Author: Jon Fu

Universal has just announced a trio of mazes based on Freddy vs. Jason, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween. These franchises – which have become familiar to fans – aims to reintroduce some of Halloween Horror Nights’ most recognizable characters to the 2016 event. Let’s go through what we know: Freddy vs. Jason will be an all-new maze on the Universal backlot, featuring the intense battle between two iconic slashers Though the maze will feature iconic elements from both films, Freddy vs. Jason will feature original elements Freddy has returned to enact revenge on the people of Springwood, with Jason…

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For a limited time, Universal has reinstated the CA Resident Annual Pass for select Californian residents until August 15, 2016. Featuring 224 days of valid admission (including 39 weekend days), this offer is only applicable to select guests who are on Universal’s mailing list. This mailing list typically includes current or past annual pass holders who are registered with Universal’s online mailing system. Like the previous CA Resident Annual Pass, this special offer does not include any discounts on in-park food, beverage or merchandise. Is this offer valid to all Californian residents? At the moment, no. Universal’s email blast explicitly…

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In yet another change to its annual pass system, Universal Studios Hollywood has added the option for parking before 5:00 PM to its Gold Annual Pass. Parking had been previously reserved for Universal’s highest Platinum Annual Pass tier. To placate existing current Platinum Annual Pass holders, Universal has added Front of Line access to all rides, shows and attractions once per day – a feature that is also offered at Universal Orlando Resort with some slight modifications. These changes come at a time in which Universal has seen a lag in their annual pass attendance figures since their initial major…

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We’re back with another photo update – this time focusing on construction well underway for Halloween Horror Nights, Universal’s progress on their new five-year backlot transformation plan, CityWalk’s ongoing transformation, construction on the plot of Soundstage 28, and some small changes at The Walking Dead Attraction and Baker Street. Indeed, despite being the summer season, construction at Universal continues to chug along at a prolific rate. Let’s get started. Park Update Index » Lankershim Entrance » CityWalk Hollywood » Baker Street » The Walking Dead Attraction » Halloween Horror Nights » Soundstage 28 » Universal Studios’ 5-Year Plan Lankershim Entrance…

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The Walking Dead Attraction is – in a word – perplexing. On one hand, Universal set out to replace what was an apparent void in the park’s lineup: a year-round haunted maze. On the other, Universal also set out to create an attraction that was more – dare I say it –inclusive to the general public. Let’s examine the first point. For whatever reason (whether as an homage to the studio’s founding of the modern-day horror genre or as an apparent sample of the park’s annual Halloween Horror Nights event), Universal has held a year-round maze as part of its…

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Yesterday, Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened The Walking Dead Attraction to the public. Though the opening of Universal’s new year-round maze was held with little fanfare, crowds of guests – most donning shirts and memorabilia centered around The Walking Dead television show – still waited early in line to be among the first attendees to experience Universal’s latest addition. Though the park was scheduled to open at 8:00 AM (with Early Entry scheduled for 7:00 AM), The Walking Dead Attraction began its first official operating day with a 9:00 AM opening. Fans and guests were allowed to queue in front…

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In yet another change to its annual pass program, Universal Studios Hollywood has discontinued the 2016 Season Pass Plus, replacing it with a modified version of the 2016 Season Pass. In addition, the 2016 Season Pass – which once featured only 67 days of valid admission – now features 174. The 2016 Season Pass’ validity period has also changed from December 15, 2016 to February 28, 2017. Meanwhile, the price for the 2016 Season Pass remains the same at $119. These changes come at a time in which Universal has experienced unusually low annual pass attendance figures since their initial…

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With great fanfare (and an announcement video!), Universal Studios Hollywood announced a new logo aimed at cementing the destination’s epic five-year transformation, which saw the redevelopment of over 75% of the theme park. Focusing on CityWalk’s recent and ongoing redevelopment projects, Universal touted the addition of LudoBird and Blaze Pizza and the forthcoming opening of Dongpo Kitcken, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Voodoo Doughnut as part of CityWalk Hollywood’s grand transformation. In addition, Universal also released additional information regarding their plans to refurbish the Universal Cinemas – adding deluxe recliner seats, a new second level bar and lounge, new Christie laser…

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Over twenty years ago, Universal Studios Hollywood debuted the revolutionary and groundbreaking attraction, Jurassic Park: The Ride. Developed by some of the greatest minds in the theme park industry, Jurassic Park completed Universal’s transformation into a full-fledged theme park that began with the opening of Back to the Future: The Ride in 1993. Opening with a gut-busting four-hour queue that stretched into a soundstage, Jurassic Park cemented Universal as an able competitor against Disney. Compared to Disney’s family-friendly offerings, Universal could competently push the boundaries beyond that of what Disney had cared to do. This was a family-friendly boat ride…

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We’re back – this time with a look at construction for Universal’s up-and-coming experience, The Walking Dead Experience, Halloween Horror Nights, work on Universal Hollywood Drive, a new photo opportunity in Universal Plaza and much, much more. Let’s dive in! Park Update Index » Universal Hollywood Drive » CityWalk » Universal Plaza » The Secret Life of Pets » The Walking Dead Attraction » Halloween Horror Nights » Soundstage 28 » Backlot Universal Hollywood Drive Work on Universal Hollywood Drive continues in the summer season, though most of the work has been focused on the underground tunnel that will connect…

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