Universal Studios Los Angeles
Unlock the magic and mysteries of moviemaking with a visit to Universal Studios California, the world's largest movie studio and theme park. This giant complex is one of the best attractions in California and is fun for the whole family. Whether you want to be terrified on a thrill ride or learn more about special effects, this is the place to be.

The history of Universal Studios can be traced all the way back to 1906, when Carl Laemmie opened a nickelodeon theatre in Chicago. He formed the Independent Moving Picture Company of North America in 1909, and soon his first production, Hiawatha, was released. In 1911 he expanded his film company over to the west coast, and later to new York where it took on the name Universal. In 1914 he decided to centralize his locations in Los Angeles, and he did so on a 230-acre ranch he purchased here, which would soon become known to the world as Universal Studios.

One of the most interesting of the studio's attractions is its famous back lot, where numerous blockbuster movies have been filmed. Here you'll pass through working studios and sets, including those of The Hulk, The Scorpion King and Jurassic Park. Many of these movies also have Special Effects Stages that can be explored. This area also has numerous street sets, taking you right onto the sidewalks of Paris or Baker Street. Keep your eyes peeled while in the back lot: this is a working studio, so you never know what celebrities you'll catch a glimpse of!

For a more exciting twist, make your way to the complex's many rides. The Mummy Ride is one of the worlds largest indoor roller coasters, and has terrifying special effects to scare you even more. The Waterworld attraction showcases the astounding stunts done by actors in the actual movie, and Back to the Future: The Ride takes you on a dizzying adventure loaded with special effects. Kids will especially love Shrek: 4-D, a ride that brings the fantastic computer animated movie to a whole new level, and puts the viewers right in the middle of the action.

One of the newest major additions to Universal Studios is the CityWalk, a simulated boulevard for shopping, dining, clubbing or going to the movies. It was built as a connecter to get pedestrians walking between the areas of Universal Studios and the Odeon Theatre. The area is a stroke of genius that has become immensely popular with both tourists and locals, as it combines the fun and excitement of walking along an outdoor street with the safety and security of a indoor mall...no one needs to worry about being robbed or carjacked here. This is a great place to end your tour through Universal Studios, by taking in a meal, doing a bit of shopping in the fantastic store selection, or perhaps seeing one of the movies that has it's sets right across the street in the back lot of Universal.