Author: Chris Glass

The day many people have waited for is here. As of this moment, Hogsmeade is open to guests and muggles are shouting “Observatory” as their benches take them through a 3D game of Quidditch on the Forbidden Journey, while others are riding with a Hippogriff. But don’t go rushing off to the park without understanding the current situation. You should temper your expectations as a lot of moving pieces are just starting to get into place. Known as a “soft opening” for other companies, Universal refers to the status of the Wizarding World as a “Technical Rehearsal.” This means everything…

Every day brings us closer to the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, and there’s a lot to take in. Multiple attractions, many shops, a few restaurants and the alleged nectar of the gods known as Butterbeer. We’d like to take this opportunity to lay out what to expect from each one when you get there. This is drawing on similar experiences from the other two instances of the land, with photos from Universal Studios Japan (which means Hollywood will not be receiving Japan’s Black Lake – sorry). The shops consist of just under…

The park maps at Universal Studios have recently been updated to reveal that a change is coming to the Hollywood Grill inside the park. Wedged in the corner down the walkway from the park entrance and the path to WaterWorld, it’ll soon be subject to a makeover and new name – Hollywood and Dine. This change is likely spurred by the update across the path as the new building facades are beginning to emerge for the new shop and dining venues, evoking a city-theme to better fit in a single theme. As the park map indicates, the closing and re-opening…

Following a trend that has began at CityWalk Hollywood in recent years, Jillian’s Hi-Life Lanes has apparently closed with the now ominous “New Restaurant Coming Soon” sign plastered on their doors. Phone calls to Jillian’s were not answered and their Facebook page is now shuttered. The apparent closure of Jillian’s Hi-Life Lanes follows a string of CityWalk closures in recent months, including the closure of Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom in favor of LudoBird and the closure of GameStop, Salvatory Shoes, Tommy’s Hamburgers and the relocation of Things From Another World for the expansion of the Universal Studio Store. The bowling…

December 8, 2015 – After over 4 years since the original announcement, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has a final release date as a part of Universal Studios Hollywood. In just a few short months, on April 7, 2016, muggles from far and wide will be able to make a trip to Hogsmeade on the west coast, the third iteration of the park, following the similar lands in Japan and Florida. From what began many years ago with fanfare will reach conclusion early next year, as the Five-Year Plan reaches its climax. Following the transformation of park, with Despicable…

November 16, 2015 – After months of anticipation and questions, the new annual pass system has returned to Universal Studios Hollywood. The initial details reveal a host of changes, including the lower level passes exclusive to California residents and a simplification of black out dates.

November 5, 2015 – In this episode, Chris Glass hosts a roundtable discussion with Kaley Cyrino and Jonathan Green about Halloween Horror Nights 2015. Audio Direct download: November 5, 2015 PodcastiTunes link: (037) November 5, 2015 Podcast Chris Glass Chris Glass is an editor for Inside Universal. Chris is a Los Angeles native who grew up visiting the best theme parks in the world, but that wasn’t enough. Whenever he has the chance, he flees the comfort of Southern California to see what the rest of the world has to offer, and is always happy to return home. You may…

October 24, 2015 – Imagineers at Disney have been attributed to the phrase “Disneyland is not a museum” and that idea can be reflected at all theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood notwithstanding. Over the past many years, a lot has come and gone at Universal Studios, to the point that every few attractions have survived over the many decades since it became a park. So referencing its past is important, especially as the park has celebrated many recent milestones, including their 100th anniversary of the tram tour and the movie studio, and the 30th anniversary of Back to the Future.…

October 20, 2015 – In a surprising move this morning, Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that due to unprecedented demand, Halloween Horror Nights will run for one more weekend. Billed as an “After Party”, it will take place on November 6th and 7th. In addition to the well-received Jabbawockeez, the park will also play host to the Academy of Villains, who have previously performed alongside Elvira at Knott’s Scary Farm in recent years, along with DJ Ricky Rocks, and the Rhythm Extreme drummers. November crowds are usually far lighter than late October nights, so if you’ve avoided the park due…

September 30, 2015 – In this episode, Chris Glass hosts a roundtable discussion with Jonathan Green and Jon Fu about their recent trip to Universal Studios Japan. Audio Direct download: October 16, 2015 PodcastiTunes link: (036) October 16, 2015 Podcast Chris Glass Chris Glass is an editor for Inside Universal. Chris is a Los Angeles native who grew up visiting the best theme parks in the world, but that wasn’t enough. Whenever he has the chance, he flees the comfort of Southern California to see what the rest of the world has to offer, and is always happy to return…