November 7, 2015 – It’s hard to believe that Halloween Horror Nights 2015 is almost over! And with that, our maze series is reaching its end, as well. For those who have been with this since the beginning, thank you. For those who are just joining us, here’s a little breakdown of how these reviews have gone. Instead of giving a scene-by-scene description of each maze, I have chosen to give my overall opinion of the maze and how I felt it represented the franchise. My goal of these articles is to give you some background information of each franchise…
Author: Jon Fu
November 6, 2015 – Longtime hot dog restaurant Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom has closed and will be replaced by LudoBird, Inside Universal has learned. Serving a variety of hot dogs, fries, burgers and drinks, Jody Maroni was a longtime CityWalk Hollywood staple, nestled right next to the now-relocated Things From Another World store. LudoBird, known for its fried chicken-based menu, will replace the space in the coming months. Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom’s closure follows a string of CityWalk closures in recent months, including the closure of GameStop, Salvatory Shoes, Tommy’s Hamburgers and the relocation of Things From Another World for…
October 21, 2015 – Hi everyone – we’re back with yet another photo update from Universal Studios Hollywood, this time focusing on the ongoing developments occurring at CityWalk Hollywood and around entrance of the park, the House of Horrors replacement project, and the nearing completion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We also take a brief look at some work that’s taking place on the Universal backlot and on the Lower Lot, alongside some infrastructure improvements in and around Universal City. It’s a jam packaged update, so let’s begin. Park Update Index » Parking Structures » CityWalk » Lankershim…
September 25, 2015 – As most of you know, the new season of Halloween Horror Nights is officially upon us! The team over at Universal Studios Hollywood was gracious enough to invite us to attend opening night of their most anticipated event and here’s what we experienced. Check-In/Early Entry For the 2015 season, Early Entry access has been extended to everyone, not just season passholders. It was apparent that everyone got the memo because when we arrived at security at 5:00 PM, there were already hundreds of people crowded around. Immediately, confusion started to set in. With no definite lines…
September 1, 2015 – It’s that time again! Inside Universal will be holding a member meetup on October 4, 2015 at CityWalk Hollywood and Universal Studios Hollywood between 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Are you interested in meeting the editors of Inside Universal in person? Want to talk with other fans like yourself? Read on for more details! What: Inside Universal Member Meetup Where: CityWalk Hollywood / Universal Studios Hollywood When: October 4, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Here’s what you need to know: Inside Universal will be holding a member meetup at CityWalk Hollywood at 10:30 AM…
August 25, 2015 – The Special Effects Stage – in its current form – will close on October 18, 2015, Inside Universal has learned. The Special Effects Stage, which originally debuted in 2010, will undergo a dramatic reimaging aimed at incorporating stunt elements within the show. It is believed that Action Horizons – the same company behind the current iteration of WaterWorld – will be in charge of the new production which is expected to open this winter with a new set. The Special Effects Stage originally opened in 2010 as a replacement to the ill-planned Creature from the Black…
August 22, 2015 – The NBCUniversal Experience will be closing in the near future, possibly in early September (Update – August 24, 2015: the NBCUniversal Experience will close on September 1, 2015), Inside Universal has learned. Housing Universal’s studio and theme park artifacts from past and present, the NBCUniversal Experience originally opened in 2008 as a small museum aimed at delineating Universal’s storied past. Then called the Universal Experience, the ever-changing museum replaced Lucy: A Tribute – a museum dedicated to Lucille Ball’s career and television show. While the famed DeLorean from Back to the Future will likely reappear in…
August 18, 2015 – Universal Studios Hollywood has just announced this year’s list of scare zones for Halloween Horror Nights 2015. “Exterminatorz” (a fearful blend of part pests, part human) and “Corpz” (an army of decaying World War I soldiers) will be making their debut at this year’s event, followed by a return of “The Purge” and fan-favorite “Dark Christmas.” In addition, Universal has also released this year’s Halloween Horror Nights dates, which include September 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, October 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31,…
August 17, 2015 – Mel’s Diner, a classic Universal Studios Hollywood staple, will be undergoing an extensive period of refurbishment, Inside Universal has learned. Aimed at revitalizing the restaurant’s infrastructure, Mel’s refurbishment will be completed in early 2016 as Universal prepares to open the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While specific details of Mel’s refurbishment are unknown, Inside Universal has heard unverified reports that Universal is looking to expand the restaurant’s internal capacity. Such an expansion would allow Universal to accommodate the expected increase in crowds for Wizarding World. Serving a variety of burgers, sandwiches and drinks, Mel’s Diner is…
August 17, 2015 – Set on the world famous Universal backlot, “Terror Tram: Survive The Purge” has just been announced as this year’s Terror Tram theme for Halloween Horror Nights 2015. Based off the successful Purge series, Terror Tram: Survive The Purge marks the third return of the franchise to Universal Studios Hollywood and its first appearance on the Terror Tram. The Purge was most notably featured in 2013 and 2014 as a scare zone in the park, while the The Walking Dead was the dominant Terror Tram theme. Set in 2022, The Purge posits a scenario in which crime…