There are very few film franchise’s that get me the way Jurassic Park/World does. Maybe it’s part nostalgia as I was a nipper when the first one came out or maybe it’s because I have a bit of a soft spot for the dinosaurs. Whatever it is I love the movies and can’t wait for the next instalment in 2021.
Until then, there’s another way to get your Jurassic World fix, by visiting Universal Studios Hollywood and experiencing their Jurassic World Ride.
Jurassic Park: The Ride first opened in 1996 and as much as I’ve loved riding it at Universal Studios Hollywood over the years it was time for an update so I was stoked that Jurassic World: The Ride officially welcomed guests from this summer.
Last month I paid a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood to check it out for myself. As you come down the escalator from the upper section of the theme park the new entrance gates to Jurassic World are instantly visible, there is a new merch shop and a new bar (serving Is Nubar inspired cocktails) too.
The ride itself starts off pretty similarly and follows the same route as before but it’s only a few seconds on when Jurassic World starts to come to life. The rafts (the same ones from the old ride but with a new paint job) sail into a huge ‘aquarium’ lined with screens securing a giant Mosasaurus behind them.
As you enter the aquarium it’s obvious that the ride has gone hi-tech and the once tranquil first half has been absolutely ramped up a few gears, it’s fantastic. Expect to get wet from this point onwards!
Without giving it all away, there are a few more dinosaur encounters as you make your way through Predator Cove and a few more splash points before the big finale inside Tyrannosaurus Rex Kingdom.
I came off absolutely buzzing, soaking wet (thankfully the Californian sun had dried me off in a short space of time) and dying to ride it again but I spotted ‘Blue’ from the movies heading over to the Character encounter spot by the entrance so I headed there instead.
Jurassic World is always one of the most popular rides at the park, so I’d advise making a beeline for it as soon as you arrive in the morning or considering the Universal Express Pass if you’re not a fan of long queues.
Book your tickets at Universalstudioshollywood.com.
