Best Theme Parks in America – Universal Studios Hollywood

Friend of mine got back from vacationing in L.A. awhile ago*, him and his wife, and ever since he’s been getting on to me about not featuring his favorite on the blog. So, finally, at long last, the wait is over, the show can begin. Ladies and gentlemen: Universal Studios Hollywood.

Although it was the sister park in Orlando that took #7 in our 10 Best Amusement Parks feature a few months back, Universal Studios Hollywood is still the original, still a classic and still worth the trip every time. Without a doubt, it’s one of our favorite Los Angeles attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood has at least one important thing over the park in Florida, it was a studio first. While the amusement side of the park has been built up and fashioned considerably, the heart of Universal Studios is still that classic tram tour boasting a more fascinating look than any “ride” could hope to offer. You simply can’t get this anywhere else.

To be fair, it’s scripted and staged. You may not see an actual movie or television show being filmed, but the authentic sets are fun to check out, you might glimpse a star, and you never know, Conan O’Brien could attack the tram. The backlot tour is still a favorite.

You shouldn’t miss the tour, but that hardly a full day makes. Next comes the incredible gauntlet of movie and TV-themed rides, included ThemeParkInsider.com’s “Best New Ride of 2008″ – The Simpson’s Ride. A virtual trip to Krustyland, The Simpsons Ride is a simulator ride (moving seats) that journeys through several top Krustyland attractions with plenty of classic Simpsons humor along the way. The more you like the show, the more you’ll like the ride.

(And I mean, like, the old show. Back around season 8 or so when it was choice.)

Another newer attraction we like a lot is the House of Horrors, a traditional haunted house and maze based on Universal’s horror properties like The Mummy, Psycho and Nosferatu. You already know that I’m a fan of haunted attractions, and it’s nice to see an old-fashioned haunted house open throughout the year. Why should we wait until October?

Jurassic Park – The Ride is an older attraction, having opened in 1996, but it has kept modern and we wouldn’t miss it for the world. A concept ride like many others, the ride takes you on a thrilling trip down the park’s river attraction (as seen in the first book and, finally, the third movie). As you might expect, things don’t go smoothly, and a big splash is in your near future.

I should stop before I just explain the whole park one ride at a time (and I could). I’ll put it simple: Universal Studios Hollywood is a great amusement park, and thanks to the studio tour, it’s a lot more than that as well. I don’t know a better place to get both your heart and your nostalgia pumping.

Universal Studios Hollywood is open every day of the year. Regular ticket price is $69, and if you order online, that will get you a two-day pass instead of one. So consider that. It you’ve got the money to blow (yeah right), go premium with the VIP Experience Package. For $239 a ticket, you get a much more in-depth studio tour plus VIP access to all of the regular park attractions. (6-hour tour). Learn about it all here.

Universal Studios is not a cheap attraction, but you can at least stay affordably at the Holiday Inn Los Angeles International Airport. The location is convenient if traveling in to LAX, and they provide a free airport shuttle, activities concierge and the Holiday Inn Kids Eat Free program.

Have fun!

*I already told you this.

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