Review of Universal Studios Hollywood

As you walk through the gate of the beautifully decorated Universal Studios in Hollywood, California, you are immediately staring at a massive bronze sculpture of a film crew shooting a scene. As all the visitors are standing around the sculpture taking pictures, one of the figures begins to walk off, revealing that it was actually a painted street performer the entire time. The street performer begins to slowly walk through the park, but it is impossible to continue watching him, as you've now entered the first section of the park and the attractions.

We were immediately drawn to the massive haunted house on the left side of the walk. As we entered the house we were told by the attendant that there were live actors in the house, so please don't take a swing at them. Like most haunted houses it started out slow, until as we were standing there looking at one of the displays, it came to life and began chasing us through the house. The entire house was this way. As soon as you thought it was a slow spot you could relax in, a creature attacked, something mysterious touched you from in the shadows, or you were pushing your way through dead hangin bodies in narrow hallways.

We exited this amazing house and were immediately met outside by a swarm of movie characters. Frankenstein and Shrek engaged in a pushing match in the middle of the street. This was quickly resolved as Crash Bandicoot and numerous other cartoon characters emerged from surrounding buildings and began dancing in front of the Ghostbusters car.

We left the dance to do some shopping in a 1950's themed shop. The shops are lined on both sides of the street so there is no shortage of stores for any one persons taste. We spent a little time in the shop, then walked out to find who else but Marilyn Monroe sitting on the hood of a can beckoning uos over. Of course there were photos with Marilyn, then on to more of the park.

The back lot tram tour was next on the agenda. This was one of the most amazing tours I have ever been on. We were taken through numerous movie stages like, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, War of the Worlds, The Fast and the Furious, and many many more. We even drove by Wisteria Lane where a live filming of Desperate Housewives was taking place. The tour lasted approximately one hour and was well worth it.

After exiting the tour, we found ourselves in The Simpsons area of the park. After some quick shopping at the Quickie Mart, it was on to the Simpsons Ride. This was definitely one of the better rides in the park, and had an extremely short wait time.

Now on to the lower part of the park. We ascended down to long escalators, and came face to face with Beetlejuice walking around in front of the Jurassic Park ride. The lower section of the park also contained the Backdraft set, as well as the Spongebob 3-D theater, both of which I highly recommend.

There are so many rides, shops, stores, movie sets (both old and new), and exhibits to see that it is impossible to list even half of them. This is a trip that every one should take, and could easily make it a two or three day trip. I will definitely be going back, probably several more times.