This week, Photos in Wonderland is zipping down to Studio City, CA, for a look around Universal Studios Hollywood. I personally love this park (oddly laid out though it may be) and can find just as much enjoyment from seeking out the details and ambiance as at Disneyland. So let’s take a look around, shall we? There are many quirky details and historical tidbits to be found. Here are some of my favorite moments.
This looks like a relaxing spot, doesn’t it? I wonder why there is a shark fin on that billboard, though. Odd.
Oh, that might explain it. Lucky they caught that big shark before we head out on open water! For some reason, tourists were lining up to stick their heads inside this nasty creature. Can’t imagine why: the smell would be horrible.
One area Universal definitely had Disneyland beat at current time was attraction-specific merchandise items. Disney really does need to step up their game and offer more items designed for more than just children across all price ranges.
Got a hankering for giant turkey legs or slabs of ribs? The Flintstones food stand will fill all hunger levels, even prehistoric ones.
A small street of Western facades lies on the upper lot, but no sign of the now-replaced Western Stunt Show I remember from visits in the 80’s/early 90’s.
The Court of Miracles set, where several Universal Monster movies were filmed over the years.
Inside the Universal history museum (lower level near Transformers), I came across this display from one of my favorite films of recent release: the delightfully dark and fun Coraline.
Not too far away, a famous filmmaker had left his mark outside one of the park’s signature attractions, and one well worth riding for me regardless of the obligatory soaking received at the end.
Lots of ‘delightful’ options over at this (thankfully fake) Shrek-themed food stand. Donkey holds meet-and-greets from the service window throughout the day, though I’m a little sad (only a little) that I can’t order an Au Grotten serving of bugs alongside a refreshing grog enhanced with swamp water.
Over at Krustyland/the new SImpsons ride experience, a lot of clever sideshow and amusement park posters line the waiting area. I do miss the Institute of Future Technology, but a rather brilliant animated pre-show featuring the one and only Doc. Brown aptly pays tribute to what was once on this location.
This poster homage to one of my favorite Universal films can be found in the European styled backlot section near the Terminator 3D theater.
Little gags abound at Jurassic Park. Now, come on guys, popcorn prices aren’t that high. No need to fight over it.
A re-creation of a scene from James Whale’s classic Bride of Frankenstein, found inside the Universal House of Horrors walk-through. Not quite Horror Nights level goodness, but whets the appetite for any HHN fan visiting at least a little.
And last but not least, something every visitor should watch before leaving the park: Waterworld. The movie on which it was based may still be resoundingly awful and dull, but the show is always a blast to watch and a massive crowd-favorite. Hope you like getting wet as much as the cast does!
Thanks for spending some time with us here at Photos in Wonderland, these were some of my favorite aspects of Universal Hollywood, what are yours?!
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