August 28, 2015 – Hello everyone! We’re back with yet another photo update – this time with a look on the continuing Lankershim pedestrian bridge project, CityWalk, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Halloween Horror Nights and a glimpse of the new structure emerging on the former plot that was once occupied by Universal’s House of Horrors.
Let’s get started.
» Lankershim Pedestrian Bridge
» CityWalk Stores
» Universal’s House of Horrors Replacement Project
» The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
» Mel’s Diner
» Halloween Horror Nights
» Park Projects
As the completion date for the bridge nears, three new vertical structures have emerged at the Lankershim intersection.
As public documents note, this open air bridge will provide a continuous pathway for guests looking to go to and from Universal Studios Hollywood. While nothing major (original plans called for an underground tunnel), the bridge will hopefully provide a safe way for guests and employees to cross the notorious Lankershim intersection.
Meanwhile, the former Stop and Play and Salvatory Shoes location will be combined to create a new space for Shoe Palace.
Moving further along, the Universal Studio Store continues its expansion to the former Things From Another World location, which recently moved into the GameStop location next to Five Towers.
Inside the park, the new House of Horrors replacement structure has been steadily moving along.
Close examination of some of the structure’s facade details reveals an art deco theme very similar to the adjacent Universal Plaza, unifying various areas of the park under one theme. Also, it appears that a significantly larger structure will be built alongside the backside of the Globe Theater – creating a two-level facade that will allow guests to wander into the new space from the streets (similar to that of Hollywood Land facade).
Moving to Harry Potter, scaffolding for Hogwarts Castle appears to be coming down after construction crews modified the previous blotchy moss-covered paint scheme that covered the bulk of the structure. In its place, a new darker tone has taken hold.
In addition, Hogwarts Express has been transported to the entrance of Hogsmeade, with the accompanying pipes occupying a small hut in the Shrek 4D queue. Audio has also been installed in the recessed holes nestled throughout the land, and the Flying Ford Anglia picture car has been positioned in front of Feature Presentations near the entrance of the park.
Moving to Mel’s, the classic diner has been closed as the entire structure prepares for a significant refurbishment.
As you can see from the photos, crews have begun stripping lighting and audio from the restaurant’s facade. With construction walls wrapping around the entirety of the structure (including areas in French Street), one has to conclude that significant modifications are in store for the classic American diner.
With Halloween Horror Nights fast approaching, crews continue to work feverishly to complete mazes nestled throughout the park and on the Universal backlot.
For this year’s event, Halloween will occupy the Parisian Courtyard, while Insidious and This Is The End occupy the Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy queue, respectively. In addition, the Walking Dead has taken up the former Soundstage 28 plot, while Crimson Peak and Alien vs. Predator occupy the backlot. Crews have also begun preparing this year’s Terror Tram, which will be dominated by The Purge.
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the smaller projects occurring in the park.
Springfield’s Chief Wiggum statue has been taken out of commission after looking somewhat worn, while Special Effects Stage’s (which will close on October 18 for a revised production) sign undergoes yet another revision.
That does it for this month’s look of Universal Studios Hollywood. Please follow Inside Universal for all the latest news from Universal Studios Hollywood, and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more information from the park. Buh-bye!
Christopher Tillman is an editor for Inside Universal.
Christopher is a California native who grew up visiting all of the Golden State’s theme parks. While studying theatre in college Christopher bounced around working at a few different attractions in Orange Country and Los Angeles. Now the father of a two year old, he is experiencing theme parks in a whole new way and has become the old man saying things like; “I remember when KITT and the A-Team van used to be here.”
You may contact Christopher at christophertillman@insideuniversal.net.
