By Timothy Sexton
Universal Studios Hollywood has a collection of rides and attractions that will impress, enthrall and amaze all members of the family regardless of age. Whether you enjoy thrill rides, water rides or interactive attractions, you can find something to blow you away at Universal Studios Hollywood--the other theme park in the
Los Angeles area.
The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride brings every major character and nearly all the supporting characters of the classic animated series to life in a rip-roaring motion simulator ride. You really aren't moving that much at all, but you'll swear you just got off the most exciting roller-coaster ride of your life. The Simpsons Ride is even fun to wait in line for, as there are specially made video presentations to keep you from remembering how long you've been waiting. This is simply a classic ride not to be missed.
Revenge of the Mummy
Get ready to do some moving on this indoor roller coaster. You'll go forward and back and even up and down, and the special animated effects are absolutely breathtaking. Feel the heat of actual burning flames on this high octane ride that brings the movie series to white-knuckled life. Just be prepared to wait in line, because Revenge of the Mummy is one of the most popular attractions at the park.
Shrek 4-D
Don your 4-D glasses for this interactive attraction. An all-new short Shrek adventure comes to life right before your eyes as you sit in motion-controlled seats and experience much of what is taking place on the screen. Universal Hollywood also features The Terminator 2 3-D attraction, but Shrek is more entertaining and far less likely to bore younger kids.
The Adventures of Curious George
The youngest members of the family will go ape over this water playground. Let the kids cool off in the water, and then allow them to take target practice by shooting little plastic yellow balls. This attraction is a terrific place for parents to take a much-needed break and to let bored little kids run wild.
Universal's House of Horrors
Definitely for the older kids and adults, the House of Horrors features actors dressed up as all of Universal's classic monsters, from Dracula and the Wolfman to Chucky and George Romero's zombies. An amazing maze that clocks in for most people around 10 minutes, this attraction can be quite scary and intense, and parents are cautioned about allowing entrance to any children under 13 years of age.
About the Author:
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.