Universal Studios Hollywood: Can’t-Miss Thrills for Movie and TV Buffs

The world-famous backlot Studio Tour is where it all begins. This narrated tram ride – Spanish and Mandarin tours are available – takes you behind the scenes of a real, working movie studio that has been used since the days of silent films. Check out props and sets from big- and small-screen features spanning the decades – “Jaws,” “Back to the Future” and “Heroes,” to name a few. Put on the provided 3-D glasses for the “King Kong 360 3-D” feature and the “Fast & Furious – Supercharged” finale.

Go beyond looking at movie sets and actually step into one or get pretty close. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ is so full of detail and magic that you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the movie series. Explore Hogwarts™ castle, be paired with your wand at Ollivanders™ and hop on the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ ride. Check out the action-packed WaterWorld stunt show inspired by the film of the same name, then fight off walkers in the post-apocalyptic AMC's The Walking Dead Attraction.

There’s still more: Be immersed in the world of Optimus Prime and the Decepticons on Transformers™: The Ride-3D, encounter your favorite characters in an immersive adventure in the DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest”, careen and crash through Krustyland on The Simpsons Ride™, and become a mischievous minion at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. And now open, take on the epic adventure of Jurassic World™ - The Ride. Experience the blockbuster film series like never before on this attraction billed as more real and more intense.

No detail is overlooked at Universal Studios Hollywood, especially when it concerns the food and drinks. Grab a Krusty Burger and Buzz Cola in Springfield U.S.A., hometown of The Simpsons; or try the Minion Meatball Sandwich and a Freeze Ray Smoothie at Gru’s Lab Café. Of course, you’ll have to sample the Butterbeer™ and Pumpkin Juice™ in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Next door at Universal CityWalk, there is a three-block entertainment, dining and shopping promenade.

The Los Angeles, California, area is easily accessed from destinations around the globe via Los Angeles International (LAX). Visitors from some areas of Mexico can also opt to fly into Ontario (ONT), an hour inland, or John Wayne (SNA), an hour south of LAX. Rental cars, shuttles, share-ride vans and taxi service are available to get around once you’ve arrived.