Approximately 415 acres of this unincorporated area is the property of Universal Studios, one of the six major film studios in the United States. The 70 percent portion of the property remains unincorporated to avoid the City of Los Angeles' business taxes and regulations. Universal is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. The general public is drawn the area of Universal City largely by its namesake theme Universal Studios Hollywood, which was initially created in order to conduct tours of Universal's studios, sets and backlots. Because the attractions carry with them a great deal of promotional value, there is a frequent turnover rate in openings and closures. The park’s enduring signature ride is The Studio Tour, a 45-minute ride which uses tram vehicles to take the visitors to the theme park's back-lot and includes King Kong: 360 3-D, the world's largest 3-D experience. It also passes through sets from Jurassic Park and the Bates Motel from Psycho. On Universal’s lower lot is home to three thrill rides: Jurassic Park: The Ride, The NBC Universal Experience, Revenge of the Mummy and most recently Transformers: The Ride.
You can also shop like a stargazer thanks to Universal CityWalk, a shopping and entertainment districts located adjacent to the theme parks. Within the Los Angeles city limits is 10 Universal City Plaza, a 36-floor office building for Universal and NBC. Also nearby is The Burbank Studios (formerly NBC Burbank Studios) where The Tonight Show with Jay Leno was recorded until very recently. Productions currently recorded there include Access Hollywood, Access Hollywood Live, Days of our Lives and various Nickelodeon shows. When you decide what you will be doing every minute of your star-studded vacation, rest easy knowing you’ve established the production base when you stay at one of our Choice Hotels in Universal City, CA. Book a room online now!