UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD: WELCOME BACK! By Emmanuel Itier

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Needless to say that after waiting for over a year and half, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my family and I couldn’t wait to be back in the land of the movies: Universal Studios Hollywood. Our expectation were high, and we were not disappointed. Universal had managed the “tour de force” to build a new attraction, “The Secret Life of the Pets: Off the Leash!”, revamp their legendary “Jurassic World: The Ride” and create an adorable café: “The Minion Café”. 

Max and Rex, our youngest boys couldn’t wait to take a ride in a pet-carrier wagon and stroll along the re-built apartment for “The Secret Life of Pets” attraction. They were so eager to meet their favorite animated friends coming to life, or almost. Our kids were mesmerized by some of the animatronic figures of Max, Snowball, Gidget, Chloe and Duke. Combined with hyper-realistic media and projection mapping you truly feel at times you are transported into the iconic animated feature. This is truly one fun ride not to miss for your little ones. On the way out the attraction, around the corner, stands “The Minion Café” featuring a rich diversity of gourmet sandwiches, creative salads and yummy desserts. Our boys devoured the pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich with a banana BBQ sauce! To conclude this minion-like lunch, we all took a bite of the Nutella Banana Pudding. 

A little 15 minutes walk away from the minion café and, on the lower level of the park, is standing the massive “Jurassic World: The Ride”. This is your opportunity to end up face to face with the Indominus Rex. He is so real that you can almost feel the heat of his breathing coming out of its nostrils…just before heading down for a massive fall and getting splashed entirely. 

Universal Studios Hollywood is truly the number one destination to feel like you are immersed into LaLaLand and get the impression you might be the next Oscar nominated actor “du jour”. Beyond the above 3 “must go” attractions, you also should jump onboard a comfortable trolley and explore the back lot tour. This is a classic ride that will show you the behind the scene of Universal and reveals so many secrets about the magic of movies. On top of this, you will be almost overthrown from your seat when experiencing the 360 degree “King Kong” experience or the stunning stunt car chase inspired by “The Fast and Furious” franchise. Finally, at night, when the magic is enchanting the skies, you cannot miss to stroll along the cobblestone roads of the “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” with its massive main ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”. After entering the gate of Hogwarts, you will be transported into a land of mysteries where you will face a furious dragon and other dark creatures. Once you survive this emotional roller coaster, don’t forget to have a souvenir cup with some Frozen Butterbeer in order to anchor your stomach back on earth. 

This post-pandemic summer Universal Studios Hollywood is your number one destination for the whole family and to finally forget about the grey days of this semi-confined year. Once again, your heart will be filled with hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow. Put a spell onto your happy future, fasten your mind belt and let’s get ready to do it all over again! Welcome back to the land of movie magic!