We visited Universal Studios in the summer of 2000. We had previously been to the Orlando park so were keen to see how it compared.

We went quite early in the morning, to beat the crowds and were pleasantly surprised at the quick and easy parking in a multi-storey on site. Lifts take you to the attractions.

You enter the park via Universal City – a shopping mall of sorts with lots of shops, restaurants etc. On entry you get a map of the park, we headed for the bigger rides first, knowing the queues would only get longer later.

Terminator 3D is a must, this is the experience that makes the entry fee worthwhile. I consists of a film show featuring the original cast, including Arnold, acting out a story specially created for this attraction. There is lots of gun fire and special effects. Whilst the film is showing - in 3D, live characters mimic the action live on stage – and within the audience. Things pop out of the screen and because of the superb 3D effect looks as though it will hit you in the face. It is fantastic. If the queue is two hours long – join it!

Jurassic Park is a water ride, taking you through a river with dinosaurs etc and ending in a dramatic free fall and getting soaked by tons of water.

Back draft is a special effects show involving – yes you guessed it – fire. It gets very hot in here, but you are never in danger. It is a good idea to visit this attraction after riding the Jurassic Park ride – you will dry off quicker and they are next door to each other.

Water World is a show put on based on the film with lots of gun fire, stunts on jet skis etc. Quite entertaining as is the similar Wild West Show and Indiana Jones Show.

Back to the Future is a stomach churning simulator ride. Here you ride a car chasing Biff under the guidance of the Professor. Very good ride with excellent effect but not for those who suffer motion sickness.

You can go
on a Backlot Tour, which basically means you get on a tram and it takes you round the back of the park to see film sets etc. As you ride you get involved in an earthquake, chased by Jaws and King King and encounter a land slide. All very good but compared to the Orlando version, very poor. In Orlando the Jaws, King King, Earthquake etc encounters are separate rides in their own right and are much more dramatic.

All in all the Universal experience is worth visiting, but the LA version can’t hold a candle to Orlando. Orlando is much cleaner too.