Universal Studios Hollywood

Today we took a break from Disneyland to visit Universal Studios, Hollywood. It was 75 minute trip to the studios past down-town LA and the Hollywood sign. Which incedently was build 1923 as advertising for the land development of the day. The fog (or was it smog) was thick most of the day, around the city, and this reflects in the city photos. LA is spread-out, so compares poorly to the dense skyscrapers of New York, but impressive compared to Australia skylines. The skyline unlike New York with skyscraper after skyscraper is generally more low lying with patches of highrises.

Universal Studies was good, but Movieworld on the Gold Coast is better if you like rides and Disneyland by far the best of all. Universal Studies is certainly great if you want to see how movies are made, which fortunately we did. We watched animal actors do their thing in a stage show. Even
saw some of the animal actors from 'Evan Almighty' Watched how "Backdraft" fire scenes where made and how general special effects are constructed. Both girls got to star in special effects back stage tour which involved Jacqs controlling an 8 foot werewolf by body movements, and Charlotte adding sound effects to a movie scene. The girls got very excited when they spotted their first star. Unfortunately this happened to be 'Marilyn Monroe'. They were somewhat disappointed when they were told that she had actually been dead for around 50yrs and somewhat concerned.

The back lot tour of the various sets and stages was very interesting and entertaining. We saw dozens of sets from famous movies and TV shows. The 175 seat "tour tram" travelled across falling bridges (used from silent movies era to the current day), into subway earthquake scenes, passed dancing cars, witnessed a scene from "Psycho", dodged flesh eating scarab beetles from the "Mummy", and saw "Jaws" have an "entree".

Unfortunately "Jurassic Park" ride the and "The haunted House of Horrors" ride were closed for re-furnishment, we dodged "The Mummy" ride because it was too scary. Ran out of time to see "Water World" and "Terminator 2 rides". We did ride (cough cough splutter splutter) "The Simpson's" (cough cough splutter splutter) ride, which we all (cough cough splutter splutter) greatly enjoyed and would ride again if the opportunity arose. (Excuse us while we just wash our mouths out with soap as we cant stand the Simpsons but this ride was awesome.) It was an amazing simulation that took you around a Krusty's 'Amusement Park through broken rollercoasters, sideshows, over and through Springfield, through a waterfall (4D) in Maggies mouth (4D) and many other places. It was really hard to overrule your feeling that you were actually moving. There was even two spots where you 'went upside down' that were totally convincing.

Of course at the end of day we purchased a few nick-knacks to remember the place. A great day!