Author: Jonathan Green

On May 6, Universal Studios Hollywood partnered with M.E.N.D. (Meet Each Need with Dignity) to bring joy and hope to low income families. For 26 years Universal has held Christmas in Spring, which brought families together to enjoy a few hours of fun, entertainment and food. As families entered the M.E.N.D property they were made to feel like stars. Each guest was given a special badge that gained entry into the exclusive event. From there each person was given a bag for all of the goodies and souvenirs they would collect throughout the day. The event was spread out into…

Last Thursday, CityWalk Hollywood officially opened the newly renovated and rebranded Universal Cinema. And in typical Hollywood fashion, Universal gathered the top echelon of directors, producers and executives to christen the new theater, including Karen Irwin, Ron Meyer, Steven Spielberg, Jordan Peele, Jason Blum and Will Packer. Taking the podium, famed director Steven Spielberg noted that he’s “happy to be here at Universal CityWalk tonight to join the official opening of Universal Cinema, where moviegoers have the rare opportunity to see movies at the very place movies are actually made.” Indeed, Universal Cinema has become a world-class destination for moviegoers…

In this episode, Jonathan Green and Tyler Crouch discuss CityWalk’s latest additions, Universal’s up-and-coming nighttime show, the StarWay expansion and much, much more. Agenda » 0:01:90 – Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville opens at CityWalk Hollywood » 0:01:90 Snow Monster is coming to CityWalk Hollywood » 0:16:50 – X-Ray machines at the security checkpoint » 0:20:20 – The status of Cartooniversal » 0:21:15 – Shrek/Harry Potter nighttime show » 0:23:12 – StarWay expansion » 0:27:00 – Lower Lot/backlot construction » 0:35:10 – Knott’s Berry Farm debuts VR Show Down in Ghost Town » 0:45:00 – The Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm…

On April 1, Knott’s Berry Farm is set to debut their newest attraction: VR Show Down in Ghost Town. This new interactive attraction can be experienced for an additional $6.00 on top of your ticket price. In anticipation of the attraction’s debut, Knott’s was gracious enough to invite Inside Universal along with other members of the media to an exclusive sneak peek at their new VR experience. Knott’s Berry Farm has joined forces with VRstudios to create an original 3-minute gameplay experience. Located inside the Boardwalk Arcade just below Voyage to the Iron Reef, you will embark on a mission…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has been upgraded to 4k-HD at 120 frames-per-second. The first change to the attraction’s projection system was noticed back on December 4, 2016 when Inside Universal reported that the 3D effect in the ride had been removed. Shortly after, reports came in that the projections for the ride had received an upgrade, resulting in a clearer and more vibrant image in the ride’s projection’s domes. According to Universal, the ride “originally projected at 60 frames-per-second,” while the upgraded projectors will display “twice the frame rate offering superior clarity…

In this episode, Brian Glenn and Jon Fu discuss the upcoming Inside Universal/Orlando United merger. Brian is then joined by Chris Glass, Tyler Crouch and Jonathan Green to discuss the new additions to CityWalk Hollywood, the demolition of Soundstages 22-25, the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon attraction at Universal Orlando Resort and more! Agenda » 0:00:00 – Inside Universal / Orlando United Merger » 0:11:20 – Inside Universal hosts its fourth annual member meetup » 0:15:09 – Soundstages 22, 23, 24, and 25 have been demolished » 0:30:45 – Voodoo Doughnut soft opens at CityWalk Hollywood » 0:41:50…

Lush Cosmetics at CityWalk Hollywood is set to close on March 23, Inside Universal has learned. Lush is an eco-friendly body care store that started in the United Kingdom in 1995. The Hollywood location – which opened several years ago – will close. It is not known at the moment what will replace it. This closure continues to reinforce CityWalk Hollywood’s recent trend to reimagine the shopping, dining and entertainment district. Last week, Inside Universal also broke the news that Flame Broiler had closed their doors. Be sure to follow Inside Universal’s continuing coverage of CityWalk Hollywood and Universal Studios…

Soundstages 22, 23, 24 and 25 on the Universal lot have been demolished. These demolitions are part of the studio’s new five-year plan that aims to revitalize and modernize Universal’s backlot facilities. Soundstages 22-25 were most famously used for ten seasons in the original version of CSI. After the cancellation of the show in 2015, NBCUniversal greenlit two new shows that occupied the block of soundstages, including Superstore (which were housed in Soundstages 22 and 23) and Colony (which were housed in Soundstages 24 and 25). Just before the demolition, Superstore was moved to Soundstages 16 and 17 while the…

Flame Broiler at CityWalk Hollywood has closed. According to the CityWalk map, the location formerly occupied by Flame Broiler will house a new food venue. The former fast food venue was located in the CityFood section of CityWalk, between Smash Burger and Taco Bell. This closure falls in line with Universal’s recent moves to transform CityWalk’s restaurant and entertainment offerings. Be sure to follow Inside Universal for continuing coverage of Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk Hollywood.

It’s time for our March photo update, and in this update, we’ll be taking a look at CityWalk Hollywood, construction occurring on the backlot, and the ongoing refurbishment of Super Silly Fun Land. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in. Park Update Index » CityWalk Hollywood » Park Entrance » Cartooniversal and WaterWorld Refurbishment » New York Street » Super Silly Fun Land Refurbishment » StarWay Construction » Revenge of the Mummy Locker Rooms / Mummy Treats » Backlot Construction CityWalk Hollywood As the CityWalk Hollywood transformation continues, a wall now surrounds the former location of Yogurtland, which will…