That's Entertainment: A Day at Universal Studios Hollywood

Confession time, kiddos! Until the other day, I hadn't been to Universal Studios Hollywood in so long that my only memories were photographs of me as a tiny tot. Seriously. What was I thinking staying away for so long? Even with our busy lives up here, there's no good excuse to keep away from "The Entertainment Capital of L.A." With my parents and fiance in-tow, I set off to prove that even at 30 (a side note: when the heck did I reach 30?!), a day at Universal Studios is a total blast. See for yourself (if the video doesn't load, please refresh the page):
 

So, I set out to prove that even adults can have fun at Universal Studios. The verdict? A resounding DUH! I spent the whole day feeling just like a kid again... and it was awesome. Of all the attractions, rides, shows, and interactions to choose from, here's my personal quick-pick list of the top 5:
#5: I love a good scare, and House of Horrors did it oh-so-right. Now, you'll notice that none of the footage made it into the video above. Basically, that's because it was just a bunch of dark, creepy shots with an audio track of me and my mom. Screaming. Non-stop. Like lunatics. Pretty hilarious, actually. But in the moment, super scary. Especially considering we had my man and father pushing us through the entire walk-through attraction (it gave new meaning to "ladies first", let me tell you).

#4: The Simpsons Ride, because who doesn't love everyone's favorite dysfunctional, yellow-hued fam? If your tummy can take it, I suggest riding it more than once. There's so much eye candy to take in, you're bound to miss something the first go-around. 
#3: JAWS on the Studio Tour (or "Bruce", as Spielberg so lovingly named the original animatronic shark from the film). It didn't matter that I KNEW a giant great white shark was going to pop up just below my arm at any moment -- I still jumped a mile in the air, screamed like a 3 year old, and laughed until I couldn't breathe. Well played, Bruce, well played.

#2: King Kong 360 3-D, also on the Studio Tour. Dudes, honestly, the Studio Tour just plain takes the cake. It should without a doubt be your first stop each and every trip to Universal Studios. I really don't want to spoil a thing about King Kong, so let's just say "the world’s largest, most intense 3-D experience" is not hyperbole. Peter Jackson, you rule my world.
#1: Drum roll please... Jurassic Park® — The Ride. The movie is one of my all-time favorites. The music still makes me tear up. There are "living" dinosaurs, including a 50-foot T. Rex. Oh, and let's not forget the insanely fun, near-vertical, 85-foot raft plunge. Need I say more? 

Keep in mind these are only MY top 5. I'm certainly not the end-all be-all of theme park experts. I like what I like. Just because Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride didn't make my list does NOT mean it isn't incredible. Because it really is. But for some reason, I just wasn't expecting the clearly marked "45 mph in virtual darkness", and thus, I'm pretty sure that Imhotep still has my stomach. And my heart. And probably my voice, too, come to think of it. Where's Brendan Fraser when you need him?
All in all, I still can't believe it took me this many years to make my way back to Universal Studios. Not only did I opt for a day of fun, now I have my very own annual passport to all the action, all year long. Thank my lucky stars for that, because I wouldn't want to miss out on Transformers™: The Ride 3D, coming atcha May 2012. And yes, I'm right there with the rest of you, counting down the days till the Wizarding World of Harry Potter blesses our coast, too (I'd wait another 30 years, if I had to!) 

Universal Studios Hollywood is located at 100 Universal City Plz., Universal City. For more info, call 800-UNIVERSAL or check out universalstudioshollywood.com. And during your visit, don't forget to spend some time shopping, eating, and playing at Universal CityWalk.