Universal Hollywood?

[calena]

Anyone been to Universal Hollywood? We have a trip to Los Angeles in October and will be going to Disneyland, San Diego Zoo and over to Las Vegas area. Wondering if we should budget in a Universal Hollywood day. We liked Universal in Orlando, but I found the kids liked IOA better really. We will go back to Universal in Orlando when we go to Florida next but that will no be until next year or 2008. DS,6, (who was 4 when we were at Universal in Florida) kept asking if they have "Cat in the Hat" and I know they don't, but any opinions on Universal Hollywood? The kids are DD,11, DS, 9 and DS, 6. By the way, I was the only one who liked the Mummy though at Universal. DH found it too rough and the kids were all too scared! Thanks!
Deb

 

[damo]

No Cat in the Hat in Hollywood. Hollywood is good but Orlando is better. There is only one park in Hollywood. It has a different version of Mummy and Jurassic Park. And it has the tram ride which is very good. There is a Backdraft attraction instead of Earthquake and there is a stunt show. Back to the Future is the same as is Shrek. I think that is about it!

 

[robvia]

Tuff decision.

A park like Knotts Berry Farm may be an idea, because it's closer to Disneyland.
Or if you really want the thrills, then you visit Six Flags Magic Mountain, but that's about an hour north of Disney thru city traffic.
The 11 and 9 year old would like either of these parks. The 6 year old would have to sit out some rides because of the height requirements.

 

[Don Pacho]

No Cat in the Hat in Hollywood. Hollywood is good but Orlando is better. There is only one park in Hollywood. It has a different version of Mummy and Jurassic Park. And it has the tram ride which is very good. There is a Backdraft attraction instead of Earthquake and there is a stunt show. Back to the Future is the same as is Shrek. I think that is about it!

...the Mummy in Orlando has an additional scene compared with the Hollywood version.

 

[damo]

...the Mummy in Orlando has an additional scene compared with the Hollywood version.

I've ridden it a few times. It is quite different. You ride backwards for the whole second coaster part and there are different special effects such as skeleton hands reaching down to you.

 

[lenzs4]

If you decide to go - make sure to spend the time/money to go see a Disney flim at El Capitan theater and eat at Disneys Soda Shop!!! Both are must do's for a Disney family!!!!

 

[calena]

Thanks for the input! Where is El Capitan theatre and the Disney Soda Shop? We will definitely be going to Disneyland... just trying to decide the other aspects of our trip. Disneyland, the beach, San Diego Zoo. We are flying in to Las Vegas (DH wants to see there and got a good deal flying there) so will do a show in Las Vegas and then drive to Grand Canyon and on to LA.
Deb

 

[MamaKate]

Personally, I'd skip it if you plan on returning to Universal Florida.

We had annual passes last year (only live 1/2 hour from Universal) and only went three times. It's much smaller than Universal Florida, because it's an actual movie studio, so it doesn't take much time to see it all.

The tram tour is great and changes often depending on what movies they are working on. They currently have the Fast & Furious sets and cars. The Water World show is neat. But to me it wouldn't be worth the extra cost for just those 2 things.

Terminator 2, Shrek, BTTF and Jurassic Park are all the same as Florida. The Mummy ride is a lot shorter than the Florida version and not as good IMO.

If you can find good discounts, than go for it. If not, I'd skip it.

P.S. The El Capitan theater is on Hollywood Blvd & Highland. accross from Mann's Chinese theater and the Kodak theater. Disney's soda fountain is right next door to El Capitan. You can go on their website when it gets closer to the date to see what movies are playing and they usually have some sort of activity that coordinates with the movie. In October, they usually show Nightmare Before Christmas at night.

 

[lenzs4]

In Las Vegas Circ de Soleil has a new show that has not opened yet (or it just opened) called LOVE - it is a Beatles version and because it is new and not yet rated it is 50% off -- We paid $50 per person and are going next week. Maybe the special is still running - just check their website - Circdesoleil.com for info if you are interested. I think the two remaining beatles make an appearance.
Shirley