Universal Studios

This morning we caught the metro to Universal Studios... and we then spent the entire day there, without managing to do everything!

Here's what we got to do:

1. Saw "Shrek 4D". OMG, I love Shrek and this attraction was just fantastic! For anyone who has never done anything like this before, it's basically a new mini-storyline to the movie that is not only in 3D (yes, we wore silly-looking glasses), but it also includes physical enhancements. Eg. movement, moisture and wind. We really loved it. Have I said that before?
2. Went on a "Studio Tour". This pretty much involved us sitting on a bus that went behind the scenes and into the actual studio area of Universal. It was really very interesting. We spent a lot of time on Wisteria Lane though.
3. Watched "Animal Planet". This is basically a live animal show that uses everything from birds to cats, rats, dogs and monkeys to entertain the audience. And they did.
4. Went to "Waterworld". This is perhaps where I laughed the hardest, and it had nothing to do with show. The show itself did have some amazing stunts in it, particularly when they crashed a sea plane in front of the audience. One word for those of you who may go to Universal one day (and this was the bit that had me laughing so hard), if they tell you that you WILL get wet sitiing in a particular seat... believe them!
5. Rode "Jurassic Park- The Ride". Adie and I were both feeling a little nervous about this ride because it went into a big building and we had no idea what might be lurking there. By the time we got into the boat we felt quite relaxed and we enjoyed the leisurely cruise. Let's just say that pretty soon, while our worst fears were not confirmed, the drop was a bit steeper and longer than expected!
6. Explored the "Special Effects Stages". As we were in line for this one a lady came out and asked for a male volunteer. Before any of us knew what was happening, Adie had his hand up. How unlike my boy! Anyway, he was chosen to help out and we were ushered to the front of the line. He had to sign a release form and then he was taken away from me.

Anyway, he had a ball up on stage, being chained to a wall moaning in what was supposed to be pain, and having his arm cut off. He did all of this so that the audience could learn about special effects and how they are created.

After the Special Effects Stage we pretty much went home. It had been a long, long day. There were so many rides that we didn't go on, but not much that we didn't see. Apparently the Universal Studios in Orlando is even bigger and better, but we'll have to save that for another trip because I'm hanging out for DisneyWorld!