It’s time for October’s photo update around Universal Studios Hollywood! This month, we take a look at construction progress on The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!, as well as the numerous other projects under construction throughout the park.
Let’s get started!
Park Update Index
» CityWalk Hollywood
» The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!
» Lower Lot
» A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That
CityWalk Hollywood
Howl at the Moon – a piano bar located on the upper level of Universal CityWalk – recently announced that their final night of operation will be Sunday, October 27. Their new venue in Hollywood (located outside of Universal property) will open later that week on Friday, November 1.
The Abercrombie clothing store – found just outside of Walter’s Gate – will be receiving an expansion with the addition of Abercrombie Kids, opening sometime this November.
IT’SUGAR continues work on its exterior with no visible progress to the public eye.
The previous locations of the Element Apparel store, Sublime Gifts & Finds, and ANGL all remain mostly untouched since our most recent visit. Still, no announcements have been made regarding their respective future replacements.
Empty framework remains up in front of the CityWalk restrooms and lockers for unknown reasons at this time.
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!
Construction rapidly continues on the family attraction slated to open in early 2020. Significant work on the facade of the show building continues behind the green scrim, revealing the outlines of windows and other architectural elements likely based off of the New York City apartment buildings found in the film.
Walls have once again extended further into Baker Street, forcing guests to walk through French Street and around Mulligan’s Pub in order to reach the restrooms and adjacent drinking fountain.
Lower Lot
Construction continues to significantly progress on the Lower Lot, where a massive show building continues to take shape. Major work now appears to be focused on the second floor of the building, though hard hats also continue to work on different sections all throughout the plot. At the time of this update, no formal announcement regarding the future attraction located on the plot has been made.
A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That
The widely popular Halloween Horror Nights glass cups – as well as other previously sold-out Halloween Horror Nights merchandise – are back in stock at multiple locations throughout the theme park and in the CityWalk Studio Store.
Recently, we were able to check out the brand-new Universal Monsters Presents: Bride of Frankenstein VR experience by Holoride at CityWalk Hollywood. We highly recommend catching it sometime during its run if you can, as it is completely free to all! The experience lasts approximately 10 minutes and runs on select dates from October 14 through November 9.
Christmas lights have been gradually going up across the park in preparation for the rapidly-approaching holiday season.
Feature Presentation has reverted back to selling Harry Potter themed merchandise.
In the Upper Lot Studio Store, a massive statue of Slimer from Ghostbusters is up for sale to any major fans of the franchise.
Additionally up for purchase in the Upper Lot Studio Store is the return of Minion Monsters merchandise, bringing together the lovable Minions from the Despicable Me franchise and the classic Universal monsters for a Halloween-inspired twist.
WaterWorld will be closed for its regular refurbishment as of October 15, 2019.
We also wanted to offer a shout-out to three longtime WaterWorld cast members who will not be returning to the show after it reopens. We sincerely thank you for your unique contributions to the show over the years – we’ll miss you!
In response to the monetary contributions from a number of major fans of the franchise, the iconic Lyon Estates signs from the Back to the Future series have been restored and placed in Studio Tour guest view.
As construction on The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! invades on the entrance to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the adjacent Despicable Delights remains closed.
Testing for the new electric Studio Tour trams continues as various empty electric trams meander their way across the entire Studio Tour route.
Isla Nu-Bar in the Jurassic World area of the Lower Lot has received new decorative prints created in the style of traditional attraction posters.
Jurassic Café has received a new item on its menu: a tuna poke bowl.
That’ll do it for this month’s photo update. Be sure to follow Inside Universal for continuing coverage of Universal Parks and Resorts.
