Los Angeles: New attractions wow at Universal

Krustyland, The Simpsons' ride at Universal Studios, Hollywood. Photo / Supplied

The latest addition to Universal Studios' backlot tour makes passengers feel like they've driven onto the set of a Fast and Furious film alongside the film's original cast, including Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson and Michelle Rodriguez.

The brand-new hyper-realistic 3D-HD hydraulic motion-based grand finale of the tour throws you into the underground world of fast cars where you take part in a high-speed car chase careening around the streets of Los Angeles at perceived speeds of 200km/h.

Fast and the Furious: Supercharged at Universal Studios, Hollywood. Photo / Supplied

Part of the famous theme park's 50th birthday celebrations, "Fast and the Furious: Supercharged" is one of a number of new attractions, the first of which, a life-sized replica of Springfield, the fictional town that features in iconic cartoon series The Simpsons, opened in April.

You can make like Homer and pop into the Kwik-E-Mart on your way home from Mr Burns' Nuclear Power Plant before picking up a "Genuine Clown-Endorsed Meal" at Krusty Burger or some chicken thumbs at Cletus' Chicken Shack. If you want to make Marge really mad, you might spend some of those hard-earned Benjamins at Moe's Tavern or at the Duff Beer Garden. Woo hoo!

The eagerly anticipated "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will open around this time next year, promising to be faithful to the visual landscape of the books and movies with a replica of Hogwarts as its centrepiece.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Hollywood. Photo / Supplied

Travelling by Floo powder and wearing 3D goggles, signature ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" will see punters soar high above the castle, take part in a Quidditch match, battle a dragon, and take on the Whomping Willow. You'll be able to eat and drink at the Three Broomsticks and Hog's Head and buy candy at Honeydukes or a wand at Ollivanders.

On weekends until September, make sure you hang around for the Nighttime Studio Tour which reveals the art of moonlight movie making.

The tour takes in over 20 locations also featured on the daytime route which will be enhanced with the on-set lighting and special effects used in nighttime production. You'll learn about many tricks of the trade and hear from the likes of Marilyn Monroe, creepy Norman Bates and Frankenstein.