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Guide to The Best Seats on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Tram Tour with Sky in Background

No trip to  Universal Studios Hollywood  is complete without experiencing our signature attraction,  The World-Famous Studio Tour . This legit journey through the actual sets of some of your favorite movies and television shows is mixed with exhilarating attractions and entertaining insights, making it an educational thrill ride unlike anything you can experience anywhere else. And while it’s safe to say there are no bad seats on the Studio Tour, there are definitely some  preferred  seats, depending on what you’re most excited to see. Let me break it down for you.

Flash Flood

Water Splashing Tram Tour Buses

The flash flood on our Old Mexico set was added to our backlot tour back in 1968. You may recognize it from films like “Big Fat Liar”   and  “ Fletch Lives”, but seeing it in person is truly something else. A rainstorm starts out of nowhere and before you know it, 10,000 gallons of water are rushing toward you, blasting through windows, knocking over signs, when suddenly… *WHOOSH* It stops just short of washing away the entire tram. How? Movie magic, of course.

Best Seats: Car 2, Left Side

King Kong 360 3-D

The first of its kind on the Studio Tour, this attraction was created under the direction of “King Kong”   director Peter Jackson. As you make your way through Skull Island, the tram is suddenly surrounded by hungry dinosaurs and giant insects.

Luckily, Kong is on your side. Actually, he’s on all sides, throwing punches (watch out for dinosaur saliva) and catching tram cars. Good thing the tram roof is built to support that kind of weight.

…it is, right?

 Best Seats: Car 2, Right Side — if you want to see Kong’s epic entrance Car 4, Left Side — if you want to see what happens to Car 5

War of the Worlds

One of the most well-known sets from the Studio Tour is the plane crash from Steven Spielberg’s, “War of the Worlds”. Now I won’t tell you all the fun facts about this set (that’s what the tour is for), but it is a real 747 airplane that was torn apart for the movie and it is truly something to behold up close. As the neighborhood appeared in the film, you can still see the smoking wreckage of the crash and the scattered debris. Don’t worry — the tram will stop for a moment so you can snap plenty of pictures.

Best Seats: Car 3, Left Side

Shark Emerging Water on USH Studio Tour

Some may recognize the peaceful village around the water as Cabot Cove, from the classic show, “Murder, She Wrote”. However, this section is most commonly known as Jaws Lake, home of the unstoppable great white shark from the movie “Jaws”. After greeting one of the divers in the water, the tram will pause on the dock (for safety, I guess?), allowing the shark to cause some destruction by the gas pumps before attacking the tram. This is why they tell you to keep your arms inside the vehicle, folks.

Best Seats: Car 2, Right Side — to get a good look at the shark just as he emerges Car 3, Right Side — to get a good look at the shark and enjoy those fire effects (if it’s chilly outside)

Earthquake — The Big One

Earthquake and fire scene from USH Studio Tour

This part of the tour has been featured in movies like “Beverly Hills Cop III”   and the TV show “Bones”. Much like King Kong 360 3-D, this attraction delivers thrills and action on all sides, so there are no bad seats. The difference here is that all the effects are practical (no 3D glasses needed). Plus, if you missed the fire effects from Jaws Lake or the flood from Old Mexico, Earthquake features both — and they’re on opposite sides!

Best Seats: Car 3, Left Side — for those fire effects (just watch out for the gas truck) Car 3, Right Side — for that impressive flood

Courthouse Square

Courthouse Square on USH Studio Tour

Your tour guide can rattle off dozens of different movies and TV shows that have been filmed on this beautiful block of the backlot (and likely a few current productions!), but none more well-known than “Back to the Future”. While some of the facades have changed, you’ll still be taken back to 1955 (or 1985, or 2015). There’s plenty of fun stuff to see on all sides, but the tram tends to pass by the iconic courthouse and clocktower just once.

Best Seats: Car 2 or 3, Left Side – for the best view of the courthouse

New York Street & Colonial Street & Six Points Texas

New York St Studio Tour

A good portion of the tour is spent traveling down streets designed to look like any city  but  Hollywood. This is where the history of filmmaking on the Universal backlot comes alive with facades everywhere. Because this is a working studio, the route can vary day-to-day!

Best Seats: Anywhere!

Fast & Furious — Supercharged

Fast and Furious Entrance Studio Tour

There’s a government spy on board the tram and the villainous Owen Shaw is on his way to take them out (and I don’t mean to dinner). Fortunately, the “Fast & Furious” crew is aware of the situation and are here to protect you and everyone else on board. After a failed attempt to hide out at Sullivan’s Garage, the tram finds itself in a high-speed chase through the streets of LA, with intense action happening all around it. This attraction uses similar technology to King Kong 360 3-D, meaning that once again there aren’t any bad seats. To take it a step further, the action throughout is pretty similar on either side, and one character is even carried along both sides of the tram by helicopter (before jumping back into their moving vehicle, of course).

Best Seats: Any Car, Left Side – for a good look at the souped-up vehicles right when you enter Sullivan’s Garage Any Car, Right Side – for a good look at the pre-show dance party and Shaw’s arrival

As you can see, no matter where you sit on the World-Famous Studio Tour, you’re bound to get an unforgettable experience. Just remember to stay seated while the tram is in motion, and don’t put those 3D glasses on just yet. Action!

Let us know in the comments below your favorite part of the Studio Tour and we’ll see you soon!

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Josh Levesque

HHN fanatic and honorary Springfield, USA resident. Firm believer that milkshakes go with every meal. Very excited to meet your dog.

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19 comments.

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For Norman Bates: Car 4, right side, second to last row. The actors who play him are usually really cute and they’ll get right on your face.

Lol. It’s sad that I know this.

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I’m at Universal Studios tour guide. The Normans will be happy to hear this. Starting today through Halloween horror nights Norman is up at the psycho house so your best view will be on the left side in car four. 👍🏻

Hi. Universal Studios tour guide here. For the earthquake section you have your sides flipped. Truck comes down on the left. Flood comes from the right. 👍🏻

Avatar photo

MVP Tour Guide! Thanks for catching that, Luke. All fixed for future readers. 🙂

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Does it still pass the Psycho house ? I am taking my daughter there for the first time next week. She is obsessed with that movie and it’s all she wants to see.

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Hi Vanessa! Guests will see the legendary Bates Motel from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho during the Studio Tour.

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hi,i wear glasses,so i wondering there have so many 3d thing,how about bad eyesignt people could enjoy this?

Hi there! If an attraction has 3-D glasses available, they can go over normal glasses just fine!

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A partir de que estatura puede hacerse este ride?

Hola Nash! Esta atracción no tiene restricción de altura y todos los Visitantes pueden experimentarla.

[…] store to choose materials for their house renovation. This store sequence was filmed entirely on the Universal Studios lot in Hollywood. This lot is made up of many stages and backlots and provides the production team with a completely […]

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Hola quisiera saber que dias hay tours en español?

Hola Fernanda,

Le recomendamos comunicarse con nuestro equipo de experiencia VIP al 1-866-346-9350 para recibir asistencia con reservar un guía que hable Español para su recorrido. Se puede contactar con ellos los 7 días de la semana de 9 am a 7 pm. Para obtener más información, recomendamos consultar nuestra página de VIP Tour Experience en nuestro sitio web: https://bit.ly/3syPMhz Visitas guiadas. ¡Esperamos su bienvenida!

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Can I purchase this tour without the general admission? I’ll be visiting with senior crew from abroad and they only care about the “movies tour”

Hi Cat! Guests wishing to experience The World-Famous Studio Tour will be required to purchase park tickets. We recommend viewing the Special Offers page on our website for the most up-to-date deals currently available: https://bit.ly/3wh6Hqn . We hope to see you soon!

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Hola! dónde puedo ver los horarios del tour (idealmente en español)? Gracias!

¡Hola Carolina! Para informaciones actualizadas sobre los horarios del Studio Tour, recomendamos que utilice nuestra aplicación móvil de Universal Studios Hollywood. ¡Esperamos verte muy pronto!

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  • VIP Tour Experience at Universal Orlando Resort

If you’re looking for the red-carpet experience at Universal Orlando Resort, a VIP Experience guided tour may be just the thing for you. With multiple options spanning both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure , this is a perfect way to feel like a celebrity as you “live the movies.”

Each VIP Tour permutation has its own special benefits, which we cover for you in-depth on this page. Before we do, however, it’s really important to point out one key item: the VIP Experience does not include theme-park admission. Please keep this in mind when pricing everything out.

Now, with that out of the way, let’s walk that red carpet!

Skip to: Overview | Options | Pricing | FAQ

What is the VIP Experience?

No matter which VIP Tour you choose, there are a few key benefits that you’re guaranteed to enjoy. The first, as you might have guessed, is a VIP tour guide to escort you on a group tour through Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or both. These guides are experts on all things Universal Orlando, so even if you think you know everything there is to know about the parks, you’re sure to be blown away by the fun facts and insider knowledge they share with you.

All VIP Tours also offer priority front-of-the-line access to all rides and attractions, including the ever-elusive Pteranadon Flyers and all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . (Yes, that means you’ll get to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure with no line, virtual or otherwise!) Other benefits of VIP Tours include:

  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences (photography not permitted)
  • Complimentary Valet parking
  • Reserved seating at shows (excluding the seasonal Mardi Gras and Mannheim Steamroller concerts)
  • Complimentary continental breakfast and lunch
  • Unlimited Express Pass access throughout the rest of the day following your tour
  • Exclusive VIP lanyard and credentials
  • Discounts at select Universal merchandise locations throughout the resort

How many VIP Tour options are there?

Before you get to reap all those VIP rewards, you’ll have to first choose which experience is right for you. We’ve broken down all the options below:

1-Day, 1-Park Experience

A 1-Day, 1-Park VIP Tour lasts for five hours and includes priority entrance into a minimum of eight major attractions at either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure (you get to choose the park, though your tour guide sets the itinerary). And while you will receive all of the benefits listed above, keep in mind that you’ll only enjoy a free continental breakfast if your tour begins at or before 11:00 am. Generally, though, the 1-Day, 1-Park Experience kicks off at 9:30 am, so your chances of enjoying that meal are high!

1-Day, 2-Park Experience

A 1-Day, 2-Park VIP Tour lasts for seven hours and includes priority entrance into a minimum of 10 attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Besides the additional park and tour length, the main difference between a 1-Day, 2-Park Experience and its singular-park counterpart is that this version includes lunch at a full-service restaurant. You can expect this tour to (usually) begin at 9:30, 10:30, or 11:30 in the morning.

Private VIP Experience

If you’d rather travel with just your own party, rather than in a group with other individuals, you can opt for the exclusive VIP treatment with this experience (which lasts for the whole day!). Besides receiving the undivided attention of your tour guide, the main draw of this option is the chance to create your own itinerary (for the non-private VIP Tours, your guide lays out the agenda for you). You’ll also enjoy three full-service meals, including dinner, at one of Universal Orlando’s restaurants and receive a three-day My Universal Photos package.

There are a few options if you’re in the market for a Private VIP Experience, including the only two-day tour available:

  • 1-Day, 1-Park Tour (availability may vary)
  • 1-Day, 2-Park Tour
  • 2-Day, 2-Park Tour

How much does a VIP Experience cost?

As you might have guessed, the price of your VIP experience will vary drastically depending upon which tack you take. The one consistent here, though, is that all ticket prices are the same regardless of age – that means your two-year-old will have to pay just as much as you do to enjoy all that exclusive access!

  • 1-Day, 1-Park: $229
  • 1-Day, 2-Park: $239
  • Private VIP experiences: prices vary; call 1-866-346-9350

Remember: in addition to the cost of a VIP Tour, separate theme-park admission is required. Furthermore, guests that are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

VIP Experience Breakfast Menu

Available to Private and Non-Private VIP Tours that start at or before 11:00 am

House Baked Pastries

Dark Chocolate Chip Muffin

Flaky Butter Croissant

Blueberry Streusel Muffin

Elderberry Croissant

Fresh Cut Fruit

Golden Ripe Pineapple

Vine Ripe Strawberries

Oats & Yogurt

Overnight Oats Steeped in almond milk, agave, crunchy almonds, chia seeds, toasted coconut flakes

Vanilla Bean Yogurt Whole grain oat and wheat granola with slivered almonds and cinnamon

Warm Apple Oatmeal Flan

Hot Offerings

Applewood Smoked Bacon

Pork Sausage Links

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Red Bliss Potatoes Served with carmelized onions

Savory Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich Filled with braised mushrooms, leeks, scrambled eggs

VIP Experience at Universal Orlando – frequently asked questions

Do i need to buy a vip experience ticket in advance.

No, you don’t need to, but we strongly recommend it, as quantities are limited, and – you never know – Universal may sell out the morning of your arrival. Just as with Halloween Horror Nights , our motto is it’s better to play it safe and order in advance than be disappointed the day of!

Do I get to choose my itinerary for a VIP Experience?

That depends on which VIP Tour you go with. For the Non-Private 1-Day, 1-Park or 1-Day, 2-Park experiences, you’ll be touring with other traveling parties, so in the spirit of fairness, the day’s agenda will be determined by your tour guide. If you’d rather make the plans yourself, you’ll need to purchase a Private VIP Experience.

Is a VIP Experience worth it?

It depends on what you’re looking to get out of it. If you’ll only be in Orlando for a few days and want to make the most of your time at Universal Orlando Resort, a VIP Tour is a great way to do so. The priority front-of-the-line access can’t be beaten, along with the exclusive backstage experiences and insider tips from the VIP guides. Even if you’re a seasoned Universal veteran, you’re still bound to learn something new thanks to their expertise.

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  • Universal Studios

Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience!

Universal Studios is the best place to be for an unforgettable day! If you want to combine thrill rides and famous movies, Universal Studios is the best theme park in California. Here you can enjoy thrill rides and participate in the Universal Studio tour to see movie spots from famous films such as Fast & Furious. 

The tour includes roundtrip transportation to Universal Studios, entrance tickets, and a tour leader.

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The World-Famous Studio Tour

Studio Tour

Explore where Hollywood movies are made on the legendary Studio Tour.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle, and experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magic and excitement.

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Enter the post-apocalyptic world of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” in an all-new year-round attraction.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged

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Hold on tight for the grand finale of the Studio Tour, Fast & Furious – Supercharged!

King Kong 360 3-D

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Come face to face with King Kong 360 3-D created by Peter Jackson. It’s the world’s largest, most intense 3-D experience.

Springfield U.S.A.

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Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

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Join Gru, his daughters and the mischievous Minions on a heartwarming and thrilling 3-D ride.

WaterWorld®

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Experience a tidal wave of explosive action at WaterWorld ®  – Universal Studios’ #1 rated show.

Transformers™: The Ride-3D

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Transformers™: The Ride 3D is an immersive, next generation thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

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Room Occupancy Guide – Overnight & Weekend Trips

Quad – 4 people in a room with 2 beds (guests will share beds) Triple – 3 people in a room with 2 beds (guests will share beds) Double – 2 people in a room with 2 beds (each person will have their own bed) Single – 1 person will have their own room with 2 beds

***Mixed gender rooms will NOT be allowed unless they are approved in writing by your school or academic institution. NO mixed gender rooms will ever be allowed with any guests under the age of 18 unless other guests are family members and are also approved by your school. **

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I Went On Universal Studios Hollywood 60th Anniversary Studio Tour – Here Are the Highlights!

I Went On Universal Studios Hollywood 60th Anniversary Studio Tour – Here Are the Highlights!

The popularity of the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour led to the creation of the larger Universal theme park that we know today. The tram tour started in 1964 as a way for tourists to see the Hollywood sets in person. Pretty quickly the tram tour added special effects scenes to entertain guests even when there weren't films and television shows shooting.

Today Universal has added high-tech show scenes to augment the classic offerings during the dynamic tram tour. The tour has gone through many different iterations but has always remained the heart of the Universal theme park.

We are so thrilled that Universal is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the tram tour . I recently had the chance to visit Universal Studios Hollywood to experience the new 60th Anniversary studio tour.

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Universal Studios Hollywood 60th Anniversary Studio Tour

tram tour colorful

Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the studio tour from  April 26th 2024 through August 11th, 2024. There are a number of additions and changes for the tram tour during the celebration. You can see all the details on the 60th anniversary tram tour in our announcement of the news .

You can save BIG on your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood when you book your tickets through our travel partner, Get Away Today. They have discounts on tickets for Universal and Disney, plus great savings on hotels. You can also purchase the Universal Express pass through them. CLICK HERE to save money on your Universal tickets now .

In honor of the 60th, there are decorations throughout the tour area, the tour onboard video has been changed around out to honor the 60th and to show highlights of historic offerings, a couple of surprise show scenes have been added, and you now get off the tram for special photo ops towards the end of the tour. A favorite show scene has also returned after a lengthy refurbishment.

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My Experience With Universal Studios Hollywood 60th Anniversary Studio Tour

entrance area universal studios hollywood tram tour

The entrance area to the tour is completely decorated with diamond 60th decorations. These awesome graphics were actually created by the same graphic artist, Hayden Evans , who created some of our favorite displays at Disneyland for Christmas . It is great to see Universal grab this wonderful talent.

In the queue area – we used the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass to skip the line – the screens show highlights from the historic tour. Here I also caught my first glimpse of the Studio Tour trams, many of which have been redone into the classic candy pinstripe design from the original 1964 studio tour.

universal studios hollywood trams

Once onboard the tour the video shared the interesting history of Universal first offering visits to the studio lot during the silent movie era and then later creating the studio tour. Jimmy Fallon does a fine job with this narration. The only thing that really stuck out to me during the entire video sequence is that someone who is visiting Universsal for the very first time might wish that there was more on the films and less on the history of the tram tour. That said, as a theme park fan I really enjoyed seeing the historical footage.

jimmy fallon tram tour footage

The first amazing moment and frankly the moment that motivated my entire visit for this tour was pulling into the Hill Valley set area from “Back to the Future”. There in front of the tram was the Delorean and a very convincing Doc Brown. We sat in the perfect seats to interact with the character who had a voice box on to talk with the crowd. You'll want to sit in car three on the left-hand side for the best view of this scene. When we were boarding we were pretty easily able to maneuver to make sure that we got these seats.

back to the future moment

Later in the tour we also spotted this other restored Back to the Future set piece.

back to the future housing development entrance

Next, the tram heads into the Kong section and then over to the Amity Island section where Bruce the shark is still leaping out of the water. This effect is still just as fun and impressive as it was the first time that I ever saw it. Love the fire and the massive shark lunging at the tram.

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shark at universal jumping

There were signs for the 60th anniversary throughout the tour! This was a fun one at Amity Island.

60th anniversary sign amity island

Next was the flash flood area. The same goes for this show scene as the shark scene. Just a ton of fun and a very iconic moment to experience again and again. Our tram took a slightly different route than normal on our tour day because the returning “Earthquake – The Big One” scene was not quite working. I believe we also passed the runaway train which was previously a very cool scene on the tour where the train rushed towards the tram. In this instance, it is just off on the side of the tour and does not move.

bates motel stop

Then, the final big highlight of the tour was getting off the tram at the Bates Motel section to take photos up close with the set and a couple of other photo ops. There were photo ops from Jaws, Fast and Furious, Kong, and the mini Hollywood Sign.

shark photo op

Here's the Fast and Furious photo op!

fast and furious photo op

And the King Kong photo op!

king kong photo op universal studios hollywood

There was also a restored studio tour tram in the style of the 1964 opening trams parked here.

restored universal studios hollywood tram

The logistics of this stop were interesting. Everyone gets off the tram, though I guess you could stay on if you prefer, and then all the trams pull around to the pickup area where you can get back on after you've gotten your fill of the photo ops. I wasn't very interested in waiting for these photo ops so we hopped right back on the tram after taking it all in.

photo op universal studios hollywood tram tour

At the end of the tram tour, they had my favorite photo op which was a cut-out of the tram tour specifically featuring the 60th logo. I was able to snag a picture here without a line by hopping off the tram and moving with haste to get the photo.

Above I've mentioned all of the specific 60th anniversary offerings at the tour but didn't recap every single thing you'll see during the tour which stretches well over an hour and still comprises all the interesting stops from the standard tour. The Fast and Furious tour segment is still lots of fun. We wonder whether that will be replaced when the new Fast and Furious roller coaster debuts . Seeing all of the working bungalows and active sets is also very cool.

What is different between the 60th Anniversary Tour and the regular Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour?

Overall the Universal Studio Tour delivers the same behind-the-scenes access and interesting insights while driving along the same tour route. The tour still goes through all of the show scenes that it did before the anniversary celebration.

The key differences along the route are – festive decorations throughout the entrance area and on the trams themselves, different onboard video/audio narrating the tour, the addition of Doc Brown from “Back to the Future”, some decorations throughout the tour route, the runaway train prop, and finally the stop at the Bates Motel location for the photo ops. You could also count the return of “Earthquake – The Big One” as part of this anniversary tour because it just came back but we expect that will stick around after the tour.

Generally, the studio tram tour looks like it is in great shape and I look forward to seeing what offerings they add next.

We were hosted for this visit to check out the new tram tour, but we visit Universal Studios Hollywood on our own regularly to ensure that our wide-ranging coverage is up to date.

Planning a Southern California Vacation? Get the latest news and discounts on our FREE Mickey Visit newsletter . Be sure to read our guide to planning a Disneyland vacation and our guide to planning a Universal Studios Hollywood vacation .

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‘Walking right into the movie’: Exclusive peek at Universal Orlando’s new DreamWorks Land

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We’re getting our first official look at the new DreamWorks Land coming to Universal Orlando Resort next month, in a video shared first with USA TODAY.

The new land officially opens June 14 at Universal Studios Florida. And while it will be open to all ages, it will be especially welcome among families with young children, who've missed dedicated play space in the park after Woody Woodpecker's KidZone's closing in Jan. 2023. (There are several kids areas at neighboring Universal Islands of Adventure.)

DreamWorks Land will feature a new Trolls-themed roller coaster and several interactive play areas, including a shaded space for the park’s youngest guests and multiple opportunities to get soaking wet. There will also be a live show with singing, dancing, special effects and tons of characters, as well as the chance to meet DreamWorks characters like Gabby of “ Gabby’s Dollhouse ” and characters from the “Shrek,” “Trolls” and “Kung Fu Panda” film franchises in person.

Two of the land’s creators spoke exclusively with USA TODAY in the resort’s first official interview on DreamWorks Land. Here’s what we learned from Dean Orion, who previously worked at DreamWorks and is now creative director of Universal Creative at Universal Orlando Resort, and Michael Vollman, executive vice president of Marketing at DreamWorks Animation, which is owned by Universal Pictures.

Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.

USA TODAY: There’s been a DreamWorks’ presence across Universal parks for a while. How did the idea for this land get dreamed up?

Orion : The former KidZone – the area that we built DreamWorks Land in – was built with the original park, so it goes back 30 years. Parks, you know, they take a lot of wear and tear. They age. The IP (intellectual property) gets a little long in the tooth, and sometimes it's time to refresh. You know very well it takes some time to develop the concepts, ideas and then go through construction, everything, so here we are.

Let's go! Details of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World revealed

Question : There hasn’t necessarily been a “Shrek” film in a while. “ Trolls ” and “ Kung Fu Panda ,” just had relatively recent films. How do you see the longevity of these characters and their ability to connect with guests now?

Vollman : We're very proud of our original movies and our franchises, and these are three of our best and biggest franchises. 

One of the things that’s fantastic is you know Shrek’s been around. It’s 25 years old in 2026. It’s (still) massively popular, and it’s an immersive land. It’s perfect for stuff like this, as is “Trolls” and as is “Kung Fu Panda.” And while I didn’t have a new Shrek, I did have a new “ Puss in Boots ."

There's a timelessness to these characters, but then the closeness of our relationship between DreamWorks and the parks lets us make sure that they're able to be as up to speed and cutting edge as possible. 

Question: We don't want to forget Gabby, right? Also I understand there’s an opportunity toward the front of the land where guests may be able to meet different characters, depending upon what might be newly released down the line.

Vollman: Talk about the ability to get characters from the zeitgeist into the parks. Dean and his team were fantastic. Gabby’s is a huge opportunity for us as a company. We're very proud of the show. Little kids are gonna be able to meet Gabby at a special kiosk that they put together right at the front door of the place. We're very excited about it.  Next to that is the rotating DreamWorks character place, so it'll be pretty much a constant photo opportunity.

Orion: Absolutely. Our challenge, designwise, was where do we put that because we have these three neighborhoods that each represent each one of the IPs. You don't want to stick another IP right in the middle of one of the others. We landed on this spot that's right behind the marquee, because it makes a lot of sense. There's the DreamWorks marquee, and now you can see all the characters right there and so that's where we have Gabby as well.

Question : Kids and families are used to experiencing these characters in 2-D, maybe in a character-meet-and-greet. But let’s talk about being able to be immersed in these lands and feel like they’re in these spaces.

Orion: The three-dimensional thing is quite something in all three areas, but probably the biggest and most striking example is Shrek’s cottage. When you see this structure, you're literally walking right into the movie screen. And we have the meet-and-greet where Shrek and Fiona are going to come out of the house and Donkey’s there chattering up a storm, it really is going to feel incredibly immersive.

Question : Can you tell me about the importance of having this space for families, for younger guests in this park? Not only with brands that they're familiar with on screen, but this place that’s dedicated to play in just their size.

Orion: That was a huge motivation here to create a really fun environment where kids can play freely. We've really consciously tried to put as much interactivity into the land as possible, and to really maximize the fun factor. So there are interactions that are digital. There are interactions that are physical. There are interactions with characters. There are interactions with water. There are animated figures, and there's just tons of shows. There's going to be shows with characters all day long, so it really is going to be just a great destination for families with younger people.

We actually built these huge shade mushrooms in Trolls to just create all this shade. We already had lots of trees, lots of seat walls and benches and stuff, so if Grandma and Grandpa come, they can sit and watch the kids play.

Question : How is the land made to be accessible for guests with disabilities ?

Orion : We put a lot of thought and consideration into ADA accessibility, from the way things are designed. Our entire Shrek play structure has a big ramp that anybody in a wheelchair can get all the way up. There are double handrails. There are closed-captioned glasses. There are standards that we have in the parks. Everything has to go through those requirements.

Question : Is there anything you think guests shouldn’t miss? 

Vollman: The amount of work and love and care that's gone into the DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, I think this show is going to be something really special. We've got 30 years worth of iconic music to play with, 30 years of iconic characters. You get up and dance and clap and sing and have fun. 

Orion: There's a lot of great music, and the dancers are fantastic. And there are big animated characters, There are puppets. There are effects. There are incredible media screens, and it’s in the round, so it's this really 360-degree immersive theater experience.

Question : Can you share any Easter eggs in the land?

Orion : There is a Woody Easter egg in the land, but I'm not going to say where it is. You'll have to come and find it for yourself.

In Shrek’s Swamp, you'll notice some footprints that might be from some ogres around. The outhouse gives you a nice little surprise when you go down the slide.

The interactive gong in Kung Fu Panda has a lot of surprise sounds that you might not expect. 

One last thing: When we were working with the wardrobe team to design the wardrobe for the folks who operate the whole land, the idea came up of having DreamWorks on the back of the shirts, their jackets plus the moon boy logo. One of the things that I loved about working at DreamWorks is that the employees very often refer to themselves as DreamWorkers. It's just a really cool thing most people wouldn't know because it's very internal, and so I thought what a great way to honor them, if all the folks working in the land had DreamWorker on the back of their shirt. And so I asked Mike if that would be OK, and they all loved that idea too. 

Question: How does it feel seeing all this come to life and knowing that guests are just a few weeks from experiencing the land for themselves?

Vollman : It’s like Christmas Eve, opening that present up. People are going to blown away. It's a lovely expression of three great sets of entertaining content. Having it come to life and to be able to run around inside, it's going to be joy.

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Photo tour inside DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida

We got a sneak peek behind the construction walls of DreamWorks Land, opening June 14, 2024 at Universal Studios Florida. Time for photos!

Princess Poppy in DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida

DreamWorks Land Photos

The new DreamWorks Land area occupies real estate formerly belonging to Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone within Universal Orlando Resort’s studio-focused park. Much of the existing infrastructure remains, swapping out the likenesses of Mr. Woodpecker, Curious George, and Barney for characters from DreamWorks Animation’s library of films: “Shrek,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “Trolls,” and more.

Shrekzel in DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida

Ahead of the the June 14 grand opening, come with us as we take a look inside DreamWorks Land with photos captured May 16, 2024 during a media event.

DreamWorks Land entrance sign at Universal Studios Florida

Shrek’s Swamp

Visitors can meet Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey at Shrek’s Swamp Meet. A nearby playground called Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres is a two-level structure with a slide that starts in Shrek’s outhouse and an animatronic Pinocchio.

Shrek's Swamp Meet in DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida

“DreamWorks Imagination Celebration”

The indoor show “DreamWorks Imagination Celebration” stars characters from “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” “Kung Fu Panda,” and “Trolls.” Broppy fans, this is where you can see Branch and Poppy in person. During the show, actors operate puppet versions of Donkey and Dragon from “Shrek.”

Donkey puppet and Shrek in DreamWorks Imagination Celebration

“DreamWorks Imagination Celebration” takes place in the venue that formerly housed “A Day in the Park with Barney” and later “DreamWorks Destination.” The theater-in-the-round layout remains largely the same.

Swamp Snacks and Trolls Treats

Got your eye on a Shrekzel or a Poppylicious Pink Lemonade Soft Serve? Snacks and beverages are available at Swamp Snacks and Trolls Treats, each a walk-up window. DreamWorks Land does not have any quick-service or table-service restaurants.

Swamp Snacks at DreamWorks Land

Read our companion story for a look at the full menus and prices of DreamWorks Land snacks .

Trolls Trollercoaster

Trolls Trollercoaster, a kiddie coaster, retains the same track as Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster. Guests ride on the caterbus from the “Trolls” movies.

Trolls Trollercoaster in DreamWorks Land

Take a virtual ride for yourself in our Trolls Trollercoaster POV video:

Trollercoaster Front Row POV from Dreamworks Land at Universal Studios Florida

Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp

The interactive play area previously known as Curious George Goes to Town is now Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, themed to “Kung Fu Panda.” Several familiar elements remain (like the water dump bucket) and others are new (like a gong).

Po's Kung Fu Training Camp in DreamWorks Land

If you find yourself a victim of the water bucket and want to get dry, you can pay a few bucks to stand in the Ogre Dryer. It’s themed to the Big Bad Wolf from “Shrek.” Signage reads, “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your clothes dry!”

DreamWorks Land dryer

We also experienced “Po Live!,” an interactive meet & greet with Po (think “Turtle Talk with Crush”), but the screen didn’t show up well when photographed. We’ll leave “Po Live!” to your imagination for now.

DreamWorks Land Merchandise

High Five Hideaway (themed after Cloud Guy from “Trolls”) is DreamWorks Land’s retail location, featuring merchandise with individual DreamWorks franchises and some of them together.

DreamWorks Land merchandise

Out and About

DreamWorks Land focuses on interactivity, and as guests explore, they’ll discover areas that aren’t quite full “attractions,” but nonetheless provide play-oriented spaces both traditional and innovative. Such spaces include Poppy’s Playground, Mama Luna Feline Fiesta, and King Harold’s Swamp Symphony.

Mama Luna Feline Fiesta

You might run into some celebrities as you roam about, too.

Princess Poppy in DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida

To accommodate DreamWorks Land, construction crews reconfigured the nearby entrance to E.T. Adventure and installed a new sign, which debuted May 16, 2024.

E.T. Adventure new sign at Universal Studios Florida

DreamWorks Land will officially open to the public June 14, 2024. That evening, Universal Studios Florida will debut a new lagoon show with drones and fireworks called “Cine-Sational: A Symphonic Spectacular” and Universal Islands of Adventure will premiere a new projection show called “Hogwarts Always.” Read more in our previous story:

Universal sets opening dates for parade, drone show, DreamWorks Land

Full Tour of Dreamworks Land at Universal Orlando

If you’re interested in visiting Universal Orlando Resort, we recommend MEI-Travel for a free, no-obligation quote and free help throughout your trip.

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Universal Studios theme park heading to Frisco with 'huge' excitement for project

Universal Studios will build a giant theme park in Frisco, Texas that will rival Disney and Six Flags in scale. The chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, Mark Woodbury, said during a press conference that the huge development will include four to five, interactive, themed parks that are designed for families, as well as a 300-room hotel.

The themes will be based on popular popular Universal Studios characters, according to Page Thompson, president of new ventures for Universal Studios. Minions, Kung Fu Panda, as well as Super Mario Bros characters, could form the basis of the parks, Thompson hinted.

Woodbury, meanwhile, said he was excited to build something "truly exceptional" in Texas . "It’s part of our culture to be an engaged part of the community and we’re excited to be able to have the potential to do that here in Frisco while we bring together something that is truly exceptional," he said, as reported by My San Antonio.

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While there is no set timeline for the project, local luminaries have chimed in and expressed their excitement over the development. Mayor of Frisco Jeff Cheney said that he is “advocating” for a Nintendo-themed land.

The project, stretching over a 2,500-acre site, will be built right off the Dallas North Tollway. It is expected that the experiences package could offer excitement over one or two days for families.

Public records in Texas show that, in the area of the proposed site, advertisements for Disney and Six Flags has been barred. The same records show that a Delaware-based shell company called FTNV Corp purchased the site, called Frisco Fields. No further information is available, except that the documents call for the construction of a theme park.

Interestingly, exempt from the barred advertising list are Universal Studios and Cedar Fair Entertainment Co, who previously acquired Schlitterbahn water parks in Galveston and New Braunfels in 2019.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

A Universal Studios theme park is coming to Frisco, Texas

Universal Studios Begins “Total Overhaul,” Multiple Attractions Prepare for Permanent Closure

in Universal Studios

Rotating globe with the Universal Studios logo, under a clear blue sky, welcoming visitors to an adventurous theme park experience.

Major developments are on the horizon for Universal Studios Orlando (also called Universal Orlando Resort), and they’re not all related to the currently constructed theme park, Epic Universe.

Aerial photo of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort is on the cusp of significant transformation , as it prepares to debut the highly anticipated DreamWorks Land. This vibrant overhaul of the former Woody Woodpecker KidZone is just the beginning of sweeping changes that are set to redefine the park.

Alongside the excitement, there are murmurs of potential closures for several iconic attractions, including Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Fast & Furious: Supercharged, and The Simpsons Ride. While Universal has yet to confirm these rumors, insiders suggest that the park is gearing up for a substantial shift in its attraction lineup.

DreamWorks Land: A new beginning at Universal Studios Florida

This summer marks the grand opening of DreamWorks Land, a colorful and immersive area within Universal Studios Florida. Scheduled to debut on June 14, this new land draws inspiration from some of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved franchises, including Shrek , Trolls , and Kung Fu Panda .

Universal DreamWorks land - Shrek, Donkey and Puss posing in front of the Universal Studios Globe.

DreamWorks Land promises to be a family-friendly haven with interactive play areas, character meet-and-greets, and an all-new indoor live show experience. Visitors can look forward to exploring Shrek’s Swamp, riding the Trollercoaster, and interacting with Po in the Panda Village.

The new land will also host Annual Passholder Previews at select times from May 24 to May 27.

Video, but really: audio. Different background music today outside of DreamWorks Land. Five samples heard here. pic.twitter.com/oeBNA5Rs3Q — bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 14, 2024

DreamWorks Land aims to offer a multisensory experience that will captivate guests of all ages. One of the highlights is DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, a live show that will bring stories from DreamWorks Animation to life in a way never seen before. The area will also feature unique treats and numerous photo-worthy moments, ensuring that every visit is memorable.

Rumored Closures: Universal Studios in transition

As Universal Orlando Resort ushers in this new era, rumors of significant closures loom large. Hollywood Rip Ride RockIt, the towering roller coaster known for its customizable music experience, is said to be a prime candidate for closure. Despite its popularity, the ride has faced operational challenges and maintenance issues, leading some to speculate that its days are numbered.

Fast & Furious: Supercharged is another attraction under scrutiny. Despite its relatively recent addition to the park, the ride has received mixed reviews, with many guests feeling it doesn’t quite capture the high-octane excitement of the film franchise. Its potential closure could pave the way for a new attraction that better aligns with Universal’s evolving vision.

The loop of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida at nighttime

The future of The Simpsons Ride is perhaps the most intriguing. Universal’s contract rights with The Simpsons are set to expire in 2028, prompting speculation about the long-term viability of the attraction. Given the cultural significance and enduring popularity of The Simpsons, any decision to close or replace the ride will be met with considerable interest and likely some controversy.

New experiences already confirmed for this summer

While the potential closures may evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss among longtime fans, Universal Orlando Resort is also introducing an array of new experiences designed to delight and entertain.

CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular

Debuting on June 14, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular is set to be a showstopper. This new nighttime lagoon show will celebrate the emotional power of music by featuring iconic scores and scenes from Universal’s vast catalog of blockbuster films. Guests can expect to see and hear favorites from Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future , and many more.

The show will utilize cutting-edge technology, including 228 fountains, 4K projection mapping, and more than 600 drones, to create a breathtaking display. The meticulously crafted scores will enhance the emotional impact of each scene, making CineSational a must-see for all park visitors.

A happy family enjoying their time at the entrance of Universal Studios, with the iconic rotating globe in the background.

Universal Mega Movie Parade

On July 3, Universal Studios Florida will unveil its largest daytime parade to date: Universal Mega Movie Parade. This spectacular celebration will feature 13 brand new floats, nearly 100 performers, and a variety of special effects. Iconic movies like E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, and Jurassic World will come to life in a vibrant and energetic display.

The parade will showcase memorable moments from these films, with highlights including a 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters and a Gyrosphere from Jurassic World. Fans can also look forward to themed merchandise and interactive bubble wands that will enhance the parade experience.

Hogwarts Always: A Castle Projection Show

The magic of the Wizarding World continues with the debut of Hogwarts Always on June 14 at Universal Islands of Adventure. This new projection show will take guests on a journey through iconic moments at Hogwarts, all set against the backdrop of the majestic castle.

Featuring four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house, the show will culminate in a dazzling pyrotechnic display. Familiar voices like Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid will add to the immersive experience, making it a highlight for fans of all ages.

Hogwarts at Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure

Universal Studios Orlando is embracing change

As Universal Orlando Resort prepares for a total overhaul, the blend of new attractions and potential closures signifies a period of transformation and growth. While the rumored end of beloved rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Fast & Furious: Supercharged, and The Simpsons Ride might be bittersweet, the introduction of DreamWorks Land and other new experiences promises to usher in an exciting new chapter for the park.

Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort, aptly summarized the park’s vision: “We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night. These new experiences – coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks – will allow our guests to create lasting memories that will make this summer truly unforgettable.”

What do you think of the major developments happening at Universal Orlando Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!

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Is Halloween Horror Nights WORTH IT at Universal Orlando?

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Halloween Horror Nights is an iconic event at Universal Orlando that is beloved by many.

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But if you’ve never been before, how can you find out if it’s right for you? Well, for starters, you can check out our page dedicated to explaining all you need to know about the spooky event. There are haunted houses, exclusive snacks, and great entertainment. Plus, we’ve broken down all you need to know to decide if Halloween Horror Nights are worth the money right here!

Our number #1 Halloween Horror Nights fan and expert here on the team is none other than Quincy herself! She keeps up with all the lore of each event, and genuinely really loves attending each year.

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After chatting with her and some other fans on the team, we ‘ve determined that this event is DEFINITELY worth it for anyone who loves horror!  Why exactly though? Let’s break it down!

What You Get for the Cost

Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights start at $82.99 on less busy nights (Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights usually), and go as high as $122.99 on Saturday nights closer to Halloween. Yes, that’s cheaper than some of the CHEAPEST Disney World after-hours events !

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For this price, you get access to 10 Haunted Houses, 5 scare zones, special live entertainment shows, and hopping on Universal Orlando rides with little to no waits. There’s so much to do at this event that there’s almost always no time to do it all in one night, but since these tickets are less expensive than other special event tickets at places like Disney World, it may even be affordable to go more than once!

Express Pass Is AFFORDABLE

If you NEED to do everything in one night, you’ll want to invest in an Express Pass , which allows you to skip the line at every Haunted House once . While these tickets are more expensive, starting at $129.99 and going as high as $239.99, it may be worth it if your goal is to get on every ride.

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Now, the high end of that is HIGH, but it’s worth it for a lot of horror fans. And if you go earlier in the season or on a less busy night, you still could be paying less than a Disney World after-hours ticket costs to pretty much ensure you can do EVERYTHING . Lines for these houses can get very long, so this is a great way to save yourself hours.

Scream Early Pass

If splurging for the Express Pass isn’t your thing, Quincy recommends going in September and getting the Scream Early Ticket !

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This add-on to your regular Halloween Horror Nights ticket usually costs around $40 . You’ll be able to enter Universal Orlando at 3PM, and then proceed to the Stay and Scream holding area around 5PM, which usually allows you early access to at least one house, if not two or three . This is how Quincy is able to get to all the houses without splurging for Express Pass!

Daytime Tours Are a Thing!

If you love the hard work and artistry of horror, but absolutely hate being scared, then you’ll love this option — you can tour 3 or 6 haunted houses during the DAY with the Halloween Horror Nights Behind-the-Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour !

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This tour takes around 5 hours and ranges from $99.99-$149.99 for 3 houses and from $179.99-$199.99 for 6 houses . You’ll be able to walk through the houses with the lights on and take in the houses without the jump scares in the dark! Limited slots are available spanning from mid August-early November, so you’ll want to grab your ticket faster than regular tickets for these tours. Plus, you do NOT need regular theme park admission — yay for saving money!

You Can Group Your Ticket In With a Hotel Stay!

If you’re looking to make a whole trip out of your Halloween Horror Nights venture, you can bundle your HHN tickets with regular theme park admission AND a hotel stay! 

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It may not seem like it at first, but that means you’re saving money and making sure you can do EVERYTHING in both parks! If you’re not planning on spending a full day in the parks, then bundling a regular admission ticket with a Halloween Horror Night ticket might not make sense for you, but if you plan on spending a couple of days at Universal, this could be a great option.

tour of universal studios

However, if you’ve got members in your party that are younger than 13 or anyone who want absolutely NOTHING TO DO with horror, PLEASE don’t drag them through this experience. As we learned from poor Emma, who is not a fan of horror, going through the experience, it’s usually the furthest thing from fun for them.

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We’ll be updating you on all the latest Halloween Horror Nights news as it comes out, so you can continue to make the best choice for you and your party, so stay tuned to AllEars!

9 houses Halloween Horror Nights fans are BEGGING to see this year!

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What are you most looking forward to at Halloween Horror Nights this year? Tell us in the comments!

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One Reply to “Is Halloween Horror Nights WORTH IT at Universal Orlando?”

I’ve always enjoyed Halloween Horror Nights, but once I tried it with an Express Pass, there was no turning back. You spend so much time on your feet walking and standing in queue lines, it’s legit exhausting. In fact, I’ve spent full days in Epcot without feeling the same level of exhaustion that I get at Horror Nights, so I consider an Express Pass to be profoundly worth the splurge. I’ve never waited longer than 10 minutes to get inside a haunted house on nights when waits could get up to 90 minutes. Without an Express Pass, I might find myself waiting a total of 4 and a half hours to see three houses, and before I know it, the clock is approaching midnight with 7 houses left to see and I haven’t made time for any rides or shows. My humble advice: Treat yourself.

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In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and Museum

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

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Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

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To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

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The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

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Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

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The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

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At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

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The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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  28. Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and Museum

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