May 22, 2013 – We’ve just gotten word that Universal is in the process of opening a new restaurant on the Lower Lot, titled “All-You-Can-Eat T-Rex Barbeque” above Jurassic Park: The Ride. The new eatery takes the place of the former “Treetop Cafe,” which had been operating on a seasonal schedule. Update: jmills from USHForums.com has generously sent some photos in of T-Rex Barbeque in action. Scroll down to read his initial impressions alongside our latest updates on T-Rex’s latest development. Like Treetop Cafe, T-Rex Barbeque will be a sit down restaurant located on the secluded patio above the Jurassic…
Author: Jon Fu
May 19, 2013 – Chances are, you have a picture with at least one of them. Many of them work long hours, especially in peak seasons, and have to deal with extreme heat under costume and makeup without complaint. Over the course of their careers in the park, they will be in photos with hundreds – if not thousands – of strangers. They will cross paths with people from all over the world one time, and never meet them again – but they will remain a part of their lives forever through a photo and a memory. These relationships will…
May 12, 2013 – No show in Universal history has probably received the same amount of controversy as Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical. With some labeling the show as a risky, yet bold proposition while others dismissing the entire production as an ill-fated disaster, Creature was – to say the least – polarizing among critics and audiences. Opening its doors in July 2009, the show closed months later in March 2010 after a set piece caught fire during a production of Halloween Horror Nights’ Bill and Ted. With Creature needing extensive retooling to comply with the building’s fire…
May 11, 2013 – Some of Hollywood’s older fans might recognize the next attraction we’re about to feature: Backdraft. Opening its doors in 1992, Backdraft was a live-action fire effects show housed in the now-current site of Transformers: The Ride 3D. Featuring three distinct scenes – two video preshows and one final special effects finale – Backdraft brought guests up-close and personal to some of Hollywood’s most intense fire effects. Inside Universal’s Chris Lord was able to capture the entire experience in the midst of the attraction’s final months. Photos and video below: Backdraft’s old studio directory post. One of…
May 4, 2013 – It’s been a month, but we’re back with another photo update from Universal Studios Hollywood, this time detailing continuing work on Universal Plaza, Despicable Me, and the Studio Tour. So without further pause, let’s get started! …and we’re back! Glamor trams still getting use at the bottom of the hill. Heavy promotion for Despicable Me 2. Here’s hoping the sequel is just as good as the first (God knows Universal needs the success). They’re so cute… Moving on to Universal Plaza, we’ve received multiple confirmations that Universal is planning to build entertainment and dining options alongside…
May 3, 2013 – Hey everyone, the Inside Universal Videocast is back with Adriana and Jon. Join in on our conversation as we discuss the recently-approved NBCUniversal Evolution Plan, Universal Plaza, Despicable and much, much more! As always, video, audio download and show notes are located below. Thanks for watching and listening! Video Cast Audio Download the show in audio form from SoundCloud.com. Do note that downloads are only available for one month after the initial recording. Show Notes – L.A. City Council Unanimously Approves NBCUniversal Evolution Plan – Curious George & The Gibson Amphitheatre: Closing Summer 2013 – The…
April 23, 2013 – Numerous failed attempts spanning two decades. Various ownership changes. Seven years of starts and stops. A housing plan removed. And finally, one plan, one vote, and one outcome – approval. Today in downtown Los Angeles, before a gathering of over 60 supporters representing hundreds of individuals from various labor unions, Chambers of Commerce, homeowners associations, and Universal Fans, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the long-discussed and highly anticipated NBCUniversal Evolution Plan. The plan, which has seen extensive coverage on this website already, has been hotly contested from the start of…
April 20, 2013 – Parting of the Red Sea, Jaws, Transformers and Shrek – all covered in this month’s Hollywood Minute. Let’s take a quick, bite-sized look at what’s happening at Universal Studios Hollywood this week: Minions Spotted at the Park Banana?! Minions from Despicable Me were recently spotted at the park this weekend making their rounds with park guests. Merchandising and character appearances from the franchise are expected to ramp up as Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem’s 2014 opening date approaches. Jaws Looks like the shark isn’t working. Jaws is expected to be temporarily closed until April 27, 2013 while…
April 13, 2013 – Terminator 2:3D. Back to the Future: The Ride. Backdraft. What do these three classic Universal attractions have in common? They’ve all been replaced. Back to the Future transitioned to the Simpsons, Backdraft (along with the original Special Effects Stages) made way for Transformers and Terminator is currently in the midst of transitioning to Universal’s newest addition: Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. Backlash – as you might have expected – ensued from the Universal-theme park community (well, perhaps not for Backdraft, but keep playing along). Three classic Universal attractions had been replaced by newer, and arguably more hip…
Update: August 12, 2013 – Inside Universal has gotten word that the Flintstones Carnival Section will also be closing after Labor Day weekend. We’ve included the original post detailing the closure of Curious George and the Gibson Amphitheatre below. April 27, 2013 – As expected, Universal recently announced the impending closure of the Gibson Amphitheatre and the Curious George Playground to make way for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “The Gibson Amphitheatre will be closing to make room for ‘The Wizarding World of harry Potter’ at Universal Studios Hollywood.” Details are vague, but sources currently tell us that Curious…