Emmanuel Itier

THIS SUMMER: BECOME THE MOVIES!!!!

You started the summer by enjoying the Universal blockbusters, ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ and ‘Minions: Rise of Gru’, now is your time to become the movies you loved to watch and to indulge into the ultimate live action film experience: Universal Studios Hollywood (https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us ).

Fasten your seat belts and let’s jump into this summer promised land!

The first impression while passing the majestic gates of Universal Studios Hollywood is one of “lightness”. Indeed, it feels like you are suddenly transported into a parallel magic universe where everything is possible and you can become your favorite movie character, action hero or animated superstar. You will even encounter iconic legends such as Scooby-doo, The Simpsons, a bunch of wild minions and the famous Universal monsters Dracula and Frankenstein. It’s for real!

Maybe the first adventure in your park could be the “Backstage Tour” as it will give you a total understanding of what the Universal universe is made of. Jump on board a comfortable trolley and enjoy the journey through the many sets from classics produced by Universal pictures: from the shaking “Earthquake” experience, to a Spielberg mesmerizing visit of the “War of the Worlds” chaos zone, to a close encounter with “Jaws” or by facing a raging 3D “King Kong” and before going wild and furious with a mini 3D immersion, spin-off from the “Fast and Furious” franchise. This will take you a “smooth” fun 45 minutes and put you in the right mood to continue your journey into the park.

Make sure you take a refreshing and yummy break in between attractions so you don’t let your body down! May I recommend for lunch the “Jurassic Café” in the lower lot with some “monstrous” plates such as the “Citrus glazed chicken”, “the Dino-turkey leg platter” or the “Isla chicken Sandwich”. This will quench your appetite and give you the strength to endure the maddening ride of “Jurassic World” where you will have a close call with the colossal Indominus Rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus! And don’t forget to take a picture of your kids with the “Raptor Encounter” on your way out of the ride, and if you survive it!

While you are in this lower lot neighborhood, I dare you to go back into Egyptian times and challenge your stomach with “Revenge of the Mummy” before ending your spinning tour with the “Transformers 3D ride”, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Now, catch your breath and let’s go on for more fun!

Once you have survived the lower lot of Universal Studios Hollywood, make your way to the upper level and get into the animated festival of rides. Start with the unavoidable gigantic wild “The Simpsons Ride” which will give you a roller-coaster like feeling and open your appetite for a giant donut (my kids love the Oreo topping donut!) that you can buy at a couple of stores just outside the ride. Then make your way to the “fuzzy conner” as I call it, where you will experience the delight of becoming a “minion” with the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem”, an ultra HD adventure with your, now, favorite little yellow dudes! Finally, unleash yourself by strolling along the world of “The Secret Life of Pets” in a cat box, this will be make you purr like a happy feline.

Before you head home and as the magic of the night is setting on Universal Studios Hollywood the firework ending is a trip to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. There you will want to get a magic wand and practice your sorcery with the many spots in this mini fantastic land. Let the spells roll around the cobblestone streets up to the snow-capped roofs and land yourself into the ride: “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”. This is the now THE “must do” attraction that will throw you on a flying broomstick and make you face your own mortality. Chills guaranteed! Finally, before a final farewell, unlock some magic food at “The Three broomsticks” tavern where I highly recommend the platter for four with plenty of roasted chicken and ribs as well as a lavish variety of vegetables and onion fried potatoes. And don’t forget to stay late enough, when it’s pitch dark, to catch the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle”, a breathtaking explosion of light, music and special effects projected straight onto the walls of the castle. This is quite a unique one in a lifetime experience that will put some sparks in your eyes and soul.

Universal Studios Hollywood is always in sync with the release of their films. Proof is the “Jupiter’s claim” attraction opening on July 22 and to coincide with the debut of Jordan Peele’s “NOPE”. It’s a fantasy park within your favorite Hollywood park. Be ready to lose yourself in this real size set, inspired by the horrific mind of master of chills: director Jordan Peele.

A vision for the Future: Universal Studios Hollywood is always in “motion” and they are already building the park of tomorrow. Next year you can expect the launch of ‘Super Nintendo World’ where you will immerse yourself in the gaming universe of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and you will become part of the Mushroom Kingdom. Be ready to experience the groundbreaking ride: “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” as well as delight yourself with a themed shopping and dining extravaganza. Needless to say, a yearly pass is probably your best bet not to miss any of the excitement!

The Summer is here, and you have now landed into the garden of movie Eden. Don’t hesitate, pack some sunscreen and a load of smiles, and be ready to come Alive and be the “screening” at Universal Studios Hollywood: Where your dreams are a vibrant and fun reality. Happy rides!

A huge Thanks to Universal Studios Hollywood publicist: Anastasia Lee.