From Wisteria Lane to War of the Worlds, the fantasy factory has it all, bringing thrills and chills to millions of people worldwide.

That's Universal Studios, a.k.a the Entertainment Capital of Los Angeles, where fans of the small and silver screens get a close-up experience with the magic of Hollywood.

The aftermath of a plane crash on the set of War of the Worlds.

Its hugely popular Studio Tour covers a 168ha complex that includes movie sets, soundstages and special effects attractions.

The June 1 fire did not seem to have detered visitors, even though - as tour guide Casey Lauer pointed out - it had razed the hugely popular King Kong exhibit.

"People are still having loads of fun visiting the rest of the sets," he said.

Yes, indeed.

Just to arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood is an electrifying experience. Huge movie posters are everywhere, from To Kill a Mockingbird to The Lost World: Jurassic Park, putting visitors in the mood for a movie-themed adventure.

The Studio Tour, which includes a tour guide and an entertaining video narration from comedian Whoopi Goldberg, is a must for TV and movie fans.

Visitors pass by a special effects stage where fire and water appear out of nowhere and cars are tossed up high and explode right before their eyes.

"Cool!" someone exclaimed. Others applauded the stunt before them.

Then there is the sudden torrent of rain and the river which you have passed by begins to overflow, and of course, Jaws appears, taunting you from the waters.

This is Hollywood, where, in a blink of an eye, you are in a different world and in a different era.

Can you tell who's house this is on Wisteria Lane?

See the cowboy movies set, or get a glimpse of the infamous Bates Motel.

As Lauer put it, Hollywood invented the monster movie genre - "The 1930s and 40s were the heydeys of monster movies," he said.

Catch also a glimpse of the Property Department where "one million props are being kept, even paper clips," said Lauer.

With so much to soak in at Universal Studios, visitors should pick up a map to help them plan their day here.

Check out the times for the Waterworld show, billed as "a tidal wave of explosive action". Those who sit near the stage should be prepared to get wet, though.

For a dose of comedy, check out Shrek 4-D. Find out what happens when the Donkey sneezes.

The bookstore from Notting Hill.

Or how about the House of Horrors for a spine-tingling time? See Chucky popping out of a chest as you walk through a dark lane with spider webs dangling everywhere.

"It's too scary for me," said Phyllis Hollingsworth, a California resident who brought her sister who was holidaying from Washington DC.

Besides the Studio Tour, Universal Studios also offers heart-pounding rides for those who fancy thrills such as the Jurassic Park raft plunge.

But those deserve another story altogether.

For now, to borrow a quote from Whoopi Goldberg, "Ciao, see you at the movies!"