Thursday and I was planning on going to USJ at some point while I was in Osaka. I thought a weekday would be an unhurried less crowded day to visit the theme park. Just off the loop line at Nishikujo.transfer to the Yumesaki line.
A Citywalk is lined with shops and restaurants alongside a hotel or two. Just like the original location in LA. Not sure about Orlando. You come upon the main entrance to Universal Studios Japan. From the picture, you see the Hollywood Dream jet coaster. If you look close enough,you will notice that the main archway is under renovation and what you see is a pciture on a covering.
The park hasnt quite opened and a number of people are waiting to buy tickets and get in. More people than I was expecting or hoping for.
After getting past the hurdles of tickets and entry gates, you make your way onto the park grounds and are immediately hit by the massive marketting and licensing onsloaught
You come upon the intersection and must decide which way to go. Left, forward or right? Each direction hold stheir own attractions but the park is small enough that you will eventually get back around anyway. So I went right
The areas are sectioned off into Hollywood, San Francisco, New York, Jaws, Wonderland, and Harry Potter. Granted its winter so a number of attractions were closed. However, some attractions would not open for a few more weeks and stand there taunting you. Taunting that you you are here too early and wont be able to have any fun trying it out.
To the right of the Hollywood main drage is the Hollywood Dream roller coaster, or as they call it jet coaster. One car traverses the tracks backwards and there is a seperate line for that.
A mock Walk of Fame gives the feel of being there for some.
A hamburger restaurant is dressed up as the famous Mel's Drive-In from movies like American Grafitti
I progress to the Jaws area. As I do, I begin to notice the group dynamic at play. Packs of people found to be dressed in identical fashion. Later it goes beyond and people begin to dress in particular themes like Minions or Jarry Potter.
Each section usually has a restaurant. In Amityville you would think the specialty here would be fish and chips. but they dont serve that here. You need to go to Harry Potter to find that.
The Jaws ride was closed and that left this as the main attraction. Yes, have your picture taken with a large fake shark
Again I move on and make my way to San Francisco. I pass the large pond and parts of New York along the way.
Before entering SF, there is am area fpr the Minions from the Despicable Me line of movies and their own movie. this was a popular theme amongst a number of the guests where where wearing yellow shirts. some with overalls and goggles as well
Charachter themed foods take advantage of their noteriety and celebrity. Pork buns in the form of a one eyed minion. Chocolate banana flavored popcorn sold in Minion shaped buckets. At first I thought they were opening up a trap door in their derrier to access the popcorm. turns out it was the back of their heads.
Oh, I almost feel like Im home...NOT!
A replica Ghirardeli bulding is a facad eof ra sourvenir and waffle shop as well as the Backdrop attraction
They've also duplicated the Buena Vista that is located very near Ghirardeli
A false cable car turntable is built into the ground
As mentioned before, Minions cosplayers. The large character hats in different styles were seen all over the parks as we..
