Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Adventures of Spider-Man ride. That's good news since Spidey, which broke ground by
blending motion simulation and live effects with 3-D, was already acclaimed as one of the
best attractions anywhere.
Transformers ups the ante with photo-realistic high-definition imagery, boosted by
dichroic 3-D glasses (the same kind used in the upgraded Star Tours) that produce remark-
ably sharp, vivid visuals. The plot amounts to little more than a giant game of keep-away,
and the uninitiated will likely be unable to tell one meteoric mass of metal from another,
but you'll be too dazzled by the debris whizzing by to notice. Fanboys will squeal with
delight at hearing original cartoon actors Peter Cullen and Frank Welker voicing the pu-
gilistic protagonists, and then spill into the post-ride gift shop to purchase armloads of
exclusive merchandise, while the rest of us might need a bench on which to take a breath-
er afterward. We'll admit slight disappointment at not getting to see an actual four-story-
tall animatronic transform, but the ride's mix of detailed (though largely static) set pieces
and video projections was likely a much more maintenance-friendly solution for bring-
ing these colossi to life. Either way, this is one of the most intense, immersive thrill rides
found in any theme park and makes a credible claim on the title “best attraction in Califor-
nia.” If you visit Universal and only ride this and the Tram Tour, you'll get your money's
worth.
TOURING TIPS
This is the most ambitious attraction that Universal Studios Hollywood has
built in more than a decade and could prove a game changer for the park's attendance.
Transformers draws heavy crowds to the Lower Lot from the moment the park opens, so
ride immediately upon park opening. The single-rider entrance will often let you walk on
the attraction, even when the standby wait is an hour, but its queue lacks any theming, so
be sure to take at least one trip through the regular line. It can be difficult for your eyes to
focus on the fast-moving imagery from the front row; center seats in the second and third
rows provide the best perspective. And be sure to say hello to the towering robots posing
for photos outside the entrance.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
at
UNIVERSAL
STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
THE THEATER AND AMPHITHEATER ATTRACTIONS
operate according to the entertain-
ment schedule available with handout park maps. The number of daily performances
of each show varies from as few as 3 a day during less busy times of year to as many
as 10 a day during the summer and holiday periods. Blues Brothers impersonators
offer a high-energy show in the Upper Lot near the front entrance. The instrumental
track is prerecorded, but the show is a spirit lifter nonetheless. Look for the Doo Wop
Singers belting out 1950s and 1960s harmonies near Mel's Diner.
