Ready for a full day of action-packed entertainment? It's time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood! Scream your heart out on one of many thrilling rides. Ooh and ahh at one of the electrifying shows. See what happens behind the scenes on a tour of a real working movie studio. Then do some shopping, grab a bite to eat and catch a flick at Universal CityWalk. It's a fun, family friendly way to spend a day in L.A.
First established by Carl Laemmle in 1912, Universal Pictures is one of the oldest and largest movie studios in the world. Over the years, Universal has produced some of history's most beloved films, including the classics All Quiet on the Western Front and To Kill a Mockingbirdand as well as modern day blockbusters Jurassic Park and The Mummy. In the 1930s and 40s, Universal made some of Hollywood's best monster movies, including The Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Werewolf of London, and The Wolf Man. Back in the day it was the only movie studio open to the public: visitors could pay 25 cents to watch the cast and crew film a silent movie. Nearly a century later, the studio's main production facility and backlot are still located in sunny Southern California, just north of the Hollywood Hills, and the studio continues to welcome tourists today.
Start your day at Universal with a studio tram tour: comedian Jimmy Fallon narrates as you navigate four square acres of backlot. Enjoy the virtual 3-D adventure, Terminator 2 3-D, or watch WaterWorld, an intense water stunt and polytechnic experience. For incredible thrills, ride with dinosaurs on Jurassic Park or brave the haunted tombs of Revenge of the Mummy. Explore the terror-filled movie sets of Van Helsing or Fortress Dracula and cutting edge attractions like Shrek 4-D. Kids will love the Nickelodeon Blast Zone, and the whole family will have rollicking good time with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie on The Simpsons Ride.
After a day of thrills and laughter, visit Universal CityWalk. Shop for movie memorabilia and souvenirs at the Universal Studios Store and Hard Rock Café Store. Dine on delicious cuisine at Buca Di Beppo or the Wolfgang Puck Bistro. Then see a movie at the Universal CityWalk Cinemas, where you'll find one of SoCal's largest IMAX screens as well as updated stadium style seats.
