Universal Studios Hollywood is currently developing a nighttime show for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Inside Universal has learned. Using a combination of projections and intelligent lighting, this nighttime show is currently slated to debut this summer. Pyrotechnics have also been discussed internally, but its inclusion in the show may be scrapped depending on the eventual size and scope of the show. As with any tentative project, this project may be delayed or canceled, though recent lighting tests inside the park indicate that the project is still moving ahead. USHForums.com originally broke the news that Universal was conducting lighting…
Author: Jon Fu
Editor’s note: January 3, 2017: Surprisingly, Universal Studios Hollywood did not beat January 1’s attendance record despite yesterday’s park closure. The park hosted 44,700 guests versus January 1’s total of 44,858 guests. … January 2, 2017: After setting the record for the highest attended day yesterday with 44,858 guests, Universal Studios Hollywood is poised to break yet another attendance record today after closing the theme park due to capacity around noon. Universal had been accepting pre-paid tickets and annual passes earlier in the day before restricting all traffic flow into the park at 12:20 PM. Guests who wish to enter…
As we approach the end of yet another year, we thought we’d take a look at Universal Studios Hollywood’s top ten defining moments as chosen by our editorial team. As has been the case with Universal for the last five years, 2016 featured some of the most monumental developments in the theme park’s history, including the opening of a brand new flagship attraction and land, the closure of several well-known backlot buildings and attractions, and the addition of several significant shops, restaurants and attractions that aim to set the necessary groundwork for the next ten years. Let’s count down this…
Back due to popular demand, LAIKA’s popular exhibit “From Coraline to Kubo: A Magical LAIKA Experience” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood for a special engagement inside the Globe Theatre from December 21, 2016 to January 15, 2017. The exhibit is held inside the park, and is included in the price of admission. Featuring a look at LAIKA’s decade-long legacy of intense stop-motion artistry, “From Coraline to Kubo” features a look at several LAIKA films, including Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and of course Kubo and the Two Strings. Props, original sets, puppets and miniature characters are some of the many pieces…
As we initially reported, WaterWorld will likely undergo a refurbishment in January 2017. However, we have now learned that the refurbishment will begin on January 3 and conclude in early April. Given the length of the refurbishment, WaterWorld will likely undergo significant renovations over the course of three months. The show’s queue will also likely be redesigned to accommodate additional guests during the planned refurbishment. The show received its last refurbishment in 2015. Please stay with Inside Universal for more on this and other stories originating from Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood has added two holiday entertainment offerings in front of Universal Boulevard. Added as part of the park’s streetmosphere, these offerings are divided into daytime and nighttime performances, with daytime shows (known as “The Shincrackers”) featuring a quartet of instrumentalists and nighttime performances (known as “The Happy Holidays Carolers”) featuring carolers singing classic Christmas ballads. While Universal has featured entertainment in front of Universal Boulevard in the past, these new offerings mark the first time Universal has taken advantage of Universal Boulevard’s emphasis on the golden age of Hollywood cinema. The small daytime quartet features saxophone, double bass,…
Universal has increased the price of Front Gate Parking, Preferred Parking and General Parking. Front Gate Parking, which allows guests to park near the front of the park, has risen from $35.00 to $40.00 for guests who park before 5:00 PM. Front Gate Parking after 5:00 PM remains the same at $30.00. Meanwhile, Preferred Parking, which allows guests to shave minutes off their walking time, has increased to $30.00 from $25.00. Preferred Parking after 5:00 PM remains the same at $20.00. Finally, General Parking saw an increase from $18.00 to $20.00. With these price changes, Universal Studios Hollywood has priced…
In this episode, Jonathan Green, Tyler Crouch, Jon Fu and Chris Glass discuss Forbidden Journey’s conversion to 2D, the closure of Cartooniversal, the StarWay expansion, Grinchmas, Knott’s Merry Farm and Shanghai Disneyland! Agenda » 0:01:15 – The demolition of Cartooniversal » 0:07:02 – Revenge of the Mummy reopens after a brief refurbishment » 0:19:42 – Universal expands the StarWay » 0:23:00 – Nintendo and the future of Universal Studios Hollywood » 0:33:50 – Universal Cinema opens » 0:35:38 – Starbucks releases a new “You Are Here” Universal mug » 0:40:23 – Universal removes 3D from Forbidden Journey » 0:46:23 -…
We’re back with another photo update from Universal Studios Hollywood, this time focusing on several ongoing demolitions on the property, some impending openings at CityWalk, Universal’s StarWay expansion, backlot work and more. Let’s get started. Park Update Index » Lankershim Entrance » CityWalk Hollywood » Park Entrance » Cartooniversal » StarWay Construction » Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride / Mummy Treats » Universal’s 5-year Plan » Refurbishments Lankershim Entrance For the most part, construction on Universal’s Lankershim entrance is complete. That being said, the Sheraton Universal has yet to receive its permanent sign, with the on-site hotel still relying…
Old Soundstage 31 began being demolished in late December, with work continuing in January, Inside Universal has learned. In addition, demolition has begun for Building 3213, which serves as office space for the backlot near old Soundstage 31. Universal has recently opened two new soundstages near the Universal metropolitan sets, which serve as replacements (dubbed new Soundstage 29 and 31) for the old Soundstage 29 and 31 facilities. These changes are part of Universal Studios’ overall plan to re-envision the backlot, with plans to build new studio facilities in the coming years. Universal’s newest soundstages recently housed NBC’s latest televised…