Welcome back to our September photo update for Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk. This month we take a look at the final stages of Halloween Horror Nights construction as well as the work being done in preparation for the new Fast and Furious coaster on the Upper Lot and a few other projects around the park.
Let’s get started!
Park Update Index
» CityWalk Hollywood
» Fast & Furious Coaster Construction
» Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Construction
» A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
CityWalk Hollywood
Scrims and work walls are down at the old Starbucks location revealing a sleek, modern facade for the coffee shop. The temporary location has shuttered in anticipation of the original location’s reopening.
A new Horror Nights-specific shop has opened up at Production Central, on the east side of Citywalk. Some exclusive items can be found only at this location so be sure to check it out.
A new shop, Celebrity Authentics, is preparing to open. The store will offer authenticated autographed collectibles once it opens.
At the NBC Sports Grill & Brew, they are offering a Halloween Horror Nights special called the Haunted Huddle. Also, through the end of September, Universal Studios Hollywood Pass Members will get a free order of fried pickles with the purchase of two appetizers, in addition to their regular passholders discount.
The Universal Studio Store in Citywalk has received its annual Halloween makeover showing off some more of the merchandise offerings for this year’s Horror Nights.
Fast & Furious Coaster Construction
Last month the Animal Actors stage and the Castle Theater were demolished to make way for this new coaster.
Now, work is well underway with the whole hillside now a barren patch of dirt.
Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Construction
We’re close to the Opening Night of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, and most of the Scarezone’s props and set dressing have been rolled out into the park.
Toyz occupies the NY Street area by Universal Plaza, with the iconic fire towers returning.
El Terror De Las Momias is this year’s scarezone for French Street, tying into the Latin American theme of the nearby Monstruos maze. Giant skeletal figures loom high above the zone and various stages have been erected along the street.
Terror Tram construction is nearing its conclusion. Most of the finale is now obscured by black walls, so here are some earlier photos we got before it was covered, showing how it is put together.
The facade of Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America beckons guests into the Parisian Courtyard.
Evil Dead Rise’s banner has been installed at the Hudson Gate location.
The facade for Holidayz in Hell has finished its scenic treatment.
The Last of Us, located in the Mummy queue, looks to be completed and ready for guests.
Showtime signage for The Purge: Dangerous Waters, in the Waterworld arena, has appeared.
Wait time display is up for the special experience: Blumhouse — Behind the Screams, in the Dreamworks theater.
The Dia De Los Muertos celebration at the Universal Plaza returns this season. This year, guests will be able to meet La Llorona and La Catrina in the plaza for character interactions and photo ops.
Surfer Boy Pizza, of Stranger Things season 4 fame, will be serving up pies to Horror Nights guests in the lower lot, adjacent to the Panda Express.
The 1980s-themed “Stellar Bar” will take over the Jurassic Cafe’s second level where The Weeknd: After Hours bar was located last season.
The Laemmle Courtyard, located next to Waterworld will host a Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar with revolving photo opportunities and character meet and greets with The Bride of Frankenstein (from Hollywood’s 2021 maze) and David S. Pumpkins, the cult classic character from NBC’s Saturday Night Live Halloween specials.
The Chucky photo op has returned, located by the Studio Store at the park’s main entrance.
At the unloading area for the Terror Tram, guests this year will be able to take a picture with Santa from the Universal film, “Violent Night.”
All of the merchandise for this year’s event has been unveiled and can be found in the Universal Studio Store, just inside the main entrance to the park.
A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
Universal is selling crossover merch with Minion Monsters and Hello Kitty x Chucky.
Crews are still working on the major refurbishment of the Earthquake attraction on the Studio Tour that is expected to reopen in 2024.
The New York street facade is still covered as work continues on its transformation.
Universal is offering a new promotion for their Silver Annual Pass. Upgrade your single-day ticket to the pass for $99 after 2pm.
That’ll do it for this month’s photo update. As always, we wish you well and thank you for following our continuing coverage of Universal Parks and Resorts.
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