Article - A Tour of Los Angeles and Hollywood
I had come to the USA a few months back . I am stranded here as my return flight to India has been canceled due to Corona virus . I had an opportunity to visit Los Angeles during this time . In fact there was no fear of Corona virus till then and I was able to visit Hollywood and one of the world famous Universal Studios besides some lovely beaches in Los Angeles .
California is the most prosperous state of the USA . This is mostly because of Los Angeles and the silicon valley situated in bay area around San Francisco . Los Angeles is Mayanagari of the USA and popularly called LA . If you happen to travel to California , you may not resist the temptation of visiting Los Angeles . Hollywood is a suburb of LA . Many prominent studios are based here - Universal , MGM , Warner , Columbia , 20 th Century Fox , Paramount and others too . Universal Studio is visited by thousands of people daily from all over the world . There were occasions when entry had to be stopped by noon due to heavy rush of visitors .
Universal is not only a studio for film shootings but a number of theme parks are here . It is almost a wonder in itself .It is not possible to visit all the facilities and attractions in a day , but if you plan well you can see and enjoy the prominent ones . You need to buy entry tickets which is currently $ 114 for standard ticket on normal days while a bit higher on high demand days , $ 359 to $ 419 for VIP tours . These Tickets are valid for one day , VIP ticket includes valet parking , breakfast and lunch besides unlimited visit to any ride or shows and expert guided tour .On peak days studio is open upto 10 pm and after 4 pm tickets are much cheaper than normal hours tour .
Major Attractions
Me Minion n Mayhem - It is 3 D motion simulator . Guests are transformed into minions and undergo training by navigating an obstacle . Meanwhile Gru's daughters try to give Gru a present to commemorate anniversary of their adoption .
Water world - A wonderful spectacular show in water including sea war activity . You will enjoy Jet skiers , boats , war stunts fights , plane crashing in sea . Such scenes are shot in hollywood movies .
Jurassic Park Ride - You will start with a raft ride and plunge suddenly down the stream and dinosaurs will suddenly appear to scare . Camera will catch your screaming face and you can buy one when getting off the ride .
Dark Ride - You will soar above the castle ground on a ride which lets you join Harry Potter and his team on an everlasting thrilling adventure .
Transformers - This is also a marvelous 3D ride . A dark ride where rider is supposed to protect AllSpark from the clutches of Megatron and the cohorts as the ride car travels through the streets of skyscrapers of Chicago city .
Revenge of Mummy - This is an enclosed rollercoaster ride . It is a 2 minute indoor roller coaster ride which accelerates at a speed of 72 km per hour featuring both forward and backward motions . ( minimum height of children 4 ft , if less must be accompanied by elder )
Walking Dead - It is an interacting walkthrough experience . Follow the footsteps of human survivors as you battle through iconic landscapes which bring a popular cable TV show .
The tour will also take you round the studios and streets of the Universal . Some of the sets of old classic films Psycho , , Jaws etc can be revisited . You can also ride through streets of studio and have a glimps of New York and London within the studio itself . You can see elegant houses of top stars where they relax during their shootings. They will also take you inside studios and you will be able to see some sets arranged for shootings .
Fast and Furious - The impressive Fast and Furious Supercharged 3 D ride provides a stunning finale to the backlot tram tour . The recently opened attraction is full of fun and nonstop action .
There are many other attractions like The Simpson , Super silly , Live show of tricks with Animal actors etc .
Special Effects - In the studios you will be demonstrated how special effects and trick photography is done by inviting one from the visitors , it might be you too .They will recreate scenes of classical hollywood movies with you .
Besides studios one can visit some of the famous beaches - Will Rogers , Long Beach , Malibu , Santa Monica Pier, the Venice beach and more . The famous Baywatch movie featuring Bollywood and Hollywood famous actress Priyanka Chopra was shot on these beaches . The Griffith Park , Griffith Observatory and Disney Land of LA are also worth seeing .
