For one of California’s favorite theme park destinations, this year is literally a better one than what we would refer to as usual. The opening of Universal Studios Hollywood last year was so fabulous that it shook the whole U.S. like a hurricane attack.
This year, 2016, Universal Studios Hollywood is out to give you some more eyebrow-raising, jaw-dropping, and heaven-like experiences with the launch of not just one but two amazing major attractions, including the so-awaited and much-anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Below are eight great rides/attractions you should expect to see at Universal Studios California 2016:
1. Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of California’s most waited for attractions. It has been recreated masterfully to be faithful to the visual landscape of fiction and films. It also has everything carefully and creatively tweaked to fit the location it’s in.
Hogwarts castle, which is the principal focus, is designed with forced perspective and this makes it seem a lot bigger than it is. The winged birds that are found at the entrance of the castle are from the exact molds as the ones found in the movie.
At Hogwarts Castle, super exciting, super immersive 3D-HD Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride awaits you. You will also find a rollercoaster that kids can ride, Flight of the Hippogriff – and a treasure trove of Harry Potter merchandise for some good old retail therapy.
Be sure to explore the cobblestones streets of Hogsmeade, which is grooving with memorable establishments like the Owl Post, Zonko’s Joke Shop, and Honeydukes. At Ollivanders, families can also engage in the grand tradition of wand fitting (you will find character wands available there).
2. The Walking Dead Attraction:
This attraction will follow the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction. Universal Studios Hollywood is turning their thrilling The Walking Dead maze into a permanent attraction.
This will be nothing compared to what you have previously seen or experienced, as it has its uniqueness and awesomeness written all over. If you have never met with a walker, this will be a place to start, because you are going to experience a whole new level of Halloween by coming face-to-face with walkers (don’t worry, they won’t bite).
You will also witness a whole of “cool”, as you will see real-life actors and animatronics to recreate the lumbering monsters, including the iconic cut-in-half zombie from the pilot, and more.
Do you have the courage to get some good scare? I’ll leave you to figure that out.
3. Special Effect Show:
The special effect show will give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into your favorite blockbuster movies. The Special Effect Show will also feature stunts, moments that can never be forgotten in your favorite movies.
If you’ve been wondering how those amazing stunts you watch in movies are performed, get set, because you will be exposed to the secrets behind realistic physical combat sequences, live animation, horror scenes, and even zero-gravity space travel.
4. Fast & Furious – Supercharged:
If there is a thing you’d not want to miss at the Universal Studios California, it’s the Fast & Furious – Supercharged. You will get to ride along with the all-star cast from the hit movies on a super-amazing high-speed chase that goes beyond 120 miles per hour, and gets you catapulted into the high-stakes underworld that grooves with fast cars and international crime cartels.
You will find yourself in a whole new world of hyper-realistic effects, which includes the projection of 3D-HD imagery onto the world’s most expansive 360-degree screens! Is there a better way to define “amazing”?
5. The Revenge of The Mummy – The Ride:
You might find this a little spooky, but it will be totally cool at the end of the ride. Everyone likes to get a good scare, right? Well, don’t expect wrapped up mummies jumping at you from every corner, but if you are afraid of the dark, especially at a high speed, you might jump out of your skin.
At every turn, the ride will give you heart-pounding special effects and unexpected twists that will make you scream for “mummy”.
Would you want to experience what it feels like to be haunted by a Mummy?
6. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem:
You will experience Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the mischievous Minions, Gru and his daughters on a heartwarming 3D ride. Your adventure will start in Gru’s home where you will be recruited for his last scheme – you will actually become a Minion. Get your minion training, and be sure to bring your dancing shoes, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem includes a minion Dance party.
7. Transformers: The Ride – 3D:
Transformers: The ride-3D is a thrill ride that fuses HD 3D media and flight simulation technology to blur the line between fiction and reality. This ride gives you a feeling of being in a totally different world.
Unlike anything planet Earth has ever seen, Transformers: The Ride – 3D is a very unique and fun-filled adventure. Qualifying this ride as good is an understatement because it is the best. You will fight alongside Optimus Prime and try to survive till the end.
8. Shrek 4-D:
Forget about 3-D, Universal Studios Shrek 4-D will heighten all of your senses as you will be able to see, hear and FEEL the experience all around you. Jump, shriek, laugh as moving water, mist, seats and other special effects put your right in the middle of Shrek’s fairytale adventure.
Spending the day at Universal Studios Hollywood is a fun-filled, family-friendly, action-packed day of fun you are sure to remember. View all the attractions/rides that Universal Studios Hollywood California has to offer.