Author: Jonathan Green

On March 26, John Murdy (creative director of Halloween Horror Nights) was joined by Chris Williams (art director/production designer) and Don Burgess (producer) in a panel discussion at WonderCon to discuss Universal Studios Hollywood’s newest addition, The Walking Dead Attraction. To set the stage, it’s worth noting that Universal and AMC have had a close ongoing working relationship for the past several years, with Greg Nicotero and John Murdy collaborating to create mazes and scare zones inspired by The Walking Dead at Halloween Horror Nights. In fact, this close collaboration can trace its origins before the debut of AMC’s smash…

After a brief but extensive refurbishment and rebrand, Hollywood & Dine has officially reopened. Once named Hollywood Grill, Hollywood and Dine received a much-needed facelift – both internally and externally – to help the venue align with the newly revealed Universal Boulevard facade. Alongside a new, brighter paint scheme, Hollywood and Dine’s outdoor seating area is now separated by a new fence that lines the perimeter of the dining patio, helping separate patrons from the main walkway. Umbrellas have also been integrated into the outdoor patio, with poles extending with an arch over tables to provide shade. Internally, Hollywood and…

The Infusion Lounge at CityWalk Hollywood has closed, Inside Universal has learned. Debuting in 2011 with great fanfare, the Infusion Lounge opened its doors in CityWalk Hollywood after successfully opening their first location just two years earlier in San Francisco. The 9000 square ft. entertainment venue brought in top DJs along with an expansive dance floor. When the doors first opened five years ago, Universal looked for the Infusion Lounge to add to their nightlife entertainment options in CityWalk. The venue was known for their signature VIP memberships, which allowed for private rooms and access to private events and amenities.…

In this episode, Jonathan Green and Jon Fu discuss Universal Boulevard, Jurassic Park: The Ride’s refurbishment and much, much more! Agenda » Introduction – 0:30 » A look at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Supervising Art Director Alan Gilmore – 1:31 » Universal debuts Universal Boulevard, featuring a larger Universal Studios Store and a new Starbucks – 35:35 » Jurassic Park: The Ride reopens after lengthy refurbishment – 50:25 » Listener questions – 57:00 Player Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes.

It’s time for another photo update – this time focusing on the current roster of projects that Universal is finishing up as the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter approaches on April 7. Universal is putting the finishing touches on a few CityWalk projects as well as Universal Hollywood Drive and just this past week debuted their new Universal Boulevard. Let’s take a tour of the property and see what’s happening on the lot. Let’s begin. Park Update Index » Universal Hollywood Drive » CityWalk Hollywood » Park Entrance » Hollywood & Dine » Universal Boulevard » Snack…

Jurassic Park: The Ride is now open after a lengthy refurbishment, Inside Universal has learned. Featuring new dinosaur skins, general fixes and infrastructure improvements, Jurassic Park: The Ride underwent a lengthy two-month refurbishment starting in January during the park’s traditional winter off-peak season. While refurbishments for Jurassic Park are routine, this year’s downtime focused primarily on reconstructing the splash down track – with crews dismantling the existing track and replacing it with new stock. Crews also repainted the ride’s rockwork, the splashdown lagoon and portions of the Environmental Systems Building show building. Internally, Ultrasaur Lagoon features two Ultrasaurus with a…

In this episode, Kaley Cyrino, Tyler Crouch and Jonathan Green discuss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, which is currently undergoing technical rehearsals! Agenda » Introduction – 0:36 » Universal Boulevard – 1:45 » The Wizarding World of Harry Potter technical rehearsals – 8:55 » Listener questions – 1:31:55 Player Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes.

After two and a half years of construction, yesterday brought the first public technical rehearsals for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. While this may be the third iteration of Hogsmeade, there are several differences between Hollywood’s version and its counterparts. Here’s your first look at Hogsmeade and all it has to offer. Universal Studios Hollywood has taken their game to the next level with the immersive land that drops you right into JK Rowling’s blockbuster franchise. When entering the land, you will stumble upon one of the first differences between Wizarding World West, and Wizarding…

In this episode, Chris Lord, Tyler Crouch and Jonathan Green discuss Universal’s new EZ Rez ticketing system, food options at Universal and some of the park’s latest developments. Agenda » Introduction – 0:45 » Universal’s Lunar New Year Celebration – 2:15 » The new Special Effects Show – 12:57 » Universal’s new EZ Rez ticketing system – 36:45 » Universal dining – 52:15 Player Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes.

In this episode, we’re is joined by Andrew (HateToFly) from Orlando United and Joe from Parkscope to discuss the latest projects occurring at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. Agenda » Introduction – 0:32 » The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood – 2:00 » Reign of Kong, Hulk and Sapphire Falls – 27:45 » Jimmy Fallon, Fast & Furious: Supercharged and Volcano Bay » Is Diagon Alley coming to Universal Studios Hollywood? – 1:07:00 » Nintendo at Universal parks – 1:19:05 » Listener Questions – 1:25:26 Player Direct Download and iTunes You may download this…