A star-studded venue which is part film and TV studio, part entertainment complex and part amusement park for three-times the fun.
Universal Studios is one of the oldest working studios in Hollywood. Its doors first opened to paying guests in 1915, when enterprising studio founder Carl Laemmle charged people 25 cents to see silent films being made. You can still see real film-making in action, but there’s so much more to discover and enjoy. Feel your pulse quicken on one of the high-speed thrilling rides.Many of the rides are based on popular family films and television shows from the Universal stable. Get swept away on a tidal wave of action on the Waterworld attraction, speed past hieroglyphics spelling out real warnings, in virtual darkness on the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster, marvel at the special effects of Shrek 4-D and feel shivers run up your spine at Jurassic Park, the ride. Hollywood doesn’t believe in small and the rides use a fusion of pyrotechnics, state-of-the-art technology, a big budget and bags of imagination.Take the famous Studio Tour, a tram ride through one of Hollywood’s famous back lots. Here, you’ll see the birthplace of many classic films while experiencing tumultuous earthquakes, floods, fires and every possible special effect that the TV and film industry can throw at you. An encounter with Jaws is still a Universal favourite, but one of the most memorable experiences has to be a face-to-face confrontation with famous screen giant, King Kong 360 3-D, a spectacular ride created by multiple Academy Award winning writer and director Peter Jackson. Find yourself in the thick of a pitched battle between the giant ape and a pack of ferocious dinosaurs. When you’ve had your fill of excitement, make your way to Universal’s CityWalk right next to the park, where you can find entertainment, shopping and plenty of eateries.Beat the queues by turning up before the gates open.Universal Studios is located 16 kilometres northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
