Update: December 11, 2014 – As we originally reported earlier this month, Universal has officially announced its scaled back New Year’s Eve celebration event, substituting fireworks and outdoor performances with a marathon of classic Universal movies at the AMC Theatres. We’ve included Universal’s official press release below alongside this article’s original text.
Universal City, California, December 11, 2014– The countdown to 2015 begins with Universal CityWalk’s all-new “New Year’s Eve Movie Night” celebration at the CityWalk AMC Theatres, featuring five of Universal Pictures’ most iconic films, including “Jurassic Park,” “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial,” “Back to the Future” and a double feature of “Dracula” and “Frankenstein.”
The New Year’s Eve festivities will include a red carpet entry and live DJ dance party with appearances by such favorite Universal Studios Hollywood characters as the Minions, Doc Brown, Dracula, Frankenstein and the quintessential Hollywood icon, Marilyn Monroe, in honor of the theme park’s 50th anniversary.
Admission tickets are $25 per adult and $15 per child and include a movie ticket to the selected film, the DJ countdown dance party, complimentary soft drink, all you can eat popcorn and a New Year’s Eve goodie bag. The “New Year’s Eve Movie Night” event will take place on the 2nd level of the AMC Theatres.
In addition to “Movie Night,” revelers can celebrate in style at any one of Universal CityWalk’s many restaurants and nightclubs offering a variety of festive New Year’s Eve private parties, including Howl at the Moon, Infusion Lounge, Jillian’s Hi Life Lanes, Saddle Ranch Chop House and Wolfgang Puck Bistro.
During the construction phase of its epic transformation, Universal CityWalk is modifying its traditional New Year’s Eve celebration and will not include fireworks and outdoor concert performances.
December 2, 2014 – CityWalk’s New Year’s Eve celebration will likely be scaled back or scrapped, Inside Universal has learned.
Featuring multiple fireworks displays, DJs, and live entertainment, CityWalk’s New Year’s Eve celebration has traditionally taken place across CityWalk Hollywood and Universal Studios Hollywood – spanning across Five Towers, Universal’s park entrance, Universal Plaza and the WaterWorld arena.
However, admission costs for the event have risen in recent years with parking and admission costs going as high as $45 per car. Shuttle and drop-off admission also cost each individual $15 and free admission was only afforded if one was able enter the entertainment complex earlier in the day.
While Inside Universal has no concrete figures, attendance levels – anecdotally – were fairly moderate during last year’s event, which may have been attributed to the high cost of admission. However, despite the scale back (at least in line with previous New Year’s Eve celebrations), CityWalk’s nightclubs and restaurants will continue to stay open.
Make sure to stay with Inside Universal for more on this and other stories originating from Universal Studios Hollywood.
Kaley Cyrinois an editor for Inside Universal.
Kaley is a Southern California native who grew up within miles of all the greatest theme parks. As a nursing student, Kaley finds her peace and sanity by visiting Universal Studios whenever she gets the chance. Her dream is to be able to visit Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Singapore.
Kaley currently resides in Orange, California. You may reach her at kaleycyrino@insideuniversal.net.
