SHORT TAKES : 5.1 Million Visit Universal

More than 5.1 million visitors poured through the turnstiles at Universal Studios in 1989, shattering the 1987 record of 4.2 million.

Based on attendance, Universal Studios Hollywood has become the top tourist attraction in Los Angeles and the third largest in the United States, according to a studio spokesman. Park officials attribute the dramatic upturn to the March debut of Earthquake, a man-made attraction that recreates “The Big One”--an 8.3 temblor.

“Earthquake--The Big One is the most successful new attraction debut in theme park history,” said Ron Bension, president of Universal Studios Hollywood. “No other major theme park has ever reported these kinds of attendance increases.”