December 29, 2013 – The New Year is approaching – as are even more changes in the park. After the confetti falls on New Year’s Eve, there’s little time to rest as construction ramps up and the highly anticipated Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem nears its completion. The next year will mark a time of dramatic change in the park, continuing along with a rapid series of closures and developments that began this year. Amidst the large scale closures and changes, there are many smaller changes happening every day. Here’s a look at some of the current hot topics for the…
Author: Jon Fu
December 27, 2013 – After thirteen months of construction, Universal Studios Hollywood’s newest flagship attraction will finally open on April 10, 2014 according to a contest from KidzBop.com. The contest specifically states that the winner must be free to travel between April 7, 2014 and April 13, 2014 with an event date of April 10. The Despicable Me simulator will be a clone of the existing attraction in Florida, though Hollywood appears to have a more elaborate installation. The facade of Minion Mayhem is quite spectacular as you enter Gru’s house and the surrounding neighborhood. Hollywood’s installation will also notably…
December 18, 2013 – We’re back with a quick photo update from Universal Studios Hollywood – this time, detailing the continuing work on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. Park Update Index » Park Entrance » The Wizarding World of Harry Potter » Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Park Entrance The Wizarding World of Harry Potter As you can probably tell from the photos, foundational work has already begun at the site of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Construction crews are visibly working away as cranes and other equipment fill Universal’s skyline. Not much to…
December 16, 2013 – In this special mid-month episode, Jon, Jonathan, and Adriana discuss the proposed closure of Doc Brown’s Chicken. Audio Direct download: December 15, 2013 PodcastiTunes link: (002) December 15, 2013 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 Universal Studios Singapore. Jon currently…
December 12, 2013 – Doc Brown’s Chicken and the Cantina restaurant will likely be closing in January 2014, Inside Universal has learned. Named after Dr. Emmett Brown from the Back to the Future franchise, Doc Brown’s Chicken is modeled after the eccentric scientist’s fictional chicken restaurant, which once stood next to the now-defunct Back to the Future motion simulator. The building itself has long been a staple on the Entertainment Center, playing host of a number of films-inspired themes in the past – including as the Flower Drum Song Restaurant in the 1980s. No specific date has been confirmed, though…
December 9, 2013 – The Hollywood Minute is back with yet another update. As we all know, Universal is currently undergoing some major changes in preparation for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – but here are a few smaller things that you might have missed. 1 » NBCUniversal Experience Updates The NBCUniversal Experience recently added costumes and props from Universal’s newest film The Best Man Holiday and from the British-comedy film Hot Fuzz. 2 » Finlays’ New Menu Finlays not only closed to get a new paint job, but also a new menu. Coffee is no longer served from…
December 7, 2013 – In this month’s episode, Jonathan, Bruce, Chris, Adriana and Jon discuss Grinchmas 2013, the current progress on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Springfield and the NBCUniversal Evolution Plan. Audio Direct download: December 7, 2013 PodcastiTunes link: (001) December 7, 2013 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 -…
November 27, 2013 – Despite the fact that it’s still late November, Universal Studios Hollywood has already begun its yearly tradition of hosting Grinchmas – the park’s winter seasonal event. Having covered the bulk of Grinchmas in another article, this photo update will namely focus on some minor construction projects occurring throughout the park. Let’s get started. Park Update Index » Parking » Christmas Decor / Grinchmas » Finlays » Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem » Studio Tour / Restrooms / The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Parking If you’re a parking lot enthusiast, you’re going to love what we have…
November 27, 2013 – Universal Studios Hollywood on Wednesday awarded actor Florence Henderson (best known for playing television’s Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch) with its annual Who-Manitarian of the Year Award for her work with the City of Hope research and treatment hospital in Los Angeles County. Ms. Henderson’s award ceremony also signifies the start of Grinchmas 2013. While this year’s festivities will not feature a snow area or a full fledged tree lighting ceremony (there is still a scaled back show being offered) like in year’s past, Universal has promised to continue the Backlot Whobilation (which, as its…
A titan within the industry, Gary Goddard and his design firms have been responsible for some of Universal’s most memorable attractions. His innovative work at The Goddard Group and Landmark Entertainment Group has led audiences through the world of Jurassic Park, King Kong, Terminator and Spiderman in some of the world’s most immersive experiences. Mr. Goddard was gracious enough to grant us an interview that chronicles his groundbreaking work and relationship with Universal Studios. In an effort to make reading easier, we’ve split the interview into two parts. This first half (presented here) depicts Mr. Goddard’s initial interactions with Universal…