Universal Studios: The Magical Years

THE word "Magical" has always been associated with Disneyland, but did you know Universal Studios can also lay claim to the word "Magical?" And honestly, all the days at Universal were magical. However, I must say, there was something special about those early years. Why? Because we were blazing trails into new territory. A theme park at a movie studio? Studios didn't allow the public inside!

THE story of Universal began as a "what if," and grew to dominance in the world of entertainment. Like Walt Disney and his marvelous team of Imagineers, we helped lay the foundation of an empire that started, almost in humble fashion, as Universal Studios Tour, but grew wildly beyond expectation.

PERHAPS the corporate leaders in the ominous 'black tower' on the lower lot saw the concept of allowing visitors into the studio as a business opportunity. But we, those of us working in the park, viewed it as an adventure, a quest. It was thrilling to know we were part of something special, something bigger than just us. And for sure, we experienced both triumph and failure, we laughed together, we lived through embarrassment together (oftentimes in front of the audience), and yes, we even shed tears together when tragedy struck.

BUT all-in-all, it was life lived out in a most magical place now known the world over as UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD.