WAMG Checks Out Universal Studios Hollywood’s “King Kong 360 3-D”

KONG: THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD has returned.

My favorite theme park has always been Universal Studios Hollywood. For movie lovers, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. Movie-themed attractions, games, food and rides, not to mention the world famous Tram Tour that takes visitors on a tour of a working Hollywood movie studio back lot.

You get to see where famous movies and TV shows, past and present were filmed and there are surprises around every corner. I go at least 3 times a year, when friends and family visit, or to just check out the latest attractions and rides.

So you can imagine my horror back in June 2008 when a fire broke out and burned down a huge portion of the back lot. Among the casualties was the King Kong attraction that was part of the tram tour. They would drive the tram into a huge soundstage and you were instantly transported to New York City where the famous ape was running amok. The fun special effects included fire, smoke, helicopters, and search lights, all leading to the final climax where Kong himself roars at the guests on the tram, banana breath and all. Needless to say it was cool.

When it was announced that the new King Kong attraction was finally ready to re-open, I knew it was something I had to see. And I must admit I was a bit skeptical. It bragged of CGI and 3-D special effects created by no other than Peter Jackson himself, famed movie director of the 2005 remake of King Kong. The CGI and 3-D technology that has become such a huge part of blockbuster, adventure, and animated movies of late is fun, but some critics and movie fans claim that after awhile, it all starts to look the same, and I have to agree. This was my concern going in.

But I have to admit, the minute that tram entered the soundstage, that was all out the window. This was some serious fun. On either side of the tram are 2 giant screens. As we enter Skull Island , we are instructed to put on our 3-D glasses and we are transported deep into the jungle right in the middle of a fierce battle. As our tram is attacked by some amazingly realistic 3-D dinousaurs, King Kong comes to the rescue and kicks some serious dinosaur butt. It’s so exciting, you have to see it for yourself.

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Part 4

This is one of those attractions that if it were separate from the tram tour, you would want to do it over and over again. I highly suggest that if you live in SoCal or are planning to visit, take a day to go to Universal Studios Hollywood and experience King Kong 360 3D.

You can find Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook here.

Visit the official site at : http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/