Universal Studios Personal Narrative
It was Christmas of 2009 and my family and I had just arrived at Universal Studios of Hollywood. My sister slowly pulled up into the long uphill line of cars, all waiting to finally be let into the car park by the toll booth. It was a fairly lengthy wait that lasted around forty minutes but we didn’t mind as we were all very excited for the aftermath and knowing it was well worth it kept our patience strong. Eventually our turn came and after a brief talk and transaction with the man in the toll booth we finally were allowed into the multi-story car park.
Now the challenge was to find an empty parking space on that busy Christmas morning. After search floor after floor for an empty space we managed to find an almost completely empty row on the Jurassic floor. We got out the car and proceeded to venture through City Walk to our destination. Once at long last at the entrance of Universal Studios with the symbolic Universal Studios Earth Monument in front of me.
Wishing to capture the moment I asked my sister if she could take a photo of me standing in front of it, and it turned out to be an amazing shot that will define my experience every time I see it. We walked towards the gates and… We were met by another long line that seemed as if it would take ages to progress in, but, in reality was surprisingly swift! Our miniature journey was complete and once we were allowed in I swear I jumped up and screamed “Awesome”.
My very first visit to a theme park, a visit that I will actually remember unlike the time I went to Disneyland when I was 3. After waiting for such a long time, First thing on the list of things to do was get something to drink, we approached the gift shop and got a couple cool souvenirs modeled after famous character such as Bart Simpson, or SpongeBob head as a bottle for refreshments. Next up we got a couple other souvenirs, I remember specifically asking for a Universal Studios Globe Symbol keychain that I still have to this day.
We then headed to the Simpsons Ride, Which once we got into line we realized the obvious, my sister couldn’t get on any rides due to the fact that she was pregnant. She was ok with it and my Mom stayed with my sister, not only to accompany her but because of her heart problems she couldn’t get on the rides either. This complication leads to my Brother-in-law and I to ride without them on this ride and on a ride we take later on called Mummy The Ride. Simpsons ride was pretty amazing, It wasn’t a rollercoaster but it definitely entertained me.
We got on this makeshift rollercoaster cart with a massive monitor in front of it and it showcased a small Simpson’s episode that had to do with the rollercoaster and stopping the evil Mr. Burn. When in the show the rollercoaster would tip, the cart would tip in real life too; it played with your senses and made you believe you were actually on the ride. After the exceptional Simpsons ride that was also a small flick we decided to go to the Back to the Future themed restaurant named “Doc Browns Chicken” and guess what greeted us when we went towards the entrance?
Another long line! Oh well I’m still having a blast and we were hungry so we waited it out. Once we ordered some delicious chicken we went to a table and chowed down. Keeping in line with everything else so far at this theme park, the food was very good, overpriced, but good nevertheless. We then headed towards the Universal Studios Tour which was one of those few things that my sister and mother could take in this park. I’ve been complaining a lot about lines and boy they were long… But this line was just horrible! People in front, back, left, and right.
I’d imagine it’d be a claustrophobic person’s nightmare! It was three hour wait, three hours we could’ve spent doing something else. But all was good because this is the Theme Park’s iconic ride that you just HAVE to take if you go there. When we got on there was a lot of relief and I think the ride was worth it, though if I had visited this park again I would definitely not wait in line for it again. When we got in the tour bus and we departed I first though “Oh this is going to be boring…” but I was pleasantly mistaken!
They took us to the sets of many of their films and TV shows such as Jaws, Psycho, Desperate housewives and more. They explained how they would film things and even gave us examples of how the Jaws moved and they made it interesting by putting us in the moment by doing things such as taking the tour bus about one fourth under water or going through a cave inspired by the Mummy and spraying big droplets of water on us with the lights dim to simulate beetles swarming us.
It was probably the most memorable ride I got on not only due to the fact that I enjoyed it but also due to the fact that my mother and sister were also able to enjoy it. Afterwards we headed over to the Mummy ride, if correct I believe it was the only roller coaster available at the park and I just absolutely had to ride it! Unfortunately as with most of the other rides My sister and mother couldn’t get on either but again my Brother-in-law accompanied me. At this point I should disclose the fact that I had NEVER been on a roller coaster before!
This was a very exciting part of the Theme Park and my most memorable. After a relatively shocking quick and small line my Brother-in-law and I got on the roller coaster and waited for them to start it. The very moment I got on I remember thinking these exact words “This is going to be awesome! ” and boy was I right. It was an exhilarating experience that forever changed my views on Theme Parks in a positive manner. I was blown away at the speeds it went. Throughout the ride I felt my heart racing.
After that pleasant experience we visited a section called The House of Horrors, a relatively scary experience. The house itself was full of things that would creep out the toughest guy out there. People in horrendous looking monster suits would pop out of nowhere and scare the crap out of you! The props in the house were frightening too things hands would creep out from places you’d least suspect. Shortly after we went to our last attraction at the park, it was an exhibition on fire called Back-Draft, specifically how they controlled fire and explosions in films.
It was interesting and quite educational. A little frightening due to the fact that when they showcased their techniques and there would be massive fires right there in the same room as you. Finally after a long, long enjoyable day we headed home. I recall not wanting to leave and wanting to stay longer but it was too late and we had better get going at that time. I honestly had a blast at this theme park, the time of my life and would like to visit again one day.
