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Amusement Parks: Universal Studios Hollywood – a Potted History

Universal Studios Hollywood is an amusement park with a difference in that whilst there are rides to enjoy, it very much focuses on a tour of some of the most famous studio sets of films and TV shows. Situated in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the amusement park is at the heart of the U.S. film and TV industry.

The tour has been running since 1915, although it has obviously changed a lot over the years and continues to evolve as more and more sets from blockbuster movies have been added to the amusement park.

One of the traditions of the tour at the amusement park has been maintained to this day in that you get to explore the front and back lots by tram going behind the scenes of some of your favourite films and TV shows. 

There are sets from the films War of the Worlds, Back to the Future, and Psycho to name but three. And, don’t forget that Jaws is lurking beneath the waters on the backlot of the amusement park.

Many visitors to the amusement park enjoy the explosive visual and sound effects which has been taken to another level with the Fast and the Furious; Extreme Close-Up.

However, the amusement park is not just geared up to kids. For example, fans of ‘Desperate Housewives’ can actually visit Wisteria Lane where the series is filmed.

In keeping with the traditions of most themed amusement parks, there are also plenty of cartoon characters floating around for the family to be photographed with. They include all the main characters from the Simpsons, Shrek, Scooby Doo and Shaggy and SpongeBob SquarePants as well as many more.

There are also a number of rides to enjoy at the amusement park. These include rides based on the likes of the Simpsons, Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy.

There is also the Universal City Walk at the amusement park where you can enjoy fine dining, concerts, cinemas and other night spots so there is fun to be had whatever your age. 

And, if you opt for the VIP experience at the amusement park, you can even visit  production studios whilst actual filming is taking place and where you never know which famous stars you might just bump into.

See also:
Amusement Parks: SeaWorld San Diego – a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Scandia Family Fun Centre – a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Gilroy Gardens – a Potted History

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