio back lot, its easy to have fun no matter what age you are.

On a side note: They do cater to the Deaf, if you do go on the Studio Tour, be sure to ask the employees there they will help you get a tram car with video playing with Captions. Be sure to ask. Also, if you need an interpreter, you need to contact Universal Studios for one two weeks prior to visiting.
If you have your pet with you, they have dog kennels at the front of the park. Again, be sure to ask the employees and they will help you out there. Bring a blanket or towel, toys and they will be fine in the kennels. Be sure to come back before 5 is when the park closes to get your pet. I put my dogs there once; they were fine they had water, toys, and blankets. By the time I came to pick them up they were great. Arrive early; I learned this lesson the hard way. I had a hard time finding someone nearby at 5, the park was closing up, and the employees were scarce. But it all turned out okay in the end, I got my dogs, went home after a fun filled day and my dogs were happy.