Universal Studios - Hollywood, CA

We had a great time at Universal Studios. We arrived early, shortly after the park opened, at about 8:15 or so. Regular parking is $7.00, and when I handed the guy a ten, he said, "for an extra $2, you can be only a minute walk from the entrance in VIP parking." It's funny the way they do that, because VIP parking is a total of $12. So, it's actually $5 more than regular parking. But if you hand them a $10, they say "for an extra $2 you can have VIP parking." Like your $3 change doesn't exist or something! Anyway, I laughed and kidded the guy about the sales pitch. Regardless, I was tired from the entire trip, and a fast walk at the end of the day when I would be even more exhausted sounded appealing for $5, so I went with the VIP parking.

The first thing we did was go on Back to the Future: The Ride. There was no line and we got in immediately, so we went on a few times! It was a lot of fun. I always love these virtual reality/motion rides, but to go on BTTF was the best of the best!

We then went on Jurassic Park: The Ride. Amber didn't want to because you get soaking wet, but I insisted, and we had a great time. We purchased the plastic ponchos they sell for 75 cents in the vending machine since we didn't want to get wet. They must make a killing on those, since most people toss them into the recycling bin when they leave.

We then went to Backdraft, which was unbelievable, particularly the final section of this attraction. They simulated explosions and fire from the chemical plant fire at the end of the movie. Amber ran up to the back row at the last minute before it started, but I stayed in the front row. When the fake barrels of chemicals exploded, it was amazing how close they get the liquid near you, without coming too close. The intense heat from the fires and explosions is very real, and it is a little nerve-wracking, but still really neat!

We went to the Tribute to Lucille Ball exhibit, which has a lot of Lucille Ball's awards, memorabilia, original photos, letters and so on. If you love Lucy, don't miss this!

We went on the studio backlot tour about 4 times I think. It was fun, and a good way to just relax and be driven around for a while! On the tour, you get to see real sets and backlots, learn a little bit about the movie-making process, and hear interesting stories about the stars, directors, and so on. As we went by the Bates house from Psycho, the tour guide explained how on one of the tours, someone came out of the house dressed as "Mother" and I believe wielding a knife, jumped on the tram, scaring the visitors! The visitors probably thought this was part of the tour, but the guide knew it wasn't! The intruder ran off, and no one knew who it was for several weeks, when it was revealed to be none other than Jim Carrey, fooling around during a break from filming a movie.

We passed by reproductions of the Jaws billboards for Amity Island, past houses and tent cabanas (the New England sea village also doubled as Cabot Cove in Murder, She Wrote). Naturally, it was at this point when the tram was attacked by the shark! LOL

We went through a set which simulated an earthquake, saw a flash flood, western town sets, the prop warehouse, got attacked by King Kong. We also saw various other sets, such as European sets, Greece sets (used in Spartacus), but we didn't see one of my most anticipated sets... the Hill Valley clock tower from Back to the Future! They were filming a commercial in that area, so it was restricted. We did see it from a distance from the park, but I was still disappointed I couldn't see it up close.

Later we went to see the animal actors show (twice!), which was really adorable. They had the St. Bernard from Beethoven, the parrot from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, the pig from Babe, an orangutang from Dr. Dolittle, as well as other cats & dogs, monkey, mice, a pony and even a falcon!

I also wanted to see the Blues Brothers show, which was really good. Obviously, Universal Studios isn't going to hire anyone second rate, and the two they hired to portray Jake and Elwood looked and sounded so much like John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, it was amazing! They performed some of the best songs from The Blues Brothers.

The food here was good, and not as expensive as Six Flags as I'm used to (drinks are as expensive, but the food was a good value). Amber ate at Doc Brown's chicken place, I opted for Mel's Diner.

After we left the park, around 7:00 or so, we went on a little bit of the Universal Citywalk, then we left to go back to the hotel. We were leaving the next day, sadly, and we had to pack. We had a great day here though!

	The entrance
				Upper row, L to R: Rides - Backdraft, Jurassic Park and Back to the Future; Mel's Diner Bottom row, L to R: Parisian street, New York street, The Blues Brothers

	A set from the backlot
				L to R: Amity Island billboards from Jaws, before & after; Shark in the water (sets also used for Cabot Cove in Murder, She Wrote)
				L to R: Simulated flash flood; Lyon Estates from Back to the Future; Bates Motel, Psycho; sets of Whoville in the backlot from the new Jim Carrey movie, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas