SCREAMING LIKE A GIRL AT UNIVERSAL

DAY 3: Universal Studios, LA

Today we decided to take on Universal Studios. I'm so glad we didn't pay the extra 50 bucks for the queue jump pass as we didn't queue for anything once, accept the studio tour which was a 15 minute wait, but that was ok. I think the weather had scared people off, but it worked out well for us as it was pretty dead. I can't imagine it's ever been like that so we considered ourselves lucky.

The studio tour was good, the best bit being the King Kong 3-D experience - amazing! With the studio tour done, we decided to take in the Special Effects show. We didn't really like this as it ruined some of the magic of the movies, and we had to endure the tacky presenters. There was a little girl who was asked on stage with her family to help out with the show, who when asked her name, she replied; 'Hannah Banana'. We laughed so much but then realised that could actually be her name.

The rain had really started to hammer down now so it was on with the mac-in-a-sac and off to find a coffee, a sticky bun and some shelter. When the rain eased off we went in search of the real rides.

Normally, I'm the official coat and bag holder when it comes to rides but I decided to overcome this fear today. We started with The Mummy ride - a roller coaster in complete darkness that goes 0-60 in a second flat. And then backwards too! It's safe to say I think I amused everyone on the ride, especially Jen - she said it sounded like someone was trying to kill me.

Next up, Jurassic Park. This is a log flume ride with the steepest drop I've ever seen at the end of the ride. More screaming from me and more laughing from Jen.

The most unbelievable event of the day had to be the Shrek 4-D experience. It was breathtaking how they can make the fairy appear right in front of your face and when Donkey sneezes he actually sneezes on you. We got to meet Donkey in his waffle cart afterwards, and got him to say happy birthday to James. He also wants to be in Train Club.

We headed back home and decided we'd have a Taco Bell for dinner as we'd never tried it before. Mmmmmmm! Why isn't there one of these in the UK? And if there is, why aren't there more?

After our meal I convinced Jen we should go to this bar over the street from the hotel. It was called Joker but it was no joke being in there. It was the kind of bar that had a few regulars sat at the bar, a man playing pool on his own and the kind of atmosphere that said it could kick off at any given moment. This must have happened before as the darts had rubber tips. So we stayed for a drink, but decided to drink it as quickly as possible before I got a pool cue wrapped around my head.

After exiting the bar sharply we went to get some water from the local supermarket. What a freak show. Everyone in there had something wrong with them. I felt safer in the bar we'd just come from. We finally found some water and headed back for some shut-eye.

Quotes of the Day:

Nath:
'I feel like I'm on a film set'
(whilst listening to the Jurassic Park soundtrack at Universal Studios - probably the biggest film set in the world!)

Jen:
'Let's do the Mummy ride, then we can do Hong Kong'
(meaning the King Kong ride)

Nath:
'Coldwater Canyon?' Now that's a place'
(reading a sign on the freeway)