We could put off the inevitable no longer, the theme parks were calling. Having avoided visiting any in our two year stay in the US we felt we couldn’t deprive the children any longer. It was toss-up between Universal Studios and Disney World; we ignored the advice of our fellow campers and opted for Universal – mainly because it was 30 miles closer.
It was the right decision as Universal proved to be a huge hit all round, despite costing an arm and a leg (and that was with military discount). The theme park is set in the studio complex and part of the visit is a 45 minute tram ride around the outdoor sets and past the sound stages that are still in use. We didn’t spot any stars en route – the tour avoids the stages currently in use and is closed to any sets were filming is actually taking place – but it was thrilling nonetheless.
Outdoor sets included Hill Valley – the town square used in all the Back to the Future films which was also used for the courthouse in To Kill a Mockingbird. We also saw the New York brownstone houses which have been used in too many films to mention, the Wild West, old Mexico, a London street, jungle, the Psycho motel, the plane crash for War of the Worlds and Wisteria Avenue from Desperate Housewives (spookily similar to Baycliff in Virginia Beach!). What was so incredible was the amount of times the sets have been ‘redressed’ and used over and over again. As we drove through each set, the trams’ onboard screens would show clips of all the different movies filmed in those locations and it was absolutely fascinating. Wisteria Avenue was gearing up for filming of the next series so the picket fences were being repainted and the Wisteria spruced up with fake flowers. The highlight was the new 3D King Kong experience which involved the tram being driven into a big tunnel and undergoing a bashing by the brute himself. It was frighteningly realistic and involved much screaming from Mummy much to the boys’ delight. We also suffered flash floods in old Mexico, a terrifying earthquake in the New York metro and a run-in with Norman Bates.
Luckily we survived all disasters and went on to enjoy shows featuring animal actors from Universal films (most notably Marmaduke’s girlfriend and several stars from hotels for dogs); a re-enactment of Waterworld complete with generous soakings, pyrotechnics and real film stars (so Merryn claims – I’m sure they were only extras and most of them seemed to come from CSI) and a visual effects extravaganza which involved some poor bloke being catapulted through space. Every show was expertly put together, completely fascinating and loved by all.
The only downside was poor old Merryn managed to lose her iPod in all the excitement.
Today’s Tune: The Universal theme music which was played where ever we went and drove us all round the bend; just like it is on the DVDs, you couldn’t skip it.
Professional Wildlife Watch: Too many to mention but the children want it to go to the orangutan who showed up on stage in her towel and shower cap.
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