Los Angeles 2013: Trip Report

By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"

For two days, I was up in the Los Angeles area. The two main places I visited were Universal Studios Hollywood and the Tam O' Shanter. This trip report will tell my trip in full details:

 

 

November 25, 2013: Today's "big" adventure was spent mostly in the car. We left my house at around 6:00PM and got to Los Angeles at 9:00PM. Because this was a last minute trip and mainly there for Universal Studio's Grinchmas Ceremony, our hotel did not have to be "grand."

 

We stayed at the Dixie Hollywood Hotel. The location of the hotel was great for us, as it was on Hollywood Blvd, and close to the freeway. (This prevented us from getting into traffic on our way up to Universal Studios the next day.) Overall, it was a good stay. It wasn't anything special. The beds were a little hard, making it  kind of hard to sleep in. The rooms were nice. Out of 10, I would rate the hotel a 6.

 

 

November 26, 2013: At around 8:00, we headed up to Universal Studios Hollywood. It was only a 5 minute drive from the Dixie Hotel.

 

Walking through City Walk, we saw all of the nice Christmas decorations.

 

 

 

Last week, I got an invite from Universal Studios. They asked if I would be available Tuesday because Florence Henderson (actress and talk show host) would be awarded the ‘Who-Manitarian of the Year'. She got this award because of all her good deeds with the City of Hope. This special ceremony kicked off the start of Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood, a month long event, celebrating the holiday season.

 

Sadly, the event was postponed until Wednesday, so I was unable to attend. (Only up in Los Angeles for 2 days.) I was a little sad that I would have to miss the ceremony, but a day roaming around the park made up for it!

 

 

Even though its not even Thanksgiving, Universal Studios Hollywood was decorated for Christmas. (or Grinchmas) The park does such a great job decorating during this time of year!
 

My first stop was the year-old Transformers THE RIDE: 3D attraction. Because the park just opened up, the wait time was only 10 minutes. Worked out perfectly.
 

 

I had a lot of fun on this ride. Everything seemed so real. I have never been a fan of 3D though, as it always hurts my eyes. Besides that, the ride was fantastic and a "must see".

 

After Transformers, I headed across the way to Jurassic Park. I believe this is one of the most beautiful attractions ever created. I love water rides, and this was no different. It is so beautiful going through Jurassic Park and admiring the plants, "animals" and waterfalls.

After the splashful ride, I went back to the main entrance, hoping to catch the taping of "Extra".


Walking back, I ran into my good friend Doc Brown from Back to the Future. He commented on my hair and said we "have the same kind of hairstyle." (Except my hair color is brown) It was great!

At around 10:45, I arrived at the front gates of Universal Studios Hollywood. I came at a great time, as they were in the middle of filming "Extra." Extra is a celebrity entertainment and gossip TV show. Its hosted by Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos. The show is taped weekdays at Universal Studios Hollywood. Anyone in the area can partake as a "live audience member". I spent some time watching the show being filmed and movie magic being made!
 

 

There was a lot of interaction between the crowd and hosts Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos.
 

 

 

 

Be sure to check your local listing time and see when Extra is on.

 

After about 15 minutes watching the taping, I went back into Universal Studios Hollywood!

 

I went over to the Grinchmas section of the park. It looked really great. This was where the ceremony was supposed to take place that day.

 

It really does look fantastic. Universal always does such a great job with Grinchmas!
 

 

After a quick look around, I went over to the Studio Tour. The Studio Tour is my favorite attraction in the park. It takes you down to the "Backlot" where all the movies are being filmed.

 

 

The tour is 45 minutes long and is well worth it! I brought 2 cameras along, giving you multiple views.
 

 

Here, I will show some of my favorite stops:
 

The NBC TV show "The Voice" films at Universal Studios Hollywood! The show is one of my favorite competition shows around!


 

One of my favorite movies is "Back to the Future". I was so excited to see the "Hill Valley" set on the Backlot! Certainly a highlight.
 

 

 

Another fun destination on the tour is the "Flash Flood" scene. It shows you that Hollywood can make any weather occur at any time. (Even in sunny Southern California!)
 

 

 

During our visit, they were actually taping an show for the Hallmark Channel!

 

During times like this, we all have to be silent! It was great!

 

Not too long after, we entered a soundstage. The set was of a subway station. It seemed all calm at first, but later was an earthquake!

  

 

 

 

After the earthquake, we traveled all the way to the coast of Amity Island, where Jaws was filmed!
 

We even got a visit from Bruce the Shark himself!
 

 

 

After a few more stops, we made our way over to the Who-ville set.

 

The Who's from Who-ville were out singing for the season. (or just practicing for the upcoming Grinchmas.)

 

 

Around the corner, we paid a visit to the Bates Motel!
 

 

 

 

This is just a few of the many segments on the Studio Tour! I had a wonderful time aboard the tram and hope to return again!

After the trip through movie making, I got a quick bite to eat and headed over to the Simpson's Ride!
 

 

Since its opening, The Simpsons Ride has always been one of my favorites! The 15 minute wait was well worth it, as I was able to virtually visit Springfield.
 

 

The whole experience from the queue to the ride ending is fantastic. I actually like the queue just as much as the ride!
 

 

 

To end my trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, I visited the Universal's House of Horrors. I started liking scary attractions last October, so I have never been "excited" to go in the House of Horrors. I did it once many years ago and did not like it. This time, I LOVED IT! It reminded me of Halloween Horror Nights and the Scream Zone. Perfect! it got me right back into the Halloween spirit.

 

After that, I made my way towards the front entrance! Extra was still in taping, so I decided to stick around a little longer.

 

The crowd was even bigger this time as more audience interaction began! It was great!
 

Who knows, I might be on TV this week!

After about 20 minutes, I left Universal City and headed to Griffith Park! I have always wanted to see the carousel that inspired Disneyland!


Sadly, the carousel is only open on the weekends, so it was closed!





A little while after that, I visited the Tam O' Shanter! The Tam is a unique restaurant located not too far from Hollywood Bowl and Warner Brother Studios. The restaurant has been operated for over 90 years. It was a place where Walt Disney and his Imagineers would frequently come for a bite to eat. I was able to sit at Walt Disney's table #31.

 

 

The reason I know about the Tam O' Shanter is because of the month long Optimist game, that took place during the summer. Some of the clues were at the Tam O' Shanter.

 

On Walt Disney's table are special carvings that gave Optimists clues:
 

I really enjoyed eating dinner at the Tam O' Shanter. They have great employees who make you feel very welcome. The food is really great. I had the "Crispy Brick Chicken" and finished the whole thing. The portions are very large and are great for a long day.



 

I really recommend eating at the Tam O' Shanter. The prices are high, but its worth it. Out of 10, I would rate the Tam O' Shanter a 9.

Great food, great service!

 

Be sure to make reservations, as it can fill up. For more information, visit www.lawrysonline.com/tam-oshanter.com
 

 

And that marked the end of my Los Angeles trip. I had a great time and will for sure return!