September 13, 2013 – We’re back with another photo update from Universal Studios Hollywood, this time detailing the continuing work on Halloween Horror Nights, the construction associated with the closure of Studio Souvenirs, the Adventures of Curious George and Nickelodeon Stuff and the ongoing audio enhancements at WaterWorld.
In an effort to make browsing easier, we’ve delineated our photo update by introducing specific sections. Simply click on the index below to view a portion of the update.
» Park Entrance
» WaterWorld
» Halloween Horror Nights
» Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
» September 3 Closures
» Miscellaneous Construction
You might have heard that the television show Extra has moved from the Grove over to Universal Studios Hollywood near the front gate. We’ve included some brief photos of their production alongside some shots of the remnants of the Gibson Amphitheater sign and lighting work for Halloween Horror Nights.
Extra’s go-to spot for filming.
See anyone famous?
What’s this?
Hmm, nothing I guess.
As WaterWorld’s audio enhancement continues, Universal has already rigged all six line arrays – 2 in every section – within the arena. Unfortunately, it looks like they’ve toned down some water effects (especially in the first section to the left) in the interim in an effort to avoid drenching the new equipment and to make some fine-tuning positioning adjustments.
Looks like they’re storing equipment from Halloween Horror Nights in WaterWorld’s queue.
New paint.
With Halloween Horror Nights fast approaching, Universal has already begun dressing the park. We outlined the props already in place for The Purge near the front entrance, Curse of Chucky, and work for Klownz.
Not much to report here. Besides some progress on the facade’s brickwork, nothing has really changed.
With Nickelodeon Stuff, Studio Souvenirs, Flintstones Carnival Games and the Adventures of Curious George closed, Universal has closed off the entire pathway from Shrek 4D over to the Studio Tour. Instead, guests are now required to go between Universal Plaza and Universal’s Animal Actors and walk between the now-closed Studio Souvenirs and Doc Brown’s Chicken to find the tour’s entrance. In similar fashion, the old entrance for Shrek 4D has been taken down and in its place a new, somewhat odd looking tent.
Shrek’s new entrance…
…is a tent?
Seems semi-permanent too.
Deconstructing Nickelodeon Stuff.
Shrek’s new queue and stroller parking area.
The Adventures of Curious George.
Flintstones Carnival games closed off.
They’ve walled off Cantina’s patio too.
The Studio Tour’s new pathway.
Heading back to Universal Plaza, Finlay’s finally received its signage.
Simpsons Ride getting a new tent covering.
…and the Simpsons restrooms.
That does it for us. Hopefully the new navigational index makes browsing just a bit easier. Feel free to leave your comments below, and as always, thanks for reading!
Jon Fu is the editor-in-chief of Inside Universal.
Jon originally founded InsideUniversal.net in 2006 as a summer hobby aimed at providing families and fans a resource for all things “Universal Studios Hollywood.” Since then, the website has taken him throughout the United States and around the world – including to places like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore.
Jon currently resides in Santa Cruz, California with his bamboo plant. You may reach him at jon@insideuniversal.net.
