Fun, Fun, Fun in SoCal
Revised
4/2021
Dear
Polite Traveler,
Since
I’ve visited Universal Studios Orlando several times, it was difficult not to
compare the two sites. Both have a few similar rides and
activities. Both have a Hogsmeade with a Hogwarts
Castle. And, both have a vibrant City Walk. Nevertheless,
these similarities just make the comparison unfair to USH, since this is a much
smaller park that houses an active studio (movies and
television).
Note: Follow CDC and park guidelines when visiting. Always wear your face mask when in public. Also, during the pandemic, some amenities may not be available. Please remember, this is only temporary.
How about the rides?
I rode just about all the rides in Orlando and enjoyed most very much. Here, it seemed that rides were limited and lackluster in comparison. Both parks have the Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, The Transformers, The Mummy, Despicable Me, and Jurassic World. All these rides were similar, but the setting is much different. Orlando has much more space available. Thus, the rides are typically found in a theme-related setting. That isn’t possible here, as the studio is the priority, which is fair.
As
for the rides, beware of any ride that uses 3-D like The Transformers and
Despicable Me. Simulators, such as the Forbidden Journey can be
dicey as well. These rides can cause nausea. Rides such
as the Forbidden Journey, The Transformers, and The Mummy can also be rough on
our bodies, especially for young and oldsters like me.
I
was fine, but worried about hurting my neck. We did whip around
quite a bit and there’s a fast stop and reverse in The
Mummy. Jurassic World is fun and fairly mild at the beginning,
albeit quite wet. The seats travel through water after
all. The one issue for some may be the final few moments of
the ride where the riders drop 84 feet into a pool of water. I was
soaked. I’d still do it again, though. FUN!
Refreshments
Typically, food and beverages are expensive in parks; we expect it. USH is no different. We didn’t even try The Three Broomsticks this trip—the ambiance just didn’t cut it. We also didn’t find an outlet that interested us although there was a large variety of food options, such as empanadas, pizza, burgers, and salads, especially at those prices. So, we tended to stick with sandwiches, tea, and espresso beverages from Starbucks. There are two in the park and one in City Walk. Speaking of, City Walk has some great food choices. Please peruse this area that is directly outside the park.
The Studio Tour—The Star of the Park
Wow! I
could stay in the tram all day for the same tour. Our guide shared
the history of the studio, the what and who of current filming and provided
some entertainment, such as a simulated earthquake and a close encounter with
Jaws and Norman Bates. An exclusive to the tour is The Fast
and Furious and Kong rides. I enjoyed the Orlando version of
Kong and this one as well. Still, the Hollywood version is shorter
than that in Orlando.
Note: Most
of what you’ll see is on the driver’s side.
Don’t
miss the shows!
I cannot decide which
was better: The Special Effects Show or Water World. The hosts of
the Special Effects Show taught us about the different types of special effects
and how they are done, including setting a man on fire. Yep, that
happened. Water World was wild and wet. It was like
stepping into the movie with the bad
guys nearly besting the good guys. The actors were excellent, as
were the stunts.
The
First Six Rows are Guaranteed to Get Wet!
Beware sitting anywhere
near the first six rows. Before the show begins, actors prepping the
audience douse all they can reach. Some are chosen from the audience
for the actors to pour buckets of water over their heads. No one
seemed to mind, in fact, it appeared they expected it.
Would
I visit this SoCal park again??
I doubt
it. The studio tour was great, as were the shows. Still, my heart belongs to Universal Studios Orlando. For those who have
never been to either and Universal Studios Hollywood in nearest, please
visit. It is fun and you can do everything in one day.
California Travels: Solvang, CA
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