Close Menu
Inside Universal
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube Threads
    Sunday, June 15
    Trending
    • Jason Universe coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025
    • Universal Studios Hollywood reveals ride vehicles for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster; opening 2026
    • What’s Happening at the Universal Parks – Week of June 9, 2025
    • REVIEW: Epic Universe at Universal Orlando
    Inside Universal
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Threads
    • Home
    • News
      • Hollywood
        • Photo Updates
        • CityWalk Hollywood
        • Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood
        • Events
      • Orlando
        • Photo Updates
        • Universal Studios Florida
        • Islands of Adventure
        • Epic Universe
        • Universal’s Volcano Bay
        • CityWalk Orlando
        • Universal Resorts
        • Halloween Horror Nights – Orlando
        • Events
      • Japan
        • Photo Updates
        • Events
      • Singapore
      • Beijing
      • Other Universal Destinations
      • Outside Universal
        • Walt Disney World
        • SeaWorld Orlando
        • Around Orlando
        • Disneyland Resort
        • Knott’s Berry Farm
        • Around California
    • Forums
    • Inside Universal Podcast
    • Features
    • Merchandise
    Inside Universal
    Home»Universal Studios Hollywood»Photo Updates»July 1, 2014 Photo Update – New York Street, Wizarding World, WaterWorld and Halloween Horror Nights

    July 1, 2014 Photo Update – New York Street, Wizarding World, WaterWorld and Halloween Horror Nights

    July 2, 2014 Photo Updates By Jon Fu
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Reddit Copy Link

    July 2, 2014 – With the summer season in full swing, Universal Studios Hollywood is undergoing a swarm of construction projects.

    Indeed, this update includes coverage of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the construction of Springfield in Simpsons Plaza, Halloween Horror Nights maze construction in both Jurassic Park and Mummy’s queue, WaterWorld’s seating expansion, a brief look at Cinnabon, International Cafe and Starbucks, Fast and Furious: Supercharged on the Studio Tour, the refurnished New York Street and more.

    With all these bases to cover, let’s get started. Of course, for more in-depth information concerning these changes, be sure to visit the linked articles below.

    Park Update Index

    » Universal City Pedestrian Bridge
    » New York Street
    » The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
    » Springfield
    » Halloween Horror Nights Construction
    » Restaurant Refurbishments
    » WaterWorld Seating Expansion
    » Transformers Photo Opportunity
    » Fast and Furious: Supercharged
    » Parking Lot Expansion
    » CityWalk Transformers Photo Opportunity

    Universal City Pedestrian Bridge

    In an effort to alleviate pedestrian injuries across the busy Lankershim Boulevard intersection, Universal and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority have agreed to erect a pedestrian bridge – eliminating the current street-level crossing lanes. Construction has already begun and portions of 10 Universal City Plaza and the Universal City Metro station have been walled off, with construction crews digging a dirt foundation.

    As Inside Universal noted in late June, the proposed pedestrian bridge will follow the current pedestrian path, connecting the Universal City Metro station to the base of 10 Universal City Plaza. The project is expected to take 14 months with a completion date of 2015.

    Screen Shot 2014-06-22 at 11.47.02 AM

    DSC00017

    DSC00020

    DSC00023

    DSC00029

    New York Street

    In a somewhat surprising move, Universal has completely refurnished the New York City facade located at the intersection of the Blues Brothers and Universal Plaza.

    Gone are the Dodgers signage and in its place theming from the 1964 New York City World’s Fair. Newspaper clippings from the era occupy the newsstands as romanticized touches from the Big Apple permeate the set in a bright and colorful fashion. It’s a fantastic redress, and it’s great to see Universal refurbishing its themed areas. Indeed, as long time readers probably know, Universal recently refurnished Moulin Rouge to coincide with the opening of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem earlier last Spring.

    DSC00150

    DSC00138

    DSC00141

    DSC00143

    DSC00155

    DSC00156

    DSC00160

    DSC00164

    DSC00174

    DSC00168

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

    Heading further into the park, progress for the Wizarding World continues at a brisk pace – with priority being placed on Three Broomsticks in time for Springfield’s debut in 2015.

    Roofing for Three Broomsticks has already appeared near the entrance of the Studio Tour as construction crews work to enclose the Forbidden Journey show building. Hogsmeade also appears to be taking shape as steel beams continue to represent the distinctive sharp roofs reminiscent of Florida’s existing installation. Of course, the elephant in the room continues to be Flintstones BBQ, which stands directly in front of the path of Wizarding World. When will the structure be removed? Only time will tell, but be assured, the clock is ticking.

    DSC00180

    DSC00185

    DSC00189

    DSC00193

    DSC00196

    DSC00201

    DSC00211

    DSC00266

    DSC00267

    DSC00270

    DSC00275

    DSC00277

    DSC00282

    DSC00283

    DSC00288

    DSC00290

    DSC00297

    DSC00299

    DSC00339

    Springfield

    With Three Broomsticks and Springfield sharing kitchen facilities, Springfield continues to take the form of a two story food plaza similar to that of Fast Food Boulevard at Universal Studios Florida.

    While not much has changed since our last update, one can already begin to discern the basic shape and outline of the Springfield plaza – with multiple storefronts forming one large facade. For more information on what Springfield will entail, be sure to read Universal’s official press release.

    DSC00221

    DSC00248

    DSC00251

    DSC00323

    Halloween Horror Nights Maze Construction

    Meanwhile, maze construction for Halloween Horror Nights has already begun – with construction already taking place in Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy.

    While John Murdy has yet to officially announce maze locations, fans have noted a striking similarity between the progressing facade in Jurassic Park and Orlando’s American Werewolf in London maze.

    DSC00314

    DSC00317

    DSC00581

    DSC00596

    DSC00602

    Restaurant Refurbishments

    With Cinnabon, International Cafe (French Street Bistro) and Starbucks likely debuting later this week, Universal has begun completing some of the finishing touches on each of these venues.

    While Starbucks and Cinnabon look to be mostly completed, International Cafe (or French Street Bistro) appears to be undergoing additional work – with a new paint scheme added during the week. Stay tuned with Inside Universal as we go in-depth on Universal’s recent dining rearrangements.

    DSC00310

    DSC00313

    DSC00325

    DSC00327

    DSC00330

    DSC00331

    DSC00334

    DSC00335

    WaterWorld Seating Expansion

    As Inside Universal first reported back in May, construction for WaterWorld’s seating expansion continues – albeit at a rather cyclical pace with crews opening and closing the expanded seating areas on an ad-hoc basis.

    For now, it appears as if they’ve completely separated Gate A/VIP Experience passholders from the rest of the theater in section two. In similar fashion, two parallel stairways that lead to either the old seating area or the new expanded benches have also been constructed. Whether or not the dual stairway design is permanent remains to be seen, but for now, it definitely looks to be a rather unusual solution.

    It may also be noted that Universal has apparently also built a lift in section two for guests in wheelchairs. This would provide disabled guests an alternative to sitting directly in the front of each section.

    DSC00392

    DSC00352

    DSC00538

    DSC00541

    DSC00544

    DSC00546

    DSC00547

    DSC00550

    DSC00551

    Transformers Photo Opportunity

    Moving back to the Lower Lot, it also appears as if Universal has completely dismantled the old Transformers meet-and-greet.

    If we had to wager a guess, we’d imagine Universal is attempting to build a more permanent solution, but for now, the Transformers meet-and-greets are being held in front of Transformers: The Ride – 3D.

    DSC00302

    DSC00304

    Fast and Furious: Supercharged

    Fast and Furious: Supercharged, on the other hand, appears to grow exponentially larger every month.

    With a completion date of Summer 2015, construction crews have been chugging along constructing a large building that lines the pathway to Falls Lake. Indeed, looking inside, it appears as if the third room hosts a large “U” shaped structure that may support a continuous screen (unlike the two separate screens that King Kong 360 – 3D currently uses). Whatever the eventual setup becomes, it’s sure to be a considerable improvement from the Studio Tour’s existing 3D animation. Whatever it is, the entire show building is considerably larger than anything the Studio Tour has seen before.

    For a more in-depth understanding of what a Fast and Furious tour animation could entail, be sure to read our predictions article which details four rooms and the usage of practical effects.

    DSC00800

    DSC00819

    DSC00839

    DSC00890

    Parking Lot Expansion

    With the Evolution Plan in full force, Universal’s planned parking expansions continue to develop at a feverish pace, diverting traffic in and around the area.

    Replacing the E.T. flat lot, P-3 aims to be a multi-story lot in similar fashion to Curious George. Eventually, Universal will also begin constructing a parking structure adjacent to the existing Curious George lot.

    DSC00870

    DSC00887

    DSC00894

    CityWalk Transformers Photo Opportunity

    …and finally, to coincide with the release of Transformers: Age of Extinction, CityWalk Hollywood has placed a statute of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime in front of Universal CityWalk Cinemas Stadium. If you have a chance, be sure to stop by to snap a few photos.

    DSC00928

    DSC00945

    DSC00936

    DSC00944

    That does it for this month’s update. I hope you managed to get through it, and please be sure to stay with Inside Universal for continuing coverage of Universal Studios Hollywood. Thanks for reading, and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


    Jon Fu

    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. You may reach him at jon@insideuniversal.net.


    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleCinnabon, French Bistro and Starbucks to Open Later This Week
    Next Article Hot Dog Hall of Fame Now Open at CityWalk
    Jon Fu

    Related Posts

    Halloween Horror Nights - Hollywood

    Jason Universe coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025

    June 13, 2025
    Universal Studios Hollywood

    Universal Studios Hollywood reveals ride vehicles for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster; opening 2026

    June 12, 2025
    Features

    What’s Happening at the Universal Parks – Week of June 9, 2025

    June 9, 2025
    LATEST POSTS

    Jason Universe coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025

    June 13, 2025

    Universal Studios Hollywood reveals ride vehicles for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster; opening 2026

    June 12, 2025

    What’s Happening at the Universal Parks – Week of June 9, 2025

    June 9, 2025

    REVIEW: Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    June 5, 2025

    Fallout is coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025

    June 5, 2025
    About Inside Universal

    Inside Universal is a website dedicated to covering Universal Parks & Resorts, specifically Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando. Our team of editors is committed to providing fact-based, non-sensationalist content that educates and informs our readers while still focused on having fun.

    Inside Universal aims to maintain a rational perspective, allowing us to offer commentary, news, and analysis about Universal Parks. Our mission is to provide you, the reader, with accurate and in-depth reporting to the best of our ability. This is our goal - nothing more, nothing less.

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Threads
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION ON OUR FORUMS
    If you’re looking to have your Universal-related question answered, or if you’d simply like to chat about the park’s future developments, Inside Universal's forums is the Internet’s leading unofficial forum dedicated to Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando. MEI Travel
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Threads
    • About Us
    • Masthead
    • Contact
    • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2025 All Rights Reserved - Inside Universal is not affiliated with Comcast, NBCUniversal, Universal Parks & Resorts, or Universal Destinations & Experiences. You may not copy, redistribute, publish, sell, or otherwise make the original contents of this website available to third parties unless you have received prior authorization from Inside Universal.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities...
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT