Top Places to See for a Thrilling Tour of Universal Studios, Hollywood (Part 2)

     We started our Universal Studios Hollywood visit with the Studio Tour. As our thirst for adventure was awakened, we went ahead with this second part of the tour, raring for more. Coming from the tram, we came across this Hollywood sign (picture below, background), a copy of the real sign is found in Mt. Lee, Hollywood Hills. We took this opportunity to have our picture taken for a souvenir shot (foreground, L-R: Lani, adventurous-Pinay, and Lori).

Picture of Hollywood sign at Universal Studios (background).

     Right after our Studio Tour, we proceeded to see what the action was on this Upper Lot of Universal.

     
     Water World. We watched Water World: A Live Sea Spectacular, a 16-minute life-like spectacular show based on the movie that starred Kevin Costner. This show included death-defying stunts on water, land, interspersed with all kinds of effects: pyrotechnic, flame, water, and explosive crash landing of the seaplane (below). The background music from the movie added to the thrill and excitement of this show. If you want to get wet, take your seats in front. These are the Soak Zones where splashes from the Jest-Skis and other water especial effects land.

Photos Above: http://www.google.com

      Shrek 4D. We also watched Shrek 4D: The Ghost of Lord Farquaad. Among the many stimulating sensations experienced at Universal Studios, this adventure tops it all. Firstly, this was my first time to experience a 4D ride that incorporated effects including seats that moved, water sprayed into mists and special lighting, in addition to the 3D film. I highly recommend watching Shrek, if you want the ultimate fun assault to your senses.

Photo of adventurous-Pinay with Shrek (background).

     The Simpsons Ride. Other shows are found on the Upper Lot, like the Simpsons Ride  (below, background; foreground, L-Lori, R-adventurous-Pinay). The ride itself is four-and-a-half minutes long but original footage for the ride can be seen in the queue, and there is also a pre-show video. We were not able to see the show. We only posed for a souvenir shot (below).

Photo of adventurous-Pinay and Lori with the Simpsons Ride (background).

     Jason Bourne. There are many ‘things-Hollywood’ that you may encounter in Universal Studios. Among these is a life-size picture of Matt Damon, or the amnesiac, Jason Bourne in the spy thriller movie 'Bourne Identity'. Jason will bring me to Paris with this red Austin Mini Cooper (below), not Marie, her fictional partner in the movie.

Photo of adventurous-Pinay (R) and standee of Jason Bourne (L).

     Starway Escalator. Continuing with our tour, we proceeded to ride the Starway Escalator. Universal Studios is divided into two levels, the Lower Lot and the Upper Lot accessible by this ¼ mile long, 7-8-minute ride escalator (Photo L). This ride is never boring because it offers some amazing views of the Universal back lot. You will also hear music playing while you’re on this escalator ride (Photo R: L-R: Lani, adventurous-Pinay, Lori). Some attempted to use the stairs, but we thought riding would better maximize our time in Universal.

Photos while riding the Starway Escalator at Universal Studios.

     Jurassic Park. On the Lower Lot of Universal Studios, more fun and exciting rides and shows await the tourists. Jurassic Park (below) is the only water-based ride in Universal Studios. This is based on the film directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Michael Crichton.

Photo of Jurassic Park at Universal Studios (background).

     Revenge of the Mummy. This ride is based on the Mummy movie (below). The teaser for the ride says, “…dare face heart-pounding special effects and unexpected twists at every turn as you escape the Mummy’s revenge in life-like horror. It WILL change you … forever! (http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com).” A pity that it was getting late, our feet were getting tired, we did not have time for more shows nor rides.

Revenge of the Mummy.

     Family Bonding. Alas, the families (Philippines- and US-based) finally met each other near the end of this day tour (L-R: Omar, Portia, Lori, Aika, Alex, Oliver, adventurous-Pinay (sitting), Ate Heidi (our backs to the camera), and Priya. Some were not in the picture. But since, we were not able to spend much time together in this tour, we promised to see each other in their residence in Lompoc, California for a picnic. Watch out for the story of that trip next time!

Our Philippines- and American-based families meet @ Universal Studios.