Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PART SEVEN
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
HOLLYWOOD
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
was the first film and TV studio to turn part of its
facility into a modern theme park. By integrating shows and rides with behind-the-
scenes presentations on moviemaking, Universal Studios Hollywood created a new
genre of theme park, stimulating a number of clone and competitor parks. First came
the Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios) at Walt Disney World,
followed shortly by Universal Studios Florida, also near Orlando. Where Universal
Studios Hollywood, however, evolved from an established film and TV venue, its
cross-country imitators were launched primarily as theme parks, albeit with some pro-
duction capability on the side. Disney is also challenging Universal in California with
Disney California Adventure. While DCA does not have production facilities, one of
its themed areas focuses on Hollywood and the movies.
Located just off US 101 north of Hollywood, Universal Studios operates on a
scale and with a quality standard rivaled only by Disney, SeaWorld, and Busch Gar-
dens parks. Unique among American theme parks for its topography, Universal Stu-
dios Hollywood is tucked on top of, below, and around a tall hill. The studios consist
of an open-access area and a controlled-access area. The latter contains the working
soundstages, back lot, wardrobe, scenery, prop shops, postproduction facility, and ad-
ministration offices. Guests can visit the controlled-access area by taking the Studio
Tour. The open-access area, which contains the park's rides, shows, restaurants, and
services, is divided into two sections. The main entrance provides access to the upper
section, the Upper Lot, on top of the hill. Five theater shows and two rides, as well as
the loading area for the Studio Tour, are located in the Upper Lot. The Lower Lot, at
the northeastern base of the hill, is accessible from the Upper Lot via escalators. There
are three rides and a walk-through exhibit in the Lower Lot. All attractions, including
rides, shows, and tours, are profiled in this chapter.
In 2013 Universal received governmental approval to implement its ambitious
Evolution plan, which will dramatically reshape its complex over the next decade. Two
500-room on-site hotels are planned, and CityWalk will expand into the current front
