Author: Jonathan Green

People often ask me what I love the most about theme parks. Is it the rides? The food? The shows? The characters? My answer? Entertainment. Whether it’s a piano player performing in a small area for just a handful of people, a song and dance show, or even a large-scale show like WaterWorld, I love entertainment in all forms. Universal Studios Hollywood used to offer something for guests who didn’t want to just stand in 60-to-90-minute lines for a three-minute ride experience. Part of the excitement with entertainment was turning the corner not knowing what you might come upon. These…

As a child of the 80s, one of my favorite things about going to Universal Studios Hollywood was the abundance of stunt shows in the park. Every visit allowed me to watch in awe;  The Adventures of Conan, Miami Vice Action Spectacular, and (my favorite) The Western Stunt Show/Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show. While Universal didn’t invent the concept of a stunt show, they certainly perfected it. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando became the showcase of stunt shows, from the basic movie-punch and highfall to the Bourne Stuntacular, they’ve set the standard of entertainment. To fully appreciate where…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced their new offerings for this years Lunar New Year celebration. 2018 celebrates the Year of the Dog and with that Universal Plaza will be home to an all-new recreation of Po’s Village. A Dragon Warrior Training Show – based on the Kung Fu Panda franchise – will engage guests of all ages in an interactive martial arts demonstration performed by Master Po and friends. Veteran DreamWorks animators will also be on hand to demonstrate the practical techniques of drawing their favorite Kung Fu Panda characters. This year’s new offerings also include: Visit with Illumination’s Minions dressed in traditional Chinese attire. Mr.…

As 2017 comes to an end, it’s time for our annual look at the top ten defining moments from Universal Studios Hollywood as chosen by our editorial team. 2017 featured quite a few changes around the theme park and CityWalk Hollywood, so let’s take a look at what made this year interesting and exciting. Let’s begin our countdown… Margaritaville Starting off our list this year is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Parrotheads rejoiced as the restaurant opened in March of 2017 featuring the man himself Jimmy Buffett performing in front of media and fans. The restaurant, which has been a staple at…

On December 20, Roger Vincent and Hugo Martin of the Los Angeles Times broke the story regarding the proposed expansion of the Hilton Universal and the complications that arose in that NBCUniversal is not in favor of the proposed expansion. On the same day the story broke, Hillcrest Real Estate LLC, who owns the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, filed a “Development application with the City of Los Angeles to expand their existing property to include a new hotel addition adjacent to the famed Universal Studios Hollywood.” The new expansion would include a new 15-story addition to the existing hotel and…

In 2013, the Los Angeles City Council approved the NBCUniversal Evolution Plan, which allowed major construction to begin and paved the way for bringing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park experience to California. In this plan, Universal Studios Hollywood had prepared multiple phases for the property, which included additions in the form of theme park-accessible hotels. The first hotel is expected to be built upon the former Fung Lum Restaurant location that was demolished in favor of widening Universal Hollywood Drive and accommodate the larger traffic leading into the park and hotels.  A second hotel, which could have…

For many, a hallmark of Disney theme parks has been the daily and seasonal parades that travel throughout the park, offering interaction and personalized experiences along with seeing their favorite characters. Hours before a parade begins, visitors often find a specific location on the parade route where they believe they may have the best seating options to have an up close and personal experience with their favorite Disney characters. For Universal Studios Hollywood, the history of a full-fledged parade has always been something the park has wanted to bring to the guest experience in California. The challenge for Hollywood has…

Grinchmas is back again this year at Universal Studios Hollywood. While the event does not offer anything new in terms of entertainment, the event is as fun as it’s been and the food options are tasty. The event is highlighted by four shows, photo opportunities, new food options, crafts and a scavenger hunt. Shows Grinchmas offers four unique shows in Story Time with Cindy-Lou, Martha May and the Who-Dolls, The Wholiday Singers and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Story Time with Cindy-Lou is an opportunity for kids of all ages to hear the re-telling of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” -…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced EVE – a New Year’s Eve event featuring music, dancing, drinks and a special countdown celebration at midnight. As we recently reported, there will be a special countdown celebration to midnight to ring in 2018 with three synchronized fireworks displays throughout the park. The park will be open from 9:00am to 1:00am. EVE entertainment will begin at 9:00pm and conclude with fireworks at 12:00am midnight. Universal Plaza, Simpsons Plaza located adjacent to “The Simpsons Ride” and an area near “Jurassic Park—The Ride” will transform into three uniquely-themed electrifying party hubs that will culminate simultaneously at…

On November 16, Universal Studios Hollywood lifted the veil on its newest addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter by introducing “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Beginning November 24, guests can stroll through Hogsmeade and enjoy festive holiday décor, merchandise, special food offerings and all-new entertainment capped off by their new nighttime spectacular “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”. Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Studios Hollywood, was on hand to welcome everyone to the night’s festivities. “We are delighted to welcome ‘Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ as a new holiday…