After a hectic roadtrip and black-out (dates) filled month, it was time for an action-packed day at Universal Studios Hollywood again. In this update we’ll see some Citywalk changes, Halloween Horror Nights preparation, changes at the Studios and more!
– Recently our images have popped up on other sites and forums, awesome that our coverage spreads, not so awesome that no one mentioned where they got the images from. We are totally fine with our audience using our images, BUT ONLY IF credit is given to californiacoasterkings.com. Thank you! –
Let’s start with CityWalk, where the “Universal Cinema” theaters are getting a makeover, it’ll soon feature bars, lounges, and a comfortable movie experience you haven’t been able to experience before!
Dongpo Kitchen also just opened up, here’s a picture of the awesome lights of the restaurant. The food is of high quality and comes from the world famous Chef Mr. Wang. You may have seen some of the sites we’re friends with post about the food they have, looks fantastic.
Moving closer to the park, the logo of the Citywalk Studios Store has been upgraded to feature the park’s new logo.
Inside the park, let’s start on the Upper Lot where the far left side of the Studios Store has now been reopened and refurbished as well. Matching the new Studios Store in the new complex. It is connected through the Harry Potter store in the other half of the old Studio Store.
Across from the Studio Store we find the Construction World… I meant WaterWorld… where a Halloween Horror Nights maze is currently being constructed.
Guests wait in a temporarily set up line to the side of the regular line. The reason the Upper Lot maze is now located here has to do with the fact that the Walking Dead Attraction will have plenty of lines during Horror Nights too, and they don’t want to cram the area with too many mazes, therefore there is no maze in the London/Paris area this year.
Here’s a fiery finale shot of WaterWorld! “And so the Deacon’s threat has ended”.
Nearby the Cartooniversal building is the next building to be demolished. It’s replacement is still unknown, but we all know there’s no park as changing as Universal Studios Hollywood, so I’m sure construction will start soon after.
Also on the Upper Lot is the love of all of our lives… the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Where if course I made sure to get plenty of rides in on Forbidden Journey!
Another new attraction for this year is The Walking Dead Attraction, which has been improved a lot since it opened. I had a great time this time around, especially as there was no line and I went through pretty much by myself.
They also added several TV screens in the outside section of the line to show the story line in a thematic setting. Overall, great improvements!
Right next door at the Globe Theater is the temporary attraction: From Coraline to Kubo: A Magical LAIKA Experience.
Which is a really cool museum-like interactive experience with a guide showing you how the stop-motion movies were created, and with props and sets.
Really liked this. Was a bit skeptical of the idea at first, but it was greatly executed. I learned a lot, very much enjoyed it, and everyone else around me did too. Check it out if you get the chance!
On to the Studio Tour where we see Maze construction for this year’s Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield maze. Located next to Jurassic Park. There are several sound walls located next to it. I’m unsure if that’s for construction only, or also the actual maze once it’s operating.
A little later on, next to the Metropolitan sets, we find another maze.
Close by, we also find construction for Krampus. One of the mazes I’m personally very excited for.
Speaking of the Studios… the new sound stages are coming along very nicely and will host the live musical Hairspray that will be featured on live TV.
Here’s a shot from the Star Way.
Speaking of the Star Way… some extensive refurbishing was going on at multiple escalators.
Down on the Lower Lot I had to get my Mummy rides in of course 🙂 Because the rumor still floats around of a possible closure.
Across from The Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park- The Ride hosted a nice long line today. As of mid-July the ride’s water cannon effects were turned on again. Soaking riders! Usually this happens early June, so I’m unsure why that wasn’t the case this year.
And that wraps it up for this Universal Studios Hollywood Update. I will be back soon for more updates, and of course we look forward to Halloween Horror Nights. All details of this year’s event, how/where to get your tickers, all mazes, shows, etc are all available HERE!
Thanks for checking out this Universal Studios Hollywood Update! A new Six Flags Magic Mountain update will come later this week, awesome Knott’s Soak City 2017 details can be found here. Awesome California’s Great America PATRIOT Coaster details can be found here.
Leave a comment! Make sure to follow us on our social media for exclusive coverage! Facebook–Twitter–Instagram