November 18, 2015 – We’re back with another update from Universal Studios Hollywood – this time focusing on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Universal Studio Store both in the park and CityWalk Hollywood, the construction on the pedestrian bridge and more!
Let’s begin.
» Lankershim Pedestrian Bridge
» Universal Studios Store
» House of Horrors Replacement Project & Hollywood Grill
» Grinchmas/Christmas Decorations
» The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
» NBCUniversal Experience Replacement Project
» Day of Giving
Since our last update, large pieces of the Lankershim pedestrian bridge have been transported to the construction site as crews begin connecting pieces over the intersection. While the structure is far from finished, you can begin to see the basic structure of the pedestrian bridge.
The CityWalk Universal Studios Store expansion has made significant progress since our last photo update. The expansion into the previous Things From Another World (TFAW) location has opened to the public, following the same art deco theme as the Universal Plaza. While the new expansion still features the space ship crash and the TFAW name up top, the store front now features the “Universal Studios Store” name in gold letters. This new expansion is likely indicative of what to expect for the construction throughout the rest of the park.
Meanwhile, inside the park, the Universal Studios Store is just getting started. Half of the store has been blocked off in preparation for the expansion to the construction in the former House of Horrors location.
In addition, with Halloween Horror Nights 2015 in the past, the park has begun to be overhauled with a mix of Grinchmas and construction. With the right side of the entrance plaza closed off, guests are now being directed through the left turnstiles and the main arch. Be prepared for some confusion when trying to enter the park. When in doubt, just follow the red carpet!
Scaffolding still remains around the entirety of the House of Horrors construction site. However, if you look closely through the tarps, you can see significant progress being made with construction. It has become pretty clear that the design will be following the rest of the park with its Art Deco theme.
Walls have been erected around Hollywood Grill, however there is not much to see in terms of construction. Keep checking back as we update you on any progress in this location.
The Grinch is making his way into Universal Studios Hollywood. He has already taken over the Universal Studios Store and is now making his way into the Universal Plaza. Construction crews are working hard to create the world of Whoville in the Universal Plaza. With the Grinchmas tree looming over the park, the excitement of Grinchmas is starting to arise.
With Christmas decorations surrounding Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk, it’s difficult to imagine the terrifying Halloween Horror Nights decorations that were scattered around just a week ago.
It’s hard to believe that Wizarding World West is still so far away. From the glimpses we get from outside the walls of Hogsmeade, it looks absolutely magical inside. With final details being finished to the castle and throughout Hogsmeade, Wizarding World West is sure to be as beautiful and mesmerizing as its sibling over in Universal Orlando Resort. Stay close to Inside Universal as we continue to update you on this huge project.
Significant headway has been made on the previous NBCUniversal Location. While it is unclear what is being created at this moment, it is likely that we will know soon based on its quick development. Stay tuned as we continue to update our readers on this area.
Finally, the new Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger film starring Tom Hanks has been spotted on Falls Lake on the Universal Studios backlot. Sullenberger famously steered US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water-landing on the New York Hudson River after the aircraft encountered technical difficulties.
While Studio Tour guides have remained hush-hush about the project thus far, the film is slated to be released in 2016.
Finally, it’s worthy to note that Universal hosted its annual Day of Giving event last Thursday.
For those who are unaware of the philanthropic event, Universal’s annual Day of Giving features hundreds of Universal team members hosting a day of fun for 250 homeless children from the local Los Angeles area. Featuring a clothing and school-supply exchange, participants are given free Front of Line access to every attraction at Universal alongside a complimentary lunch. We commend Universal for continuing this wonderful tradition, and we hope to see it continue for years to come.
That does it for this update! 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. See you next time!
Kaley Cyrino is 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.
