Universal Studios

I don't even remember the last time I was at Universal.  I vaguely remember seeing Backdraft on the Studio Tour.  I also recall seeing Waterworld.  And I have spots of images of being on the ET ride where they say your name upon ending the ride... cuz I was surprised technology was able to do that.  No matter... this time at Universal.... it was a whole new experience.

We paid for early park admittance and got to Super Mario world right away... and upon coming out of the tunnel and seeing the world... it was utterly breath-taking.  Things that a little boy that tried to play Super Mario Bros only dream of.  From the sliding shell... to the spinning coins... to the "?" blocks.... and piranha plant.  Every last detail was impeccable.  On the flip side... with all the hoopla about the Mario Kart ride... it was very, very meh.  We got in so early... we actually rode it twice.  And on the 2nd time... I was soooo bored I just wanted it to end.   After it ended... we explored the rest of the Lower Lot.  And each ride... was also truly inspiring.  Jurassic World.  Mummy.  Transformer.  

It inspired to the kids to want to watch the movies to fully appreciate the immersion.  

When we got to the upper lot... we hit Hogsmeade right away.  And just like Super Mario world, it did not disappointed.  Too bad I'm not a Harry Potter fan.  I know just enough to get by... but I'm sure there were a lot of hidden jokes and innuendos that true fans would geek out on.  The two rides, were night and day.  One ride was so thrilling... it got me sick.  I don't recommend it.  The other coaster ride was so short... I laughed out loud and how short and stupid it was.  

I kind of got motion sickness from Mummy and the Quidditch ride... so I spent most of the time walking around with NN.  Including Springfield... which was, once again, extremely immersive and tear-jerking.  But alas... I'm not a Simpson fan... or a Secret Life of Pets fan... or Minions fan.  These were all great franchises... that I'm but a casual fan for.

And I come too realize... that inspite of Universal's heavy investment in the various rides and lands... and detailed design and attention to detail.... all their rides were nothing but AR and video simulations with some water to get the 4D experience.  You look around, there are hardly any kids there.  It's not catered for families.  

Lastly... the Studio Tour... the one constant that has been part of Universal all these years... down to the jumping shark... was so sleeping inducing and deflating.  Universal turns out, is nothing more than a traveling county fair under the sheepskin of the movies and glitz.  There is no soul.  Definitely no magic.  Will I come back....? Probably when we have grandkids.