It’s time for December’s photo update around Universal Studios Hollywood! This month, we take a look at the progress of all of the many projects throughout the park.
Let’s get started!
Park Update Index
» CityWalk Hollywood
» Baker Street
» Globe Theater
» Jurassic World Refurbishment
» Lower Lot
» A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That
CityWalk Hollywood
A new photo opportunity for Illumination’s The Grinch has appeared in front of the Universal Cinema, inspired by the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes in Dr. Seuss’s story.
Construction continues on the future plot of Antojitos, with not much visible to the public eye.
The Universal Studio Store’s previous exterior themed to Illumination’s The Grinch has been replaced by a Grinchmas theme based off of the 1966 TV short.
The previous plot housing Saddle Ranch remains empty behind the rather permanent-looking black fence surrounding the land.
Baker Street
After remaining closed-off for some time, Baker Street’s walkway has been reopened to the public with no visible changes to the remaining facades. We are unsure as to whether or not this move was only made to help alleviate crowd flow during the busy holiday season, or if it will be left permanently open.
Globe Theater
Construction is moving at a rapid pace on the former plot of the Globe Theater. Much of the framing for a building in the works has been completed, alongside what appears to be track for a ride. Although Universal has not officially announced what will be located on the plot, the project appears to be speeding along without stopping.
Jurassic World Refurbishment
As 2019 approaches, construction for the transformation of Jurassic Park: The Ride into a Jurassic World theme ensues. The main show building of the ride is being painted grey, akin to the more modern and subdued color scheme of the Jurassic World franchise. In addition, the apparent new show building being built around the former location of Ultrasaur Springs in the ride is significantly progressing as it continues to take shape. While the Jurassic Outfitters store as well as Jurassic Café still remain open for business, the iconic arch at the entrance to the ride has had its lettering taken down following the removal of its back side. Shrubbery separating the outdoor seating for Jurassic Café from the entrance to the ride has also disappeared, indicating that construction will soon be shifting in that direction.
Lower Lot
Massive construction cranes have appeared on the P168 plot as work begins on the site. With the Transformers extended queue being removed, construction has been permitted to expand into that area as well. In the meantime, the area previously used for the queue of the Stranger Things maze housed in Soundstage 29 has become a makeshift extended queue for Transformers.
A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That
Super Silly Fun Land surprisingly appears to be back open for the holiday season, despite Los Angeles’s recent cooler temperatures.
The Parisian Courtyard has reopened for the first time since Halloween Horror Nights, sporting holiday decorations and all.
Although all signs of Halloween Horror Nights have disappeared from the Bates Motel, Norman Bates still continues to greet guests at the doorsteps to the Psycho house.
Additional holiday decorations – namely bows made to look as though they have been made out of movie-reel – have appeared throughout the park, paying homage to its movie industry origins.
The snack stand located at the midpoint of the Starway escalators has reopened, along with all four escalators returning to operation.
That’ll do it for this month’s photo update. Be sure to follow Inside Universal for continuing coverage of Universal Parks and Resorts. Merry Christmas, everyone!
