Most people dream about getting a behind-the-scenes look at Universal Studios, but for MacKenzie, a junior at Sahuaro High School and an editor at The Paper Cut, it’s become a regular part of her life. She has been going to Universal since she was about six years old, but in the past year, she has started going almost once a month. That’s when things changed.
“The cast members and actors started to recognize me,” she explained. “They saw how much love I had for the shows and the park, and they wanted to show that they appreciated it.”
That appreciation has evolved into experiences that most of us can only imagine. For MacKenzie, the most surprising thing she’s learned is how much goes into even the smallest details. “It’s crazy how many props or actors can be used for just a small scene. It takes up a lot of space and time, and you’d never guess it from just watching,” she said.
Even though she now knows some of the “secrets” of the park, the magic hasn’t worn off. “I got to see not only the enjoyment on other people’s faces, but also my own, knowing a little more than before and still being amazed every single time.”
One of her favorite parts of Universal is the WaterWorld stunt show. “That’s where I met a lot of stunt actors that I stay in touch with to this day. They help make a lot of my trips possible,” she said.
A typical day behind the scenes for MacKenzie isn’t about flashy perks but meaningful moments. She gets early access to some parts of the park, faster lines, and pre-seats to shows. But the best part? The personal connections. “The cast members look out for us, try to make each day a little more special than the last, and give us extra time with the stunt actors who go out of their way to acknowledge me.”
Through these visits, she’s learned lessons from people who work behind the curtain. “They’ve taught me how important props are, how one mistake can throw things off, and how you have to keep going until you can’t.”
She also pointed out something most people don’t realize: Universal is still a real working movie studio. “Even with the rides and shows, real actors are walking around and actual movies are being filmed. You might not even know unless you do some research.”
These experiences have shaped MacKenzie’s dreams for the future. “It made me realize this is possible for me. Maybe I could work for the park, go into social media, or even become a stunt actor or actor myself.”
If she could take her friends behind the scenes, she’d want them to see it the way she does. “I’d show them the best times to go so they could get the full experience, not just focus on one ride or one area. And I’d introduce them to some of the people I’ve met, because it’s so cool that you can make friends with anyone if you’re just respectful, kind, and curious.”
For MacKenzie, Universal isn’t just a theme park anymore, it’s a place where she’s found inspiration, friendships, and maybe even a path to her future.
