April 7, 2014 – Hey everyone – we’re back with rather substantial update from Universal Studios Hollywood, this time detailing the continuing work on Super Silly Fun Land, Simpsons Plaza, the Wizarding World, the new NBCUniversal exhibit and much, much more.
Let’s get started.
» Super Silly Fun Land
» Simpsons Plaza / Wizarding World
» Tour de France
» The Studio Tour
» The NBCUniversal Experience
» Fung Lums Demolition
With Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem largely finished and undergoing technical rehearsals, Universal has ramped up construction on the ride’s neighboring playground, Super Silly Fun Land.
While the Silly Swirly spinner (video below) and dry playground are largely finished, the wet playground remains walled off and under construction. Despite the unfinished land, the playground looks wonderfully done with splatterings of minions scattered across the area. Overall, this additional is exceedingly cute and well done – despite its unfinished state – and a substantial improvement over Coke Soak.
Looking over Simpsons Plaza, steel beams and walls have finally arisen – taking over what used to be Hollywood Cantina and portions of Doc Brown’s Chicken. While Universal has not confirmed the details surrounding the project, it is largely believed that another iteration of Universal Studios Florida’s Fast Food Boulevard will be built in Hollywood – this time having two stories instead of one.
As for the Wizarding World, feverish construction continues to take place as the steel structure works its way to become the show building for Forbidden Journey. Steel structures have also been erected that look awfully similar to some of the buildings located in Hogsmeade.
As Despicable Me ramps up, Universal has also refreshed the neighboring French Street with new paint, signs and set decorations. Character actors (such as mines, stilt walkers and musicians) have also been added to replace the original Can-can dancers which sat underneath International Cafe.
Looks pretty good, huh?
Not much to report here.
Jaws – back from its recent refurbishment – looks great, and our mystery structure on the former site of the Mummy’s Tomb continues to take shape.
…and finally (in a rather pleasant surprise), Universal has updated portions of the NBCUniversal Experience with props and memorabilia celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Studio Tour.
They’ve included blueprints of the original Wild West facade, props from Back to the Future and Terminator and some newspaper clippings detailing the growth of Universal. It’s quite the display, so if you’re a fan of Universal ( and of course you are! Why are you reading this site?) it’s worth the journey out.
Oh, and before we forget – Fung Lum has been completely demolished in favor of a 500 room hotel.
That’s it for us. Please stay with Inside Universal for continuing coverage of these projects and more originating from Universal Studios Hollywood. Thanks for reading, and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Photos by Jonathan Green. Text by Jon Fu.
