Today I had the opportunity to travel BACK to Universal Studios for another jam-packed day of fun and excitement. Since I was a single person visiting the park, I enjoyed the benefits of not having to wait in long lines for most popular attractions. (Universal has a system for single riders to help speed up the loading process on most rides).
I couldn’t resist riding the studio tour again, which was really neat because we got to visit new areas of the backlot we were not able to see the fist time. I also was one of 25 select VIPS that received passes to walk down the red carpet of the TEEN CHOICE AWARDS. Sadly, I couldn’t take pictures since I didn’t have a press pass…but it was still fun walking the carpet and seeing some celebrates!
Possibly the biggest highlight of the day was being on FEAR FACTOR LIVE. At Universal Studios, they have a LIVE version of the hit TV show where contestants are chosen at random from around the park to compete in a miniature version of the show. I was amazingly picked as one of the 6 people to participate on the show. The challenges consisted of the following:
Challenge #1: “Hang ‘Em High”
This challenge was quite simple. All six of us were hanging tightly onto jungle gym bars and we were informed to hang on with our lives. When the challenge started, the platforms below us fell and we were left to hang 25 feet in the air (with the protective bungee cord strapped on).
The challenge only lasted about 2 minutes; and shocking enough – I had one of the two top times for that stunt. Since I was in the top four, I earned the right to move on to round #2.
Challenge #2: “Wheel of Doom”
In the 2nd challenge, things became more intense. In my mind, this was the most difficult of the challenges because it involved a lot of physical work – and we all know how much Kyle loves to do physically demanding stunts before a live studio audience.
My goals for round 2 were to complete the following tasks:
1. Unlock myself from handcuffs above my head (by spinning 12 times clockwise)
2. Run to the opposite side of the stage and remove a cloth from a fish tank
3. Observe the 4 flags and the electric eels INSIDE the fish tank
4. One by One, take the flags OUT of the fish tank (avoiding the eels is a bonus) and run over to place them on my flagpole.
5. Once all 4 flags are on the flagpole, I push a button and get soaked with water.
While this is happening, there are tons of wheels (specifically the ones near our flag poles) that were spinning to keep us guessing.
ALONG with that, there were added hurdles for even MORE enjoyment.
I came in 1st place on this round, moving me to the final round.
Challenge #3: “Recipe for Disaster”
This challenge sucked. But the prize was worth playing for.
THE PRIZE: A trip BACK to Universal Studios Hollywood (for 3 people) with airfare included for a 4-day visit!
The challenge was the following:
1. Spin a wheel. The faster you spin the wheel, the more shocks of electricity you get. The slower you spin, the less shocks you receive (but then you go slower…)
2. As you spin the wheel, numbers 1 thru 12 illuminate. As each number illuminates, fire spits out (on my friendly fire-retardant suit) and gives us a heat wave.
3. When you hit #12, you fly away on the bungee strap you are connected to.
4. The bungee strap travels a table with a popular FEAR FACTOR SMOOTHIE.
The smoothie included:
1. Pig parts
2. Fish
3. Old Milk
4. Worms
5. A few little other bug thingies
Once you finished the smoothie, you’d be declared the WINNER of Fear Factor!
I am sad to report that I finished all the tasks (including getting my fair share of a Fear Factor smoothie) but came out to be the 2nd place runner-up of FEAR FACTOR LIVE.
Regardless, it was a lot of fun and I truly enjoyed it. Even though I’m sure my parents are freaking out that I was acting like a stunt man at Universal Studios…
Oh well! Tomorrow should be another exciting day. I think I’ll go visit a skydiving school…I MEAN! Maybe the Hollywood sign again… (just kidding, don't worry mom!)
No comments:
Post a Comment