The Journal News from White Plains, New York • Page 61

TRAVEL THE JOURNAL NEWS, SUNDAY, JUNE 17th, 1990 G3 witnessed from a trembling subway car stuck in an Oakland station. Universal Studios Florida is in walking distance it I I ..1 up of Los Angeles, then past the moon and on to "home." The scene here is all purples and dark oranges and bright greens; swing from vines, others flop in flower pods. We meet some of the alien's pals', like Botanicus, Tickli Moot Moot and Magdol, and at the end E.T. says good-bye to each of us. Kongfrontation: If size is everything, then Kong is everything.

The Manhattan set, with its mock-ups of Penn Station, the Queensbo-ro Bridge and Canal Street, is extraordinarily evocative, right down to painted-on grime and graffiti, and the sound stage, at 71,000 square feet, is one of the world's largest. Tram riders are confronted by two gorillas, the first a mere 8,000 pounds (this is Bridge Kong), the second weighing in at 6 tons, standing four stories tall and wearing 7,000 pounds of fur. In the denouement, the furious Kong grabs onto your tram, roars a smelly roar (it's essence of banana), and well, would it give too much away to say that the descent from the top of the tram cable is rather abrupt? Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies: The older folks in the crowd will appreciate this Kodak-sponsored attraction more By Stephen Williams Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service Unlike the California Universal property which is toured by train the Universal Studios Florida is flat and walkable and can theoretically accommodate 40,000 guests a day, with a maximum- theoretical waiting time at its five blockbuster rides of 45 minutes. During my visit I brought a closely related 12-year-old to get another point of view. Some of the rides were in their final "tweak" mode and not fully operational; others were.

Here's what to expect from some of the Universal Studios Florida attractions: E.T. Adventure: is our Mickey Mouse," said Doug Binder, a not-surprising turn of events considering that the little gremlin's creator, Steven Spielberg, is chief consultant at the park. The adventure, in fact, is preceded by a filmed message from Spielberg, who informs the audience that E.T. is required, posthaste, back on his home planet, where the environment is crumbling. Guests board either a pod or a "bike" and, accompanied by John Williams' familiar music, we fly over an amazing miniature mock- Jaws: Universal expects that "Jaws," a long-time resident on the Hollywood studio tour, will be the big draw in Orlando.

The ride wasn't operating during our visit, but it looks like the most complicated and probably one of the most effective rides in the park. The recreated Amity Harbor is outfitted with six 24-foot mechanical sharks, which surface at specific intervals to terrorize a tour boat. In the coup de grace, the ultimate shark explodes in a shower of Sty-rofoam flesh and fake blood. Phantom of the Opera Horror Makeup Show: This is a behind-the-scenes exploration of a great visual movie art, as practiced by the makeup artists of such films as "An American Werewolf in London," "The Exorcist" (Linda Blair spinning her head 360 degrees), and Michael Keaton's funky portrayal of "Beetlejuice." Live demonstrations "star" audience members. Ghostbusters: When you've got the most successful (in terms of money) comedy of all time, it is only natural to make it a show.

This one stars a live quartet of four Ghostbusters who gather at the Temple of Gozer to do laser-light battles with terror dogs, she-devils and the ultimate evil, the Stay-Puft Marshmellow Man, 22 feet of computer-controlled glop. 1990 New York StAi Department of Economic Development I miles from the city than the kiddies, but everyone leaves the set with a full understanding of how Hitchcock filmed the famous Janet Leigh shower murder in "Psycho." A briskly edited film of brilliant Hitchcock clips sets up the live recreations of the shower scene parents are advised to consider their childrens' sensibilities here. The third part of the show recreates the sets of "Vertigo," "Rear Window" and "Saboteur," and a throughly delightful film, narrated by Shirley MacLaine, focuses on Hitchcock's famous cameo appearences in his own films. "Murder, She Wrote" Post-production: Among the live, interactive shows, we'd rate this as the most fun. Guests play the executive producer of a current episode, immediately learning the stock response to staff questions: "NO! Absolutely not!" Our tour guides overact and look goofy, but the show is a learning experience about editing, mixing and sound effects, as we get to choose the bad guy and make other key decisions under deadline pressure.

Earthquake: On a theme park scale of one to 10, this isn't much more than a five. Borrowing a page from "Catastrophe Canyon" at Dis-ney-MGM, the Earthquake ride simulates a flood and a explosion resort hotels only 90 presence is felt in Florida 'Adventure' at Universal Studios This Summer Hang your hot at the EXPERIENCE 0 There's no crowd that has more fun than the one you II find at the Granit. And no place that offers so much for so little. Fabulous facilities, nightly entertainment, a heated outdoor pool, 18 hole golf course lots of other fun activities. Choose from two or If you're going to Universal LosAngelesTimes-Washlngton Post News Service Universal Studios Florida is about a 20-minute ride from the Orlando airport and is located on Kirkman Road, about a half mile north of Interstate take 1-4 to exit 30B.

There is parking available for more than 7,000 cars. Cost: One-day and two-day tickets are available. For one day, admission is $29 plus tax (children 3 to 11, $23). Two-day passes cost $49 and $39. An annual pass, good for one year, is also on sale at $85 ($67.50 for ages 3-11).

For further information call (407) 363-8210. Food, lodging Close to the Universal park is the Twin Towers Hotel, which has packages from June 30 through Dec. 21 that include a one-day admission to the studio. A four-night package, for example, costs $329 per person and includes a Sea World ticket, breakfasts and two dinners. On Disney property, the new Walt Disney Swan, operated by the Westin group, is an elegant alternative, very close to the EPCOT center and the Disney-MGM studios.

Rates per room range from $185 to "seasonal" highs of $285. The Palio restaurant in the Swan is one of Orlando's finest for Italian cuisine, with entrees running from about 2 $15 to $20. A fun place for breakfast or a late night-early morning snack (it's open 24 hours) is the slick Bee Line Diner in the Peabody hotel on International Drive. Prices are moderate. Among the chains McDonalds, Denny's, Burger Kings and a couple of upscale TGI Friday's and Bennigan's and Waffle Houses.

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And discover why most of our guests return summer after summer to the unique perfection of Otesaga. MOTOR INN Coorx-rstown, NY 13326 your travel agent or call (607) 547-9931. laimv mm iMMuiSiai HIMERMT. SUMMER FESTI14LS STARRING Tony Bennett, Vic Damone Anna Maria Alberghetti Sal Richards Joe Mauro Rick Starr Italian Festival, June 29 July 1 Don't miss Hunter Country Music Festival Stars The Oak Ridge Boys, Alan Jackson, Ricky Van Shelton, (July 26-29) Barbara Mandrell, Lyle Lovett, Larry Catlin The Gatlin Bros. (Aug.

17-19) 8 Other Festivals Events, June September 1 9901 (518)263-4223or(5l8)263-3800 TAKE SUMMER IN STYLE AT KUTSHER'S. WE SET THE STYLE FOR GREAT ENTERTAINMENT Eliyn Boost or Jerry Seinfeld Slwcky Greene Carson City 18 Hole Golf Course 12 Tennis Courts Racquetball Courts Indoor Outdoor Pools Health Club New Improved Exercise Center with Computerized Rowing and Lifecycles Indoor Ice Skating Private Lake Aerobics Two Nightclubs Nursery (Supervised uayLamp leen programs Luxury Indian Village Catskill, NY 12414 (518) 678-5518 Reserve Now For Summer Vacation Finest Italian American Cuisine Choice Menu (3 Meals Daily) TV Radio A C.Private Baths Night Club (Band. Dancing Showsl CHILD. TEEN 1 SENIOR DISCOUNTS SPECIAL DISCOUNTWEEKS (JULY AUG.) DISCOUNT FOR FALL- GROUPS WELCOME Free Color Brochure 2 Dale Lane, Elka Park, NY 12427 722-2771 SEND FOR FREE 1990 CATSKILLS TRAVEL GUIDE! Greene County CATSKILLS Travel Guide 15X. For brochure on specific and enclose with your request.

FFNE COUNTY TOURISM Join us for a great time in the Old West for Gun Fights, Can-Can, Country Music Indian Shows, Train July 6 July 28 Aug. 18 Vic Damon Michael Felntteln July 7 Aug. 4 Mm King Ben Vereen July 14 Aug. 11 Dtvld Brenner July 21 Smothers Brottiert Aug. 25 Jackie Maton Labor Day Wkd uienwooo (ine Heal beast) brown Stage coacn noioups, fony maes mucn more: un m.

i mi. norm ui uame rami. For info, on special group rates, group catered picnics, birthday parties or other special services, call or write: CARSON CITY, Box 109, Rt. 32, FIGHT NIGHT JULY 3 Featuring Alex (The Destroyer) Stewart VS. Jamie Howe Plus 4th Ranked Kutsher's Country Club Monticelk), New York 12701 (914) 794-6000 A Catskilland Resort Major Credit Cards Honored TOLL FREE (BOO) 431-1273 "A Warm Gracious Family Atmosphere at The Resort with the Personal Touch Vacation run tor fcveryone Finest Cuisine 3 Delicious Homecooked Meals European Health Spa -Indooroutdoor pool, jacuzzi, steamroom, sauna, exercise room Elegant Night Club Sunken dance floor, 2 bands weekly, The Carozza Rudy Ettoce, Broadway Shows Social Director for Children JUNE 17 JULY 1st SPECIALS Hunter Ml.

Feittvali, horteback riding, golf, lennlt, weddings, group peclali 1-800766-4825 Box 55, Rt. 23-A, Tannersville, N.Y. 12485 Vacation Where Baseball Was Invented. And Hospitality Was Perfected. At the tip of Lake Otsego, surrounded by the green hills of New York's Susquehanna Country in historic Cooperstown, is a hotel which recalls the America of Colonial times: The Otesaga.

Here you'll enjoy the hospitality of an almost lost era, in an Early American architectural IT'S NOT HOW YOU PLAY THE MI-IT'S rjc.ffi YOU PLAY IT. setting combined gracefully with contemporary comtorts; meticulous service; and such fine facilities as our 18-hole lakeside golf course, tennis and heated pool. (Or stay m4 -ft nearby at 1IIIL. COME TO WHERE THE STARS SHINE ALL SUMMER LONG! THE BEAUTIFUL FRIAR TUCK INN TICKETS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC US SUMMER PACKAGES WEEKEND MIDWEEK WEEKLY S170-S280 S330-S4C5 S415-S625 msmtm 31 Write for FREE 44 dd Full Color 1990 MtmA No matter what your game is you're a winner at the Villa Roma. On the golf course or the tennis courts, in the dining room or trie nightclub, in the pools or roaming the countryside you'll discover the joy of being here.

And your family, too, will relish the pleasure of gourmet dining, great entertainment and playing any sport they please. This summer be a winner at the Villa Roma. New 18 hole championship golf course Indoor outdoor tennisRacquetballlndoor outdoor pools BocciHealth Club GymSauna JacuzziSupervised programs for children teensTop name entertainment $2 in in RESERVE HOW FOR JULY 4" WEEKEND GREAT PACKAGES Alt SUMMER LONG lull ol Festivals. Attractions. Outdoor Activities with over 200 Accommodations or CALL 1 -800-542-2414, Ext.

I I advertisers above, mark ad (9GrV The Greene County Tourism Dept. IVl I Love The Greene County Catskills AM Box 527. Catskill. NY 12414 VILMROVH Callicoon, N.Y. 12723914-887-4880 Call for reservations or our Video Brochure Call Toll Free 800-533-6767 COOPER Lake Road, P.O.

Box 311, For information reservations, sec.