DAY TRIP: Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios is synonymous with Hollywood, and its “world-renowned, behind-the scenes” tour of the back lot studio offers visitors a glimpse into the entertainment industry.

Blockbuster movies and current hit television shows are filmed daily. Actor Steve Carell’s movie, “Evan Almighty,” the follow-up to Jim Carey’s “Bruce Almighty,” due out later this year, is being filmed on the back lot at Universal, along with new episodes of the hit TV series “Heroes,” “CSI” and Jennifer Love Hewitt’s “Ghost Whisperer.” Many of the park’s attractions are based on movie themes. , including “Jurassic Park,” and “Shrek”

HOURS

Universal Studios Hollywood is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

ADMISSION

General Admission tickets are $61 for visitors over 48 inches; $51 for visitors under 48 inches. VIP Experience tickets are $199 and include admission to production locations and studio facilities and working soundstages; front-of-line access to all rides, shows and attractions in the theme park, and reserved seating at all shows; entry to the VIP lounge and an all-you-can-eat pass and valet parking. The front-of-the-line pass is $109 and includes admission and priority access to all attractions.

GETTING THERE

Take the I-5 north to the 101 north toward Los Angeles. Take exit 11B to Universal Studios Blvd. Turn right on to Universal Studios Blvd. Stay straight and go to Buddy Holly Drive. Turn right onto Hotel Drive; follow signs to Universal Studios and the parking areas.

THEMED CHARACTERS

Guests to the park and kids of all ages will be greeted by costumed characters from popular television shows and movies including The Simpsons, Scooby-Doo and Shrek.

STUDIO TOUR

The Studio Tour tram takes visitors to backstage lots where they get a look behind the scenes of the movie and television industry. The tour offers a glimpse of original movie sets, including Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds,” a small town devastated by the crash of a 747 jetliner surrounded by smoking wreckage and shattered debris, and the sets from “Jurassic Park: The Lost World,” the snow-covered town of Whoville from “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and the Psycho house and Bates motel from the classic thriller, “Psycho.”

ATTRACTIONS

Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride: Beginning this summer, the psychological thrill coaster attraction will feature “an all-new, more shocking experience,” with special effects and more unexpected twists and turns.

Jurassic Park — The Ride: Billed as the studio’s “most thrilling water ride,” this attraction features hungry dinosaurs and an 84-foot watery plunge. Terminator 2:3D: Take a trip into the future where Terminator robots battle man in an “all-out cyber war.”

Waterworld: Be a part of the hit movie’s action through a live water stunt and pyrotechnic show.

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS

Halloween Horror Nights is a special event taking place every Friday and Saturday night in October. House of Horrors, inspired by some of the greatest horror movies ever made, is a walk-through experience where guests enter the world of psycho movie characters. Tickets are $51, but can be purchased online at www.universalstudios.com for certain dates at a discounted price.

— Sue Thoensen