Universal Studios began offering tours in 1964.
Today, Universal Studios still offers tours, and they
still make movies but it has also become one of
the largest amusement parks in the world. In fact,
Universal Studios has mixed movie making with
shows and a theme park full of rides to become
one of the most popular tourist attractions in the
world.
The Studio tour is a one hour guided tour. Those on
the tour ride around the studio’s 420 acres on a
tram, and see many stars dressing rooms,
production offices, and often famous Hollywood
stars. Where else can you see a western town and
a New York City street all in the same hour? The
tour includes sets from Back to the Future, Curse
of the Mummy’s Tomb, Jurassic Park III, and The
Grinch. This is more than just your boring tour
with a boring monotone tour guide! As the tour
progresses, tourists encounter many disasters!
Once you’ve finished your tour of the studios, you
can move on to the theme park. All of the rides have
a movie oriented theme, such as Revenge of the
Mummy, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park,
Terminator 2, and Shrek. There is also
entertainment. Waterworld is a theater presentation
which features many stunts and special effects.
Other shows that include terrific stage effects are
Backdraft, Animal Planet Live, and Spider Man
Rocks.
If all of this wasn’t enough, you can also visit the
TV Audience Ticket Booth. Here you will get free
tickets that will allow you to be part of the audience
for television shows that are being taped during your
visit. This is almost like being on TV! When you visit
Universal Studios, you will have several days of fun,
and you probably still won’t see everything that is
offered.
Outside of Universal Studios you will find the
Universal City Walk. This is Universal Studios very
own Downtown. This is three blocks of stores,
clubs, and restaurants for you to enjoy. There are
no cars or motorized traffic allowed in this area, but
there are hundreds, and sometimes thousands of
pedestrians milling about enjoying all of the sights
and sounds.
Universal Studio Tours is a great place to spend
your vacation or it is perfect as an add on to a
Disneyland Vacation. Even if you don’t have time for
the theme park, the Universal Studios Tour itself is
not to be missed!
(word count 403)
