Universal Studios Hollywood, marketed as "The Entertainment Capital of LA," is a movie studio and theme park and is one of Southern California's most visited attractions. It was originally created to provide soundstage and set tours but has since rivaled Disneyland in popularity as a theme park. Founded in 1912 by German immigrant Carl Laemmle, the Universal Pictures studio used to sit on a chicken farm, where tourists are charged 24 cents to watch the actual filming of movies. The carnival barker-style of the tour proved to be a distraction for the filmmakers so it was abolished, five decades later though, the idea was picked up again and resurrected with a vengeance. Today, Universal Studios is one of the largest film and television studio in the world, with over 9,000 employees and a long and proud history of film-making including its two highest-grossing movies of all time, "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial" and "Jurassic Park."

Go behind the scenes where Hollywood movies and television shows are made and where Hollywood?s biggest stars work daily. Universal Studios Hollywood has rides, shows, and attractions that put you inside the thrilling action of your favorite TV shows and movies, including The War of the Worlds, King Kong, and ABC's Desperate Housewives. At Universal Studios Hollywood, you'll learn all the interesting details about Hollywood movie-making and behind-the-scenes secrets of special effects production; enjoy thrilling roller coaster rides themed to smash cinema hits; see actual film sets that through a tram tour of the Universal Studios Back Lot.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a venue for the whole family to enjoy. Every corner is a new big adventure waiting to be explored. Overwhelm your senses with all the cool things to do at Universal CityWalk and its various restaurants and shopping options where you can buy souvenirs, toys, clothing, and more. The theme park is open from 9:00AM till 7:00PM, but the park hours can be extended for special occasions and weekends.