Which movies would be best to see before going to Universal?

[mollybeasley]

Are there any movies that you would definitely want to watch (or rewatch) before (or during) your trip to Universal?

I'm rewatching Harry Potter films because there are so many details in WWOHP for HP fans to really appreciate. Are there other rides or attractions that are really BETTER if you really know the film well?

 

[Best Aunt]

The Shrek attraction (movie) didn't make much sense to me, because I hadn't seen the movies at the time.

I think it would help to have seen the first Men In Black movie before going on that attraction. You could still have fun without having seen the movie, but you wouldn't understand the backstory.

 

[XGrumpy1]

See "The Terminator", "Men in Black" and "The Mummy" Very good rides and shows.

 

[rcraw45425]

Don't forget Jaws! Twister is kind of minor but worth watching so you recognize the locale. Juraissic Park is another one that would help as well

 

[mdb78]

Spiderman, XMen, Madagascar...

 

[dzd]

I'm going to see HP7 at city wa

lk hen going to WWoHP the next day.

 

[momblanch]

I'm going to see HP7 at city wa

lk hen going to WWoHP the next day.

Soooooooooooo jealous!! Have fun!

 

[mysumi]

I haven't been in a while and am dying to see the new hogwarts!!! Otherwise it was cool for us to have seen the Mummy, that ride was amazing! We happened to get stuck in the fire room one time though and that was a bit scary, not to mention HOT! lol Have fun!

 

[dzd]

Soooooooooooo jealous!! Have fun!

Thanks!

 

[bumbershoot]

Spiderman, XMen, Madagascar...

They have Madagascar stuff?



With my 6 year old in mind, we've watched ET, Jurassic Park, and Men In Black (that was pretty intense for him, not to mention confusing, but nowhere near as heart-wrenching for him as ET which brought him to tears!). He's only seen the first two HP movies so a lot of the ride, IF he rides (he's totally tall enough, but is pretty nervous of what I've told him about the ride), won't be understood other than from me telling him about it. He's already seen Shrek 1 and 2 so we're basically covered there.

 

[G'day Disney]

What about Beetlejuice and How the Grinch stole Christmas? Would you watch them?

 

[mdb78]

They have Madagascar stuff?



With my 6 year old in mind, we've watched ET, Jurassic Park, and Men In Black (that was pretty intense for him, not to mention confusing, but nowhere near as heart-wrenching for him as ET which brought him to tears!). He's only seen the first two HP movies so a lot of the ride, IF he rides (he's totally tall enough, but is pretty nervous of what I've told him about the ride), won't be understood other than from me telling him about it. He's already seen Shrek 1 and 2 so we're basically covered there.

The Madagascar characters (Alex and the penguins) are there to take pictures with.

 

[bumbershoot]

The Madagascar characters (Alex and the penguins) are there to take pictures with.

How fun! Thanks for the info!

 

[Not My Fault!]

I'd also recommend early era Simpson's episodes, especially anything featuring Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob. I think seasons 3 & 4 would be a good place to start. However, the best episode to watch to get the full back story of the Simpsons ride is probably "Krusty gets Busted" from season 1. Details here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krusty_Gets_Busted

 

[MIChessGuy]

If I recall correctly, the Unofficial Guide suggests viewing E.T. before going to the park. That movie is from the early 80s and well off the radar screen for any kids who will be going to Universal. Without having seen the film, young riders will have a hard time following the action on the ride.

(Side note: try to find the original 1982 theatrical cut, rather than the digitally updated version that Spielberg put together a few years ago.)

 

[mollybeasley]

What about Beetlejuice and How the Grinch stole Christmas? Would you watch them?

I think that The Grinch could be very scary to a young child. I would watch the movie with a child and either laugh at the Grinch or let them feel a little sorry for him. Explain that he's sort of a like a scared kid trying to look like a scary lion.

I haven't seen the Beetlejuice attraction yet. If the songs are anything like the end of the movie, I'll like it.

 

[mollybeasley]

I haven't been in a while and am dying to see the new hogwarts!!! Otherwise it was cool for us to have seen the Mummy, that ride was amazing! We happened to get stuck in the fire room one time though and that was a bit scary, not to mention HOT! lol Have fun!

This is one of the few films there that I haven't seen. Thanks for the rec. It's going to be on TV tonight on AMC.