Universal Studios - Farewell Back to the Future

[Dustysage]

It was a hot and exceptionally busy day at Universal Studios, CA. But the MiceChat crew was on a mission to ride Back to the Future one last time. Although we were at the park for almost 6 hours, we only rode three rides: Terminator, Back to the Future, and the Tram Tour. We never made it to the Lower Lot (Mummy, Jurassic Park, Backdraft) because the escalators were shut down due to overcrowding.

All in all it was a very nice day - and a happy birthday trip for Dan and Al.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http:...?v=YAMXC0Cx9bg Enjoy the 5 minute video

-Dusty

[Aladdin]

Thanks for the video, DS!

Hope Al and Dan a great B-Day Celebration!
The tram tour is GREAT, but I haven't seen it since they
added the "cars on a stick" schtick. It's nice they "try" to
add something, but my reaction to those cars is still .
Thankfully, there are plenty of other good things on the tram.


It is sad to see Back to the Future departing. Really liked
how they themed the attraction, sitting in the DeLorean,
the set decorations in the rooms. However I was never
overly impressed by the quality of the actual video. It
seemed very grainy to me (similar to Honey I Shrunk the
Audience.) I wonder how well this kind of attraction will
translate over to the Simpson's theme.

[PirateMickey]

We never made it to the Lower Lot (Mummy, Jurassic Park, Backdraft) because the escalators were shut down due to overcrowding.


-Dusty

Wasn't CrazyLegs with you? (actually, I know she was)

USH offers a shuttle to the lower lot. You go down an elevator, which is right next to the escalators, to a waiting area. A shuttle van then takes all of your group down to the lower lot and drops you off in the area right next to the Mummy.

You don't even have to be disabled in order to use the shuttle. Pregnant moms or the elderly that don't want to deal with the escalators are welcome too.

Looks like you had a great time.

Thanks for sharing!

[PirateMickey]

Awesome video, BTW.

I know that you didn't have a choice (disabled access), but we prefer to not ride in the first tram vehicle (with the host).

Our favorite seats are in the first two rows of the third tram. Great views and little noise from the engine. Guests seem to be set up for most of the scenes better in the third one as well.

Thanks again!

[Dustysage]

It was a REALLY busy day. We've never seen this many people at Universal before (Lines overflowing into the walkways). If we hadn't been with Crazylegs, the lines would have been impossible in the heat. On days like this, the up charge universal Gate A (Front of line passes) really seem like a good value.

As much as we love Universal Studios Hollywood, they really need to add some new ride capacity (and not just close old rides and replace them). Add a Men in Black dark ride, or Spiderman, or something - but it is time for something big - new - and high capacity at Universal.

[Ginarella]

Thank you for the video.

I'll miss that ride

[filmfreak11]

Our favorite seats are in the first two rows of the third tram. Great views and little noise from the engine. Guests seem to be set up for most of the scenes better in the third one as well.

Thanks again!

Agreed. 1st car= too noisy. 2nd car= noisy & smelly (engine fumes). 3rd car= the best. 4th car= can make you dizzy sometimes and sometimes not a great view of attractions.

As much as we love Universal Studios Hollywood, they really need to add some new ride capacity (and not just close old rides and replace them). Add a Men in Black dark ride, or Spiderman, or something - but it is time for something big - new - and high capacity at Universal.

Agreed. Also consider they took out about 2 stage shows (the old Beetlejuice/Rocky & Bullwinkle/ Land Before Time stage & Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show). I think it's a terrible trouble to just make the Wild West Arena an outdoor multi-purpose venue smack in the heart of the Upper Lot. They can cater the outdoor events in Gibson or move inside The Globe Theater.

They need to rethink the Lower Lot's Panada Express area, Coke Soak (I think they have an issue with Coca-cola wanting this area to stay), and the old unused Chinese Restaurant next to Frankenstein Parking (although I know they only SOMETIMES use it for production services). And also need to build UP, 2nd floor levels for dining. I know the seats above Jurassic Outfitters is usually unused and can be used for something like a small The Land Before Time show.