Aug
24
Universal Studios Theme Parks Around the World
Posted by Travel Expert at 19:57 | Filed In Theme Parks
Universal Studios Theme Parks Around the World
Universal Studios is also referred to as Universal Pictures or Universal City Studios, which is a subsidiary of NBC Universal, one one of the major film studios in America. They are located in Universal City, California. Universal studios is the second longest-lived studio in Hollywood. Universal Studios operates a number of theme parks based on movies it has produced. The original, Universal Studios at Hollywood, was started by running tours of the soundstages and back lots, while filming was underway. Universal Studios used to own the PortAventura theme park in Salou, Spain till 2004.
Universal Studios theme parks currently open or under construction are:
1. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is the original Universal Studios theme park, created initially to offer tours of the real Universal Studios sets. The attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood are split into two areas on different levels, connected by a series of escalators. The upper lot of the studio has Universal’s Animal Actors, Fear Factor Live, Shrek 4-D, 3-D: Battle Across Time, Waterworld-a live sea war spectacular, Jaws, King Kong, Nickelodeon Blast Zone, and Back to the Future. The Simpsons Ride will replace Back to the Future in 2008. The other attractions are Blues Brothers R&B Revue, Universal’s House of Horrors, Monster Skate Park. The Lower section of the studio offers special stage effects, Revenge of the Mummy, The Ride, Jurassic Park and Backdraft.
2. Universal Orlando Resort
The Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park resort in Orlando, Florida. It is a joint partnership between NBC Universal and the Blackstone Group. The resort consists of two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), Universal CityWalk (a night-time entertainment destination), and three Loews hotels. In early 2007, Universal began considering the Wet ‘n Wild park in Orlando, which it purchased in 1998, part of Universal Orlando Resort. Its newest expansion plan also consists of a new Blue Man Group show in Citywalk for the year 2007, The Simpsons Ride to Universal Studios Florida for 2008 ,and The wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure for 2009.
3. Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is in Osaka, Japan. The park is similar to Universal Orlando Resort, containing many of the same rides. Most visitors are Japanese tourists or tourists from other Asian countries such as South Korea, China, and Taiwan. In 2005, Goldman Sachs became the largest shareholder of Universal Studios Japan. Universal still has a small minority stake in the park. The main attractions are in 8 areas of the park.
They are:
1. Happy Harmony Celebration – Dream of Friends
2. The Amazing Adventure of Spider Man – The Ride
3. Terminator 2: 3 D
4. Hollywood Dream the Ride
5. Shrek’s 4-D Adventure
6. Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic
7. Universal Monsters Live Rock And Roll Show
8. Animation Celebration
4. Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore to be completed by 2010 is an under construction new Universal theme park which is located within the Resorts World at Sentosa Integrated Resort in Sentosa, Singapore. There will be 22 rides in the park and at least 16 of them will either be original or specifically designed for this new park. The park is reported to be a “one-of-its-kind theme park in Asia” as Universal Studios has promised that this will be the only park it would have in Southeast Asia for the next 30 years. Its physical design will be larger than Universal Studios Hollywood with further room for expansion. The total number of attractions in the park will also be more than Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan. It will, however, be smaller in terms of both size and number of rides than Universal Studios Florida. It is also estimated that the new park will draw more than five million visitors annually. The park will include 6 themed areas that encircle a lagoon and feature iconic blockbuster locations, as well as new rides based on movies such as Madagascar, King Kong, Revenge of the Mummy, and Waterworld. There will also be live entertainment shows and educational features where visitors can learn more about computer generated animation and the art of making hit movies.
5. Universal Studios Dubai
Universal Studios Dubai is a proposed Universal theme park located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, expected to be completed and open to the public by 2010. It is to be located within Dubailand which is an entertainment mega-complex. The project is a joint venture costing over $2.2 billion USD, with Dubai-based Tatweer. The park is expected to attract 5 million visitors annually when completed. This Universal Studios theme park is expected to cover 20 million square feet. It will be part of the larger theme park multinational development of Dubailand which is speculated to be 3 billion square feet. The development will feature at least 4000 units of accommodation and 100 restaurants and retail outlets. The theme park will feature attractions based on the films of King Kong, The Mummy, Jurassic Park, and Beetlejuice.
6. Universal Studios Korea
Universal Studios Korea has just been chosen and there is no news when its construction is to begin and when it will be completed.
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