Author: Jonathan Green

Over the last few weeks, rumors have surfaced that Diagon Alley may be on its way to Universal Studios Hollywood. Of course, the biggest question has been where – in other words, where is Diagon Alley going to be built on this already-constrained piece of property? There have been three locations on the Universal property that have been wildly discussed that we’ll delineate and analyze below. Because of the size and scope of the land in question and the layout of Universal Studios Hollywood, only a few locations on the lot can handle another full sized land in the same…

We are now less than three months away from the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the park is continuing its rush to ensure that the rest of the theme park and surrounding areas are ready to go. So let’s dive right in and look at the construction at Universal City. Park Update Index » Lankershim Project » CityWalk Hollywood » Universal Studio Store / Park Entrance » New Retail/Dining/Entertainment Complex » Mel’s Diner » The Wizarding World of Harry Potter » Jurassic Park: The Ride Refurbishment » Lower Lot Projects / NBCUniversal Replacement Project »…

In this episode, the Inside Universal editorial team discuss the potential closure of Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, Universal’s up-and-coming Secret Life of Pets attraction, Universal’s new annual passes, dynamic ticket options and more! Agenda » Introduction – 0:24 » Closure of Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride – 1:43 » New attraction – Secret Life of Pets – 17:18 » New annual pass/seasonal pass structures – 33:43 » Dynamic ticket structure – 55:03 » Listener questions – 58:08 Audio Direct download: January 10, 2016 PodcastiTunes link: (039) January 10, 2016 Podcast

June 9, 2015 – In this episode, Jonathan Green and Christopher Lord are joined with HateToFly from Orlando United for a discussion on Universal Studios Hollywood. Audio Direct download: June 6, 2015 PodcastiTunes link: (030) June 6, 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.

May 14, 2015 – After nearly two years of construction, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated the grand opening of its newest themed environment Springfield USA based on the hit television show The Simpsons. True to Hollywood form, several celebrity actors from the television show came out to be a part of the festivities. Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson), Nancy Cartwright (voice of Bart Simpson) and Joe Mantegna (voice of Fat Tony) were on hand to celebrate the opening. Along with the voice actors, three of the Executive Producers of the show were also in attendance, including Michael Price (Co-Executive Producer),…

April 12, 2015 – Given the recent progress on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the park’s continuing 50th anniversary enhancements, we’d thought we’d take a Hollywood Minute to give you a quick update on some of Universal’s largest ongoing projects. Let’s get started! 1 » Universal 50 As Universal continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the park has introduced new 50th anniversary merchandise alongside new banners that now adorn the entrance plaza. 2 » Wizarding World West Meanwhile, rock work for the Forbidden Journey show building has begun. Crews have also moved trees into the hill facing the…

April 11, 2015 – In this episode, Jonathan, Jon, Kaley and Chris discuss Universal’s newest land – Springfield – alongside a host of other projects and events from the park. Agenda » Springfield opening: 2:13 » Universal discontinues Premium Annual Passes: 31:50 » Shrek 4D introduces new queue: 45:00 » Universal replaces Pink’s Hotdogs with Plaza Grill: 58:20 » Smash Burger replaces Original Tommy’s: 1:00:53 Audio Direct download: April 4, 2015 PodcastiTunes link: (026) April 4, 2015 PodcastOpening track: Going to California – Led Zeppelin Jonathan Green Jonathan Green is a contributing editor for Inside Universal. Jonathan has been going…

February 17, 2015 – Given the rapid pace of construction within the park, we’d thought we’d take a Hollywood Minute to give you a quick update on some of Universal’s largest ongoing projects. Let’s get started! 1 » Sports Avenue Refurbishment In a rather curious development, Sports Avenue will be transformed into Locker Room following a string of CityWalk Hollywood changes. 2 » Wizarding World West Taking a brief look at the progress of Wizarding World West, Universal has continued to cover up the Forbidden Journey show building with faux brickwork. 3 » Springfield Comes to Hollywood Finally, construction crews…

February 11, 2015 – In this episode, Jonathan Green and Jon Fu are joined by Joe from Parkscope with a discussion on the state of Universal and Disney and a look at the latest news from Universal Studios Hollywood. Agenda » Fast & Furious: Supercharged advertisement – 2:45 » Universal’s Lunar New Year celebration – 10:50 » Universal Studio Store expansion – 16:20 » The state of Universal and Disney – 23:50 Audio Direct download: February 11, 2015 PodcastiTunes link: (024) February 11, 2015 PodcastOpening track: Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Jonathan Green Jonathan Green…

October 18, 2014 – This week brought more movement within the theme park, so let’s get moving on this epic photo update. Construction continues at a feverish pace as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Springfield, Fast and Furious: Supercharged, and more are being built simultaneously all within the same park. Universal Studios Hollywood is currently working on more construction sites at one time than any other period in the theme park’s 50 year history. So without further ado, let’s get started. Park Update Index » Lankershim Boulevard » Parking Lot Expansion » Louie’s Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s »…