On the morning of March 31 in Osaka, thousands of people were standing outside in the rain. Some of them had even stayed up all night. What were they waiting for? They were waiting for movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger and Universal Studios Japan President Akira Sakata to open the gates to Universal Studios Japan, the first U.S. movie theme park in Japan.

When the gates opened, the 30,000 fans who had reserved tickets rushed into the park and headed for the new attractions and rides. Movie director Steven Spielberg was an advisor that helped design the attractions, many of which are based on famous Hollywood movies. The attractions use fantastic special effects that make visitors feel as though they are a part of the movies themselves. Although some people waited in line for more than an hour for some of the attractions, no one seemed to mind.

There are 18 attractions in the park, five of which are unique to Japan. At "Universal Studios Motion Picture Magic" visitors can see the latest movie-making techniques. "Animation Celebration" features some of Universal Studios' popular cartoon characters. And at night there is a spectacular laser, water, and fireworks show called "Hollywood Magic" at the lake in the center of the park.

But the most popular attractions are the ones that are based on movies. Visitors can ride a bicycle through the stars in "E.T. Adventure," take a ride on a riverboat and escape from dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park--The Ride," travel across time in "Back to the Future--The Ride," and avoid a huge killer shark in "Jaws."

The attractions at Universal Studios Japan make use of the latest special effects. Visitors can experience a 3D adventure as they fight alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Terminator 2: 3D." The "Backdraft" attraction features over 40 special effects, including explosions, fireballs, and walls of flame, as the visitor is transported into a raging inferno. And the "Waterworld" attraction features amazing special effects and daring stunts.

With all of these exciting attractions, it's no wonder so many people want to visit Universal Studios Japan. The park even had to restrict admission for three days during the Golden Week holiday period, which lasted from April 29 to May 6 this year, after the number of visitors to the park reached the daily maximum of 39,000 people.

Many schools in Japan have changed their plans for class trips and are now going to go to Universal Studios Japan. The park expects to receive about 8 million visitors in its first year.

Photos: (top) Visitors enjoy the "Waterworld" attraction; (above) Arnold Schwarzenegger helps open Universal Studios Japan. (PANA)