America’s Most Amazing Theme Parks: No. 4 Universal Studios Hollywood

Amazing Parks Universal Hollywood! Universal Studios Hollywood opened in 1964. The park welcomes 9.1 million visitors annually.

Do you love movies? If so, Universal Studios Hollywood is for you! The magic of movie-making comes to life at the park, which combines the quintessential Hollywood movie experience with  theme park attractions and shows.

Universal Studios was one of the first movie studios in Hollywood when it opened in 1912. Shortly after opening the studio began offering tours. Admission was five cents and included a boxed lunch.

In 1964 the movie studio launched as a theme park which included stage shows, stunt demonstrations and a petting zoo. The theme park is made up of two levels, the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot. Just like in Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood includes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and CityWalk.

One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television.

The Upper Lot

The Upper Lot is a mix of old and new Hollywood. Here you’ll find the Studio Tram Tour and Mel’s Diner. You will also find 3D and 4D simulator attractions and DreamWorks Theatre.

The world-famous Studio Tram Tour gives you a behind the scenes look at the magic of making movies. It takes you through the back lot featuring sets and props used in many films. The tour also includes rides on two attractions.

The Upper Lot is also where you will find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Simpsons themed Springfield U.S.A.

This area is full of attractions, interactive experiences, gift shops and restaurants.

The Lower Lot

The Lower Lot is a much smaller area but includes just as much adventure! Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic World call the Lower Lot home.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This area of Universal Studios Hollywood opened in 2016 and includes six shows and attractions, 2 dining locations and 9 gift shops.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood

The three block area is full of entertainment, dining and retail shopping. There is a 19 screen movie theater, dance parties and an interactive outdoor concert venue. 

The CityWalk area opened in 1993 and offers 32 dining locations, 23 gift shops and 4 shows and attractions.

Filming and Celebreties

If you’re a big movie fan and celebrity spotter, a couple of weeks before your park visit, check the official website to find out which celebs will be filming. “Extra” with Mario and “Tanika & Renee Live!” are often filmed in front of the Globe Fountain on weekdays.

Celebrities don’t appear every day, but when filming, their times and locations are listed on the schedule. “The Voice” is filmed at Universal Studios Hollywood. If you want to attend a taping, you can find tickets here. It is best to attend on a day you are not visiting the theme park because tapings and check-ins are time-consuming and have dress codes.

Universal Studios Hollywood paved the way for other Universal theme parks throughout the world including Orlando, Japan and Singapore. You will find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place:  thrilling Theme Park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and the area’s best shops and restaurants CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family.

Although there are no “on-site” hotels, there are several partner area hotels that offer vacation packages. The packages will include early admission to the theme parks.

Did you have the chance to read America’s Most Amazing Theme Parks – The History of Amusement Parks where you can learn how it all started! Also, don’t miss:

•  America’s Most Amazing Theme Parks – No. 1 Walt Disney World 
• America’s Most Amazing Theme Parks – No. 2 Disneyland.
• America’s Most Amazing Theme Parks – No. 3 Universal Orlando Resort