August 5, 2015 – After months of deliberation, I’ve come to the following conclusion: Universal’s customer service has declined. Make no mistake; I say this with no joy or fanfare. Indeed, it was only last year that we touted Universal’s internal push to improve their customer service with complementary packets of candy during ride breakdowns and new changes aimed at increasing positive contact between team members and guests. And while ride attendants are still handing out Jelly Bellys to inconvenienced guests, the remainder of that internal initiative seems to have fallen by the wayside. Now, instead of positive interactions, many…
Author: Jon Fu
August 1, 2015 – After two seasons of entertainment cuts and setbacks, Halloween Horror Nights has appeared to enlist the help of the JabbaWockeeZ for this year’s entertainment, according to a group member’s post on Instagram, and alluded to on the group’s main account. In contrast to Bill & Ted’s emphasis on satire and parody, JabbaWockeeZ is a male hip-hop dance crew, featuring complex choreography routines coupled with rhythmic lighting and music. The group is also known for their trademark white masks, and their notable appearances on America’s Best Dance Crew and America’s Got Talent. While it is unknown whether…
A profoundly influential innovator in the themed entertainment industry, Dave Cobb has been involved in the development of Universal Theme Parks since his days as a Studio Tour guide at Universal Studios Hollywood. Now in the role of Vice President of Creative Development at Thinkwell Group, Dave reflects on his past as a Studio Tour guide, Universal Studios Hollywood’s then transition into a full fledged theme park, the development of Terminator 2:3D and Men in Black and more. Mr. Cobb, thank you for joining us. In an interview with Behind the Themes you mention that you initially got your start…
July 21, 2015 – In this episode, Kaley Cyrino, Chris Glass and Jon Fu discuss Fast & Furious: Supercharged and how the animation has changed post-opening, the new raptor encounter on the Lower Lot, Halloween Horror Nights and much, much more. Audio Direct download: July 13, 2015 PodcastiTunes link: (032) July 13, 2015 Podcast 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…
July 20, 2015 – In addition to the recent lighting and audio changes that we documented last week in the main show room, Shrek 4D now features a newly revised preshow, which debuted last Friday. A mix of the old interactive Donkey meet-and-greet and footage from the previous Shrek 4D preshow, Universal’s latest revision adds banter between Donkey and the Three Piggies, Gingerbread Man and Magic Mirror. In addition to the new interactive element, Universal has also edited out Magic Mirror’s summary of the first Shrek film. While Magic Mirror’s summary was useful for newcomers to the Shrek franchise, the…
July 16, 2015 – Hi everyone, we’re back with another comprehensive photo update, this time focusing on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the ongoing House of Horrors replacement project, the start of construction for Halloween Horror Nights and much, much more. There’s a lot of ground to cover since our latest update, so let’s quickly get started. Park Update Index » Parking Structures » Universal’s House of Horrors’ Replacement Project » The Wizarding World of Harry Potter » Lankershim Projects » Halloween Horror Nights Parking Structure Since our last update, Universal’s new parking structure has seen tremendous progress over…
July 12, 2015 – As part of Shrek 4D’s ongoing enhancements, Universal has refurnished the show’s audio and lighting roster – complete with new effects and fixtures. Replacing the old moving head light fixtures (which were often difficult to maintain due their complex mechanical features and their long operating hours), Universal has added new LED lighting rigs to the main show room – syncing new effects with the film. While not as detailed as the previous effects, the new lighting effects now engulf the entire room, creating a more immersive experience that gently expands the scope of the theater screen.…
July 11, 2015 – To coincide with the release of Guillermo del Toro’s newest horror film, Crimson Peak, Universal has announced its first maze based off of the new film titled Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness. Crimson Peak, a Universal Pictures distribution set to be released on October 16, takes place in northern England during the 19th century. The story follows a young aspiring author (Mia Wasikowska) who falls in love with a mysterious stranger (Tom Hiddleston). This stranger and his equally as enigmatic sister (Jessica Chastain) take the young author to an old house on top of a mountain…
Update: June 25, 2015 – As of 5:00 PM, the parking structures are now open for guests heading to Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk Hollywood. June 25, 2015 – Coinciding with the debut of Fast & Furious: Supercharged on the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood has officially reached capacity for parking early Thursday afternoon. Parking lots and the front gate ticket offices were closed as the park reached its operating capacity mid-operating day shortly after 12 PM. Universal also extended its park hours from 9 PM to 10 PM to handle the extra crowds. Earlier today, Inside Universal received reports…
June 18, 2015 – In this episode, Chris Lord, Christopher Tillman, Kaley Cyrino and Jonathan Green discuss Fast & Furious: Supercharged on the Studio Tour. Audio Direct download: June 15, 2015 PodcastiTunes link: (031) June 31, 2015 Podcast Jonathan Green Jonathan Green is a contributing editor for Inside Universal. Jonathan has been going to Universal for over 25 years, developing a deep passion for the theme park and its historic films. His real passion involves Universal Studios Hollywood’s storied past and how it eventually transformed from a movie studio into a theme park. You may contact Jonathan at jonathan@insideuniversal.net.