Universal Studios

We skipped the free hotel breakfast this morning, as it was a plate of tiny tired muffins and urn coffee in a standing-only hallway covered in dingy carpet. Thanks but no thanks. Instead, we opted for that American icon (Maccas) before heading off to Universal Studios.

$750 later/poorer, we walked in the front gates to the cacophony of noise that accompanies amusement parks world over. After the obligatory photo in front of the Universal Studios globe, we headed straight for the Despicable Me experience. With 4D effects blowing smells, hot/cold, and tilting cars; Rory decided that the rides were not for him. In fact, after one ride he noted "I extremely regret joining this queue".

The studio tour was extremely interesting, looking at the sets and sound stages where many mainstream movies were produced. Universal city really is a small metropolis, created specifically for illusion, with cityscapes of all description created just facade deep. We wandered through districts of New York, Paris, San Francisco, Asia, and from various periods. Rory was fascinated when we stopped on a tram in 'Mexico' and it started to rain heavily. Shortly thereafter we experienced a flash flood when tonnes of water poured down the street, rocking the tram, and carrying away various wooden structures. Both kids were astonished to find that the whole thing was artificial, including the rain and the flood, as it was very realistic.

The studio tour included the new King Kong immersive experience, where the team enters a huge hall with 'jungle' all around. The jungle is actually 360 degrees of hi definition video screen, but impossible to discern with 3D glasses on. The following five minutes are an absolute assault on the senses, as King Kong does battle with various dinosaurs. When they splash into the water, passengers on the tram are similarly drenched. When the dinosaur roars right at the tram, hot fetid breath washes over the vehicle. And when the fighting beasts crash against the tram, it tilts at an alarming angle. India loved every minute of this, and Rory screamed himself hoarse whilst cursing each of the beasts and his parents for taking him on the tram tour.

The Shrek show was a bit disturbing, with seats that grabbed you at various moments. Doubly amusing was when Donkey dropped a handful of big hairy spiders (in 3d) and suddenly furry legs from underneath the seats scuttled against occupant's ankles. There were plenty of feet up on the seats to accompanying squeals during that scene.

After six hours of non-stop kid fun, we piled back into the car for a short drive down to Santa Monica. We have just finished a delightful dinner on the 3rd Street promenade, and have found a nearby hotel on the Internet whilst eating. Off to sleep real soon. Hopefully no construction zone tonight.