Like MGM Studios before it, I'm underimpressed by the idea of "Ooh boy wow an actual movie studio!" Like Planet Hollywood, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Hollywood tours in Los Angeles, the idea of fame and glamour as sold to the masses is fairly unappetizing to me. Luckily, like MGM, Universal has gone out of its way to be more then that, and to have appeal that reaches further then that in their attractions.

RIDES WE MUST RIDE

The Mummy - Unfortunately, I can't tell you much about this ride because Universal Studios is keeping it fairly quiet. But we know this much, it is going to be a combination dark ride, themed show and launched rollercoaster. It will also be opening in 2004, so we'll probably be riding it for this trip.

Terminator 2 3D Battle Across Time - A show that combines live action and 3D film directed by James Cameron.

Men In Black Alien Attack - A shoot 'em up darkride where, outfitted with laser guns, you get to shoot lots of aliens.

Back to the Future The Ride - A dark ride involving a huge projected screen, a lot of bumping and a Back to the Future themed plot.

Jaws - In short, you board a boat that gets attacked by large animatronic sharks.

RIDES WE MAY RIDE

Earthquake: The Big One - First you sit through a demonstration on how the effects for Earthquake were made (um... isn't that a cheezy seventies movie?). Then you board a subway train where a real earthquake is simulated.