April 28, 2014 – Inside Universal has learned that International Cafe has closed its doors for what we believe to be a remodel and change of theme. With the opening of Theatre Cafe and the retheme of Moulin Rouge, both eateries have been offering sandwiches, fruits and other healthy options. Earlier this month, we reported that Universal filed a trademark for the restaurant title French Street Bistro. This filing – alongside the recent push towards cohesive theming – may hint to a retheme of International Café to something that fits with the area’s overall décor. It is believed that the…
Author: Jon Fu
April 27, 2014 – It’s time for an update from the ever-changing Universal Studios Hollywood. In this update we have photos detailing the progress of the new ET Parking Structure, Super Silly Fun Land, Simpsons Plaza, Wizarding World and few random pictures from around the park. Let’s get started. Park Update Index » Parking Lots » The Wizarding World of Harry Potter / Forbidden Journey » Simpsons Plaza » Super Silly Fun Land » Miscellaneous Parking Lots With Universal’s five-year transformation plan underway, Universal has continued work on the parking structure located in front of the Curious George. Land on…
Let’s get this straight: Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is a motion simulator. …and while I can probably hear your groan across the screen, the fact that this is a motion simulator shouldn’t deter you from keeping an open mind on what this attraction could entail in terms of an overall experience. Because above all, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem did replace another screen-based attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood – Terminator 2:3D. And while fans may attempt to pull in technicalities to deter from this comparison (for instance, Terminator featured live actors versus Despicable’s largely automated show), both heavily rely on the…
April 21, 2014 – As Despicable Me euphoria continues at Universal Studios Hollywood, reader William Warner was kind enough to share some of his photos for this month’s Hollywood Minute. Without further ado, let’s get started! 1 » Super Silly Fun Land Nears Completion While Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is officially open, the water half of Super Silly Fun Land remains under construction. The entire playground is expected to open within the next week, so keep your eyes open! 2 » Fast and Furious: Supercharged Meanwhile on the backlot, Fast and Furious: Supercharged continues to be a mound of dirt.…
Despicable Me Officially Opens April 12, 2014 – After nearly 16 months of construction, Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem in a spectacular opening ceremony filled with balloons, confetti, food and minions! Inside Universal was graciously invited to this celebration as Universal embarks in a radical transformation plan aimed at redeveloping the Upper Lot and the overall theme park property. Come join us as we detail yesterday’s exciting event. With the yellow carpet rolled out in front of the Globe Theater, photographers and members of the press straddled the barrier as actors, actresses and members from the…
April 13, 2014 – In this month’s episode, Jon, Jonathan and Chris talk about Universal’s newest addition, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Universal’s five year plan. Audio Direct download: April 12, 2014 PodcastiTunes link: (009) April 12, 2014 Podcast Jon Fu Jon Fu is the editor-in-chief of Inside Universal. Jon originally founded InsideUniversal.net in 2006 as a summer hobby aimed at providing families and fans a resource for all things “Universal Studios Hollywood.” Since then, the website has taken him throughout the United States and around the world – including to places like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and…
April 10, 2014 – Universal Studios Hollywood is putting the finishing touches on what will become a brand new food venue called Theatre Cafe, Inside Universal has learned. The new quick service option will offer pre-packaged meals such as sandwiches, salads, snacks and wraps. Much like International Cafe, Theatre Café will also offer some indoor seating along with added tables and chairs in the front of the restaurant and alongside Baker Street. Along with the news of a new food service, it seems as though International Cafe could be changing its name to French Street Bistro according to a new…
April 9, 2014 – With Universal’s announcement of an ambitious five year plan still seared in the minds of fans, we thought we would take the opportunity to precisely delineate yesterday’s press release with our analysis. Tuesday’s news consisted of a three-pronged approach: Fast & Furious – Supercharged, the introduction of nighttime Studio tours and an overarching release detailing the park’s five year plan, starting from 2012. Let’s start with the announcement of Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Fast & Furious – Supercharged Billed as a “thrill ride,” the Fast and Furious tour animation will consist of 360 degree projection…
April 8, 2014 – This morning, Universal Studios Hollywood announced the addition of Springfield to the Simpsons Ride, Fast and Furious: Suerpcharged to the Studio Tour, night time tours and the redevelopment of the Upper Lot as a whole. We will have analysis tomorrow in a detailed post, but for now, we’ve included the official press release and press images from Universal below. Universal Studios Hollywood Makes Unprecedented Investment in Epic Theme Park Transformation, Dramatically Altering Footprint to Reimagine Destination with Innovative Thrill Rides and Immersive Lands Universal City, California, April 8, 2014 – Reaffirming its position as the #1…
April 7, 2014 – Hey everyone – we’re back with rather substantial update from Universal Studios Hollywood, this time detailing the continuing work on Super Silly Fun Land, Simpsons Plaza, the Wizarding World, the new NBCUniversal exhibit and much, much more. Let’s get started. Park Update Index » Super Silly Fun Land » Simpsons Plaza / Wizarding World » Tour de France » The Studio Tour » The NBCUniversal Experience » Fung Lums Demolition Super Silly Fun Land With Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem largely finished and undergoing technical rehearsals, Universal has ramped up construction on the ride’s neighboring playground, Super…