December 7, 2012 – Hello everyone! Jon here, and we’re back with another update from Universal Studios Hollywood (it took long enough!) – this time covering Grinchmas’ annual “Who-Manitarian of the Year Award,” which was awarded to Betty White for her contributions to animal welfare! Chris and his crew covered the event, so let’s see what they brought along.
Here we go!
Feels good seeing the classic Universal uniglobe again. I’ll tell you, I wouldn’t trade this for the world.
They’ve spruced up the arch this year – a small improvement from last year’s design. I’m told it looks spectacular at night. Let’s head on in.
An interesting take on the fountain. I like it.
Yep, theming definitely seems to have been bumped up a notch.
Free hot chocolate and coffee! Don’t mind if I do…
Nothing feels more out of place than a snowman in Southern California. Poor guy must feel so alone.
The only snowman in Los Angeles…
The Grinch. AHHHHH!
Maybe my eyes are deceiving me, but it looks like they’ve expanded the tree lighting venue this year.
Snow.
More snow…
Snow trail…
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but it’s snow. In Southern California.
Not sure why Chris and his crew took so many photos of the coffee/hot chocolate dispensers. They must be hot beverage container enthusiasts.
Our neighbors…
…and us!
Of course, the venerable Mayor of Who-ville, Augustus Maywho.
Cindy Lou Who, followed by Martha May Whovier.
…and of course, the Christmas tree!
OMG. BETTY WHITE.
The awards ceremony. Betty White is officially this year’s Who-Manitarian! She definitely deserves it.
BEHOLD. THE POWER OF BETTY WHITE.
But on a more serious note, Betty White was specifically chosen for her “tireless efforts on behalf of animals.” You may not know this, but Ms. White is actually the Chairman of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (a position she’s served since 1974) and served as Zoo Commissioner for eight years. She also serves as the “President Emeritus of Morris Animal Foundation, a world leader in funding groundbreaking veterinary research.” So in any case, her award is well deserved in our books.
A Universal employee alongside the Grinch. Yep. Another normal day in Hollywood.
“Blast this Christmas music! It’s joyful AND triumphant!”
Another ACTION SHOT of the dispensers. Chris and crew must really love Universal’s design taste when it comes to dispensers and dispenser accessories. Can’t fault him for that.
But yeah. Betty White! What more can I say. She’s awesome on so many levels.
See?
The press needs to show more enthusiasm for BETTY WHITE. Come on.
More theming from the film…
And a wide pan-shot of the tree. Loving the design, even though it hasn’t changed from last year.
A panorama of the new, bigger venue.
Let’s checkup on Frosty. Yep. Still lonely.
…and finally, the remodeled venue.
Okay, that does it for me and the crew. A very big congratulations to Ms. Betty White for her Who-Manitarian award this year, and we give her many thanks for her contributions in helping raise awareness for animals in need. Special thanks goes out to Chris and his friend Thomas Edmonds for the photos. Special thanks also goes out to Universal for making this whole thing possible. Chris told me they put on an awesome press event this year for Grinchmas, and I’m sure it shows through the photos. Of course, Universal wanted me to remind you that you can still purchase a “Buy A Day, Get 2013 Free” annual pass for friends and family during the holiday season. It’s definitely a good deal if you’ve already purchased a park ticket, and it makes a great gift.
And as always, you can still purchase tickets online for this year’s Grinchmas event at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Check out our Grinchmas post to find out more information about event dates and coupons. Be sure to also visit our forums and join the conversation, like our Facebook and follow us on Twitter! We’ll have more updates surrounding Grinchmas in the coming days, so stay tuned!!
– Jon Fu/Chris Lord
