June 2, 2014 – This morning, Universal Studios Hollywood announced the start of an online competition that allows fans to select the theme of one of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights scare zones. Using French Street as a canvas, fans can select three themes via Halloween Horror Nights’ Official Facebook page. We’ve included the choices and illustrations below, alongside the full press release. ‘Choose Your Scare’ Online Competition Dares ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ Fans to ‘Pick Their Poison’ and Select Theme of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Terrifying New Scare Zone at Southern California’s Premier Halloween Event Universal City, California — For the…
Author: Jon Fu
May 31, 2014 – With the park gearing up for a busy summer season, we thought we’d take a look at what’s happening at Universal – this time detailing the ongoing progress of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (set to debut in 2016), Springfield (2015), Fast and Furious: Supercharged (2015) along with a quick update on the Special Effects Stage, WaterWorld and the site of the former Fung Lum restaurant. It’s a feature packed update, so let’s get started. Park Update Index » Parking Lots » Fast and Furious: Supercharged on the Studio Tour » The Wizarding World of…
May 23, 2014 – With Universal’s five-year transformation plan underway, we thought we’d examine one of Universal’s most anticipated tour animations – Fast and Furious: Supercharged. Built on the heels of the wildly successful Fast and Furious franchise (there’s a total of six films with an seventh film on the way), Fast and Furious: Supercharged promises to be a state of the art attraction that “will catapult guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars.” In other words, you’ll get the opportunity to drive really, really fast. Since there hasn’t been a comprehensive article that discusses what an attraction…
Update: May 23, 2014 – Universal has quietly announced that WaterWorld will be closed for two days, staring on May 28. This coincides with our original estimate that seating modifications may take place after Memorial Day weekend. May 20, 2014 – Universal may be adding additional seating to accommodate larger showings of WaterWorld, Inside Universal has learned. Markers have recently appeared in and around the seating area, suggesting upgrades to the existing infrastructure in the near future. This expansion may take place after Memorial Day weekend, though Inside Universal has not been able to verify a specific time frame. Should…
May 19, 2014 – Jurassic Park: The Ride reopened on Saturday, after its annual refurbishment. With an abnormally hot week, it could not have been more needed this weekend, especially as the summer season inches closer drawing in large crowds. In the middle of an 80 degree Saturday, it was a hefty 50 minute wait to board, but that didn’t stop the guests. Even the single rider line was a 20 minute wait. The misting fans were all turned on, which made the wait quite bearable. New T-Rex footprint queue markers were added to help guests split into two lanes…
May 17, 2014 – Hey everyone, we’re back with another update from Universal Studios Hollywood – this time detailing the ongoing progress at Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Springfield and some miscellaneous work on Production Central, Special Effects Stage, International Cafe and more. Let’s get started. Park Update Index » Parking Lots » The Wizarding World of Harry Potter / Springfield » The Studio Tour » Production Central/Special Effects Stage » Miscellaneous Parking Lots With Universal’s five-year transformation plan still underway, Universal has continued to develop the parking structure adjacent to Curious George. Foundation for the lot has been poured…
May 12, 2014 – Brace yourselves, Summer is coming! This year at Universal, the summer peak season is sure to be intense. With new attractions opening, new attractions rumored, and future attractions in full swing with construction, can the SoCal passholders hope to survive the crowds? Should you visit the park now before it’s too late? Here’s a look at the latest happenings at Universal to help you decide! Super Silly Summer Fun – Super Silly Fun Land Water Play Area Now Open After much anticipation, Super Silly Fun Land and its adjacent water play area are now both open.…
May 12, 2014 – Investigations are ongoing today in Studio City following an officer-involved shooting that occured in the early hours of the morning at the Infusion Lounge at Universal CityWalk. According to the Los Angeles Times, the incident began following a fight that broke out during a DJ Battle at the Lounge last night. North Hollywood police officers responded to a distress call and arrived as the suspect began firing shots from a handgun. The officers located the suspect and opened fire. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and the remaining patrons in the area were evacuated…
May 4, 2014 – In this month’s episode, Jonathan and Chris discuss Universal’s recent price increase, WaterWorld’s new turnstiles, Super Silly Fun Land’s new water playground, Wizarding World and more. Audio Direct download: May 3, 2014 PodcastiTunes link: (010) May 3, 2014 Podcast Jonathan Green Jonathan Green is the managing editor of Inside Universal. Jonathan has been going to Universal for over 25 years, developing a deep passion for the theme park and its historic films. His real passion involves Universal Studios Hollywood’s storied past and how it eventually transformed from a movie studio into a theme park. You may…
May 2, 2014 – Universal Studios Hollywood has increased prices across their ticket and annual pass options, Inside Universal has learned. The price for a traditional 1-day pass has risen from $84 to $92, with Universal’s website offering discounts of $5 for online purchases. In similar fashion, Universal has also added a $10 increase across the board for its annual pass options. The price for a 12-month value pass, a no blackout date pass, and a 12-month premium star pass is now $119, $139, and $179 respectively. With the arrival of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Universal has been widely expected…